Artwork

She gave me her social media account, where she posts her art. Looking at her art style evokes some nostalgic feeling inside me for some reason. I really like the landscape of a rural village, it's so relaxing and somehow creates memories that I never have.

I asked my editor if I could include artwork in special editions or something, and a few days later, he said yes.

"Otsuka, can we meet after school? I want to talk, important."

"Okay!" and a thumbs-up sticker.

Uhh, let me print a copy for her first while waiting I could maybe change my clothes to something more decent, ah I have to wash my face as well. I currently look like I haven't slept for a week, which may or may not be true, and a hikikomori, that one is true when I am writing.

Everything is ready, and it's time to go there.

I arrived at the restaurant with Otsuka already waiting at the table, still wearing her school uniform.

"Sorry for suddenly calling you."

"It's fine! I'm always happy to help you."

I pulled the manuscript from my bag and put it on the table, "So you see, I wrote a new book."

"A new one already?"

"Mm-hmm, I'm on fire lately."

"Can I read it?"

"Of course!"

She picks up the manuscript and reads it with excitement shining through the pages. I can't get enough of seeing something like this, it always makes me happy.

"So, could you design the cover and make something like bonus artwork or illustrations for it?"

"Yes! I would do it! No, I will do it!"

"That's good then, please use that as a reference."

"I can bring this home?"

I nod.

She's so happy about it.

"I guess that's it, oh and don't push yourself too much, take your time."

Otsuka sends me daily updates even though I never asked for them. She sent me a lot of concepts from the landscape of the village, the school, and the characters, and all of them look good. I asked my editor and he said yes again. He's so kind.

A few months pass, and I have some copies of the regular and special editions, seeing the cover printed, somehow feels different than just seeing it on screen. it feels like it's calmer, and the cover art feels almost surreal. The cover, just like the title, is fireflies everywhere at night, it's set on top of a hill looking at the village from above.

The drawings and illustrations in the special edition are stunning, and the couple looks so pretty in the confession scene. They hold hands, surrounded by the lights of fireflies that are like stars on Earth.

The book will be out in a few weeks, I can't wait to hear people's thoughts about it.