NOVEL NEXT Episode 35 - A Night in Search of the Moon
Episode 35: A Night in Search of the Moon
That concluded Miyagi-san’s generous sharing of information. While intrigued, the novelist had no desire to dwell on the matter.
“Even if all the prerequisites were met, we couldn’t draw any real conclusions. That’s the fundamental difference between reality and fiction.”
“Mm-hmm, so what we discussed was just a theoretical exercise, not something that would actually happen, right?”
Miyagi-san leaned forward with a smile, her face drawing uncomfortably close.
Too close…!
Their noses were nearly touching.
“Still, if by chance… it were to happen, it would be a shame not to witness it firsthand.”
I told you — it’s better to avoid such dangerous things.
…
Just then, a hesitant male voice called out, clearly concerned about interrupting the charged atmosphere between the two.
“Liang-kun, have you finished your meal? The party’s about to officially begin in the annex… if that’s alright?”
After everything that had transpired, only Niwa Takahito, completely oblivious to the situation, would actively seek him out.
From the corner of his eye, he spotted the awkward young man standing a short distance away.
“…Mm, fine.”
Miyagi-san returned to her seat with subtle reluctance, casually collecting her bag.
“Honey, enjoy the evening with your classmates… Oh, and don’t forget what I mentioned, okay?”
She winked at him playfully.
“And remember to come home early.”
With that final line — perfectly delivered like a devoted wife — the beautiful woman turned and strode toward the entrance hall, handbag in tow.
…
“What a stunning beauty,” Niwa Takahito remarked admiringly as he watched Miyagi-san’s retreating figure.
“By the way, there was quite a misunderstanding about you earlier. I apologized to everyone on their behalf… I’m truly sorry!”
His sincere apology came despite it being for others’ actions.
“…No, it’s nothing.”
*
“We don’t usually use this section, but it’s regularly maintained, so there’s no need to worry.”
Leading the way, Niwa Takahito introduced the annex to his trailing classmates and friends.
“The main building is primarily for entertaining guests, but this area is reserved for private gatherings with friends and family.”
The space boasted a movie theater, swimming pool, karaoke room, various sports courts, and both common and unique indoor entertainment facilities.
“Amazing! I expected something stuffy like golf, but Takahito’s place has normal entertainment too—”
One of the boys exclaimed dramatically.
“What do you mean? Haven’t I always hung out at the same places as you guys?”
Niwa-kun responded with a good-natured smile.
“Ah, sorry, sorry! It’s just that the atmosphere in the main building was so suffocating!”
His words resonated with the group, several heads nodding unconsciously.
…No, no, no, weren’t you all quite animated earlier?
“I’m not really into golf, and I’ve never even tried horseback riding. Isn’t it more fun to watch movies or sing karaoke together?”
As Niwa Takahito spoke, a butler in formal attire had already opened the annex’s main doors for them.
…
The annex’s interior was remarkably spacious.
A spiral staircase led upward through three floors, crowned by an enormous skylight that cast down prismatic patches of light. Entertainment rooms radiated outward from this central point, each housing different facilities.
As people entered, they naturally split into smaller groups based on their interests, friends pulling friends toward different activities. The bustling entrance quickly fell silent.
The novelist wisely remained alone, staying put. After a moment’s consideration:
“I should finish the preparations here first.”
*
Twenty minutes later, he emerged from the washroom, having cleaned the rust and dust from his hands.
Stepping into the outer corridor, he realized it was an enclosed structure. Iron bars and glass walls separated them from the night outside.
Two rows of decorative flora lined the silent corridor. The regular maintenance was evident — approaching one of the potted plants, he noted its leaves gleaming with vitality.
…
In this corridor surrounded by brilliant colors, verdant greens, and subtle floral fragrance.
That girl with long black hair stood motionless in the center, gazing at the night sky above.
“…”
She shifted her attention to him, her expression asking “why are you here?”
“I imagine my reason for being alone in a place like this mirrors yours.”
The novelist scratched his cheek, answering candidly.
“…Is that so?”
Ogiwara tilted her head.
“Where’s your girlfriend?”
“She went home already.”
“I see.”
The long-haired girl gave a slight nod.
“Are you trying to flirt with other girls while your girlfriend’s away, savoring the thrill of cheating?”
“Of course not!”
“Then…”
Ogiwara hugged her arms, regarding him with suspicion.
“Are you harboring desires for someone else’s fiancée? Unable to resist pursuing a forbidden romance with a woman promised to another man… is that it?”
Why must you interpret things that way?!
The novelist sighed deeply.
“I just wanted to find a quiet spot to wait until someone was ready to leave. When departing together, I’d rather avoid drawing attention, and I don’t want to linger here longer than necessary.”
He slid down against the wall with another sigh.
“Really, please.”
“…I see.”
Ogiwara returned to her usual expressionless state.
“Then stay here.”
She turned back toward the distant night sky, her focused expression like someone searching for a wayward moon.
…
Silence fell between them.
The novelist, surrounded by flowers and plants, closed his eyes to doze. He could almost hear time flowing past, silently slipping away.
After what felt like ages, the girl’s cool voice reached his ear.
“Liang-kun.”
The novelist thought he was hearing things, letting out a surprised “Eh?” as his eyes flew open.
Looking to his side, he found Ogiwara hugging her knee-sock-clad legs, mirroring his position against the wall.
Her smooth hair cascaded down as she tilted her head, obsidian pupils studying him from close range.