Chapter 31 - Chapter-31~Competence~

"Huh, ..., you're the ranker, Nyanta-sensei, aren't you?　I've read your work.""

Kanzaki-san glares at me with her perfectly made up eyes. (TL: Refers to the make up)

You're acting very calm, but ... you were awful just now, weren't you?

We went into a coffee shop where we could talk calmly.

"Anri, can I have two sugars?　Would you like some extra milk?"

"Heh, thanks, Makoto– it's café au lait, I can drink it just fine.""

Kanzaki-san tapped the table with her hand. The sound was very weak, as if she was concerned about her surroundings.

"What?　What is this sweet atmosphere?　I want to talk to Pomeko-sensei too!"

I put the cookies I had bought at the store in front of her.

"What, can I eat ti...?　... You're very thoughtful. Oh, thank you ...."

It's soothing to eat something sweet.

"Anri and Kanzaki-san are acquaintances from the previous publishing company, right?　Kanzaki-san was so happy to see Anri after such a long time that she started asking a lot of questions."

Kanzaki-san was eating a cookie with her small mouth in a well-behaved manner. It's like a hamster. It's kind of cute. It seems that she is one year older than us, but she looks as young as the pug kid.

"It's not that I was lonely, you know.　It's just that it's been a while since I've been here, and I was so excited that my deadline was over that I just happen to see Pomeko, who was my goal, hasn't been writing. ..."

Anri tugged on my hand a little.

"I'm sorry about my words earlier, Kanzaki-san. I had a lot of trouble at ... school, and I quit writing after I published my book. ... But don't worry, I'm writing a story now.　I'm–I'm writing a story now–it's really interesting."

When she said she was writing a story, Anri's voice was strong.

I could feel her absolute will.

Anri's hand became even stronger.

"It's because I met you, Makoto. It doesn't matter what happened in the past. This moment is the most wonderful time for me. –You can read it here.　I'm almost at 100,000 words."

Anri handed her phone to Kanzaki-san.

"... Pomeko, you weren't so overconfident ..., is it still this guy's fault?　Anyway, just a quick ... quick–"

The moment she saw the screen, Ms. Kanzaki's appearance changed.

It hadn't even been a few minutes since she read it.

Anri was the type of person who basically saved up the number of words before posting.

I only have a few stories in stock.

Kanzaki-san tapped her phone in silence.

Anri, who was sitting next to me, put her head on my shoulder.

I thought Kanzaki-san was going to squeal, but she wasn't paying attention. Kanzaki-san was engrossed in staring at her phone.

I could really feel her emotions.

It made me happy to watch her.

Of course, Anri's novels are interesting, of course.

We stayed close to each other until Kanzaki-san finished reading.

When she finished reading, she handed the phone back to Anri.

She had an indescribable look on his face.

"It's funny .... It's too funny!　It's so frustrating… I felt the same way when I first saw Pomeko's work."

Kanzaki-san looked happy but frustrated.

Seeing her face made me realize that she was an artist.

"….I was very sad when I heard from my editor that I hadn't written anything…So, you know, ..., it was nice to meet you today, ....Hic..hic ..., because I thought you're going to be gone – I was lonely. I'm really ... glad ... to be back."

Kanzaki-san had tears in her eyes. she didn't care if it ruins her gal makeup.

You can see that she's crying, but she looks happy, and you can tell that she's determined not to lose too.

Anri handed the handkerchief to Ms. Kanzaki with a gentle smile.

"Look, Kanzaki-san, you're ruining your pretty face, okay?... Don't worry, this time I won't stop writing. So, I'm not going to let Kanzaki-san beat me! I and Makoto-kun will soon overtake you!"

Kanzaki-san came at me with tears and snot dripping down her face. She grabs me weakly by the ċhėst and brings her face close to mine.

"–Nyanta-sensei, thank you ... for Anri."

After saying that, she turned her red face away from me, probably embarrassed by the proximity of my face.

After crying for a while, she calmed down and took a bite of her cookie.

I think she was glancing at me, but I'm sure it's just my imagination.

"Well, Kanzaki-san, we're going out for pancakes later, do you want to go with us?"

"Oh, we've met each other now, I want to hear about all the things you have to say.

Kanzaki-san shook her head.

"No, not today. I'd like you to invite me out again sometime. .... No, I want to write about my feelings here ... now!"

I can relate to that.

Write when you want to write.

That's what leads to the best work.

"Yeah, I'll see you later!　I'll see you after the exams!"

We exchanged contact information and were about to leave the room.

"I have a favor to ask Kanzaki-san ..."

Kanzaki-san immediately took out her ŀȧptop and started preparing to write.

"Hmm?　What's up?"

"...sa, would it be okay if I asked you to sign it?　That ..., Tetsuro the Brave, is a work that saved my heart too…"

Kanzaki-san nodded, looking a little embarrassed.

"Uh, yeah, ok Um, well, is it okay if it's for you, Makoto?"

It's the first time I've ever asked someone to do something like this.

"Yes, ..., please."

For some reason, me and Kanzaki-san were awkward.

Anri watched us with warm eyes as we talked.

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~To be continued~