[24] Sonoko and Shizuka

A red Aston Martin glided to a stop in front of Tokyo's Ginza district, and a woman with long hair and sunglasses stepped out of the car.

"So many people... Is this book really that popular?"

Observing the extensive queue outside the entrance of the Kadokawa Bookstore, the long-haired woman couldn't help but express her mild frustration.

"Huh? Wait, is that... Sonoko?" The realization struck her, a hint of surprise crossing her features as she spotted Machida Sonoko inside, organizing the crowd.

A suspicion formed in her mind, and she decided to verify it by making a call.

"Hello, Sonoko."

"Huh? Shizuka, what do you want?" Machida Sonoko's voice sounded surprised through the phone.

Indeed, the woman in question was none other than our beloved teacher, Shizuka Hiratsuka.

Shizuka and Machida Sonoko had been classmates during their college years, nurturing a strong bond that endured to this day. They often shared drinks and outings together.

Upon closer reflection, it became clear that both were formidable individuals. Despite being single women in their thirties, they embraced their independence with grace.

Given their shared attributes, it made perfect sense for these two strong women to become best friends.

"Shizuka, what prompted you to call me? Do you want to go out for a drink again?" Machida Sonoko's voice held a hint of confusion as she received an unexpected call from Shizuka.

"Not this time. I actually have something to discuss with you," Shizuka replied.

"Huh? Not for drinks? Shizuka,do you have any business with me?" Machida Sonoko's tone conveyed her surprise. It was quite out of character for her usually carefree best friend to have something serious on her agenda.

"Am I only good for drinks in your eyes? Do you really see me that way? Remember, I'm a teacher too, you know!" Shizuka retorted, a note of exasperation in her voice as she responded to her friend's teasing.

"Haha, who told Shizuka that every time you call me, it's to go out for drinks. It's hard to believe you've got something serious going on for a change. Alright, what's up?" Machida Sonoko dismissed Shizuka's complaints with a chuckle.

"Sonoko, do you know an author named Wakamono?" Shizuka inquired, her tone reflecting a sense of relief.

"Yeah, how did you find out?" Machida Sonoko responded with a touch of curiosity.

"I've read his novel too. He mentioned on his blog that there's a book signing event today, so I decided to check it out. And guess who I stumbled upon? You!" Shizuka explained, her voice filled with surprise.

"Huh? Shizuka, you're here too? Where are you?" Machida Sonoko's voice held a hint of surprise as she looked around.

"Sonoko, over here!" Shizuka waved her hand enthusiastically and called out from the direction of the signing table.

Following Shizuka's gesture, Machida Sonoko spotted her friend and quickly made her way over.

"Shizuka, it's been a while!" Upon reaching Shizuka's side, Machida Sonoko enveloped her in a warm hug.

Their chests brushed together lightly.

"Yeah, Sonoko, it's been a while!" Shizuka chimed in with an adorable smile after their tight embrace.

"Is that Wakamono-sensei?"

Observing the figure seated behind the signing table, Shizuka's curiosity got the better of her.

"Indeed, that's him. Wakamono-sensei is currently the most promising up-and-coming writer in our publishing house." With a sense of pride, Machida Sonoko gestured towards the bustling signing area, pleased that such a prominent writer was under her guidance.

"Interesting," Shizuka remarked, studying Hachiman as he sat in front of the eager crowd, signing copies. She observed from a distance, taking in his appearance.

"He looks quite youthful and rather handsome, with a certain air of refinement," she noted aloud, unaware that the person she was observing was actually Hachiman.

Due to his glasses, Shizuka hadn't recognized him.

"Hey, Sonoko, I must say, I find Wakamono-sensei quite handsome. Is there any secret crush going on there?"

"Huh? What? Shizuka, that's absurd! What are you even talking about?" Machida Sonoko was caught off guard by her friend's unexpected remark.

"Well, I'm just saying. He's an attractive and popular new writer. Isn't it possible you're charmed?" Shizuka's mischievous smile hinted at a playful teasing.

"And Sonoko, let's be honest, you put in quite an effort with your appearance today. Don't try to deny it."

Caught in Shizuka's observation, Machida Sonoko responded with a slightly guilty tone, "Come on, he's just a young author. There's no reason for me to be drawn to him."

"Wait, young author? What do you mean?" Shizuka's interest was piqued by this revelation.

"Yeah, you won't believe it, but Wakamono-sensei is only 16 years old and still a high school student," Machida Sonoko stated, relieved that she successfully shifted Shizuka's focus.

"Wait, a student?" Shizuka's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She had just glanced at him and he certainly didn't strike her as a high school student.

"That's right. What's even more interesting is that he's a student at Sobu High School. You might even know him," Machida Sonoko added, recalling that Shizuka also taught at Sobu High School.

"Wait, he's a Sobu High School student?" Shizuka's astonishment deepened. She hadn't anticipated that the author she was discussing would turn out to be one of the students in there school.

"Sonoko, what's Wakamono-sensei's real name?"

"Hikigaya Hachiman."

"Who are you referring to?"

"Hikigaya Hachiman. What's going on with you, Shizuka?"

Seeing her best friend's bewildered expression, Machida Sonoko was left utterly perplexed.

"Hikigaya Hachiman? Are you talking about that guy with dead fish eye?" Shizuka's reaction took a sharp turn as if she had a personal grudge against him.

"Oh, so it's really him!"

"Shizuka, did something happen between you and Hachiman?" Machida Sonoko could tell that there was some history between the two, prompting her to delve further into the matter.

"That infuriating, conceited brat had the audacity to claim I won't be able to marry by the time I'm thirty!" Shizuka seethed with anger as she recalled the incident.

The recent string of disastrous blind dates only seemed to fuel her fury, making her suspect that this misfortune was somehow orchestrated by that brat.

"What? Hahaha, he actually said you won't get married by the time you're thirty?" Hearing the explanation, Machida Sonoko burst into laughter.

"Why are you laughing? You're almost thirty yourself, hovering on the edge of becoming an 'older single dog,'" Shizuka retorted, playfully teasing Sonoko with a smirk.

Machida Sonoko, who had been laughing moments ago, suddenly found herself silenced.

"I'm in a different boat from you. Work keeps me swamped, and I hardly have time. Unlike you, who's been through a series of unsuccessful blind dates!"

"The reasons don't matter. The end result is that you're, like me, still unmarried."

"Shizuka, is there even room for improvement for people like us?"

"It's your own fault for laughing at me in the first place."

After their playful banter, Shizuka eventually took her leave. Now that she knew the author was Hachiman, asking for an autograph was out of the question. She mentally noted to address the matter with that kid when the opportunity presented itself.

Noon struck, signaling an intermission. After hours of signing, many of the attendees decided to take a break, dispersing to have lunch individually. The signing event was set to resume at 1:30 in the afternoon.

Finally getting a moment to rest, Hachiman could feel the relief. With his resilient physique, his hands were only slightly sore despite the continuous signing throughout the morning. As he stood up, stretching his stiffened muscles, someone handed him a refreshing drink.

"For lunch, let's make do with this for now. I'll treat you to a hearty meal after the afternoon signing session!"

Receiving the lunch box and juice, Hachiman beamed with pride. "Okay,I didn't anticipate such a turnout today!"

"Absolutely, as the hottest newcomer writer in our publishing house, you'll be delighted to know that you've already sold nearly 1,000 copies this morning. If this momentum continues, reaching 2,000 copies sold today is entirely achievable." Machida Sonoko conveyed the positive news to Hachiman, her smile bright.

"Well, it seems the light novel I wrote is not bad."

"By the way, Wakamono-sensei, I had no idea you knew Shizuka!" Machida Sonoko shared her amusement, recalling what Shizuka had mentioned.

"Ha!" Hachiman's startled reaction was undeniable as that somewhat familiar name reached his ears. With the memory of the encounter with Maki still vivid, the mention of Shizuka's name caught him off guard, leading him to unintentionally expel a mouthful of juice in surprise.