Rei

Shin was walking down the street, heading towards Aya's house.
Upon reaching her doorstep, he rang the bell.
Aya opened the door.
Shin let out a shout: "KYAAAAAA!"
Aya was wearing only a white towel that covered her from chest to legs.
Her red hair was still wet.
She must have just come out of the shower.
Shin thought that her hair in that state had something fascinating about it, but he couldn't explain it rationally... The slightly wet hair after a shower had its charm.
Shin was embarrassed and couldn't look her in the eyes, which were as black as coal.
"Aya, what the heck are you doing??"
"Huh? Is something wrong?"
"Don't your parents say anything to you?"
Aya's face slightly darkened, but she tried to hide it.
"... I'm home alone."
"Ah, okay... Anyway, here's the bag."
"Shin. You didn't peek inside, did you?! Those are private things!"
"Huh? I didn't even think about doing something like that. And don't exaggerate, what could possibly be so dangerous inside? Besides, I don't care--"
"Okay, since you insist, let me show you what's inside."
"Really, I'm not interested--"
Aya unzipped the bag and turned it upside down.
"Aya, what are you doing? You're going to drop everything!"
However, seconds went by and still nothing happened. Shin started to realize and, simultaneously, to get angry.
"Don't tell me... you brought an empty bag with you?"
"Ah, Shin, you wouldn't understand. Many girls carry a bag even for aesthetic reasons."
"Indeed, there is something i don't understand. Why did i even come to your house to return an empty bag you had forgotten?
"Shin, why are you talking to me like that? Come on, I'm sorry... It won't happen again, maybe..."
"Okay... fine, I'm leaving."
"Huh, already?"
"Yeah, sure... I was in the middle of writing a great story, and you interrupted me at the most crucial moment..."
Shin lied as naturally as he breathed.
"Are you sure you don't want to come in? I did tell you I'm home alone... *wink wink"
Completely ignoring her tease, Shin politely (if you can call it that) declined and went back home, but not to continue writing his "great story" that Aya had interrupted in "the most crucial moment", because that story didn't actually exist.
Shin was heading home when suddenly he heard a familiar voice from behind.
"Hey Shin, how's it going?"
Shin thought he should start going out of the house less often, because in the past two days he had already had two unexpected encounters. The girl who greeted Shin was Rei. She was one year older than him and attended the same school. Shin held deep respect for her, and their relationship was quite formal.
"Pretty good. Thanks, Rei."
"Still struggling with English?"
"No, I'm reading English books to get more comfortable with the language while enjoying reading."
"Ah, that's nice. What were you up to?"
Of course, if Aya had asked, Shin would have replied with a "none of your business", but in this case, he answered:
"I went to a friend's house."
Rei looked at Shin suspiciously.
"Shin, at your age? You're still too young. But who am I to judge? You can act as you please."
"You're completely misunderstanding me. I just returned a bag she had forgotten."
"And where had she forgotten the bag?"
"At my house. Ugh... she came just to help me with the story."
"Huh? What's the story about?"
"..."
"..."
"Well, um... I had an idea before, but now I'm not sure anymore... my story is, well... I haven't decided yet..."
"I understand. Take all the time you need, because you have to write a story that you enjoy writing."
"Thanks, Rei-senpai. Your advice is always welcome (unlike someone else's)."
"I have to turn left here. So, see you, Shin! Keep me updated on how the story's progressing!"
"Sure! Bye!"

Hmm, I wonder if asking Rei for help instead of Aya would have been more effective... But Aya was the one who persuaded me to enter the contest in the first place. No, wait, maybe "persuaded" isn't the right word; perhaps "motivated" or "encouraged." After all, she doesn't gain anything if I win. But then why did she do it? Huh, maybe some people just help others unconditionally, without wanting anything in return. I envy those people. Unfortunately, even if I tried, I couldn't be like that. I really hope tomorrow will be a productive day for my story. But I haven't even decided on the topic yet. Argh... Wait, if I remember correctly, Aya said it should be a romantic story... romantic... aaah, what have I gotten myself into... I haven't had any romantic experiences, except through the manga I've read... maybe Aya's perspective, or even Rei's, could help me write a presentable story. Okay, maybe Aya isn't completely useless. I'll talk to her more about my experience tomorrow, hoping she'll respond maturely and empathetically.