I'm probably
not the kind of person
who can be the hero of the novel
I'm probably not the kind of person who can be the hero of a novel.
What if,
there was a novel in which I was the main character...
In the cramped daily life
that drags on and on
without any progress.
In the cramped daily life that drags on and on without any progress,
I'm sure that the reader will yawn and choke back
I would throw the book out.
I was such an empty shell
Good morning, Koyurugi-san.
Good morning.
Yes, I will be the hero
I'm sure you're just like her.
Good morning.
Good morning. Good morning.
Koyurugi-san, have you decided on a club yet?
Well, I haven't decided yet.
What club did you join before?
What about basketball club? Basketball club?
Chitani-kun, what's up?
Oh, no...
I think this is the first time I've heard him speak.
Well...
Do you like...
Novels?
Do you like novels?
♫ [Konna sekai ni shita no wa dare da/Who Made This World This Way, by Washio Reina] ♫
Comma and period
Arrangement of words
Scenes
Emotions
and...
That...
Ah, he ran away...
♫ ほんの少 しの余白 にそつ と線を引いた ♫ ♫ I gently drew a line in the slightest of margins. ♫
♫ 期待するのが嫌でそっと線を引いた ♫ ♫ I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I drew a line softly. ♫
♫ 侵しくなんて しないでほしいよ ♫ ♫ I don't want you to be nice to me. ♫
♫ 入つて来ないでよ ♫ ♫ Don't come in here. ♫
♫ 誤変換されるなら声を殺して ♫ ♫ If I'm going to be misinterpreted, I'll kill my voice. ♫
♫ 重力に逆らう羽根もぎ取って ♫ ♫ I'll rip off my wings to defy gravity ♫
♫ 死ぬまでずっと籠の中で生きてゆくから ♫ ♫ I will live in a cage until the day I die ♫
♫ 書き順くらいしか僕は”夢”を知らない ♫ ♫ I don't know anything about "dreams" except for the stroke order ♫
♫ 叶え方も何もかも ♫ ♫ How to make them come true, everything ♫
I,
♫ それで良かつ た そう良かつ たはずなのに ♫ ♫ I'm so glad I did that. I should have been so glad. ♫
I hate novels
♫ ああヽ 全部君のせいだ ♫ ♫ Oh, it's all your fault ♫
♫ こんな世界にしたのは誰だ ♫ ♫ Who made the world like this? ♫
God of Novels
♫ こんな世界に したのは僕だ ♫ ♫ I'm the one who made the world like this ♫
♫ どこまでも深い暗闇が急に怖くなる ♫ ♫ I'm suddenly afraid of the deep darkness ♫
Literary Club
♫ こんなに美しいのは何故だ ♫ ♫ Why is it so beautiful? ♫
♫ こんなに美しいの剛可だ ♫ ♫ What makes it so beautiful? ♫
♫ どこまでも眩しい光に戸惑いを隠せない ♫ ♫ I can't hide my confusion from the endlessly bright light ♫
[Chapter 1] Chitani Ichiya
"Spending Spring as Ashes" by Chitani Ichiya
I see.
In other words
Don't talk about inviting Koyurugi to join our literary club,
you didn't even say a word to her.
Maybe.
What "maybe"? You're really miserable
No, I think it's too much for you.
Then you should ask her yourself.
Well, actually, I already did.
Why?
What?
Who do you think I am?
I'm the president of this long-established literary club that's almost gone.
Kunori Masaki
It really doesn't matter to me.
What I want to ask is, why did you invite Koyurugi-san?
You'll understand soon enough.
Well, I'm going off.
Where are you going?
<<To the pre-conference.
Go for it, Chitani Ichiya-sensei!
Hey, don't it shout.
(The 90 degree cliff behind the school building)
Outline, 6th draft, Chitani Ichiya
It's really bad.
I guess so.
Are you looking down on this job?
I can't imagine that this is a Chitani Ichiya novel
But...
But?
The novel I can write now...
That's all I can do.
Stop pouting at me.
You're a professional novelist.
There are many people waiting for
what Chitani Ichiya is going to write next
Active High School Author Fudo Shina
Feathers of the Red Palace Key
Active high school student's spectacular debut work
"To all who love stories and believe in them" Fudo Shina
How many people are you talking about?
What?
How many people are waiting for me?
Hinako
Brother
Is that one written by Fudo Shina?
She just released a paperback novel.
That's great!
It seems to be selling very well.
Of course, Fudo Shina is not like a second-rate writer like you.
Hey, little sis!
Thank you.
I've been wanting to read this book for a long time.
Welcome back!
I'm back. Thanks.
Sorry I couldn't make it back sooner.
It's okay, you're busy after all.
I wish my book had sold better.
What are you talking about?
But it's true.
So how's your new book coming along?
I'm looking forward to it.
It's going well.
Good
I guess you went to see Hinako?
Did she mention anything about her surgery?
No, not really.
Well, I'll go on my next break.
I'll be in my room.
You can take a shower first.
Ah, you're writing?
Don't overdo it.
Winner of 21st Tsubaki Newcomer Literature Award His writing style is like a sharpened Japanese sword. It cuts deep into the reader's heart. And yet the blade is so delicate. The blade is so delicate that it could break if you hit it. It's a dangerous, flowing beauty.
"His writing style is like a sharpened Japanese sword."
"It cuts deep into the reader's heart."
(Thoughts and comments)
"An obvious waste of time. I want my time back."
"Really bad. This writer should quit writing novels."
"This author, his second book is particularly hard to read."
"I took it out on the day of garbage collection"
"It was an unpleasant reading experience"
Excuse me.
Ah, Naruse.
Come in, please.
Sorry to bother you.
Oh, this is Chitani.
Pleased to meet you. I'm a first year student, Naruse Akino.
Hello, I'm Chi...
You're Ichiya-sensei, right?
What?
I didn't say anything
Well...I...I...
I've read your novel...
I've finished it. It's great.
That last sentence just blew me away.
So...
Chitani-sensei.
What?
Well... I know I'm being rude.
But I want to try to write something too.
Well... I want to be like you...
I want to write a novel that will move people's hearts.
Move people's hearts?
A novel can't touch people's hearts, right?
What?
I don't know what you're expecting,
but a novel is at best a story that is created.
There's no power in such a thing.
Let me ask you something, Naruse.
Have you actually put into action what you feel into a novel?
No, right?
It's just that you think you're feeling something...
You're just making yourself feel better.
Hey, Ichiya.
What I'm trying to say is...
The point is that novels have no power.
And...
Ouch!
Huh?
You're a shameless person.
It hurts?
Shameless?
You're a member of the Literary Club...
and you're teaching your schoolmates this idea?
I can't believe it.
Novels have no power?
If that's what you really think...
Then your novel is not powerful. You're wrong.
What are you saying?
Don't you believe in Him?
Huh?
The God of Novels.
Kunori-kun, although you invited me to join you.
But the mere thought of being with such a person makes me want to throw up.
Yeah, yeah, I think so too
I think so too.
Excuse me.
Chitani-kun.
Chitani-kun?
Chitani-kun, can you look at me?
Yes.
I'm sorry, but I need to talk to you.
Right now you're...
not sure of what you should do,
and that's why you can't create a story.
Do you want me to give up now?
Not at all! Can you stop thinking so negatively?
I have a positive opinion of your writing ability.
So that's why...
What if there was someone like you who wants to write a story,
but needs someone else to express it in the right words?
You mean, someone creates the plot,
and I write from that plot?
Yeah, that's it.
Co-author a book, huh? I'm a little bit...
It's the first time that author has ever co-written a book.
It might be a conversation starter.
That means...
It'll be a big hit.
We're going to do a big promotion for it at Miharu Publishing.
Yes? Let's give it a try!
I can give it a try.
Okay!
So, actually...
I got your partner here today too.
Yeah, I think she'll be here soon.
Huh? Today?
The sooner the better, the better.
Is there a problem?
No, there isn't.
Shina-chan, this is...
This guy? Chitani Ichiya?
Ah, I knew it.
The two of you went to the same school, so I thought you'd know each other.
Ahh, Kono-san...
Oh, yes, this is Fudo Shina.
Fudo Shina?!
That Fudo Shina?
What? Where are your glasses? I thought you had short hair...
What's your problem?
Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury
By the way, you already knew, didn't you?
No wonder you've been trying to get her to join the literary club.
I don't think there's any other literary club
with two professional writers, right?
Not to mention a best-selling author, Fudo Shina!
You should have told me earlier!
I'm sorry.
So you'll do it, right?
What?
She doesn't seem to be releasing any new works lately.
It's been a long time coming, and she's co-authoring it with you.
It's a great opportunity for you.
Provided it sells well.
Oh, that's cool.
Oh, it's from her.
It's so casual.
Does that mean I should go over?
16:00 North Station Cafe
[Duh...]
I have to go now.
If I'm late, I don't know what she'll do to me.
Yeah, ask her nicely
Let's see how she behaves.
Uhh...
It hurts.
Can you stop looking at me like that?
It's creepy!
Let's get ready.
You don't have to kick me, OK?
What? Prepare?
I'm going to explain the plot, aren't you going to take notes?
Huh? Hmm...you want to work with me?
What? Is there a problem?
No, I haven't decided to take it yet.
Eh? You think a lowly writer like you has the right to say no?
I've already said I'll work with you.
Just shut up and be grateful.
Just write what I tell you to write.
And don't say anything.
What's the plot?
If the story will sell, I'll consider it.
You pathetic man.
What?
But it's true, people don't write anything that doesn't sell,
I can't help it if you have such twisted ideas.
What was your novel called?
It's a cheesy story about a cheesy hero who does some cheesy things.
You only said "cheesy" from the beginning to the end
How many copies of that cheesy book sell?
Did it sell more than 10,000 copies?
Come on, tell me.
Okay, okay, I get it.
You should have been more humble at the beginning.
Today I'll tell you the plot I have in mind.
Then you write it out.
And then I want to see the beginning of the story too.
I see.
Oh, right.
You've noted this all down, right?
Can I see it?
All the ideas are up here.
That's not possible.
Really? Are you serious?
My mind is not built the same way as yours.
Come on, are you ready?
Yeah.
Let's start with the main character.
The main character is a female high school student who goes to a normal school
Her name is Toko.
She's very sensitive and has a great sense of insight.
But because of that
Toko unconsciously breaks the hearts of others
So she gradually closes her heart
But she looks deeply inside her
No one but her...
could see the world with her inner eyes.
When Toko couldn't get along with the people around her...
There were many things that happened...
But the two of them will go on to solve the mysteries of their lives.
That's all for now.
This is only the second chapter
I plan to write four chapters in total
Hey, is this story making you sleepy?
You're too sly
What?
It's really tricky
Wait, are you okay?
It's interesting.
It's a story I never would have thought of.
I'm not happy about it.
But that's expected of Fudo Shina.
Obviously...
But...
What?
Why don't you write it on your own?
Kono-san has been taking care of me since my debut
and she's been kind to me.
If she hadn't asked me for help
who would want to work with a negative writer like you?
I'm getting half the royalties.
Don't compare me to you, okay?
Then I'll see you later.
I will.
[Chapter 2] Koyurugi Shina
Co-author with someone?
Yeah, what do you think?
I've never thought about it.
Well, let's think about it.
Who is the other person?
I made my debut at the same age as him
The novel I wrote
I had good luck and it reached many people
I was happy that people would read my novels
I was so proud of myself that I couldn't give up writing.
13 Magician's Club commemorative re-release (Stories by Fudo Shina)
Murder of a Mermaid in the Heavens
I Wish to Paint You in My Dreams
Feathers of the Red Palace Key A story about how a captive princess finds freedom. Please enjoy it. Fudo-Shina
For those who are waiting for me
I'll keep writing.
Bye bye, Koyurugi-san!
Bye bye.
By the way, you know what?
Koyurugi-san is a transfer student from Shirokane Girls Academy.
Really! She's super elite!
And she's so gentle.
Thank you, Koyurugi-san.
I'm sorry.
What the hell is this?
What do you mean? It's just a draft. What's wrong?
The beginning of a novel is supposed to present the main point of the story.
It's important to show the loneliness and entanglement of the protagonist in this part.
That's important.
But you wrote, "My thoughts are painful."
What the hell? I can't believe it. It's so empty.
That's enough! It's not empty.
What?
You'll understand if you read the best-selling novels.
Let me tell you, in the end...
You have to write something as simple and easy to understand as possible
There's no need to beat around the bush
Oh, that was close.
Rewrite it for me.
If you don't like it, then you can write it yourself?
That's the way it should be.
There's a file on the computer.
Why did you agree to co-author this novel?
I didn't write it because I wanted to.
Just write the novel!
Do you want some bread?
I'm not going to write it!
What!
Ouch!
I can't believe you're a novelist.
What do you write novels for, anyway?
What?
Hmm? Brother?
How do you feel?
The same as usual.
Huh? Are you here today?
Actually, I'm here today...
Eh?
Hey, come on in.
Hello.
And you are...
Do you know this person?
Don't tell me this is...
Fudo Shina?
So you do know her!
That's right, this person...
Ouch
Why did you bring her here?
And I'm wearing pajamas.
You don't know anything about women.
No wonder your books don't sell.
I'm sorry.
Brother, you're a low-end writer...
How could you know Fudo Shina?
Hey, sister.
We're in the same class. We're just classmates.
Yeah, she just happened to change schools...it hurts.
Why didn't you tell me first? Idiot! Pervert!
I'm not a pervert...
I'm sorry.
Pleased to meet you!
Um...please shake my hand.
Of course, I'd love to.
I'll leave now, then.
Don't make too much noise, you'll be a nuisance to others.
Huh? Wait!
Excuse me, Fudo-sensei. Please sign this.
Sure
Thank you.
Move away!
I want you to rewrite it
I know.
Our father is no longer with us.
He's Chitani Shoya,
right?
You know him?
I've read a few of his books.
My dad would have been touched to hear that
He spends his days at his desk.
He didn't even have a regular income.
But he said, "I only live for my novels."
Dad!
What is it?
Dinner's ready.
Oh, I'm writing right now...
I have to keep writing at this time.
You should be able to eat with Hinako, right?
When you're done, can I be the first to read it?
Okay, you guys eat first.
But his novels languished to the point that it was ridiculed.
Then he died suddenly of a heart attack.
All he left us with was a pile of debt.
Hinako's heart was bad and she needed an operation.
My mother went to work and was so busy that she didn't even have time to sleep.
But the money was still not enough.
Unlike you, my royalties are small.
But it's more than a part-time job.
So...
I don't want to be like my father
I'm writing for money.
I see.
If you want to look down on me, go ahead.
She said she's waiting.
What?
Hinako said...
She's waiting for your novel to be written.
Of course. We're family, after all.
That's not true.
She's waiting for your novel to be written overnight
You once said...
Novels don't have power, do they?
That's true.
That's not true.
Novels,
have the power to move people.
If that's what you think, then it's better you don't work with me
What I write will only hold you back.
You know I write for money... I don't think you want to work with me either, do you?
Of course not.
I didn't trust you from the beginning.
Then...
I read your debut novel.
That cheesy story?
Although I don't trust you as a person
But your writing
Chitani's writing is trustworthy.
So, although I'm reluctant,
I believe my story,
can be entrusted to you.
Dad
What is it?
Well...
I...
I've written a novel.
Take a look.
Where is it?
"My Ugliness"
"My Ugliness" by Chitani Ichiya
What? That's it?
You've only written two pages.
Well, that's all for now.
I'll write more later.
Yeah, the thing with novels,
you can't just "write"
you have to "keep writing".
It's not the same.
No, it's not the same at all.
So...
The profession of a novelist
Only those who can write at the right time and write consistently can be a novelist.
Do you get it?
I didn't think so.
I don't get it
(Chapter 1)
To Koyurugi,
I'm rewriting it from scratch.
Let me know if you have any ideas. Chitani Ichiya
Not bad.
Shina-chan's story and Chitani's words,
they come together and shine.
I can't wait to get this feeling as I read more
Let's keep it that way and continue.
Yes!
Chitani-sensei.
You're Naruse, aren't you?
Yes, I'm Naruse. I'm sorry about the other day.
No, no.
I'm the one who's sorry for saying those things.
No, it's because you wanted me to know...
How hard it is to write a novel, right?
Kunori-senpai told me.
Masaki said that?
Yes, I'm grateful to Chitani-sensei.
Well...
Can you stop calling me that?
Huh?
It's a secret
I'm so sorry, I didn't know.
It's okay.
And so?
I'm joining the literary club.
Well...I'm going to try my hand at writing a novel.
I see.
Yes, but I haven't finished it yet.
You have to keep working on it.
Eh?
If there's anything I can do to help, I'll help you.
Really?
Yes.
Thank you. I'll see you at the club. I'll be off.
[Chapter 3] Naruse Akino
I've always loved reading novels.
Among those stories
I was there
Although I've just started writing
Akino.
What are you doing? Oh, nothing.
What are you hiding?
Nothing
See you later.
Go for it, Chitani Ichiya-sensei!
Hey, don't it shout.
My favorite novelist,
there he was.
It's hard for me to write when you're like this.
Just write and ignore me.
I'm just going to remind you when you stop writing
You're looking too much.
Do you like my face that much?
Don't make fun of me.
It's disgusting.
Your disgust for me is too much.
Senpai
Koyurugi senpai, she's...
Didn't I say before? Yeah.
I knew it.
They're really going out.
That's not true!
They're just co-authoring a book together.
What? With Chitani-sensei... no...
With Chitani senpai?
That's not important. What about you, Naruse?
Huh? Me?
I mean, you're still bothering about other people's novels?
You're writing a novel, aren't you?
That's right, yes.
It's not going well?
Yes.
Well...
I'm going to write a school story, something that happens in a club.
Well...
But I can't feel the passionate involvement of the main character.
Well... after all, I don't have any experience in clubs.
I don't know how to start writing.
You know, the literary club is kinda cool
Oh, that's right, sorry.
Well...
Do you want to try fieldwork?
What? Fieldwork?
Yes, field research.
That's a good idea.
I had to write a character whose interest was photography.
So I became a member of a photography club for a while.
Yes, I introduced you.
It's a good idea to try it out. It's good for writing stories.
What do you think? Do you want to try?
No... but...
That's great. Let's go. I'll join you.
Yeah?
These are the members of my beloved literary club.
I'm the club advisor, Teroo. Pleased to meet you.
Please take care of me.
Thank you so much for today, sir.
Why am I here too?
No, you were in the tennis club in junior high school, weren't you?
That's right...
Right, let's go!
Okay, let's do it.
Alright!
Sensei, no one's guiding me.
One.
Two... two...
Three-three.
Yes, this is a forehand.
Ready!
One, two.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry...
It's okay.
It feels like this.
Again.
One.
Two. - One, two.
Three... - Three...
Feel the swing all the way to the end
So that's it.
Sometimes I hit it from the left with a backhand.
Excuse me, senpai.
Who is Koyurugi-san really?
Fudo Shina
Eh...
What?!
Ah, sorry, it's a secret.
Let's go!
Hey! How are they going to do research like that?
Then why do I have to play?
The next ball is coming.
You're not even listening.
Come on!
Good shot!
That's great!
Let's go!
[Deep in a dream]
♫ [ Lucky Me, by Leola] ♫
♫ どうして どうして どうして キリがなくて ♫ ♫ Why, Why, Why, couldn't I finish ♫
♫ 諦めていた ♫ ♫ I just gave Up ♫
♫ 勝手に決めつけて ♫ ♫ I made up my own mind ♫
♫ ガラスのハイヒールは ♫ ♫ That the glass high heels ♫
♫ 私のものじゃ無いんだと ♫ ♫ Are not mine. ♫
♫ いつの間にか ♫ ♫ Before I knew it ♫
♫ 一歩踏み出す ♫ ♫ Stepping forward ♫
♫ 感覚を忘れていた ♫ ♫ I've forgotten what it feels like ♫
♫ たったひとつの ♫ ♫ Just one step ♫
♫ 勇気だけで ♫ ♫ With just a little courage ♫
♫ こんなにも 変われるの！ ♫ ♫ I can change so much! ♫
♫ Lucky Lucky Me ♫
♫ 夢見ていた世界が ♫ ♫ The world I've been dreaming of ♫
♫ 近くにあったなんて ♫ ♫ Was so close ♫
♫ カラフルになれる場所 ♫ ♫ A place where I can be colorful ♫
♫ Lucky Lucky Me ♫
♫ 自分でも知らなかった ♫ ♫ I didn't even know I had it in me ♫
♫ 私が踊り出してく ♫ ♫ I'm dancing away ♫
♫ どこまで行くんだろう ♫ ♫ I wonder how far I'll go ♫
♫ Lucky Lucky Me ♫
Senpai. Huh?
I feel really happy right now.
You do?
I can write a story for myself.
But I wish I could write this feeling down.
That right?
Yeah.
You can finally understand it.
I've always wanted to play tennis, too. I had a good time today.
Right?
Yeah? Okay
You're both playing great tennis.
Really!
You're really good, Koyurugi.
Ichiya's attack was also very strong.
Yeah, you're really strong.
Is that so? That's right, isn't it?
Really? Yeah!
See you tomorrow, then.
I'll go this way, too. Senpai, thank you for your hard work.
Yes, thank you.
Well...Koyurugi-senpai...
You've been with me today to help someone like me.
I really appreciate it.
I'll try my best to write.
Then I'll leave now.
I'll see you later.
I'll go first
I'll go first.
All right, shoo, shoo!
I don't want people to get the wrong idea somehow.
I'm already relaxed enough to go to the same station as you.
Can't you just leave me alone?
That attitude is a bit too much
Okay, stay away from me.
Okay, okay, okay. I'll go first.
You should have done that from the beginning.
Hey, are you okay?
What's wrong?
Hey!
What's up?
Where were you heading to?
Just the cafe we always go to.
Hey, Koyurugi, what's wrong with you?
Was there someone there just now?
A stalker?
Anyway, you're fine now.
At least I'm here.
What's wrong?
Nothing
Hey, Koyurugi.
I have a question for you.
Don't.
I remember you mentioning it before.
Don't you ever listen?
What exactly is "God of Novels"?
Are you serious?
Yes.
I thought everyone who writes fiction believes in that.
So what does "that" mean?
That is...
Something you wouldn't understand even if I told you.
Hey, we're not there yet.
Aren't we going to the cafe?
I'd better go home.
Do your best.
What the hell?
(Koyurugi Shina)
Hello?
Chitani-kun!
What's wrong with you?
What are you doing?
I'm still writing!
I wanted to tell you, I've finished the third chapter of the plot.
What?
This time it's a masterpiece.
It's a little bit of a joke, but it's really great.
Where are you writing?
Oh, I'm writing at home.
I'm going to meet you now. Pick me up at the station.
What? This time of day?
Are you serious?
You're taking this too seriously are you?
It's really a masterpiece. It's great.
You want to come in here?
No, I'm not sharing the same umbrella
I'm just kidding.
Let me borrow your umbrella.
Pick one.
So your hobby is cross dressing?
It's my sister's!
Does it fit...
...you?
What are you looking at? Don't stop writing.
It still feels a little big.
What?
Just keep working.
Yes.
Amazing
It's about to reach the climax.
I guess so.
Okay, please keep writing.
I can't write like this
With you looking at me like this... and being so close to me
Oh!
You get nervous when you're being watched, too?
Now that you've written this far
Then I'll tell you the rest of the plot later
Yeah
You've reached a bottleneck?
I guess so.
I think it's better to build up slowly here
Huh?
This is the place where wild emotions will explode...
It's a place where the reader's heart will be shaken.
So it's important to be quiet... quiet...
Let the mood cool down quietly.
Slowly let the quiet reach its limit
Do you understand?
Yes.
I think I do.
Don't worry, you're better at this than I am.
Right here...
the explosion
This is the first time I've done this.
Huh?
Watching someone write a novel in person.
Oh.
Have you ever seen your father write a novel?
Sort of.
I think it's a great new feeling.
Although it's an old theme,
but that's how you create a new story.
Okay, let me tell you the plot of chapter three.
Yeah
My goodness, look at the time!
What are you talking about?
Now is the best time to write.
But you'll miss the last train...
I'll be fine, but what about you?
Don't worry, so what's the beginning going to be?
Wait a minute.
Is there a book you're interested in?
There are all kinds of books here.
They're all my dad's favorites.
If he finds it interesting...
He'd read and write about anything he found interesting.
Chronicles of the Rainy Street by Funaki Natsuko
That's a good book.
Do you like Funaki-sensei's books?
Well...yes.
I like it a lot.
Oh, I think I know why.
Eh, why?
Nothing, just a feeling.
Her writing style is very similar to yours.
I had a good time today.
It doesn't seem so bad to write a novel with you
Yeah...I guess so.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
It just feels like it's been a long time since I've done this.
Ever since I wrote my debut novel...
I've been feeling the pain of writing.
The title is "Spending Spring as Ashes"?
Right? You should write the sequel to it.
I'll read it.
Well...
No, I'm actually halfway through it.
Really? That's great.
But then I couldn't write any more.
Why?
Well...because I get scared
I'm afraid of people's reactions
I didn't know how to write...
in a way that will get the people's approval, so I can't write.
You're really awkward, you're so annoying
Um...what?
Listen up.
I can't help myself, so I'll just say it once.
What?
I really like ...
the novel you wrote.
I'll see you at school then.
♫ [ Call Me Sick, by Washio Reina] ♫
♫ 描いた未来ならすぐそこ ♫ ♫ The future I've drawn is right around the corner ♫
Okay.
♫ 言葉は翼 まだ飛べるわ ♫ ♫ Words are wings that can fly ♫
♫ 思い出ばかりだと意味ない ♫ ♫ It's meaningless if all you have are memories ♫
To Koyurugi, Chapter 3, completed! Chitani Ichiya
♫ 届かない5センチの距離感 ♫ ♫ A distance of 5cm that I can't reach ♫
♫ 縮めたいと 本当は feeling so sick ♫ ♫ I really want to shrink my feeling so sick ♫
♫ But I'm all right, all right, all right ♫
♫ 忘れないでいて ♫ ♫ Don't forget ♫
♫ What is so deep in your heart now? ♫
[The Time One's Eyes Light Up] Chapter 3
♫ 愛の言葉を 紡ぎ出せば ♫ ♫ If I weave out the words of love ♫
♫ I just wanna tell myself to give it a shot ♫
♫ 今なら飛べる 今しか飛べないから ♫ ♫ I can fly now, it's the only time to fly ♫
[Spending Springs as Ashes 2] Chitani Ichiya
♫ 走るんだ いつの日も I'm so sick ♫ ♫ I'm running every day I'm so sick ♫
♫ 本当に 大事なものなら ♫ ♫ If it is really important ♫
♫ I don't have to worry about 罪か罰か ♫ ♫ I don't have to worry about crime or punishment ♫
♫ でも 信じたい そう信じられない ♫ ♫ But I want to believe in the unbelievable ♫
♫ 苦しくてもう逃げ出したいのに ♫ ♫ I'm in so much pain I just want to run away ♫
♫ まだ飛べるって 言い聞かせて ♫ ♫ But I keep telling myself that I can still fly ♫
♫ 臆病な冒険者 ♫ ♫ I'm a cowardly adventurer ♫
♫ Everyone calls me so sick ♫
♫ 比べても意味なんてないこと ♫ ♫ It doesn't make sense to compare ♫
♫ 無い物ねだりなんかしたくない ♫ ♫ I don't want to beg for what I can't have ♫
♫ 頭じゃぜんぶわかってるの ♫ ♫ I know it all in my head ♫
[End]
♫ But I'm jealous, jealous, jealous ♫
♫ 時間が無いの ねえ誰か教えて ♫ ♫ I'm running out of time so someone tell me ♫
♫ 花が咲くまで あとどれぐらい？ ♫ ♫ How much longer till the flowers bloom? ♫
♫ 嫌いになんてなれないでしょ ♫ ♫ You can't hate me ♫
♫ もう止まれない止まるはずない風を掴むの ♫ ♫ I can't stop anymore, I can't stop to grab the wind ♫
♫ 手段選ばないの ♫ ♫ I don't care what it takes. ♫
♫ 本当に大事なものだけ ♫ ♫ Only the really important things. ♫
♫ I don't have to worry about 嘘も夢も ♫ ♫ I don't have to worry about lies and dreams ♫
I've read it all.
♫ まだ倒れない倒れられないから ♫ ♫ I can't fall down yet, because I can't. ♫
To be honest
♫ 探すんだ キミとボクのストーリー ♫ ♫ Finding the story of you and me ♫
I think it's superb.
♫ 笑いとばすくらいが丁度いい ♫ ♫ It's enough to make you laugh. ♫
This is truly Chitani Ichiya novel
♫ 本当は知ってるの ♫ ♫ The truth is, I know. ♫
♫ Everyone calls me so sick ♫
Please make sure that we do the publishing work.
Thank you.
No, it's really great.
As far as sequels go, it's perfect.
You've been published by Miharu since the second book, right?
♫ 忘れないでいて ♫ ♫ Don't Forget ♫
We'll do our best to promote it this time too.
♫ What is so deep in your heart now? ♫
Let's go to the part about the art classroom
Why don't you try to stir up a sense of unease?
No, let's write it in a lighter way.
Then it will be surprising.
That's what some people might think.
But it's already the third chapter.
I think it's better to stir up things a little bit
Otherwise, the reader will feel bored.
There should be some excitement.
Okay, I know. I'll try.
[Chapter 4] Kunori Masaki
♫ [Naimononedari by Leola] ♫
♫ 悩みなんて何もない ♫ ♫ There's nothing to worry about ♫
♫ 今日もちゃんと笑ってる ♫ ♫ I am smiling today ♫
♫ 仲間の馬鹿な会話に ♫ ♫ At the silly conversations of my friends ♫
♫ 顔くしゃくしゃにして ♫ ♫ My face is crumpled up ♫
♫ 何もかもが普通以上 ♫ ♫ Everything is more than normal ♫
♫ 上手くやれたら人は ♫ ♫ The people who do well ♫
"I've always been told that..."
"I'm a capable kid."
♫ 幸せに生きられると ♫ ♫ will live happily ever after ♫
♫ 決めたのは誰だ ♫ ♫ Who decided that ♫
"Everyone says, 'Masaki can do anything.'"
♫ あといくつ ありふれた ♫ ♫ How many more mundane things ♫
"Sorry, this is video mode."
"Hey!"
♫ 合格点 集めて生きてても ♫ ♫ Even if I live to collect passing marks ♫
"I'm the class president and I have a lot of friends."
♫ 僕は誰の 特別にも ♫ ♫ I'm not special to anyone ♫
(Beginning)
"I was president of the literary club."
♫ なれる日は来ないのさ ♫ ♫ There will never day to be ♫
"high school life wasn't so bad, was it?
♫ いちばん手に入れたい ♫ ♫ The one thing I want the most ♫
♫ ものだけがいつでも ♫ ♫ Is the one thing I cannot have ♫
♫ この手の隙間を ♫ ♫ The cracks in my hands ♫
♫ こぼれ落ちていくよ ♫ ♫ I'm falling through them ♫
♫ 他の誰にもない ♫ ♫ There's something no one else can do ♫
♫ 僕しかできないことが ♫ ♫ Is something only I can do ♫
"I've really had enough."
"My feeling is that it's too much."
♫ もしもあるのなら ♫ ♫ If there is something that you have ♫
♫ すべて捨ててもいい くれよ ♫ ♫ You could end up throwing it all away ♫
"I..."
"Unlike the two of them, I can't write a story."
Nonaka-sama, thank you very much for your help.
Please take care of me
Nonaka-sama, Thank you very much for your help. I am sending you the revised version of the manuscript. Please take care of me.
Okay.
How's the book you are co-authoring with Koyurugi coming along?
Eh?
I feel like you're having fun writing it.
There was a time when you didn't seem to be happy writing your novel.
Is that so?
Well, I think it's going well.
I'm completely different from Koyurugi.
I can't be like her, being admired by so many people.
A ray of sunshine who's always the center of attention.
Yeah, right.
I don't know about that.
But why don't you go to a place where there's sunshine too?
There's a huge wall.
What?
If I were to use a metaphor, it would look like this
You can see it, but you can't get to the other side.
It's like a wall of glass
A wall?
I don't understand such things
Although I'm not...
But you're good at writing.
Then stop rambling and write.
What are you angry about?
I'm not angry.
Anyway...
Write a super funny and tear-jerking novel.
And then show it to me, okay?
Okay.
Okay, do you want a doughnut?
I'm not eating that! Why?
I don't want one.
So what you're saying is...
"Spending Spring as Ashes 2", Second draft
I'm really sorry.
The conclusion of the meeting was that the sequel couldn't be published.
But, Nonaka-san...
I had a long talk with the boss.
But he said it's a foregone conclusion.
How could this be?
Chitani-san.
Don't worry about it...
Let's work on the next book together.
What do you think? Do you want to take this opportunity...
I'd like you to take a chance on something brighter and more inspiring.
In this day and age, your novel...
To put it bluntly, some people may not think it fits the bill.
The current readership...
I'm sorry...
Instead of being forced to think,
readers are more interested in easy-to-read stories...
♫ [Kareyuku Koe/The Voice that Goes to Wither by Rui] ♫
♫ 部屋の隅に ♫ ♫ In the corner of the room ♫
♫ しやがみこんで ♫ ♫ I crouched down ♫
♫ 時が経つ音を ♫ ♫ Listening to the sound ♫
♫ ぼ一つと聞く ♫ ♫ of time passing ♫
♫ 瞬きすら ままならず ♫ ♫ I can't even blink ♫
♫ 一筋に落ちる涙 ♫ ♫ A stream of tears falls ♫
♫ 泣き顔を 誤魔化すように ♫ ♫ As if to disguise my crying face ♫
♫ 雨降らす 空見上げた ♫ ♫ I looked up at the raining sky ♫
♫ 誰にもまだ ♫ ♫ No one yet ♫
♫ 開かせぬこの思い ♫ ♫ Has opened this feeling ♫
♫ 抱きしめて 笑つた ♫ ♫ I hugged and smiled ♫
♫ 生きる意味さえ ♫ ♫ The meaning of life ♫
♫ 分からず ♫ ♫ I don't even know ♫
♫ もがき続けた先に ♫ ♫ I've been struggling for so long ♫
The Time the Stars are Revealed by Chitani Shoya)
♫ 待つ未来 ♫ ♫ Waiting for the future ♫
♫ 日々が僕を 孤独にさせる ♫ ♫ Every day I feel more alone ♫
♫ 枯れゆく声 ♫ ♫ The voice that goes to wither ♫
♫ 幸せが似合う 人達 ♫ ♫ People for whom happiness suits ♫
♫ 遠くから眺め 痛む胸 ♫ ♫ I look from afar and my heart aches ♫
♫ どうして僕なの? ♫ ♫ Why me? ♫
♫ なぜなの? ♫ ♫ Why? ♫
♫ 虚しさを映す心 ♫ ♫ A heart that reflects emptiness ♫
Excuse me.
♫ いつの日か僕をそつと ♫ ♫ Someday you will see me ♫
Uh, where's Chitani-senpai?
[Dunno]
♫ 愛したい どんな時も ♫ ♫ I want to love you, no matter the time ♫
♫ 不完全な僕を許して ♫ ♫ Forgive me for my imperfection ♫
Why aren't you answering the phone?
♫ 新しい希望を ♫ ♫ A new hope ♫
♫ 与えられたらいいなヽ ♫ ♫ I want to be given ♫
Are you still alive?
Let's go. We're going to be late.
You'd better go. I'm not feeling well.
Everyone's worried about you.
You mean they're mad at me, right?
I'm taking the day off anyway.
What a mess
What are you doing? That's enough. Leave me alone.
No, I can't leave you alone.
You don't want it? No.
Then I'll take it.
I'll give you everything. Go away.
Nope
I'm staying here until you go to school.
I just said I'm not going
You have to. You promised.
What?
You said you'd help Narusa-san write a novel.
She said she wanted to talk to you about something.
Like I care...
What do you mean, "like I care"?!
Do you know who I am?
The president of the literary club, Kunori Masaki.
So what?
My job is to protect the members.
Although I can't write interesting novels like you.
But if I could, I would do it.
You should do it too.
You're a member of the literary club, so you have to keep your word.
I think the theme of your work is more important.
Theme? Yes.
Huh? Where's Ichiya?
Eh? He's here?
Yeah, I brought him over.
Where did he go?
What the hell happened?
I wanted to quit the gang.
Eh?
I can't do it.
You want to leave after all this time?
You want to quit...
At least give me a convincing reason
I can't do it anymore
My debut novel
It was the only novel I wanted to develop into a series.
And it was cut short.
That's really...sad.
But it's not your fault...
It's my novel.
It must be my fault.
You're a popular author, so you won't understand.
In the end, I'm still like my father.
I can only write novels that don't sell.
I'm a novelist with nothing to write.
So it's better to give up early.
You,
asked me before if I liked novels, right?
You also became a novelist because you love novels...
I'm not a novelist anymore.
I'm giving up.
Please.
Don't hate novels.
Don't hate the novel. Don't hate your story.
Your story...
That's all.
So it's not just the book that you co-authored
You're not even writing your own novels anymore?
Yes.
You know...
Your
readers who are waiting for the next Chitani Ichiya novel,
you're leaving them behind?
If you need time, you can postpone the due date.
And I'll do what I can to help...
That's enough.
I've made up my mind.
I'm sorry.
I can't write anymore.
But you have a sister to take care of, right?
That's why
If I don't write those lame novels...
I'd have time to work,
to study,
to get into a good university,
work for a big company
make an honest living.
This is what is really good for my family.
I want you to promise me one thing
If,
you're willing to write a novel again
I'm the first person you tell
Composition exam) Theme: "What Poetry Gives Us" 400 Words
Koyurugi-san
Are you alright? Koyurugi-san?
Chitani-kun, are you there?
Yes.
Um...
Are you feeling better?
Yes, I'm fine now.
It's better if you rest a little more.
I'm sorry, but I'm really fine.
It's just that I'm a little unwell.
Hey...
What is it?
Your hands have been shaking.
You found out?
I suppose so
Actually...
I can't write.
You can't write?
That's right.
I can't.
There are some words I can write
But...
Whenever I write to express something
My mind goes blank.
My body becomes stiff and my hands start to shake... I guess.
I've always found it puzzling
Why you couldn't write it yourself?
Your text messages are always just one sentence.
I...
Did you know I've been attacked by readers?
No
Apologize quickly. Please, seriously, just go away. You're a complete idiot. Don't get carried away just because you're cute. If you don't have talent, you'll be in trouble. Why don't you quit being a novelist? I tried to read it, but it was simply boring. It's a complete imitation of Natsuko Funaki's work. If I could draw you in my dream, I'd rate it 0,2 points. A bad work. Why ignore it? Don't you know anything about that? It's a crime to steal something from someone.
Don't get carried away just because you're cute.
If you don't have talent, you'll be in trouble. Why don't you quit being a novelist?
I tried to read it, but it was simply boring.
It's a complete imitation of Natsuko Funaki's work.
If I could draw you in my dream, I'd rate it 0,2 points. A bad work.
Why ignore it? Don't you know anything about that?
Apologize quickly
Please, seriously, just go away.
Good Job Pakuri (net slang for accusing someone of plagiarism)
[You went to Shirokane Girls Academy., right?]
[I'm coming to get you]
Once the fire starts, it can't be put out.
The situation is getting worse.
I've been ambushed several times.
Is that why you changed schools?
But you didn't do it, did you?
You didn't copy...
Of course not.
But what shocked me...
Actually...
Those people are all fans of Funaki-sensei
Because I've always loved Funaki-sensei's books too
After reading her works...
I have a gentle feeling inside.
Her stories are like that, but...
People were touched by the book and became her fans.
But then they spit out words like that to attack me.
What kind of a novel is it?
"Whenever I think about it..."
"I can't write anything else.
"I can't write anything else."
Isn't that funny?
A novelist...
Can't even write.
You're right.
Stories have no power.
But even so
I still want to write the story down
So I used you
To try to create the story
But lately I've been...
I can't even write a plot
I can't think of the final chapter.
Maybe it's time to end it.
[Chapter 5] God of Novels
Restaurant staff wanted recruitment, high school students welcome
990 yen per hour
Sorry to keep you waiting.
Thank you.
It's delicious.
This is...?
Isn't it great? It's signed by Shina.
By the way, how's the book you are co-authoring with her going?
Huh?
I heard that she's struggling to write her book.
So you have to help her out, yeah?
Oh!
I'm looking forward to these next two novels.
Ichiya.
Are you under a lot of pressure?
What do you mean?
If it's about money, you don't have to worry.
Um...can I ask you a question?
Yes.
Mom, do you have regrets?
Hmm?
Regret being with Dad.
Why?
Because, it was hard.
He didn't even do the housework properly
And he never paid for living expenses.
You knew that you were with someone who wrote unpopular novels.
Why would you want to be like that?
Well...
I guess it's because...
It made me cry a lot, right?
What?
Your father's stories
Ichiya, you're here?
Dad.
Mom was crying after reading the book
Why would she want to read a book...
if it was going to make her cry?
It's all for the sake of tomorrow.
So that she can stop crying from tomorrow.
That's why she reads novels.
By reading books...
you get the nutrients you need to live.
Even if you shed tears because you read a novel,
it will be engraved in your heart forever afterwards...
Tears with warm emotions.
Do you understand?
For me,
your father's story was my wish.
To imagine myself as the character in it,
I want to be this or I want to do that.
Your father's stories...
Whether they were, gave me the courage.
So that I can continue to fight on.
I don't think this feeling is false
I even have proof.
Proof?
Yes, proof.
What is it?
Because of your father's stories,
I was able to raise such a talented son.
Koyurugi Shina
You didn't take the day off today.
What's wrong? What's with that scary look?
Masaki, did you already know?
About what?
About Koyurugi's situation.
Oh, I know a little bit.
For a year, Fudo Shina hasn't published a single book.
She used to publish several books a year...
That's why it's so unusual.
And then I hear she's going to co-author a book with you.
That raised a lot of questions
You should have told me!
Because I'm a reader.
As a reader, the only thing I can do is to wait
But you're different.
How so?
"His writing style is like a sharpened Japanese sword."
"It cuts deep into the reader's heart."
"And yet the blade is so delicate."
"The blade is so delicate that it could break if you hit it."
"It's a dangerous, flowing beauty."
Koyurugi-san is a bomb that is waiting to explode.
But even so, she's made it this far.
Ichiya, that's because she's with you.
Ahh, I can't help it!
I'll share with you one of my personal favorites.
When I'm sad, in pain, or not feeling brave enough,
during those times, I read this book.
This is a book I love very much
As much as I hate to say it,
it really is a great book.
Do you understand?
Novels have the power to move people's hearts.
Come with me.
Wow, what's that?
What?!
No way!
Hello? Koyurugi!
Chitani-kun!
Koyurugi!
Listen, Koyurugi!
That's enough.
I want you to let me write.
Would you let me write it?
If you don't mind letting someone like me write it
But, I've...
You're not alone
I'm here.
I hope you can trust me one more time
I hope you'll let me write
I want to work with you to create a...
A story that you won't have to cry from tomorrow
I will take you there, to the place where there is sunshine
Don't you believe in Him?
The God of Novels
What do you write novels for, anyway?
Novels,
have the power to move people.
But even so, I still want to write the story down
I still don't think I can do it anymore
That's okay.
It's definitely possible for both of us to do it
Why are you saying that?
Because you've been writing continuously.
What?
No matter what happens...
You've been writing all this time, haven't you?
Whether it's when you don't want to write...
Or when you can't write.
Or when you try to use me...
So that you can keep writing the story
The two of us cannot stop.
Koyurugi, I think you understand.
Don't you believe in him?
The God of Novels.
♫ [Ichirinnohana/A Single Flower by Rui] ♫
♫ 朝目覚めるその瞬問に ♫ ♫ In the blink of an eye when I wake up in the morning ♫
♫ うっすらと瞼光り ♫ ♫ My slightly glowing eyelids ♫
♫ 感じる はじまり ♫ ♫ The beginning of my feelings ♫
♫ 窓の外に浮かぶ ♫ ♫ Floating outside my window ♫
♫ 太陽が私を見ている ♫ ♫ The sun is watching me ♫
Ryuji Sato
♫ おはようって呟いた ♫ ♫ I muttered good morning ♫
♫ 何気ないことだとしても ♫ ♫ Even if it's something casual. ♫
No inspiration whatsoever
Kyoka (Shibata)
♫ 幸せに感じる My heart ♫ ♫ I feel happy in my heart ♫
♫ これから先もずつと ♫ ♫ From now on, all the way ♫
What are you doing? Why did you bring your computer?
Well...actually I'm writing a novel
♫ 晴れ渡る空 ♫ ♫ Clear skies ♫
♫ 吹き抜ける風 ♫ ♫ Blowing winds ♫
A novel? Yes.
Written by you? Yes
♫ 両手に抱きながら ♫ ♫ Holding them in both hands ♫
That's amazing!
It's almost done, you can read it later
♫ 歩く道には ♫ ♫ On the path I walk ♫
I want to read it!
Wow, that's amazing!
♫ 健気に揺れる ♫ ♫ Swaying fervently ♫
My brother hasn't been here lately.
Riko
♫ 一輪の花 ♫ ♫ A single flower ♫
I can't help it then.
♫ 見つめて笑う 語る夢 ♫ ♫ Gazing and smiling. Talking and Dreaming ♫
Yeah?
Because it's his time to write.
♫ 小さな工一ル きつと届け ♫ ♫ A tiny yell, carried surely ♫
Emi Wakui
I'm really looking forward to it.
That's right
♫ 「夢は必ず叶うんだ」 ♫ ♫ "Dreams do come true" ♫
Is it all right up to this point?
♫ しよげてしまいそうになつても ♫ ♫ Even if you feel discouraged. ♫
Yeah, I think it's very good.
And then there's this, the last line.
♫ 幼い自分に 言い聞かす ♫ ♫ I tell myself I'm too young. ♫
Oh, that line.
I've been taking it to heart too.
♫ 何度も流した涙 ♫ ♫ The tears I shed so many times ♫
So...
As for that line,
can you let me write it?
♫ でも捨てきれない思いが ♫ ♫ But I can't let go. ♫
♫ 心を動かすの ♫ ♫ It moves my heart. ♫
Can you?
I think so.
♫ 答え探 し旅の中 ♫ ♫ On a journey searching for answers ♫
So...
♫ どれだけの 喜び ♫ ♫ What a joy. ♫
The first time we spoke to each other,
do you remember?
♫ 出逢えるだろう ♫ ♫ We will meet ♫
Yes.
Although I couldn't answer at the time,
I,
like novels.
I like them a lot.
Taiki Sato (Chitani Ichiya)
Kanna Hashimoto (Koyurugi Shina)
God of Novels