119. After the New Year.

December 31st, 11:00 PM.

The Jinguji and Sakurakoji families went together to Shoin Shrine for the New Year's visit. The shrine is dedicated to the late-Edo period thinker Yoshida Shoin, revered by many as a god of scholarship. It is a well-known site, perpetually bustling with visitors, and is also recognized as the inspiration for the character Master Shoyo in the famous manga *Gintama*. They chose this location simply because it was the nearest shrine to Jiyugaoka.

The area in front of the shrine was packed with people waiting to pay their respects. Tsukasa Jinguji, never a fan of crowded places, found the ordeal tedious and yawned, utterly bored.

"New Year's visits can be done anytime; why must we squeeze in tonight?"

Caught in the throng, Tsukasa was already feeling lightheaded.

"Honestly, try to perk up a bit."

For Sakura Sakurakoji, who loved being in the middle of the action, the density of the crowd only added to her excitement—she and the solitude-loving Tsukasa were polar opposites.

After the prayers were finished and the bell rang to symbolize the start of the new year, Sakura looked at the yawning boy beside her. "Hey, Tsukasa, what was your New Year's wish?"

"I wouldn't entrust my wishes to something like this."

"What is that supposed to mean? Your personality is so warped."

"Please, call it realism."

"If Hoshino were here, she’d definitely say the same thing about you."

"That has nothing to do with her. Also, how did you two become close enough to use first names? It sounds so natural coming from you."

"Hmph!"

On the way home, Tsukasa received a flurry of New Year's messages: from Hoshino Hoshinomori, Yo Hitsujimiya, Kudo, several underclassmen he had met during the school festival committee, the head of the brass band whom he had helped, and even his classmate Chonmori, who was far away in Hokkaido.

Tsukasa had never felt so popular in his life. After replying to each message, he suddenly caught Sakura casting an ambiguous, side-long glance at him.

"What?"

"Nothing. It’s just... I have this feeling like my immature son has finally grown up. Mama is so touched."

Tsukasa decisively flicked her on the forehead.

...

For the first three days of the new year, Tsukasa spent most of his time curled up under the kotatsu in the living room, reading and drawing. He would occasionally reach into his shirt to scratch his stomach, too lazy to even groom his hair, which was growing out in a wild, cactus-like mess of dark, unruly spikes.

Maintaining this state from morning till night naturally earned him a few nagging remarks from his mother.

Since he didn't need to go out, he was content to stay in. Sakura would drop by at noon every day to hang out for a while, though she rarely stayed for more than two hours, seemingly heading out every afternoon to meet up with Hoshino Hoshinomori. To this day, Tsukasa still couldn't figure out how they had become so close.

On the afternoon of January 5th, Tsukasa stood before the mirror, uncharacteristically grooming himself. When his mother spotted him, she teased him, asking if he was going on a date with Sakura. Tsukasa replied with a matter-of-fact "No."

Inevitably, this led to a lecture from his mother, warning him not to do anything that would break Sakura’s heart. Although his relationship with Sakura wasn't public, both families had seemingly decided since they were children that the two would eventually marry.

He departed from Jiyugaoka Station, transferred at Shibuya to the Fukutoshin Line, rode it for two stops to Shinjuku-sanchome, and then transferred to the Marunouchi Line to reach Nishi-Shinjuku.

Following the address he had been given, Tsukasa arrived at a building some distance from the station. He located the designated cafe and checked the time before heading inside.

In a corner seat, he spotted a young man wearing glasses who matched the description provided on LINE. Wiping his palms on his trousers, Tsukasa walked toward him, his expression neutral.

"Hello, are you Mr. Yuta Natsuki? From Denki Bunko?"

"Ah, yes. Nice to meet you, I’m Natsuki from the Second Editorial Department of Denki Bunko. Are you Jinguji-kun?"

"I am Jinguji. A pleasure to meet you."

"Please, take a seat."

"Thank you."

The man, Yuta Natsuki, was the publishing professional whom Miss Nagumo had introduced to Tsukasa—a lead editor at the industry-renowned light novel imprint, Denki Bunko.

"I’ve looked over your work, Jinguji-kun. Honestly, among the younger generation of talented artists, your technical skill is exceptional."

"Thank you very much."

"However, in my view, every one of your pieces seems to be an imitation of famous professional artists. Are you particularly skilled at mimicking others' styles?"

"Oh, please don't misunderstand. I don't mean that as a criticism—it’s quite impressive. Considering your age, you have every right to be proud."

"It's just that if you lack a unique style of your own, it could become a disadvantage."

"A... style?"

Seeing Tsukasa’s somber expression, Natsuki shifted to a relaxed smile.

"Well... 'style' can sound a bit abstract. Don't overthink it; you're still young, and you have plenty of time ahead to find your own voice. Start by entering the illustration contest our company is hosting. If you can win and make a successful debut, I’m sure it will help your future prospects."

"If I win, will I be able to get work immediately?" Tsukasa asked.

"While Denki Bunko doesn't hold illustration contests very often, we discover at least a dozen new artists each year. Out of those, only two or three manage to secure steady work."

"In any industry, it’s not easy to find a guarantee of long-term work."

"…I see," Tsukasa replied.

"My apologies. It’s a bit much for an adult to be saying such things to a high school student."

"Not at all. I’ve learned a lot; no one has ever told me these things before. Thank you very much."

"Personally, I believe you will become a fantastic artist. To have such skill at your age, and with your striking appearance, I imagine you’re quite popular with the girls at school, aren't you?"

"…No, I’m just an unremarkable student."

Natsuki chuckled, assuming the boy was just being modest.

"Jinguji-kun, have you had any professional experience?"

"Just a part-time job at a bookstore, that's all."

"I see. You’re a second-year high school student now?"

"Yes. Next year—no, after spring, I’ll be an examinee," Tsukasa answered truthfully.

Hearing this, Natsuki furrowed his brows slightly. "In that case, I would recommend waiting until after your entrance exams to enter the contest, so as not to affect your studies."

"I’m fairly confident in my grades. It won't impact my academics."

Despite this assurance, Natsuki was skeptical. A person's energy is limited; to excel in one area often requires sacrifices in others. In Natsuki’s eyes, Tsukasa was the type of person who would sacrifice his studies to devote himself entirely to art.

"Mr. Natsuki, let’s get back to the contest. That is why I came today."

Seeing Tsukasa’s resolve, Natsuki decided not to push any further and began explaining the details of the competition.

The times had changed. Much like light novel writing, the era of submitting manuscripts to publishers and winning contests to get published was long gone. Now, one could post on light novel websites; if you gained popularity, publication, manga adaptations, radio dramas, and anime adaptations would follow in quick succession. Even if the writing was a mess, if you were lucky enough to pair it with a "god-tier" artist's alluring character designs, a 13-episode TV anime, or even two seasons, wasn't impossible.

In today's society, the fastest way for an artist to gain public visibility was through the internet. The simplest and quickest method was to create a digital avatar, draw while streaming, and—most importantly—be entertaining.

Unfortunately, Tsukasa clearly wasn't that type, so he had to debut using the old-fashioned way. The benefit of entering a contest held by a major publisher was that, if he won, he might catch the eye of a famous light novel author. Being personally requested by them to become their go-to illustrator was a very real possibility.

"Jinguji-kun, are you in such a rush to find work?"

"Why do you ask?"

"You seem like it."

Tsukasa slowly shook his head. "I just want to do it."

He was lying. He simply refused to remain a child. He wanted to use work as a medium to prove that he was an adult stepping onto a new path, thinking that by doing so, he might finally catch up to that person's shadow.

...

Having heard everything he needed about the competition—he just had to produce a piece he was satisfied with before April—Tsukasa prepared to leave.

"Since you're here, would you like to take a look around the editorial department?"

"Oh? Is that allowed?"

"Is there any work of ours you particularly like? I can gift you a set."

"Thank you very much, but I’ve already bought the works I like. If it’s not too much trouble..."

"If it's not too much trouble?"

"Would it be possible to get an author’s autograph?"

Natsuki was stunned for a moment before bursting into laughter. "You really don't hold back, do you?"

"My apologies. It’s just that a junior at my school really loves that author, and I wanted to get it as a gift."

"I do have a few signed copies in my personal collection. Which author is it?"

That afternoon, after touring the Denki Bunko offices and walking away with a free set of light novels, Tsukasa thanked Natsuki and headed home.

Once back, he holed up in his room to draw. During this time, Yo Hitsujimiya, who had returned to her hometown, sent him many photos of snowy landscapes. Tsukasa instinctively looked out the window; the sun was shining brightly.

In the days that followed, Tsukasa pondered the illustration contest while occasionally heading out with Sakura and Hoshino. Every time, the two girls would walk arm-in-arm, leaving him to trail behind, carrying their bags. Gradually, his dissatisfaction faded, and he began to accept this state as his daily routine, falling into the habit with a sense of resignation.

But this habit didn't last long, as winter break came to an end.

The third term of their second year of high school had begun.

From this term on, Hoshino Hoshinomori officially stepped down from the student council to focus on her studies and entrance exam preparations. Their final task together was to clear out the deep cabinets, stuffing an entire term's worth of documents inside.

Thus, Tsukasa officially inherited the position of student council president from Hoshino, along with the keys to the cabinets and the entire cupboard of tea sets.

With Hoshino gone, the student council was once again short-handed. Keeping future projects in mind, Tsukasa tasked Yo Hitsujimiya and Kanade Yamada with finding suitable candidates to join.

The first job for Tsukasa as student council president in the third term was the second-year school trip. However, unlike the school festival, the student council didn't have much to do, and the students' autonomy was limited. Their main role was to assist the teachers and ensure that no accidents occurred.

Truth be told, for Tsukasa, this was the most difficult task since joining the council. Being tasked with assisting teachers in guiding a group of second-year students felt absurd, so he decided to just take it one step at a time.

The destination for the second-year trip was Kyoto. It was mid-January, a perfect time for a visit, and the entire grade was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

Unlike before, when Tsukasa received the itinerary, his expression turned to shock. He then fell into a daze, standing alone in the student council room as the golden sunlight streamed through the window, bathing his closed-eyed face in warmth.

Memories of a certain woman surged forward—clear and vivid.

Her expression, her voice, her mannerisms—they washed over him with an unavoidable clarity.

Logically, the school wouldn't have known her specific background, so this arrangement was purely a coincidence. But Tsukasa knew everything about that woman; he understood her perfectly.

Deep down, the boy knew what a sorrowful and self-cruel woman she was. She was fragile at times, gentle at others; she lacked a sense of self, yet she was incredibly resilient, even capable of displaying a coldness that could sever all ties.

She was his sacrifice, and Tsukasa was hers.

Yet, Tsukasa accepted it without complaint because, in his heart, he believed it was the punishment he deserved.

But... if it were the present him, the current Tsukasa, would he have made a completely different decision back then?

Perhaps deep down, he still harbored regret for the past. During his time with Hoshino Hoshinomori, he had begun to feel that his past self had only ever run away, never once fighting head-on against anyone.

The reason Tsukasa was feeling this longing now was because of their destination. The inn where the students were scheduled to stay in Kyoto was the family home of that female teacher.