“Hello everyone, I’m Eve, the author invited as a special lecturer today.”
chatter chatter
Looking at the woman with azure hair who was warmly smiling and introducing herself to the students, I couldn’t help but feel my body relax as I let out a sigh.
The reactions of the other students, excluding me, were all consistent.
“Ooooh.”
“I, I can’t believe it.”
“Wow.”
The male students stared at Eve with their mouths agape, completely mesmerized. Now an adult, she was exuding a strange pheromone that seduced reason.
“Hey, author! I’m a fan!”
“Can you give me an autograph?”
“I-I can’t believe it’s really author Eve?!”
The female students hugged Eve’s books like religious texts, squealing excitedly. I’d heard she became a bestselling author, but I had no idea she’d gotten this famous.
[Aios Academy Graduate. Author of “The Forest of the Demon Realm,” Eve.]
That was the phrase written on the chalkboard by the professor.
I get that it’s the title of her book, but the “Aios Academy Graduate” part feels a bit off, as if they’re claiming a stake in her success.
“The Forest of the Demon Realm, huh.”
I’m curious to read Eve’s book. I haven’t had the chance to read anything lately since I’ve been busy; maybe now’s the time to check it out.
“Thank you for responding so passionately. May I ask those who have read my book to raise their hands?”
“That’s me! Pick me!”
“I love it! I remember every line!”
“One of my favorite scenes is when Rypher and Airi embrace!”
A lot of students raised their hands and shouted. Eve shyly thanked them and moved on to the next question.
“Now, can I see a show of hands from those who haven’t read it?”
Students hesitantly raised their hands.
It looked like there were nearly equal numbers of students who had read it and those who had not.
‘Oh, should I raise my hand?’
Honestly, I pondered it hard.
While smiling, it felt like Eve’s gaze was oddly directed toward me.
‘It’s probably better not to raise it.’
I thought I could just lie and say I’d read it, then read it later. But just then, a cart entered the classroom piled high with books.
“I was planning to give out free gifts to those who haven’t read it. Of course, it’s not obligatory. I’ll only give them to those who want one.”
The unexpected gift made the atmosphere buzz with excitement. Especially when she mentioned signing an extra copy for those who already had her book, they were practically over the moon with joy.
I realized the extent of Eve’s influence.
It hit me how hard she had worked during the three years I had been away.
Eve began distributing the books to the students who wanted them, and soon stood in front of me. Seeing her smile felt strangely embarrassing.
“Do you need one, student?”
“…Yes.”
With a swift motion, Eve handed me a book.
At first, she was handing the ones that were stacked on top, but this time, she pulled one from the bottom.
“Here you go. Enjoy reading it.”
“…”
As soon as Eve moved on to the other students, I opened the book. As I expected, a handwritten note was written between the printed words.
“I’ll forgive you for not having read it. You must have been busy.”
‘What a relief.’
That’s classic Eve.
There’s a reason I called her my “little Eve.” She really knows how to be considerate!
flip
As I turned the page, the writing continued.
“Instead, please devote today to me. I’d like a little moment of exclusivity.”
‘That sounds reasonable.’
It’s not that hard. I’m not living the life of training and exercise like I used to; I’m enjoying the academy life at an easy pace.
Actually, isn’t the issue more with Eve than me?
If word got out that a bestselling author is hanging out with a student, that might not end well.
flip
“By the way, I heard you had a great time with May?”
“……”
My hand froze.
I didn’t want to turn the page any further.
Next to it, she even drew a cute little bunny encouraging me to flip it, but I felt an inexplicable pressure.
“I heard your little secret pillow fight in the dorms didn’t go unnoticed.”
‘May…’
So she went and boasted about that, huh.
Just for the record, I couldn’t hold back that night. The scars from May’s claws are still on my back.
Well, anyway.
flip
“I’d like to try that too.”
I slapped my forehead and bowed my head. A few students next to me stared, but I couldn’t care less.
flip
“Please think of a date course while you’re here. I’ve prepared a couple of options, and we can compare which one is better.”
Why am I getting homework?
I flipped further but found no additional messages, and just like that, Eve’s lecture began.
“If you have any questions, feel free to raise your hand.”
I thought she’d give a lecture about writing, discussing descriptions, plotting, the pain of creation, overcoming writer’s block, and such.
But it wasn’t that. Instead, she shared about her life as an author and how she worked hard during her school days.
I guess trying to explain an author’s techniques wouldn’t resonate much. It was more about her experience as a successful senior than as a successful author.
“For example, the protagonist of my story was a guide through a dangerous forest?”
“……?”
While pondering where to go with Eve after class, I was a bit thrown off by the sudden content.
Eve was already looking my way, smiling gently. To the other students, it may have felt cozy, but to me, it felt playfully mischievous.
“The guide was a man who bore many wounds. Meeting a former classmate led him to reminisce about his past.”
I casually opened the book and skimmed through some content.
“The former classmate was a girl who was quiet and reserved in school, but upon becoming an adult, she changed. She boldly approached the guide and healed his wounded, broken heart.”
Eve continued her lecture. The characters in the book felt oddly relatable, just with different names.
‘Come to think of it, she did ask me once if she could write a story about me, and I permitted it.’
Memories from dating in the royal library flooded back. Well, it doesn’t matter much since the names have changed, and there’s still no profession of “Demon Realm Sherpa” in this world.
Just then, a girl shot her hand up.
“Author! I have a question!”
“Yes, go ahead.”
Eve smiled and handed her the mic. The girl, slightly trembling but excited, asked:
“How do you describe actions in writing? Also, how do you find inspiration for your particular emotional lines?”
I figured she must be an aspiring author, asking something unique. Surprisingly, other students were also glowing with curiosity.
But the one shining the brightest was none other than Eve herself.
‘Oh no, this feels risky.’
Eve, despite usually being calm, sometimes goes into sudden overdrive, and that’s when I find myself in the most difficult positions.
“I think I need to show you directly. Would one of you students be willing to help me?”
“Me! I’ll help!”
“Let me do it!”
“Author! I’m a real fan!”
With that, students raised their hands, eager for their moment with Eve. It wasn’t just the female fans; even the male students wanted a chance to get close to her.
“Well, there are quite a few students.”
But her gaze was solely fixed on me.
“……”
Reluctantly, I felt compelled to raise my hand, and Eve pointed directly at me, calling me to the front.
“Could the black-haired male student come up?”
Receiving the stares of envy and longing, I trudged up to the front. Eve then playfully asked:
“What’s your name?”
“Daniel McLane.”
“Okay, McLane student. Can you help me for a moment?”
Since refusing would undoubtedly lead to a “forgive me” punch later, I simply nodded.
Eve smiled and told the students:
“It’s just like a painter drawing a picture. I’ll be experiencing the scenes from the book myself. For example, like this.”
grab
“If there’s a scene where they cross their arms, I would cross my arms myself.”
Eve’s violent chest pressed against my arm. I mean, I’ve touched it a few times, but feeling it with others around is a whole new experience.
The reaction was explosive.
“Whoa!”
“Hey, author! Me too! I want to experience it too!”
Eve awkwardly chuckled at the male students’ reaction.
“Don’t take it the wrong way. This is a noble act for art.”
She tried to calm the crowd with her words, but Eve’s antics were far from over.
“When hugging from behind, you feel the chin resting on the shoulder, the rhythm from the heartbeat, and the softness of the chest. Those are the things to remember.”
I was struggling to maintain my composure with her soft pressure against my back. I can’t get flustered now—or I’ll humiliate myself in front of all the students.
Eve would then lightly drop the mic and whisper to me casually,
“You’re doing well, aren’t you?”
“What…”
whoosh
Eve then stood directly in front of me.
“Now, could you give me a hug?”
Naturally, the reactions were explosive.
“Author! We need a student swap!”
“Exactly! It seems like one student is doing all the work!”
“I want to relish the creative moment too!”
Hearing those comments felt annoyingly frustrating. I pulled Eve in a little tighter, and she shivered slightly before naturally leaning into me.
“This is how you feel the current emotions. The touch, the atmosphere, the narrative; just write them down in your story.”
As I slowly released my hold, Eve smiled at me and said, “Thank you for your help, McLane.”
“……”
Anyway, my little Eve has grown up too much.
