Chapter 34: It’s Hard to Be a Literary Girl

Reading Settings

Translator: Soafp

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“…………”

With my stomach still growling, I head to the library.

They say humans only started eating three meals a day recently. In the past, people got by with just two.

So, it should be fine. Please, just don't let my stomach rumble, I beg of you (praying).

“……”

Not used to doing anything other than studying, I'm at a loss for what to do.

But this is the library. My next move is obvious.

That’s right, I’ll read a book! (About time).

“……Ah.”

I pick up another book by the author of that awful live-action movie adaptation I saw recently… but this one is a different work.

It’s also not the one I saw in the library last time.

The genre has shifted from mystery to fantasy.

This author sure writes a lot of different stuff. And the fact that all of it gets published is pretty impressive.

As decided by the thread, I want to take up writing novels as a hobby someday, so I’ll read this as half study, half entertainment.

Since I’m not self-studying this time, I can’t sit at one of the individual study desks.

I’ll sit at a long, four-person reading table instead.

---

Even if it’s a different genre, the writing style of the same author is still recognizable.

You could call it their signature.

For example, this author always features a bookish heroine in their works.

In all three books of theirs I’ve read so far.

…What happened to that character in the live-action movie, you ask? She was turned into a blond, outgoing party girl (makes no sense).

I really wish I could erase that from my memory.

…Someday, when I learn to draw, I’ll redo the visual design of those heroines.

It’s decided—

“……!”

Just as I made that resolution, the chair across from me is quietly pulled out.

And sitting there is—

“…!”

It was Momiji-san. The first time I’d seen her since the bookstore.

She quietly opens a book and begins reading it in silence.

“……”

“……”

Or so I thought.

But I can't shake the feeling of her gaze on me.

I can't see her eyes because of her long bangs, but… I can tell she’s looking this way. My instincts tell me so.

I can even see her glancing at me from the movement of her head.

“……Ah.”

And then I notice.

She’s holding a book by the same author as me.

It's the same one she was reading at the library last time!

“……”

“……”

My heart starts beating faster.

I'm happy. It feels good to know there's someone else who appreciates this author.

I realized this when I went to see the movie with Hatsune-san.

The joy of sharing impressions.

[I want to be friends with you, Icchi!]

[You're different now, Toumachi.]

That’s what they said to me.

If the person who had always been alone, like me, could really change as those words suggest…

I felt the courage to try and talk to Momiji-san.

“……”

“……”

But how?

This is the library.

Is it okay to start a conversation here?

Everyone around is whispering, but maybe she wouldn't like it.

…If I'm wrong, this could be a disaster.

I'll get up, and if she keeps glancing at me, I'll talk to her (chicken).

And if I'm lucky, maybe she'll talk to me first (coward).

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【I think I'll change according to >>5 Pert 6】

110: Username: 1

Urgent: How do I get someone who loves books to be interested in me?

111: Username: Anonymous in Love

Where are you?

112: Username: 1

In the library. So, no causing a scene.

113: Username: Anonymous in Love

Eat a Big Mac.

114: Username: Anonymous in Love

Moonwalk into the room.

115: Username: Anonymous in Love
Read the book upside down (while doing a handstand).

116: Username: 1
Okay, got it. I’ll do it all.

117: Username: Anonymous in Love
STOPPPPP!!!!!!

118: Username: Anonymous in Love
Sorry, sorry.

119: Username: Anonymous in Love
Lmao

120: Username: Anonymous in Love
1 is the kind of guy who would actually do it (terrifying).

121: Username: 1
Huh? I don’t have to do it?

122: Username: Anonymous in Love
Really, I’m sorry.

123: Username: Anonymous in Love
I'm starting to feel guilty now.

124: Username: 1
So, what should I actually do? (resetting the conversation)

125: Username: Anonymous in Love
Depends on the genre, but start with something really niche—something only hardcore readers would know.

126: Username: Anonymous in Love
What’s the book lover reading? Fantasy? History?

127: Username: 1
It’s mystery.

128: Username: Anonymous in Love
Oh, in that case, how about trying this—

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“…!”

When I closed the thread and returned, she was still there.

Instead of sitting at the seat in front of Momiji-san, I chose an open spot nearby.

The answer I came to after consulting with the thread: I'd read a rare, obscure book that only true book lovers would know.

It couldn’t be something popular. It had to be a book that only the hardcore readers would recognize. If I read it in front of her, she’d naturally be intrigued.

Something like, “Oh, you’re reading that? Not bad.” That’s the vibe I was going for (hopefully).

“……”

So, I took my seat, three spots diagonally ahead of her.

Then, I opened the book I was holding.

I didn't expect to find it here, but it was one of those so-called “weird” books.

“…!”

Whoa.

She's definitely looking over here.

I’m almost sure of it at this point.

But I don't want to get ahead of myself. Plus, I did pick up the book, so I should at least try to read it for real.

Alright, here goes—

---

“Ugh…”

This is rough.

It's difficult to read, and honestly, it's exhausting.

This book falls under a genre called anti-mystery.

While it is a mystery novel, it intentionally breaks all the rules—like the destruction of the traditional narrative structure, nonsensical tricks, and even blaming the reader as the culprit.

It's the kind of book that would only appeal to those who have read tons of mystery novels.

Naturally, for an amateur like me, there's no way I could find it enjoyable. It's not the book's fault.

It's my fault for choosing it.

“………”

This is bad (terrified).

Momiji-san is still staring at me… intensely. I can feel it.

It's almost… comforting? (Maybe I'm weird).

This book would likely be fascinating to someone who's read a lot of mysteries.

For me, as both a mystery novel and a work of fiction, it's a confusing mess.

But for her, with her deep knowledge of the genre, this book might be thrilling.

…Or at least I hope so (nervous).

In fact, right now, she seems absolutely fixated on the book I'm holding.

Momiji-san must have read a ton of books to get to this level.

“……”

“…alright.”

As I thought about that, I suddenly felt embarrassed by how inexperienced I was compared to her.

This book—I’ll come back to it when I've gained more “mystery experience” (RPG logic).

For now, it’s time to retreat. I'll return the book to the shelf.

As I walked away, I could still feel her gaze piercing through my back.

I knew it, even without turning around.

“…Okay.”

She didn't speak to me.

But—

If I've piqued her interest this much, it's fine.

Let's go.

Even in the library, a light conversation shouldn’t be a problem.

Equipped with this world-famous rare book (APP +5), I walked toward her.

“…!?”

“…”

I returned the book to the shelf and approached Momiji-san.

She noticed me and, with a startled expression, quickly buried her face back in her book.

…Is this going to be okay?

I wondered, but I couldn't back down now.

If I hesitate now, tomorrow's me will chicken out, too.

“Uh, excuse me… can I talk to you for a second—?”

So I gathered my courage and spoke up.

I directed my words toward her, who seemed quietly engrossed in her book.

Ah, if I had even the slightest chance of having Momiji-san harbor some feelings for me, perhaps I'd make a friend with whom I could discuss the same works.

But—

This world is harsh.

“—Ah! S-sorry, I…”

“Eh?”

Her voice was barely audible, and it trembled.

A clear rejection.

She immediately stood up from her seat, leaving me, the unfortunate one with the rainbow-colored hair (dimming in brightness), alone.

I felt as though something had been stripped away from me.

The “No Talking” sign that had been distant finally came into view.

And then—

Ding-dong-ding—

“……”

The bell rang, indicating there were 5 minutes left of break.

If I went to the restroom and then returned to the classroom, I'd probably have only 3 minutes left.

After that, if I had to take out textbooks and everything, I'd definitely have no time for lunch.

I want to eat! I want to eat! (Regressing to childhood due to shock).