Episode 6. XIII (4)
After tidying the hair I had mussed in my hurry, I entered the café.
I searched for a familiar face near the entrance for a moment, then laughed hollowly.
There was that familiar back, hunched up on a sofa.
Unlike the editor who still tried to look presentable even after quitting, that author was as slapdash as ever today.
A carelessly tousled bob.
An oversized field jacket thrown on any old way.
She had at least worn sneakers in winter, but now that it was a little warmer, she was back in slippers without fail.
I walked toward Author Na Bit, looking no different from usual.
“Hello, Author. It’s been a—”
I greeted her as I approached so she would turn around.
But when she actually did, I froze where I stood.
“……”
Na Bit was staring back at me with tears streaming down her face.
“What am I going to do……?”
And the moment she saw me, she started crying in earnest……?
“Just thinking about it…… hurts so much…….”
When she began sobbing aloud, everyone in the café turned to look.
Horrified by all the attention that gathered in an instant, I whispered urgently.
“A-Author, please calm down. Author?”
But Na Bit only continued to heave her shoulders, and I grew increasingly anxious.
Author, please don’t do this to me!
Just looking at us, you seem much younger than I am!
Ah, was that really why?
Whatever misunderstanding they had reached, the gazes directed at…