Volume 2 Afterword

 Thank you for picking up Volume 2 of The Story of Buying a Classmate Once a Week.

This book is an adaptation of a web-serialized story, enriched with revisions, additions, and newly crafted content.

Yes, aside from the phrase "Volume 2," the opening mirrors Volume 1’s introduction… but make no mistake, this is Volume 2, Volume 2! It’s a phrase I want to proclaim proudly in Japanese. Thanks to the overwhelming support for Volume 1, I’m thrilled to share Volume 2 with you. I’m genuinely overjoyed—truly, deeply grateful.

Once again, U35-sensei has brought Miyagi and Sendai to life with stunning illustrations. I’m also delighted that Mikami Teren-sensei graciously contributed a comment for the book’s obi. As with Volume 1, the interlude and extra chapter in this volume are entirely new additions (if you haven’t read them yet, please skip the next section to avoid spoilers).

The extra chapter, titled “Until Sendai-san’s After-School Becomes a 5,000-Yen Bill,” stemmed from my editor’s suggestion: “What if we had a story about Miyagi exchanging money?” During our discussion, we agreed that “Miyagi exchanging money is adorable,” and I wrote the chapter with that image in mind, shaping the Miyagi you’ll encounter in the story. —So, what do you think? Is Miyagi cute?

The interlude, “Until Sendai-san’s After School Turns into a Five-Thousand-Yen Bill,” serves as a companion to Chapter 3 of Volume 2, “This isn't the Sendai-san I know,” offering Sendai’s perspective. It sheds light on Sendai’s thoughts during that rainy day, and I hope you’ll enjoy comparing it with Miyagi’s point of view.

Beyond the new content, I made numerous revisions and additions, which kept me quite busy. Amid this whirlwind, something truly exciting happened. Can you guess what it was? Volume 1 was reprinted! That’s another Japanese phrase I want to shout from the rooftops.

Thanks to your incredible support, Volume 1 earned a reprint. I’m immensely grateful. When I received the sample copy and saw the updated colophon, I was overcome with emotion. My editor called to share the news about the reprint, but here’s a little secret: when I saw their name flash on my phone, I briefly panicked, fearing something had gone wrong.

On the topic of emotions, I was equally moved when I visited a bookstore after Volume 1’s release.

My book was on the shelves!

Of course, bookstores are filled with books, but seeing *my* book displayed there was an overwhelming experience. I’m pretty sure I must have looked like an overly excited, slightly suspicious character wandering the aisles.

As I’ve been writing this afterword, it seems I’ve filled just the right number of pages.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has read Volume 2, supported the web version, U35-sensei, Mikami Teren-sensei, my editor, and all those who contributed to this project in countless ways. A special shoutout goes to my friend N, who provided invaluable help once again.

I look forward to meeting you again in the afterword for Volume 3!

Usa Haneda