With this, we can get in touch anytime, Rui-san said.

After that, she continued jokingly, saying she would invite me to hang out every day.

In reality, the message arrived about three days after we exchanged contact information. However, it wasn't an invitation to hang out.

"I have a manuscript that I want Yuito-kun to read."

A manuscript she wants me to read.

I don't know, but it's Rui-san's request. I replied with my consent.

That night. When I stepped out onto the balcony, Rui-san handed me a bundle of papers. It was about fifty sheets of printed manuscript paper, clipped together at the top right corner.

"Is this the manuscript you mentioned?"

"Yes."

"It's not a commercial novel, is it?"

"This is what I wrote. We had an assignment to write a short story for our seminar. Before I submit it, I wanted to get Yuito-kun's opinion."

"Is it okay with me?"

"I trust Yuito-kun's judgment. Please feel free to give me your honest opinion. You can read it whenever you have the time."

"Understood. If that's the case."

I have decided to formally accept it.

"I expect you to tear me apart."

Rui-san smiles while joking.

Rui-san said it would be fine if I read it by the day before the submission date, but I decided to read it right away the next day.

I needed time to revise the manuscript based on the feedback, and more than anything, I wanted to read the novel written by Rui-san as soon as possible.

My room. Sitting in front of the desk, I face about fifty sheets of manuscript paper. I took a bath before reading, preparing myself thoroughly.

Rui-san wrote this work with great seriousness. I wanted to face it with the same seriousness.

I gasped.

I begin reading the first line. I dive into the sea of text. Before my eyes, a vibrant world unfolds. It radiates a brilliance I have never seen before.

I was so engrossed that I kept diving, forgetting even to breathe.

By the time I realized it, I had already reached the end. It happened in the blink of an eye.

After finishing the read, I was in a daze. The thorn of the aftertaste pierced me and wouldn't come out. I sincerely wish this story wouldn't end. A warm feeling gradually welled up deep in my chest.

Before I knew it, I was typing a message to Ruin.

The recipient was Rui-san. I finished reading it, so I want to share my thoughts now. I wanted to convey them directly, face to face, not through writing.

The reply came back immediately.

When I stepped out onto the balcony, Rui-san was already there. While smoking a cigarette, she waved her hand lightly when she saw me.

"Wasn't that quite early?"

"There's nothing else for me to do."

When I said that, Rui-san laughed. Then she asked.

"How was it? What are your thoughts?"

"I found it interesting."

I said directly.

"It was truly fascinating. It was one of the best works I've ever read."

To be honest, before I started reading the manuscript, I was a little scared.

If Rui-san's manuscript is boring. I was scared to find out that the first charming person I met was actually ordinary.

But that worry was unfounded.

The plot of the story itself was simple.

However, the depiction was excellent.

Fresh, untouched by fingerprints, and beautiful.

Instead of borrowing someone else's words, they spoke about the world in their own words. I was moved by the fact that there are people who can see the world this way.

"When you say that to my face, I get embarrassed."

Rui-san smiled shyly, blowing out cigarette smoke. After dropping the ash into the ashtray in front of her, she quietly began to speak.

"Actually, that short story has already been submitted."

"Huh?"

"I was harshly criticized by the seminar students. They said the descriptions were too eccentric and that I was neglecting the plot too much."

She showed me something she had already submitted. Moreover, it was something that had been harshly criticized.

Rui-san told me the reason.

"I was quite confident that I wrote it well myself. That's why I wanted to have Yuito-kun read it and hear your honest opinion."

Rui-san said that,

"I was harshly criticized by the people in my seminar. Even so, you found it interesting."

"That's just because others lack vision. Rui-san's work is interesting. No matter what anyone says. Absolutely. I guarantee it."

I could assert it.

It's not because Rui-san wrote it. I was purely drawn to it as a reader. It's one of the best books I have ever read.

So, I can say it without any pretense.

"I like this work that Rui-san wrote."

"..."

Rui-san had a blank expression on her face. With a cigarette between her fingers, her eyes were wide open, as if she were somewhat surprised.

Upon seeing that, I suddenly came to my senses.

"Oh, no, I'm sorry. I got a bit heated."

"No."

Rui-san shakes her head.

And after putting the cigarette in her mouth, she smiled quietly.

"Getting such words from Yuito-kun gave me confidence. I know that Yuito-kun doesn't say things just to flatter."

Rui-san once said that someone who only gives 100% approval is boring.

And she understands that I am not like that.

So, my opinion holds some value for Rui-san.

Of course, I just expressed my true feelings without any lies or deceit.

Even so, I thought it was good if I could be of any help to her, even just a little.

Chapter 17: Something I Want You to Read