Bag

Why am I doing this? Up until now, I've written a few stories here and there in my free time... but a story like this, so long... it requires constant and significant effort... I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull it off... why should I put in so much effort if the success of the story I'm writing is uncertain? Aya told me that no effort is wasted effort, even if the story gets rejected by the judges...
Yet, I wonder if being rejected would demotivate me even more. When I wrote stories on my own, just for myself, I never faced any difficulties. But now that my work will be judged by others? Should I listen to Aya and just be myself while writing, and write only what I feel? But a story is unlikely to be popular if I only write whatever comes to mind... I inevitably have to make compromises, like having a happy ending or characters that can generate interest...
No, wait, maybe it's true that a sad ending might upset my fans (bold of me to mention fans that don't actually exist, for now ), so I might be more inclined to write a "happy" ending or one that has a satisfying conclusion... but making the characters interesting is my responsibility and mine alone. Yet... should I write something that pleases people and create a commercial work, or something at least somewhat personal (I dismissed the possibility of a completely personal work earlier because no one would read it) ...?
But if I can't even write a story, then why am I already asking myself these questions? Argh...
I've only written a few silly stories to pass the time, how can I think of competing with much more experienced writers? Maybe they were inexperienced like me in the beginning. Perhaps if I work on this project and keep practicing, maybe one day I could become like them... but that's still not a guaranteed outcome. However... the time I've spent with Aya wasn't bad; in fact, she even gave me some useful advice. Maybe I even enjoyed it a little. Even if I continue, it might be an experience that leaves me with a positive memory. But at this point, would I be writing this work because of her? Is that really what I want to do? Why am I writing this story? Maybe Aya pressured me into this decision, and I rushed into it too quickly? Argh...

SNAP*

"Shin... Shin!" 
Aya was tugging at my shirt. 
"You've been staring at the computer for 10 minutes, just standing there motionless... is something wrong?" 
I still had a dumbfounded expression.

SNAP

"Hey, why are you taking photos of me, Aya?!"
"Hehehe, your face right now is just too funny! I've been taking pictures of you for more than 5 minutes, and you didn't even notice!"
"Hey, delete those photos immediately! Seriously, you find amusement in the simplest things..."
"Shin, if you looked at these photos, you'd understand..."
Aya showed me the last 3 photos of my face that she had taken. I have to admit that from a certain angle and perspective, my face does lend itself to unexpected comedic effects that I had never noticed... No... I mustn't... laugh... I won't give her the satisfaction... Hold it in!"
Aya was observing my face, which contorted in pain as I struggled not to laugh, making ridiculous grimaces with my mouth. Maybe after this, she'll have a bit less faith in my mental sanity. Aya was reading the 2 lines I had written on the computer.
"Shin, can I ask you what that 'tsundere' you wrote means?"
"Don't worry. We're submitting this story to the MAL x HF Writing Contest 2023, anyone who reads that term will definitely know what it means."
Aya, still confused, picked up her phone and started searching for something.
"Ah, so that's what it means... So could I be considered a tsundere?"
"No, you'd just be a 'tsun'."
"It's easy to counter-response with terms the other person doesn't understand... once I figure out what it means, I'll give you the answer you deserve."
"Alright. Anyway, I think I've hit a writer's block."
"After just 10 words? Geez, talk about unlucky. Some mischievous person might think you have no idea what you're doing."
"Okay, mischievous person. How about we meet again tomorrow? Right now, I really don't know what to write..."
"Ugh, Shin, you're so indecisive. Fine. But try to write something today at least, so tomorrow I can give you some advice on how to improve on the story. If you don't write anything, I can't give you any hints or help..."
"Alright, I'll try. Farewell."
"Huh?! Shin, is everything alright? Life is beautiful, if you're thinking of doing something strange... at least wait until after you've submitted the story."
"... Thanks... for the support... I guess. See you tomorrow."

She left the house rather hastily. Was she angry, perhaps? Well, I don't think I did anything wrong. She probably had too high expectations of me, and it's best she realizes that sooner rather than later. Fine... now I'll try to continue writing, otherwise I feel like she won't leave me alone...

Shin returned to writing on the computer, and after half an hour, he managed to write something, though nothing important. He began to feel useless, so he said:
"Okay, I'll clean the room so I can at least say I did something productive today."
At some point, he noticed a purple handbag placed on the dresser near the desk.
"Hey, wait... I don't have any handbag, let alone a purple one! Oh no..."
Shin grabbed his phone and called Aya.
"Hello, Shin. So, did you manage to write something?"
"Yes... but that's not what I wanted to tell you."
"Oh, I know what you mean. Well, you took your sweet time telling me."
"Aya, what are you talking about? If you knew you left the bag here, why didn't you come to pick it up?"
"Huh? Wait... did I forget my bag?"
"Are you sure you didn't forget your head too?"
"Darn, I'm so absent-minded today."
"It's okay. Just come get it as soon as you can."
"Um, Shin... I can't go out right now, I'm already back home... Please, Dear Shin, could you bring it to me?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Hello?"
"...Okay, I'll bring it to you now. And never call me Dear Shin again."
"Thanks a lot, dear-- Ahem, I mean Shin!"

Shin hung up the phone, grabbed the bag, and got ready to leave.