All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me-Chapter 655: Yui โ Kotomi, Will You Come With Me Somewhere?
"That was truly a wonderful performance!" ๐ฏ๐ง๐ฎ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ต.๐ฌ๐ธ๐
Kotomi Izumi stepped down from the stage and heard a somewhat unfamiliar male voice. Looking up, she saw a man with slightly fluffy hair graying with age, wearing glasses, standing not far from the stage stairs, waiting for her.
Beside the man stood a graceful-looking middle-aged woman. The two looked like a married couple.
Kotomi Izumi paused for a moment, then quickly recognized the pair before her.
"Mr. Anno?"
Though Kotomi Izumi really wanted to greet him with something more casual like "old rascal" or "pervert," she more or less guessed the reason and purpose for Hideaki Annoโs appearance here. Since they were here to talk about something official, she decided it was best to use a formal address.
"Iโve long heard from Merii Hizuki about you, Ms. Izumi. When I first found out that you were still in high school, I could hardly believe it. But after hearing your three original songs just now, Iโm completely convinced. It seems that from my university graduation until now, after all these years of refusing to be bound by rigid perceptions, Iโve slowly begun developing a few of my own. Itโs rather shameful, really. No matter how young oneโs heart remains, itโs still difficult to resist the subtle changes brought about by the passage of time."
Hideaki Anno gave a wry smile and shrugged as he spoke.
"People always grow old eventually," Kotomi Izumi replied with a faint smile, though inwardly she thought: But I donโt want to grow old. I donโt want the people I love and cherish to grow old either.
Kotomi Izumi held an almost obsessive desire for immortalityโborderline madnessโeven though Kazumi had repeatedly warned her that there was no such thing as true eternal life in this world.
"And this lady is..."
Kotomi had already roughly guessed the identity of the middle-aged woman standing next to Hideaki Anno. She had read a few of her manga works before. Still, at moments like this, it was best to pretend not to know and let the other side make the introductions.
"Ah, my apologies. I got so excited finally meeting you that I forgot to introduce her. This is my wife, Moyoco Anno."
Just as Kotomi thoughtโHideaki Anno was indeed married to Moyoco Anno.
"Ms. Izumi, youโre so young yet possess such incredible songwriting talent. I really loved the song you sang just nowโโUltramarine.โ When itโs officially released someday, Iโll definitely download it and play it on loop with my headphones on," Moyoco Anno said with a warm smile.
"You flatter me. Itโs merely a melody and lyrics written from my personal emotionsโstill full of flaws that need improvement," Kotomi Izumi replied modestly. Then, rather than jumping straight into business, she took out her phone and asked:
"Mr. Anno, Ms. Anno, may I take a photo with you? Iโm so happy to meet you both. I grew up watching Mr. Annoโs anime and Ms. Annoโs mangaโit feels surreal meeting you here. I guess you could say it feels like Iโve finally succeeded as a fan!"
In truth, Kotomi hadnโt read many of Moyoco Annoโs manga, and the few she had read were from long ago, the details now blurred in memory. But since Moyoco Anno was standing right here, whether she remembered or not, it was only natural to say sincerely: I grew up reading your manga!โit made the conversation sound much more pleasant.
"Of course! Merii Hizuki mentioned that your Line icon is Ayanami Rei. As the creator of that character, I was delighted when I heard that," Hideaki Anno said.
"Not just my Line iconโon my desk, Iโve also got figures of Asuka and Ayanami Rei," Kotomi said with a faint smile.
She asked a passing classmate to help take a picture of the three of themโKotomi Izumi, Hideaki Anno, and Moyoco Anno. After checking the photo, Kotomi chuckled and half-joked, "If I post this photo on Twitter right now, I bet the comment section would go crazy."
"If our collaboration goes smoothly, then yes, once itโs finalized, you could definitely post it. That way, fans and viewers can start speculatingโwhat kind of collaboration will the popular light novelist and manga artist Izumi Ki have with anime director Hideaki Anno?" Hideaki Anno said with a smile.
Kotomiโs smile deepened. It seemed Hideaki Anno was preparing to discuss the composition work for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
"Haha, Iโd love to post it on Twitter tooโbut my readers still donโt know Iโm a girl, nor do they know what I look like."
"Ms. Izumi hasnโt held an autograph session yet? I havenโt read Sword Art Online myself, but judging from the sales, it looks more than capable of supporting a large-scale signing event," Hideaki Anno said curiously.
"Thatโs still uncertain. For now, Dengeki Bunko doesnโt seem to have any plans to organize one for me," Kotomi Izumi replied with a helpless smile. She knew that at the end of this month, Dengeki Bunko would be holding a signing event at the Dengeki Expo, but the participating author hadnโt been announced yet.
Kotomi didnโt think much of itโshe was sure it wouldnโt be her. After all, if it were her signing event, Haruno Yukinoshita wouldโve already informed her long ago.
After a brief exchange of small talk, Kotomi began discussing the Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time collaboration with Hideaki Anno. He was refreshingly straightforward.
"The reason I came to Sobu Highโs cultural festival today, aside from accepting a friendโs invitationโher child goes hereโwas actually to listen to your singing in person, Ms. Izumi. I wanted to determine whether you truly had the ability to compose music for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.
Please donโt misunderstand. Itโs not that I doubt your skills. Your composition Fly Me to the Star for Phoenix Studio already proved your talent beyond question. It was after hearing that song that I immediately decided I wanted to work with you.
However, Evangelion is the work Iโve poured most of my life into. I want every aspect of it to be absolutely flawless."
Hideaki Anno spoke with disarming honesty, and Kotomi had already guessed that this was the real reason he had personally come to Sobu Highโto hear songs from her that differed from Fly Me to the Star.
"Thatโs perfectly understandable. Iโm a creator too, so I understand how that feels. I treat every one of my works like my own child," Kotomi said with a nod. After a moment, she smiled and asked, "So, Mr. Anno, after hearing my three songs today, do you think Iโm qualified to compose for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time?"
"Honestly, after your first song, I already regretted not bringing a contract with me today. I just want to sign you on the spot and entrust you completely with the soundtrack for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time."
There was no need for negotiation. Kotomiโs three songs performed on stage had completely convinced Hideaki Annoโhe had already made up his mind. He would hand over full authority for the soundtrack composition to Kotomi Izumi, giving her absolute creative control.
And just like that, their first collaboration discussionโfrom opening greetings to closing agreementโtook less than twenty minutes.
Hideaki Anno was a man of decisive action. Once he confirmed someoneโs capability, he wouldnโt hesitateโheโd collaborate without reservation and do everything in his power to meet their needs.
After exchanging contact information and agreeing to meet again for detailed discussions after the festival, Kotomi said goodbye to Hideaki and Moyoco Anno, then turned and headed backstage.
"Great work out there!"
Arriving backstage, Kotomi was greeted by Yukino Yukinoshita and Yui Yuigahama, who were waiting for her. The three of them exchanged a quick high-five.
"Kotomi, your singing just now... how should I put itโit was better than some professional singers," Yukino said sincerely.
"Yeah! When you started singing, I thought my own voice was pretty good, but then... poof, instant humility. Kotomi, you were incredible! If youโd sung the first two songs too, the performance wouldโve been a hundred times better than when I sang them!" Yui said, her eyes practically sparkling like tiny stars.
Though she said it with a laugh, Kotomi could still hear a faint trace of insecurity in Yuiโs tone.
That was only natural. Anyone who loved singing, upon hearing Kotomi Izumiโs voice, would fall into at least a moment of self-doubt. They might have believed their singing was quite goodโuntil they heard Kotomi perform. It wasnโt merely a case of realizing that there are always people better than you; it was more like a mortal catching a glimpse of a higher-dimensional being with the naked eye.
It would be strange not to have your mindset shaken after that.
When Kotomi Izumi glanced toward the audience earlier, she had already noticed a few music-specialized studentsโusually quite proudโnow sitting slack-jawed in their seats.
Her guitar-and-vocal performance of Ultramarine could only be described with one wordโoverwhelming.
If someone uploaded the video online, most viewers would probably assume it was a professional concert, not a high school cultural festival.
Kotomi gently patted Yui Yuigahamaโs hair and said softly:
"What are you saying, silly bun? I can only maintain a high-quality singing voice for a limited time. If I had sung all three songs myself, I probably wouldโve lost strength halfway through the second one. You did wonderfully with the first two songs. If weโd had more time, I actually planned for you to sing the third song too."
"Eh? But my singing skills... theyโre still too poor..."
"So what if they are? Besides, your singing isnโt bad at allโyou just didnโt train from a young age. Thatโs not your fault. Who said someone who didnโt study vocals since childhood canโt sing? I simply like your voice. Itโs like how some people enjoy their dumplings with chili oil, but I only like mine with ramen. A thousand fancy compliments arenโt worth one simple truth: โI like it.โ"
Kotomi spoke with complete sincerity.
"Kotomi... Mm! I understand! If possible, I want to keep singing for you from now on!" Yui said, nodding hard, her cheeks tinted pink.
Nearby, a few third-year seniors who were tidying up happened to overhear their conversation. They exchanged knowing glances before smiling like indulgent aunts.
"Oh my, oh my~ whatโs this situation here~?"
"Who knows~ But if we asked little Kotomi directly, maybe weโd get to see her embarrassed face!"
"I doubt it. Rumor has it Kotomi Izumiโs a total playgirlโsheโs been through hundreds of relationships, juggling six hundred partners at once. A veteran like that wouldnโt blush just because someone asked if sheโs dating, right?"
"Heh, that just shows youโve never been in love. Girls like Kotomiโthose charming little scoundrelsโknow exactly how to use their strengths. And whatโs her strength? A pure, innocent-looking face that still radiates temptation at every moment, paired with a body that captures every gaze. Every smile, every gestureโeven just walking with that swaying hips, those shapely thighs hugged tight by sheer pantyhose under that short skirtโitโs like a poison that awakens desire. The deadliest, most intoxicating kind. She must be fully aware of her allure, yet still plays the part of the harmless, pure-hearted girl before her prey. She lures them in, lets them think theyโve conquered her, that theyโve devoured the hunter... but in the end, the hunterโs the one whoโs feasted."
"You sound way too experienced. Got a side gig or something?"
"Haha, flattery. I just happen to have written over a million words on an R18 site in my spare time."
"Link. Now. GKD."
"Tell meโbetween Yukino and Yui, which one do you think is Kotomiโs girlfriend?"
"Iโd bet on Yukino. The cool, elegant type is totally Kotomiโs favorite kind to conquer."
"Nah, itโs probably Yui. Who doesnโt want a kind, trusting, obedient girlfriend?"
"Youโre thinking too small. What if itโs both? Threeโs not a crowd, right?"
"Tch... fair point."
"Heh, respect."
"Keep it low-key, though. Actually, Iโve written some elegant R18 works myselfโabout 7 million words in total."
"Whoa, a true heavyweight."
"Elegantโsimply elegant."
Though the group of seniors spoke in low voices, Kotomiโs keen hearing caught every word clearly.
She listened from beginning to end, wanting to refute themโbut couldnโt find the words, since some of what they said... wasnโt entirely wrong.
Pretending she hadnโt heard a thing, Kotomi glanced at the wall clock. It was already 5 p.m.โthe sky would start darkening soon.
"Letโs all rest well when we get home today. I heard that during the cultural festival, attendance is optional. Iโm skipping tomorrow. I just want to stay home and play gamesโahemโI mean, sleep all day. The rehearsals lately have been exhausting. Iโll come back for the final day the day after tomorrow," Kotomi said, stretching lazily.
Despite her fatigue, she could still feel the lingering sweetness of the guitarโs melody at her fingertips.
Suddenly, Kotomi realized she was thirstyโshe hadnโt had a single sip of water since stepping onto the stage. The bit of mineral water she drank before performing had long since evaporated.
Seeing her thirst, Yukino Yukinoshita stood up. "Iโll go buy some water."
"Thanks, Yukino. If possible, Iโd prefer a drinkโthe one with lemon and grape, you know, the one that smells like perfume," Kotomi said.
"That one, huh... right, youโve been eyeing it since this morning. I wonder if the students selling it have closed up shop yet. Oh well, Iโll go look. Try to hold on a little longer."
"Iโm not that thirsty," Kotomi chuckled.
After Yukino left, Kotomi and Yui sat side by side on the backstage floor. Yui shyly asked if she could lean on Kotomiโs shoulder, and Kotomi nodded in approval.
After leaning for a while, Yuiโs expression gradually turned serious, as if she had made up her mind about something. She straightened up and looked directly into Kotomiโs eyes.
"Kotomi, thereโs somewhere I want to go. Will you come with me?"
"Hm? Where to?" Kotomi asked instinctively.
"Just somewhere in the schoolโitโs not far," Yui said, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.
"All right, letโs go then."
Kotomi nodded and stood, walking out of the hall together with Yui Yuigahama.
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