As I sat at my desk, surrounded by the soft glow of the desk lamp, my fingers resting on the keyboard, I wasn’t sure what to write.

I paused for a moment. What kind of story did even want to tell? The question hung in the air, and I found myself reflecting on my own journey. Then, Miho's words echoed in my mind: "Take inspiration from your daily life."

I closed my eyes, allowing memories to flood my thoughts. Since becoming a girl, my life had taken an unexpected turn, filled with both embarrassing and heartwarming moments. I recalled the first time I had to navigate the intricacies of feminine hygiene products and the awkward but endearing support I received from Miho. It was a moment of vulnerability that had brought us closer together.

Then, there was the time when Hana, in her mischievous Evil-Hana mode, had convinced me to wear a cosplay outfit. The embarrassment had been almost unbearable, but it had also been a moment of unexpected bonding between us.

I couldn't forget the day I met Kato-san in the bookstore, our chance encounter over an Angel-sensei light novel. It was a reminder that life could be full of surprises and connections waiting to be discovered.

My thoughts turned to Sakura-chan, my dear friend who had quickly become a friend. From our shared love of books to our ice cream adventures, she brought much joy into this new life of mine.

I opened my eyes again, I may not have found any ideas for my stories, but it felt good to spend some time appreciating the relationships I've built ever since becoming a young girl. Maybe my story should be a celebration of these moments—embarrassing, fluffy, and everything in between. I thought, but i quickly dismissed that thought again. Nah, I should keep doing what I've been doing and write harem-isekai's.

Suddenly, I noticed a missed notification from Akira Kato, the girl I recently just met at the bookstore. I opened her message, and my heart skipped a beat.

[Hey, Kaede-san! I couldn't go for ice cream last time, but I'm free today. Want to meet up and grab some? 😊]

She’s a lot more expressive through text…

I hesitated for a moment, torn between the dilemma of wanting to go grab some ice cream with Kato, but the anxiety keeping me from quickly responding [Okay!]

Oops, I actually sent that...

###

We decided to meet at her favorite ice cream parlor, the same one Sakura and I had visited not too long ago. As I entered the cozy little shop, I spotted Kato-san sitting at a corner table, her face illuminated by the soft lighting.

"Kaede-san!" she greeted me with a warm smile as I approached. "I'm so glad you could make it."

I returned her smile and took a seat across from her. "Of course, Kato-san. Thanks for inviting me."

We chatted about various things while savoring our ice cream, from our favorite books to the latest manga releases. Kato-san's passion for writing was evident as she spoke about her dream of becoming a novelist someday.

The entrance of a woman suddenly interrupted our pleasant conversation and bonding. Her demeanor rushed and hurried. She scanned the shop, her gaze landing on Kato-san.

"Angel-sensei!" she called out, and I could sense an air of authority in her voice.        

Angel-sensei?

Kato-san and I exchanged surprised glances, and she stood up to greet the woman. "Ah, Tanaka-san. What brings you here?"

Tanaka, as she introduced herself, seemed to be in no mood for pleasantries. "I've been trying to get in touch with you for days, Akira-san. You've been working on different projects when you should be focusing on Starlight Dreams!"

Kato-san scratched the back of her head, looking somewhat sheepish. "I know, I know. I just got carried away with some new ideas."

Tanaka's expression softened slightly, but her tone remained stern. "You have a deadline to meet, Kato. You can't keep switching between projects like this. Now, come with me."

Kato-san glanced back at me with an apologetic look.

“Sorry, that woman is Tanaka, my editor.”

I could almost see a vein pop in the poor woman’s forehead as Kato-san said that, so I responded with an awkward smile.

“I-I’m Kaede. Nice to meet you.”

“At least introduce me correctly when you do decide to introduce me! Also, what do you mean, 'Woman? I’m only twenty-six years old! I'm still a girl!” Tanaka-san said, followed by a cute pout.

“My name is Fumiko Tanaka. I’m an editor at Dengeki Bunko, and I’m responsible for Akira-san.”

“Dengeki Bunko?” I echoed.

“Yeah, you know of it?” Tanaka asked.

I nodded. “Of course I do. My sister is also an editor there!”

And I’m also trying to get serialized there…

Tanaka raised an eyebrow. “Your sister? What’s her name?”

“Ahh—yeah. Kawakami Miho is her name.”

Tanaka’s eyes widened. “Ehh!? Miho-chan’s your sister?”

M…Miho-chan?

I nodded awkwardly.

“You don’t look like her!” Tanaka continued.

“B…by the way!... You called Kato-san ‘Angel-sensei’, right?”

Tanaka replied to me with a weary smile. "Yes, that's her. Kato Akira is the talented and mysterious writer behind the name ‘Angel’."

Kato-san, or rather, Angel-sensei, seemed a bit embarrassed by the revelation but nodded in agreement. “Sorry for not telling you, Kaede-san. I just rather keep it a secret. Tanaka-san is just a bit…”

Tanaka turned her gaze to Kato, having her stop her sentence early.

“I’m a bit what?” she asked.

Kato-san acted like she didn't hear it and took another bite of her ice cream, her expression nonchalant.

I decided to steer the conversation away from this potentially awkward moment. "I thought Angel-sensei was completely anonymous, even to her editor," I interjected.

Tanaka nodded, her expression rueful. "She is, or at least, she was. I had to go to her address and practically force her to meet with me because she is always juggling multiple projects instead of focusing on just one."

The fact that Angel-sensei was none other than Kato-san herself left me in awe. To think she had the time and imagination to write multiple stories all at once. I couldn't help but admire her even more.

As I sat there, witnessing this unexpected encounter, I couldn't help but feel a newfound respect for both Kato and Tanaka. It was a reminder that even the most talented authors needed guidance and support to bring their stories to life.

As our conversation continued, Tanaka eventually checked her watch and sighed. "Kato-san, you should start working on 'Stardust Dreams' now. The deadline is approaching."

Kato-san nodded in agreement, looking somewhat reluctant to leave our pleasant ice cream gathering.

"I guess you're right, Tanaka-san," she conceded. "It was nice catching up with you, Kaede. I'll get back to work on 'Stardust Dreams' now."

I smiled warmly at her. "Thank you for the ice cream, Kato-san. It was a pleasure meeting you, Tanaka-san."

With that, Kato-san bid us farewell and headed off to immerse herself in her writing once again.

As Tanaka and I watched her leave, she turned to me and said, "Kaede, I can give you a ride home if you'd like. It's the least I can do after interrupting your day."

Grateful for the offer, I nodded. "Thank you, Tanaka-san. I'd appreciate that."

We made our way to Tanaka-san's car, and during the ride, we chatted about various topics, including her work as an editor and her experiences with Kato-san.

When we arrived at my doorstep, I thanked Tanaka-san once again for the ride. As I stepped out of the car, she smiled kindly. "Take care, Kaede. And say hi to Miho-chan for me."

“Will do!” I answered to Tanaka. “Bye-bye, Kato-san, I’ll stay in touch!”

Kato answered with a wave as the car drove off.

I also waved goodbye before I entered my home. Miho, who had been waiting for my return, looked at me with curiosity.

"Who's car was that? Who brought you home?" she asked.

"It was Tanaka Fumiko," I replied. “She’s also an editor at Dengeki Bunko. She seemed to know you.”

Miho's face contorted into a slightly annoyed expression. "Tanaka-san? Tch! She's just an annoying senpai at work, the person who trained me in my training year."

I chuckled at Miho's reaction, realizing that the world could be surprisingly small at times.

I quickly returned to my room, feeling more motivated than ever before to write. Kato-san, a girl much younger than I really am, and she was already a successful author.

I’m glad we’ve become friends. She’s my first friend in the light novel business. I feel like there’s a lot I can learn from her!