It’s Me!
Leaving the nighttime daycare, Yui Yuigahama was preparing to head back to her family's cake shop with her younger sister, Yuka.
"Say goodbye to your Kotomi-nee," Yui reminded Yuka.
"Goodbye, Kotomi-nee! If you have free time over the weekend, please come play with me!" Yuka waved her chubby little hand as she said goodbye to her 'penguin sister.'
"Alright, I'll come visit if I have time. Bye-bye." Izumi Kotomi smiled as she waved back, before heading toward the train station on her own.
Once on the train bound for Chiyoda Ward, Kotomi took out her phone and sent a message to Asuka Chizuru.
[Ms. Asuka, I'm on the train now and will be there soon.]
Not long after, she received a reply from Asuka Chizuru.
[No problem, I've just finished my work for today. I'll be waiting for you at the Akita Café, Miss Izumi.]
[Great.]
After exiting her messages, Kotomi opened the map app and quickly searched for the location of Akita Café.
Though she had been to Chiyoda Ward many times, she wasn't completely familiar with some places and preferred to check their locations ahead of time.
It would be incredibly awkward if she got lost and received a call from Chizuru asking where she was, only for her to admit she couldn't find the place.
The thought alone made her cringe.
After some time, the train came to a slow stop, and when the doors opened, Kotomi stepped off the train.
As she walked out of the station, she realized she hadn't informed her mom that she had come to Tokyo again.
Quickly, she dialed home.
"Mom, I'll be home a little late tonight."
"Why? Are you out with Kato again?" Izumi Akina asked directly.
"No, I'm in Tokyo by myself for work."
Ever since Kato Megumi had come to visit the Izumi family last time, whenever Kotomi said she was going out, Akina automatically assumed she was with Kato, which made her feel much more at ease, no longer worrying about her eldest daughter being abducted by strangers.
Akina would often comment how Megumi was a polite, well-mannered girl with no ill intentions—a very trustworthy friend for Kotomi to have.
"Oh, I see. Be careful tonight, and make sure your phone has plenty of battery. Do you want your dad to pick you up at the station when you get back?"
Ever since learning that Kotomi had started making money from her creative work, Akina had become much less worried about her daughter going to Tokyo alone.
"No need, Mom, I'm not a little girl anymore. I can get home on my own."
"You'll always be a little girl in my eyes! Haha, just kidding. Anyway, if it gets too late, don't hesitate to grab some dinner before coming home. Do you have your wallet?"
"Yeah, I've got it." Kotomi never left home without cash.
Chatting with her mother as she walked, Kotomi soon found herself approaching the Akita Café. "Mom, I'm about to meet the editor, so I'll hang up now."
"Alright, good luck with work!"
After ending the call, Kotomi pushed open the door to the Akita Café, politely declining the waitstaff's offer to find her a seat as she looked around for Asuka Chizuru.
Huh... can't seem to spot her.
Maybe I should just call.
She dialed Asuka's number, and immediately heard a phone ring from a girl sitting by the window.
Following the sound, Kotomi glanced over just as the girl looked up. Their eyes seemed to meet midair.
Asuka Chizuru had striking red hair, which was elegantly tied back with a black ribbon, letting the fiery cascade fall down her back. Her captivating eyes, though brimming with charm, reflected a sense of calm and serenity.
Her flawless beauty was so breathtaking that, even without a smile, one couldn't help but feel awe.
Asuka Chizuru had arrived at the café fifteen minutes before their meeting, waiting patiently for Izumi Ki—who she now knew as Kotomi.
Several men and women had been eyeing her, seemingly wanting to approach and strike up a conversation, but none had yet mustered the courage to do so.
Even if they had, Asuka Chizuru would've politely, yet firmly, turned them down.
When Kotomi finally spotted her, she walked over.
The sight of Kotomi's arrival immediately caught the attention of many in the café, leaving some staring in astonishment.
Wow, is it true that beautiful people always have beautiful friends?!
"Hello, I'm Izumi Ki. You must be Asuka Chizuru?" Kotomi greeted her with a smile.
Momentarily lost in Kotomi's beauty, Asuka quickly snapped back to reality and stood up. "It's nice to meet you, Miss Izumi. I'm Asuka Chizuru from Shueisha, and I'm pleased to finally meet you in person. Please, have a seat."
She gestured for Kotomi to sit.
Kotomi took a seat across from Asuka. A waiter approached with a menu, but Kotomi, not feeling particularly hungry, ordered just a caramel macchiato.
After the waiter left, Kotomi noticed Asuka's gaze lingering on her and smiled. "Ms. Asuka, do I have something on my face?"
"Oh, no, sorry! It's just… this may sound a bit forward, but I was admiring your beauty, Miss Izumi." Asuka apologized but spoke her mind freely.
"Are you complimenting me? Thank you! You're very beautiful too, Ms. Asuka," Kotomi replied with a playful smile.
Ever since becoming a girl, Kotomi found herself enjoying the compliments on her appearance.
Though still a little shy, every time she looked in the mirror, she couldn't help but think that people weren't exaggerating—they were simply stating the truth.
After all, she really was beautiful.
With her snowy-white hair and radiant looks, her beauty could make even the sun squint in admiration.
And who was this dazzling beauty?
That's right—it's me!
"Thank you," Asuka smiled softly, nodding in return.
She had been complimented on her looks countless times, yet Kotomi's words stirred something different within her, making her oddly pleased.
After chatting casually for a few minutes, Asuka learned that Izumi Ki's real name was Izumi Kotomi and that she had just started high school this year...
Wait, what?
"She's just starting high school?!" Asuka thought, her expression betraying her surprise.
"Miss Izumi, you've only just entered high school?! So, how old are you?"
"I'm sixteen," Kotomi replied cheerfully, not trying to hide anything.
Sixteen!
Asuka felt another jolt of shock.
All this time, she had assumed the person capable of creating Chainsaw Man had to be at least 23 or older.
But to meet Izumi Ki in person and find out she was a high school freshman—just 16 years old?!
That's incredible!