— — — — — —
Ever since becoming an award-winning author, Oikawa Tōru had to admit he'd gotten a little carried away.
He'd barely visited that old writers' chat group anymore.
That wouldn't do.
The people in that group were funny, shameless in the best way, and great at banter. It was basically a treasure trove.
At ten that night, in a café, Kawasaki sat nearby working through practice problems.
Meanwhile, Oikawa seized the moment, opened LINE, and jumped back into the group chat.
Sure enough…
The hottest topic was still Your Lie in April and him, the so-called "award-winning author."
"Wow, Your Lie in April is seriously amazing!"
"I've never seen writing this delicate before. Well, except that one time… last time."
"@Copycat_Transmigrator Oiiiii, can I get a signed copy?"
"Same here, same here!"
"He's an award-winning author now. Why would he still check a deadbeat group like ours? Keep tagging him and he'll probably leave in a few days."
"No way, Oikawa used to be super chill. He'd even chat with us about writing sometimes."
"That was then! Look at his status now. A famous Dengeki Bunko award winner. And you? Just another nobody. You really think he'll give you the time of day?"
"I'm telling you right now, if he actually gives you a signed copy, I'll livestream myself washing my hair upside down."
…What the hell?
Oikawa's temper flared the moment he read that.
A hater, huh?
Let's see you eat your words.
He took a moment to compose himself, then typed, "I've never seen someone wash their hair upside down before. Go ahead, I'm waiting."
The moment he sent it, the entire group exploded.
"Oikawa-Sensei?! Holy crap, it's really him!"
"Oikawa-Sensei, Your Lie in April is insanely good!"
"Can I get a signed copy too?!"
"AAAAAH you cliffhanger demon! Why would you stop the story right there? I'm officially sending you death threats!!!"
"I told you guys, Oikawa-Sensei isn't like that. We've even exchanged sexy pics before."
Oikawa's smile froze.
He memorized that user's ID on the spot. No signed copy for that guy, ever.
Zero social awareness.
What do you mean "sexy pics"? That was clearly a friendly cultural exchange!
Messages flooded the chat so fast it hit 99+ in seconds. Oikawa could barely keep up.
Then suddenly—
The group owner turned on slow mode.
The scrolling stopped instantly. Oikawa tentatively sent a question mark.
After a while, the group owner posted a long message. "Oikawa-Sensei, hello. Your Lie in April is truly an incredible light novel. Everyone here feels honored to be in the same group as you. I'm no exception as the group owner. Since everyone loves Your Lie in April so much, would you consider giving away a few signed copies? A lot of people still haven't been able to buy it yet."
Oikawa paused, thinking it over.
Giving away a few signed copies to people in the group actually made sense. A lot of them were familiar names, and it doubled as promotion.
Never underestimate a thousand-person group.
Word of mouth mattered. Their enthusiasm might even outperform paid reviewers.
"Sure."
"Let's start with 20 copies. We'll do a giveaway in the group."
"I recognize quite a few people here, and I've learned a lot about light novels from this group. It's helped me a lot. Thanks for all your support and love for Your Lie in April."
"I'll keep working hard. Hopefully the second volume will be something you enjoy too… something that can... heal you."
Twenty copies wasn't a lot. He could afford to give more.
But once something became too common, it lost its value.
Twenty was just right.
"Thank you, Oikawa-Sensei! We'll definitely keep supporting you!"
The admin replied excitedly, then unlocked the chat.
Instantly, the messages surged like a tidal wave.
"LONG LIVE OIKAWA-SENSEI!"
"Is this real? Am I dreaming?!"
"Hey, you shady group owner, don't you dare rig this or I'll end you!"
"What about that guy who said he'd wash his hair upside down? Time to perform!"
"Oikawa-Sensei, I want to have your babies! You're my god!"
"Move aside, all of you. Oikawa-Sensei… you wouldn't want everyone finding out about those sexy pics, right?"
…Damn it, that guy again!
"Kentaro, was it? I'm remembering that name," Oikawa muttered darkly.
"Can you not disturb me while I'm studying?" Kawasaki suddenly spoke up, frowning at him.
"Then I'll leave?"
She shot him a glare. "Then spit out the burger I treated you to."
"Bleh!"
"That's disgusting!"
"Mind your own business!"
"Like I even care!"
The two immediately started bickering.
"No tutoring tomorrow. That old woman's dragging me out camping."
"Shizuka-sensei?" Kawasaki replied, "She invited me too. I turned it down. I've got work."
"…Seriously? Why do you get to refuse but I don't?!"
"You know why."
She glared at him again.
"Anyway, take the day off tomorrow and come with me. I've got a bad feeling about this."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Aren't we friends?"
"...We've never been friends."
For a moment, Oikawa actually felt a little hurt.
.
.
.