Kotomi pondered for a long time but still couldn't decide which of the three novels to write first.
So, she decided to stop thinking about it altogether.
She didn't even feel like using her phone and simply lay down on her desk for a nap.
Even though it was only the second period of the morning.
Finally, after the afternoon classes were over, it was time for dismissal.
It was Monday, and usually, there wasn't much excitement about heading home. But that was only for most students.
For Kotomi, tomorrow marked the start of her trip to Kyoto, which essentially meant she was getting three days off.
If it were spring or summer break, three days wouldn't mean much—whether they were there or not, she'd probably just spend them gaming in her bedroom.
But this wasn't a holiday—it was a school week!
While everyone else would be stuck in class tomorrow, she would be boarding the Shinkansen to Kyoto—for three whole days!
Just thinking about it made Kotomi's adorable lips curve into an uncontrollable smile.
She really wanted to brag about it.
Something this amazing had to be shown off. Otherwise, it would feel like wearing luxurious clothes at night with no one to see them—a complete waste!
So, Kotomi snuck up behind Yui Yuigahama, who was packing her bag, lightly tapped her shoulder, and then leaned down to whisper a few words.
As Kotomi spoke, Yui Yuigahama listened, nodding along with an eager "Mhm, mhm."
When she finished, Kotomi winked at Yui. "Got it?"
Yui Yuigahama gave a thumbs up. "Understood perfectly!"
Megumi Kato watched them with a smile, while Yukino Yukinoshita slightly furrowed her brows, wondering what kind of mischief Kotomi and Yui were up to this time.
Kotomi returned to her seat, pretended to pack her bag for a bit, then grabbed her already packed bag and casually strolled past Yui Yuigahama.
Yui Yuigahama suddenly lifted her head and loudly called out to Kotomi, who was "coincidentally" walking by:
"Kotomi! Want to go grab some oden tomorrow?"
Kotomi came to a stop, lowered her head slightly, and put on a regretful expression as if she had no choice but to decline:
"I'm sorry, Yui… I have to leave for Kyoto tomorrow morning, so I can't go with you."
Yui Yuigahama, always quick to play along, immediately got into character and naturally raised her voice:
"Huh? Kyoto?! Oh! Now I remember—you signed up for the Tokyo National University Youth Art Award! Don't tell me… you got selected?!!!"
By the time she finished shouting those last four words, Yui's throat was practically burning.
But for Kotomi? This much effort was nothing!
Just imagining the look on Yukino Yukinoshita's face when she scolded her little sister, or the times when Komachi Hikigaya acted mischievous, was enough to make her believe she could shout even louder!
Kotomi glanced around, deliberately acting a bit shy. Yui's dramatic outburst had indeed drawn a lot of attention from their classmates. Then, as if reluctantly admitting it, Kotomi subtly nodded, her cheeks turning slightly red:
"Yeah… I received the acceptance letter and Shinkansen ticket a while ago. I'm leaving tomorrow."
"I remember the preliminary selection for the Tokyo National University Youth Art Award is insanely tough! If your artwork isn't absolutely incredible, you don't even qualify for the first round, let alone advance to the exhibition. Kotomi, you actually got in?! That's amazing!"
"Ahh, Yui, you're shouting too loud…" Kotomi blushed, lowering her voice with a hint of embarrassment, her gaze dodging around as if she were a bashful young maiden.
"Kotomi, you're just too amazing! I couldn't hold back and ended up shouting. Congratulations! When you come back from Kyoto, don't forget to bring back some sweets." Yui Yuigahama finished speaking and, just as Kotomi had taught her, stuck out her tongue shyly.
So cute… Kotomi was stunned. Even though she had just taught Yui to do that exact gesture, she hadn't expected it to look this adorable when Yui did it.
So adorable that Kotomi almost wanted to kiss her!
Fortunately, her rationality stopped her in time.
Otherwise, by tomorrow, the rumors about her at Sobu High School might get an instant upgrade to Version 7.0.
Seriously, if this were a mobile game, even the best phones wouldn't be able to handle the rapid version updates—storage would run out instantly.
Besides, Megumi Kato, Mashiro Shiina, and Yukino Yukinoshita were all right there. If she had really gone in for a kiss just now…
Let's just say, even if she had a hundred different explanations, there was no way she could convince Megumi when they were alone later.
An angry Megumi was terrifying in multiple ways.
And there'd be no way to explain it to Mashiro or Yukino either.
"Haha, don't worry, I'll definitely bring back some sweets. When I do, I'll have to compare—will your sweets taste better, or will Kyoto's?" Kotomi joked playfully.
It was obviously just a lighthearted remark. Even Yui herself knew that. After all, they had scripted this whole exchange beforehand.
But for some reason, hearing Kotomi say that sparked a competitive fire within Yui.
She suddenly decided—she had to make sure Kotomi only loved her sweets!
While Kotomi and Yui continued their not-so-scripted conversation, their classmates had already picked up on the news that Kotomi had been invited to the National Youth Art Exhibition and would be going to Kyoto for three days.
"I can't believe Kotomi actually got selected for the first exhibition! I heard that the strictest selection process in the competition is the preliminary round—any slight imperfection gets you eliminated immediately. Nearly 80% of students get cut."
"Actually, I think it's closer to 90%."
"Either way, making it through the first selection proves that the artwork must be extraordinary."
"It's no surprise that Mashiro Shiina passed the selection, but I didn't expect Kotomi Izumi to make it too. That's seriously impressive—she's not only great at academics but also incredible at art."
"Apparently, Kotomi is also amazing at kendo. My friend told me that last time, the Art Club President and the Kendo Club Captain literally fought over her—like, an actual duel! Right in front of her, too! And Kotomi was there shouting, 'Stop it! If you keep fighting, someone's going to get hurt!'"
"Ugh, I'm so jealous. I wish I could go to Kyoto… No, scratch that, I'd be happy just getting three days off from school! Even if I had to stay home the whole time, I'd be fine with that!"
"I wish I could be Kotomi-sama's dog…"
"If both Kotomi Izumi and Mashiro Shiina win awards at the National Youth Art Exhibition, just telling people we're their classmates would be such a flex!"
"I'm texting my bestie in Class 1-B right now—good news should be shared, right? Wait… huh? Why did she just block me on Line? That doesn't make any sense."
Kotomi discreetly perked up her ears, listening to the enthusiastic chatter and praise from her classmates.
A moment later, she felt like her feet were floating off the ground—as if she could launch straight into the sky with just a single jump.
Sooo satisfying… Kotomi sighed in contentment.
Since she would be leaving for Kyoto tomorrow, Kotomi suddenly remembered that she hadn't packed her suitcase yet. She had already requested leave from Naegi-senpai in advance, so she wouldn't be attending Art Club today.
Instead, she'd head straight home to pack.
On the way home, Kotomi planned to stop by the Isshiki residence to deliver a first-print limited edition of Sword Art Online Volume 1.
Not only did it contain her signature, but it also included a Polaroid photo she had taken herself.
As Kotomi prepared to leave school instead of heading to the Art Club, Megumi approached her and asked, "Kotomi, want to head home together?"
It sounded like a question, but to Megumi, it was more of a statement.
Unless there was some unusual circumstance, the two of them always walked home together—just like they always went to school together in the mornings.
In Megumi's mind, there was no reason for today to be any different.
But unexpectedly, Kotomi shook her head:
"Sorry, Megumi. I have something to do today—I need to go somewhere first, and it's not on the way."
Hearing this, Megumi slightly raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a small, seemingly indifferent smile. "No problem. I'll just head home by myself, then. Be careful on your way. And when you board the Shinkansen tomorrow, don't forget to send me a message."
"Mhm, got it. See you tomorrow, Megumi." Kotomi nodded and turned to leave the school.
"See you~"
As Kotomi's figure disappeared into the distance, Megumi's eyes never wavered—she kept her gaze locked onto Kotomi's back.
A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at her lips as she waited for Kotomi to step out of the school gates.
And then, once Kotomi was out of sight—
She quickened her pace to follow.
"I wonder where Kotomi is going all alone?"
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