Which leaves… I thought, but Yuigahama who had been leaning forward on the table asked, “Hikki, why don’t you ask him?”
Yukinoshita nodded as if it was a given. “…That’s true. Hikigaya-kun is originally the one responsible for these kinds of matters, after all.”
“Don’t put me in charge just because you feel like it…”
The only one I was responsible for was Totsuka-tan, you know? I was such a crazy fan that I’d create some fans of him and cheer for him at a live concert, you know? But the cuteness of saying Totsuka-tan was abnormal.
In any case, the sole individual in this room who could establish communication with Zaimokuza was me. I was vaguely aware of how troublesome it was going to be, but he didn’t look like he’d leave the club unless I spoke to him.
“Zaimokuza, what did you come here for…?” I braced myself and asked.
He then shot up his face, showing a somewhat happy smile. “Ohh, Hachiman! What a coincidence this is!”
“No, you really don’t need to act like that…”
“Hapon, as you say. I am currently in a bit of a bind as you can see…” Zaimokuza stopped for a moment. He corrected his posture as if to begin anew. As the one listening, I ended up doing the same.
“Do you recall our exchange about my worries of becoming a publishing editor?”
“Yeah. Of course, this also happens to be the first time I’ve heard about this.”
Here he goes, blurting out something completely outrageous again… I thought.
Yuigahama who had been listening nearby murmured, “Wasn’t it something about light novels or something before…?”
Man, Yuigahama sure was nice to actually respond. Compared to the other two, they were more or less giving him the cold shoulder. Even Yukinoshita who had shown some interest earlier saw no value in listening to Zaimokuza’s answer just now and flipped the page of her book, going back to reading with a nonchalant look. As for Isshiki who didn’t have any interest in him from the beginning, she had a complicated face as she was adjusting her eyelashes with a curler.
However, what Yuigahama pointed out was certainly right. Zaimokuza’s dream should’ve been to become a light novel author. There, too, was a period when he claimed he wanted to become a game writer. But he immediately jumped ship and went back to wanting to become a light novel author again. His wishy-washy nature made me think he’s far more suited to being a politician.
In any case, I looked at Zaimokuza to see why he had the sudden change in heart and he crossed his arm with a difficult face.
“Hmhm, it is because light novel authors are the dregs of the entertainment world. It is a job that does not require a foundation to start, a job that anyone can do. Quite frankly, no one would be envious of me even if I became a light novel author and light novels are treated as trash just for being light novels…”
Zaimokuza looked dejected as he spoke, but when he popped up his eyes, he stated with a solemn voice. “…And that is where I realized something.”
“A-And that is…?” Despite sensing something ominous in the glint of his eyes past his glasses, I had to ask. Upon doing so, Zaimokuza violently jumped to his feet, knocking his chair back in the process.
“To write is to be criticized! To rest is to disappear! In the world of business, you are but a roadside rock! Is there value in such a job!?”
His powerful voiced clamored throughout the room as well as in my head.When the echoing stopped, Zaimokuza quietly took his seat again and the room went back to being quiet.
Despite his powerful voice, the room continued to act unconcerned. Even Yuigahama who had been listening to Zaimokuza moments ago had went back to fiddling with her phone.
The only one who could lend an ear to Zaimokuza’s tale at this moment was me. I might’ve been used to being alone, but even this solitude was a little excruciating.
“R-Right… You sure know your stuff…” I was at a loss at how to comment on his sudden outburst of lamentation and responded with something appropriate.