I, Aki Tomoya, will not be a simp.

Although she can't compare to the well-established Eri Kashiwagi, Tomoya Aki feels that, as a newcomer, Izumi Hashima has done a remarkable job.

Aki Tomoya would also praise this junior's abilities without hesitation.

If I don't brag about my own junior, am I supposed to brag about someone else?

"emmmm..."

Eriri's eyes flashed with a hint of unwillingness. Although she was having some doubts, she couldn't resist her curiosity and obediently picked up the doujinshi drawn by Hashima Izumi.

You should know that she had never heard Aki Tomoya praise her doujinshi before.

Let her examine the work that her childhood friend praises so lavishly with a critical eye.

"That senior student..."

When I was out at sea on Hashima Island, I thought it was strange to say that Eriri was strange, but when the words were about to come out, I felt it would be impolite and immediately covered my mouth.

It's not good to talk about others like that. Even if Eriri's behavior is suspicious, it doesn't necessarily mean anything. What if she's not feeling well...

Aki Tomoya turned back and smiled at Hashima Sailing, then casually sold a doujinshi.

"Thank you!"

Although coming to CM Doujinshi Convention is just about sitting in a booth and selling doujinshi, Aki Tomoya feels that sitting here and selling doujinshi is much better than having to wander around.

However, Iori Hashima didn't see anyone else. Tomoya Aki thought that Hashima's older brother, who had gone out to sea, would come and take a look.

That guy is definitely a siscon at heart!

"So, how does your performance as a newcomer fare overseas, compared to Eri Kashiwagi's works?"

Aki Tomoya had almost finished reading Eriri's book, so he asked her for her thoughts on it.

I can't just read this book for nothing. As a senior, I should at least offer some advice.

"Hey, Kashiwagi Eri, how can my work be compared to that Kashiwagi Eri-sensei? Please don't make fun of me, senpai!"

Before Eriri could speak, Izumi Hashima spoke with some fear and timidity.

After all, Eri Kashiwagi is a veteran in the industry, so how can a junior like me be compared to her? It's a bit inappropriate to compare my work with Eri Kashiwagi's.

However, what she didn't know was that the dignified Kashiwagi Eri was right next to her, carefully examining the doujinshi she had drawn.

"When you go to sea, you need to be more confident in your abilities. Kashiwagi Eri is not someone you can't reach."

Aki Tomoya sighed.

He said that because he genuinely believed that Po Island had good seafaring capabilities.

Unfortunately, as a newcomer, Bo Island still lacked a bit of confidence when setting sail.

"So what kind of person do you think Eri Kashiwagi is, and what do you think of her works?"

Eriri looked up at Aki Tomoya with some displeasure.

I don't know why, but I'm just so angry!

Aki Tomoya was taken aback for a moment. They were talking about his junior's work, but the conversation had been steered to this topic.

Eri Kashiwagi...

That's Eriri herself!

Aki Tomoya twitched the corner of his mouth and replied without thinking, "That guy is a very troublesome person in real life, but as far as his works are concerned, they are truly rare and precious."

Upon hearing the first half of Aki Tomoya's words, Eriri felt an urge to explode, but his next sentence instantly calmed her down.

This can be considered a compliment...

Eriri felt much better. Considering the praise, she pretended not to hear the rest.

Due to selective deafness, Eriri only needs to hear half a sentence to understand.

What are you grinning about?

Aki Tomoya looked at Eriri with confusion. What was with that smug look in her eyes? She was being called a troublesome person, and she was actually proud of it!

Or is this woman just too easy to handle?

"Hey, I wasn't laughing, and I was definitely wearing a mask, so don't talk nonsense!"

Eriri hurriedly covered her face, only to realize that she was wearing a mask.

Knowing that Eriri could easily take off with a few compliments, Aki Tomoya remained unmoved and could only complain at this moment.

If their relationship had seemed even slightly normal before, Aki Tomoya could have said, "Your tsundere attitude is quite cute."

But whenever he thinks about their complicated relationship, Aki Tomo can no longer have any fantasies about Eriri.

"Does the senior know Ms. Kashiwagi Eri?"

At this moment, Hashima asked, judging from Aki Tomoya's tone just now, it seemed that he was quite familiar with Kashiwagi Eri.

Eriri didn't say anything, but she was thinking to herself, of course they knew each other, and they had known each other for more than ten years.

"I know him. He's a troublesome guy. If I could, I'd really like to... no, it's nothing."

Aki Tomoya would say that it would have been better if they had never met in the first place.

If we didn't know each other, there wouldn't be so many complicated things.

If it weren't for Eriri's incident, he might not have misunderstood Kasumigaoka Utaha's intentions.

Aki Tomoya relearned to trust others after spring break.

It is precisely because he never denies the past that Aki Tomoya feels regret.

Seeing that Aki Tomoya hesitated, Hashima Izumi seemed to sense something and took the initiative to change the subject: "Senior, after you get into Tokyo University, can I still come to visit you?"

"Pfft, no matter what, I should always remember you as my junior, as long as you're still willing to come looking for me."

When Aki Tomoya looked towards the sea off Hashima Island, he seemed completely relaxed.

He actually hoped that his relationship with Eriri would be like the one he had on a sea voyage with Hashima, without so many troubles, where he could say whatever he wanted and be happy and relaxed.

But the truth is, whether you can maintain a normal friendship with your childhood sweetheart is still a question mark.

After the topic was changed during the trip to Hashima Island, both Aki Tomoya and Eriri became much quieter.

Iori Hashima didn't appear until the CM doujinshi convention ended the next day, after she had finished helping Hashima pack up for the sea.

"Ah, I've been too busy. I'm sorry, I'm going to go to sea. Tomoya too, I really wanted to have a good talk with you today, but I still didn't have time!"

Iori Hashima had a regretful expression on his face. He had been busy with club affairs and contacting people in the industry all day and had no time to come here to take a look.

When he finally finished his work and came over, it was already over. He didn't want to bother Aki Tomoya anymore, and he also had to take Hashima back to sea.

"Let's talk again sometime. I'll treat you to a welcome dinner then, since you're an industry insider!"

Aki Tomoya smiled.

Iori Hashima smiled without saying a word, while subtly glancing at Eriri, unsure whether he had given up or not.

However, given the current atmosphere, we absolutely must not meddle in other people's business!

"Eri, will Auntie come to pick you up?"

After leaving the exhibition hall with Eriri, Aki Tomoya glanced at the time and asked.

The latter shook her head; it seemed no one would come to pick her up.

"Let's go to the station first."

"Ah."

The two walked silently one after the other outside the Tokyo Big Sight, surrounded by their friends who were chatting happily.

The doujinshi convention ended on the second day, and the number of people leaving was extraordinary. Many people came in groups, and Aki Tomoya and Eriri were just one of the many people in this vast sea of ​​people.

"There are a lot of people, don't get separated, hold onto my backpack."

Aki Tomoya reminded him without turning his head.

Eriri hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently grabbed the strap on Aki Tomoya's backpack.

"Rinya, may I ask you something?"

Suddenly Eriri's voice rang out from behind, and Aki Tomoya could hear it clearly in the noisy environment.

"Ah."

"It looks like you've made up with Iori Hashima?"

When Eriri and Iori came out of Hashima Island, the way they talked reminded her of a scene from middle school, when they first met.

Eriri was truly surprised that the two of them could make up.

"It's just that everyone has come to terms with it, and I also owe that guy an apology, but unfortunately I forgot to say it, hehehehe..."

Chapter 66 Lost Opportunity (8/12)

Have Aki Tomoya and Hashima Iori made up?

There's nothing wrong with saying that, but what Aki Tomoya would say is that he now understands Hashima Iori.