I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

Last summer festival, she invited Aki Tomoya to watch the fireworks display, but she didn't ask in advance, and he couldn't make time for it that day.

Eriri still remembers last year's CM doujinshi convention.

"Fireworks display?"

Aki Tomoya recalled the time last year when Eriri asked him if he had time to watch fireworks together.

"Yes, on the day of the fireworks display."

Eriri looked at Aki Tomoya with expectant eyes.

She seemed to really want to watch fireworks with her childhood sweetheart during the summer of her final year of high school.

We've already achieved our goal of going to the doujinshi convention together; now all that's left is the summer festival and the fireworks display.

During her final year of high school, Eriri also had a lot of work to do in the summer, but she definitely had more free time than Tomoya Aki.

Noticing the undisguised expectation in Eriri's eyes, Aki Tomoya replied shyly, "I'm usually free on Sundays. During the summer festival, I can go to the temple fairs or lantern festivals that start earlier. On the fifteenth day of the fireworks festival, I have to go to the cram school for tutoring."

On Sundays during summer vacation, Aki Tomoya is able to free up some time, but from Monday to Saturday, there is no change; he spends most of his time studying at the cram school.

On the day of the fireworks festival, Aki Tomoya checked the time and it was Wednesday. If nothing unexpected happened, he would watch the fireworks with the others at the school.

Therefore, the CG scene of watching fireworks with your childhood sweetheart in your final year of high school is nonexistent.

Hearing Aki Tomoya's answer, Eriri sighed with some disappointment.

"Let's forget about it then. If you want to go to the festival on a Sunday during the summer festival, we can talk about it then. I won't bother you anymore."

Since the schedule is the same as last year, Eriri doesn't plan to suggest a Sunday to go together again.

Moreover, if it's in August of this year, this person will probably still be preparing for the third mock exam shortly after school starts in September.

However, if Aki Tomoya is free sometime and wants to go out, she can accompany him.

Although the chances of this person contacting her first are extremely slim.

"That's great, I have someone to ask me out in the summer..."

Behind Aki Tomoya, Kamigo Yoshihiko muttered enviously, his tone sounding somewhat like he was making a fuss.

"Why don't you just go to CM in the summer?"

"Wow, are your ears that sharp?"

Uego Yoshihiko looked at Aki Tomoya in surprise, not expecting the other to have such sharp ears.

But he didn't even consider that, right behind Aki Tomoya, whether he deliberately controlled the volume or not, how could Aki Tomoya not hear his voice?

"Last year I was forced to go back to my hometown, and this summer I have to study again, so I'll be missing it for the second year in a row!"

Even Yoshihiko Uego himself found the story terrifying.

Last summer's CM doujinshi convention was missed because I was dragged back to my hometown to do manual labor, and I was already studying for the winter convention, so I didn't go to the winter one either.

When the topic came up again this year, Yoshihiko Uego realized that he was going to miss CM Doujinshi for the second consecutive year.

Let alone this summer, by winter, it will be almost time for entrance exams.

"If I'm not careful, I'll be heading to the execution ground in six months!"

In his characteristically exaggerated tone, Yoshihiko Kamigo held his head in his hands.

Describing the examination hall as an execution ground is quite a clever way to put it.

=

Chapter 162 Betrayal is Forbidden (2/?)

Summer brings a multitude of topics.

Beach and pool benefits return.

Fan convention summer festival fireworks display.

Last year, before the closing ceremony of the doujinshi convention, Hashima Izumi invited Aki Tomoya to participate. That was one of the very few times I went out to play last summer.

However, it's unlikely that Po Island Cruises will invite him again this year.

Although it's a pity, this summer is indeed very important for Aki Tomoya.

As in previous years, Eriri's mother will help manage her booth, but Eriri doesn't plan to visit the doujinshi convention this year.

Firstly, I had other things to do, and secondly, I felt there wasn't much fun to do.

Last year, Eriri was all wrapped up in a ball in the exhibition hall, and she almost didn't cook through.

Whenever they think back to how they looked back then, both Eriri and Tomoya Aki can't help but laugh.

However, what Eriri remembers most vividly is what happened after the doujinshi convention ended.

Thinking back to that time, the taste was still a bit astringent and slightly bitter, but a year later, Eriri is very grateful that Aki Tomoya invited her to participate in the first exhibition of the Hashima Island expedition.

If it weren't for that day, they don't know when they would have been able to clarify things.

In Eriri's view, the biggest change in the past year was not that she went from being a doujinshi artist to being able to start working on light novels, game concept art, and the like.

Instead, she normalized her relationship with Tomoya Aki.

Thinking back on it carefully, the period from elementary school to the second year of high school was like a scene from an undercover operation, which was particularly awkward.

"Eri Kashiwagi, your journey is truly fascinating! No wonder I always felt that your skills had improved a lot since last year. It turns out it's because of men, hahaha!"

In a private room at a high-class restaurant, Akane Akasaka held a wine glass and kept smiling.

After hearing a certain story from Eriri, Akane Akasaka's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

"Weren't we talking about serious business? Why did it suddenly turn into storytelling?"

Eriri muttered to herself, somewhat dissatisfied.

Before she knew it, Akane Akasaka on the other side had managed to get some information out of her.

Meanwhile, Kasumigaoka Utaha, who was standing next to her, said irritably, "When you were telling stories, you seemed to be enjoying them very much, didn't you?"

The two exchanged a glance, their expressions somewhat subtle.

Looking at the two of them, Akane Akasaka chuckled inwardly.

"Eri Kashiwagi-sensei, are you really not going to join my club? I'll help you unleash your full potential!"

Akane Kousaka still didn't forget to win over Eriri, as she was quite eager for Eriri's abilities.

Iori's younger sister, Iori, is still not quite ready for the role, while Eriri, well, she seems to have broken free of her shackles, and her drawings are even more dazzling than before.

Eriri, now free from her inner turmoil, is much stronger than before.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I will be entering Tokyo University of the Arts next year, where I will have better teachers."

Eriri politely declined.

Even though he is still active in the industry, the mentality he used to have—wanting to achieve something in the industry and seeking "revenge" against certain people—is no longer there.

Simply doing this as something you enjoy is quite relaxing.

Eriri acknowledges that Akane Kousaka can indeed provide her with considerable assistance in the industry.

However, Eriri still doesn't have a good impression of her. Even though they are currently cooperating with Akane Kousaka's club, it's just a cooperation.

There are many benefits to working with Akane Kousaka on the project.

For Eriri herself, she now sees more good options.

If she stayed in Tokyo, she could easily get into Tokyo University of the Arts with her abilities, and many people would be willing to guide her with her talent, all without considering her background.

"A national university? That certainly suits your status—no, I'm wrong, it's your ability!"

Eriri found Akane Kousaka's words rather jarring.

She always felt that the other person was bringing up her family background.

Eriri could tell from Akane Kousaka that this woman's family background was also quite good. Could this be considered a mutual appreciation between two rich heiresses?

"So, Ms. Kasumiko?"

"I need it even less."

When it came to Kasumigaoka Utaha, she refused without even thinking.

Kasumigaoka Utaha doesn't deny Akane Kousaka's skill, but she absolutely refuses to work as a scriptwriter in Akane's club!

It's one thing that she doesn't get along with Akane Kousaka, but the key issue is that Eriri isn't going either, so what's the point of her going?

If you have to blame someone, blame Eriri. Collaborating with Eriri has its advantages and disadvantages, but Kasumigaoka Utaha is now well aware of how much traffic the name Kashiwagi Eri has brought her.

I acknowledge Eriri's abilities. Having worked with her once, I would feel very frustrated if I were to switch to a less skilled illustrator.

To put it simply, my appetite has become a bit too picky, and it doesn't really do me any good.

Compared to Akane Akasaka, Utaha Kasumigaoka trusts and prefers Sonoko Machida more.

Akane Akasaka looked bored after being rejected by the two people again.

Despite her repeated invitations, neither of them showed any courtesy whatsoever.