Chapter 122: A Story Worth Reading, A Burden Worth Carrying
Morning.
The breakfast spread was immaculate as always, prepared to perfection. But like clockwork, Yukima Azuma put down his chopsticks halfway through.
"I'm full."
As he spoke those familiar words, Kurokawa Akane tilted her head, not in confusion but quiet curiosity. Without a word, she finished what remained of his food, her movements as precise and elegant as always.
Azuma didn't look at her. Instead, he booted up his laptop and resumed working on his manuscript. This time, he didn't ask for a massage.
Instead, he reached over and gently tugged Akane's sleeve.
"Sit here."
He pointed to the chair beside him.
She obeyed without question.
Moments later, a staff member brought over a copy of a light novel — The Youth of a Lonely Boy Will Not Dream of a Passerby Heroine. Azuma took the book and placed it into Akane's hands with care, as though it were something precious.
"Guardian," he said softly, eyes avoiding hers. "I wrote this. Will you read it?"