I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

"Please, I just arrived in Kyoto tonight, where can I go?"

After replying, I checked the time again. At this time, the other person should already be asleep.

Aki Tomoya didn't expect Kudo Sayaka to be awake at this time and see his reply.

Of course, it would be nice if someone was still awake at this time and he could chat with them.

"Hey, you guys, shouldn't you be having the most fun late at night?"

However, about half a minute later, Kudo Sayaka's joking reply came: the other party was still awake at this time and hadn't gone to sleep yet.

Aki Tomoya was somewhat surprised, then asked, "Why aren't you asleep so late?"

"I've been reading and just lay down. You, on the other hand, are still awake. You must have had a great time in Kyoto! (*￣)￣)"

Although the next three days were a long weekend, Sayaka Kudo didn't have any special plans. She either read books or thought about the release date.

How could I not be excited when the novel is finally going to be released?

When I get excited, I have trouble sleeping.

"I already told you, I only arrived a short time ago..."

Aki Tomoya rolled over, lay face down on the bed, rested his chin on the pillow, and stared at his phone screen.

"Are you nervous? The novel is about to be released."

"...Are you a tapeworm in my stomach?"

"I'm just guessing. When we chatted before, you were the same."

As the novel's release date drew closer, Sayaka Kudo's level of nervousness fluctuated, as this was her first time doing it.

In previous conversations with the other party, the topic of the novel's release was brought up many times.

"Anyway, I'll accompany you to the execution ground that day!"

"Tch, don't be so arrogant!"

On the release date, we also agreed to go to the bookstore together to buy the book.

At that time, Aki Tomo will also contribute to the sales.

That day, in Kudo Sayaka's words, was the day she was headed to the execution ground.

Sayaka Kudo couldn't even imagine how well it would sell on the first day, or how well it would sell afterward.

The moment I think about it, I'm afraid that the higher my expectations, the greater my disappointment will be.

It's not that she necessarily wants high sales; she just wants it not to look too bad. Sayaka Kudo's expectations are very low.

But what if even the lowest expectations can't be met?

Thinking of this, Sayaka Kudo wanted to smile bitterly.

Whether the opportunity to publish was due to luck or ability, she is still unsure.

"If you become famous, you'll have to treat us!"

"No! You should be the one treating me!"

"...Okay then, I'll prepare a celebration banquet for you, okay?"

"That's pretty much it!"

Chapter 242 You mean the same thing (1/10)

I don't know how long I talked with Sayaka Kudo.

While chatting, he didn't feel particularly sleepy. After saying goodnight to each other, a wave of drowsiness washed over him, and he soon drifted off to sleep.

I woke up later than usual the next day.

Not knowing whether Takagi and Majima were up yet, Aki Tomoya washed up first before contacting them by phone.

The other two have already gotten up; after returning to the hotel last night, they took a shower and went to bed.

After getting dressed, they gathered in the corridor. Takagi wasn't in a hurry to go home; otherwise, he would have had someone pick them up when he arrived in Kyoto last night.

After having breakfast at the hotel's second-floor restaurant, the three of them leisurely returned to their room, packed their belongings, and prepared to go home with Takagi.

"I'm a little nervous about going back..."

Takagi's home is in an affluent area of ​​Kyoto, where the most common buildings are old mansions with standard Japanese gardens.

When they arrived at their destination, they were greeted by his mother.

"You finally decided to come back!"

Takagi's mother was wearing an expensive kimono, and a hint of helplessness lingered on her gentle face.

The fact that their son had gone to Tokyo to study alone caused the head of the family a great deal of anger and resentment.

Instead of going to Kyoto University as his father had arranged, he went to Tokyo. Although he was admitted to the legendary Tokyo University, it didn't seem to make his father very happy.

"You two are my son's friends, right? He told me on the phone, 'Thank you so much for taking care of my son in Tokyo!'"

Takagi's mother turned her head and looked over, speaking gently to Aki Tomoya and Majima Toki.

She had already heard from her son that two friends from Tokyo would be coming back with him this time.

For this reason, Takagi's mother had actually made arrangements in advance.

"No, it is Takagi-kun who has taken care of me. You are too kind."

"Takagi-kun is usually a very nice person."

Aki Tomoya and Mashima spoke one after the other.

Their polite and humble attitude won over Takagi's mother.

"I forgot to introduce myself, sorry. I am Aki Tomoya, and Takagi-kun's classmate at the University of Tokyo."

"Majima Shin, he was also Takagi's classmate."

The two introduced themselves to Takagi's mother.

At this moment, Takagi urged, "Mom, don't waste time here, let's go inside!"

"Why can't you be like your friends?! I can't stand you!"

Takagi's mother glared at him, but Takagi just pursed his lips and ignored her.

His relationship with his mother doesn't seem to be particularly good.

After Takagi's mother led the group into the house, she showed Aki Tomoya and Majima the rooms prepared for them. After she left, Majima couldn't help but ask a question.

"Takagi-kun, are you saying that you don't have a good relationship with your mother either?"

"How could that be? It's the exact opposite of what you think. I have the best relationship with my mom. If it weren't for her secret support, how could I have been able to study in Tokyo so smoothly?"

Takagi shrugged indifferently and gave Aki Tomoya, who was looking at him with the same question, a look.

Although he seemed somewhat impatient with his mother, she was definitely the person Takagi was closest to in the family.

"You two, don't forget! You absolutely have to help me ruin this blind date. I really want to see how angry that old man gets, ha!"

Takagi still seemed indignant about being suddenly called back to Kyoto and was determined not to let this blind date go so smoothly.

Although she felt bad for the other person on the blind date, Takagi really had no intention of going on blind dates right now, so she could only leave the other person feeling wronged.

"Majima and I will act according to the circumstances!"

As Aki Tomoya answered, he also exchanged a glance with Majima, who was standing next to him.

Aki Tomoya quickly understood what Majima meant.

The two shared the same thought: they would absolutely not interfere if they shouldn't, but if Takagi really needed help, they would lend him a hand in their own way.

"However, if you anger your father this time you come back, what if he freezes all your credit cards in a fit of rage?"

Aki Tomoya glanced at Takagi with concern.

Since he's so defiant towards his father, I wonder if Takagi's father will give him a surprise later.

Freeze all of this guy's funding sources, then let him fend for himself in Tokyo.

That sounds so exciting!

"Don't worry, I have people at home who will help me!"

Takagi didn't seem worried at all.

He spoke with such conviction, but Aki Tomoya and Mashima didn't think this guy could cause much trouble.

Coming back here is, in fact, a choice to compromise.

The person Takagi mentioned being at home is probably his mother.

"Actually, going on blind dates peacefully and then giving your dad a grandson sounds pretty good too!"

Majima then made a sarcastic remark.

Takagi glared back, annoyed. "Hey, you came here to help me, so why do you look like you're on my dad's side now?"

How could they possibly expect him to give in?!