Hell-Level Date War!

Finishing her weekend homework just before the bell rang.

"Ugh... This is probably the only time I've ever finished my weekend homework before the break starts," Yui Yuigahama said with a sense of accomplishment as she looked at the stack of completed assignments on her desk. She felt a surge of satisfaction.

Although the weekend wouldn't be entirely carefree—since there was still plenty of studying to do to prepare for next week's exams—just getting the homework out of the way made her feel a lot lighter.

Seeing that the school day was almost over, Izumi Kotomi decided it was time to say something that could help Yui relax a bit. Balancing work and rest was important, after all.

"Yui, while it's important to study this weekend, don't forget to take some breaks. Monday's the exam, and if you don't rest properly on Sunday, it could affect your performance," Kotomi reminded her. The exams were originally scheduled for the beginning of next month, but since that would overlap with midterm reviews, the school decided to move the exams up to next Monday.

That's why so many students who normally didn't care much about studying were suddenly cramming this week. They thought they had until next month to prepare, only for the school to hit them with a surprise early exam.

"I understand," Yui nodded obediently.

Over the past week, Kotomi's influence on Yui had been subtle but strong. Yui now seemed to view Kotomi as her one and only teacher, following her advice closely. Kotomi even wondered if she petted Yui on the head and chin, would she wag her tail like a puppy?

A loyal dog?

So tempting to try...

While Kotomi's mind wandered with these amusing thoughts, her phone suddenly chimed with a notification. Then it chimed again. And then, once more.

What's this, a triple chorus?

Opening her phone, Kotomi found three unread messages. The first was from Utaha Kasumigaoka, the second from Iroha Isshiki, and the third from Izumi Aimi .

How did these three manage to text me at the same time? Kotomi wondered to herself. A subtle ache in her stomach made her uneasy.

She decided to open Utaha's message first.

Since their last meeting, the two had crossed paths at school a few times, gradually getting more familiar with each other. Naturally, they exchanged contact information.

Kotomi had even brought her copies of Love Metronome Volume 1 and Volume 2 to school, asking Utaha-senpai to sign them, which she gladly did.

Of course, Kotomi hadn't yet told Utaha-senpai about her own writing career at Dengeki Bunko.

The message from Utaha read:

[Hey Kotomi-chan, are you free this Sunday? How about we go on a date?]

A date?

Kotomi was confused. The last time they chatted, Utaha had been complaining about how, despite just finishing Volume 3 of Love Metronome, her editor, Machida Sonoko, was pushing her to write a 5,000-word short story to include as an exclusive bonus for the first print edition.

Five thousand words wasn't a lot, but for someone like Utaha, the Queen of Procrastination, just finishing each volume's main story on time was already a miracle. Asking her to write an extra 5,000-word short story was practically asking for the moon.

No wonder Utaha had looked so gloomy when she mentioned it last time.

Kotomi quickly typed out a reply:

[A date? Do you mean just hanging out? I can, but what about your short story? Is it already finished?]

Utaha responded almost immediately:

[Short story? Oh, you mean that 5,000-word one? I haven't written a single word yet.]

Even though I procrastinate sometimes, can you not be so blatant about it? Kotomi silently groaned.

[I remember that Volume 3 of Love Metronome is set to release in early November, and the deadline for the short story is at the end of October. Are you sure it's okay to drag it out like this, Kasumigaoka-sensei?]

[If I had any inspiration, I'd already be at home writing it. But right now, I have no idea what to write. Coming up with a short story that fits in 5,000 words is just too hard for me. That's why I chose to write long-form novels instead of short stories when I first submitted to publishers.]

As Kotomi typed out another reply, Utaha sent a follow-up message:

[So, I've decided to go out this Sunday to gather some inspiration. In more official terms, I'm going on a research trip.]

[And you decided to ask me to come along?]

[Exactly! Because I don't have many friends who share my passion for novels, but you not only get it, you also love reading my work. You were practically destined to come to Sobu High School just so we could meet~]

[That's a bit of an exaggeration!]

After sending that message, Kotomi thought about her weekend plans. With no pressing tasks on her agenda, she had initially planned to spend the whole weekend lazing around in bed.

Although lying in bed for two days sounded heavenly, spending the entire time glued to her phone wasn't exactly healthy...

Alright, decision made. Since she had nothing better to do on Sunday, she might as well join Utaha for some "research."

Once resolved, Kotomi typed:

[Alright, see you on Sunday.]

[Thanks, my cute kouhai~ See you on Sunday!]

After finishing her chat with Utaha, Kotomi opened the message from Iroha Isshiki. Lately, the mischievous underclassman had developed quite the habit of clinging to her, sending a "Good night, senpai~" message every evening around 9 PM and engaging her in brief conversations.

Little sisters' friends always seem to cling to me.

[Senpai! I found this amazing sukiyaki place! But my mom's a bit worried about me going alone on the bus. I asked Aimi to come with me, but she said she's busy. Could you come with me instead? P.S. I'll treat you! I just got some extra allowance from my mom, so don't hold back! Eat as much as you like!]

Reading Iroha's message, Kotomi couldn't help but smile. Even though Iroha often acted like a mischievous little devil, she had this endearing side that made Kotomi feel a sort of big-sisterly satisfaction from being relied upon.

Unlike Aimi, who had become more independent since starting middle school.

Then again... Aimi did still rely on her. But her "reliance" could sometimes be a bit... excessive.

For example, like that one night...

[Sure, no problem. When are we going?]

She typed her reply. A free meal? Count her in.

While waiting for Iroha's response, Kotomi opened the message from Aimi.

[Onee-chan, tomorrow's the weekend. Didn't you say yesterday that we'd go out for tonkatsu during the break? I'm going to work on my homework Saturday, so let's set Sunday for the tonkatsu outing!]

Uh... That's right. Last night after dinner, Aimi had mentioned wanting to go out for tonkatsu, and Kotomi had agreed. But with her stomachache keeping her up most of the night, she had completely forgotten about it.

Just as Kotomi was trying to figure out how to reply, a new message from Iroha arrived.

[Let's go for sukiyaki this Sunday! I'm so excited to have our first meal out together, senpai! Hehehe, just the two of us~]

Dun Dun Dunnn!

Kotomi suddenly realized why Aimi had told Iroha she was "busy."

Because Aimi had plans with her on Sunday to eat tonkatsu.

Utaha-senpai, Iroha Isshiki, her own little sister...

Why did they all have to pick Sunday?!

Kotomi's face turned pale.

Her stomach ached again. Maybe she should just find some excuse to go to the hospital on Sunday.

It was only autumn, but it felt like the cold season of White Album was already upon her.

Utaha-senpai called it a "date," but this was clearly turning into a hell-level dating battle!

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