What must be faced will be faced eventually.

Last night, my fragile heart escaped into "Slaying Immortals," letting me briefly forget the sting of Yao Staryan rejecting me right here.

But humans can’t hide forever. There’s no eternal safe harbor. Finishing the last line of "Slaying Immortals," I had to face reality again—

I was rejected! Again! The second time!

Master Oathblade, tell me—is being knocked down twice in the same spot really proof of having no talent?

Worse, I got a scolding text from Willow Ran first thing in the morning. She even doubted if I truly wanted to finish my new novel.

I spent ages explaining, only to get this verdict:

"Poor soul."

I knew it myself, but hearing it from someone else hit harder.

"You’re way too naive!"

Finally, Willow Ran called directly, her voice dripping with pity: "I said leave it to me. Why so impatient?"

"S-so... is it hopeless?"

Honestly, I’d thought of giving up—not just over Yao Staryan, but writing itself.

This was my mental block, the hurdle I had to clear. Without crossing it, I’d never write anything rivaling "Beneath the Stars."

"I told you I’m here to help you, Gale Splendor, create the greatest novel ever! Just trust me. Any mess—I’ll fix it, as long as it’s legal!"

Hearing that confident tone, I pictured Willow Ran standing tall, thumb proudly raised.

Then.

Right after first period ended, I got Willow Ran’s text—as if prearranged.

Just three words: "Done. Chat slowly."

Why such a difference?

Willow Ran mastered shoujo novel tropes and used them in real life. Yet as a shoujo writer myself, I should’ve excelled.

But I lost.

As I wallowed in self-pity, the classroom door swung open. Yao Staryan stood there, unannounced.

An outsider appearing drew eyes, but it was Yao Staryan—every gaze snapped to her instantly.

She didn’t care, or hid nothing of her mood—that doll-like, adorable demon wore undisguised disgust as she spotted me.

Yao Staryan pointed at me with her index finger, then tapped her thumb toward the hallway.

She clearly wanted to talk.

If Willow Ran hadn’t said it was handled, I’d have thought Yao Staryan came to fight me.

"Ahhh, I really didn’t expect this!"

Following her out, that was her first line.

But what hadn’t she expected? I was baffled.

"Can’t you channel that desperation into some backbone?"

"Huh? I-I don’t quite get... what you mean."

"Don’t play dumb! Willow Ran told me everything!"

What nonsense did that girl spout?

"She said you can’t eat because of me. You wobble walking to school. Get random stomachaches. And..."

Yao Staryan glanced at my injured hand. "That you even love the thrill of knife cuts now!"

What the hell! What kind of heartbroken girl is this? She’s practically certifiable!

"Sigh, I give up on you!"

Yao Staryan rubbed her forehead wearily. "I don’t like you, but for old times’ sake, I’ll go out with you once."

As she spoke, she looked away, index finger twirling a strand of hair.

So this was Willow Ran’s "chat slowly"!

Willow Ran slandered me badly behind the scenes, but hope appeared, right?

The drive to keep writing!

This rare chance—I wouldn’t let it slip.

"R-really? Thank you, Yao Staryan."

"Don’t be dramatic! What’s to celebrate? Call it repaying a favor—and it’s just one day."

"I know. But I’m truly happy... I’ve always dreamed of this date happening now..."

"Y-you pig! Don’t say ‘date’ so casually!"

"Eh? Casual? ...Is this your first date?"

"S-say another word and it’s canceled! Canceled!"

I shut my mouth obediently, but couldn’t stop grinning.

Strange.

I’m only doing this to avenge my "daughters." Why did genuine joy well up inside?

As if I truly looked forward to being with Yao Staryan—but no, no, that’s an illusion. My happiness is just from nearing revenge.

It has to be. Only that.

Next, Yao Staryan and I set the time and place. Behind a pillar past her, I spotted a familiar figure.

Willow Ran peeked out, half her head visible, beaming as she gave me a thumbs-up—

—Not bad at all!

—Same to you!

Our eyes exchanged those simple words.

Yao Staryan coming like this proved Willow Ran and her shared a special bond.

I grew curious how Willow Ran would react if she knew Yao Staryan was the substitute teacher.

To ensure my perfect date, Willow Ran visited my house the day before.

Inside, once she confirmed I was alone, her reserved act vanished instantly.

She bounded upstairs like she knew the place—no first-time visitor here.

Her steps were light, cheerful.

Maybe part of her visit was to see where I write? Even I, as a reader, would be curious.

"Hey, my room’s this way."

I called from the stairs as she headed to the bathroom, pointing right down the hall.

She bounced over immediately—way too unguarded for a guy’s house with just us two!

At my door, Willow Ran gripped the golden handle and flung it open dramatically:

"Welcome to the gateway of a new world—abode of the perverted writer, Gale Splendor!"

Even in high spirits, she never missed a chance to slander me. Her brain’s wiring baffled me.

But my reaction never mattered to her.

After her line, she eagerly peered inside.

Come to think of it—I did hide all the things I should’ve, right?