Negotiation

I have 7 days left to write the story. Even though I've decided what the story will be based on, there's still the constraint of the 50,000 words. If before I needed 5 hours a day, now it takes 7... Argh! Now I understand what it means to have a deadline. Even though it's my first time participating in a contest and I'm inexperienced, I have to admit that I'm terribly disorganized. It's all Aya's fault for pressuring me to participate just 10 days before the deadline! Okay, time to start writing.

I sat down at the desk, turned on the computer, and opened the notepad app.
Alright, let's begin! I started staring at the screen. About 1 minute passed, but I remained motionless.
Mmh... I understand what the problem is. Actually, I'm a bit hungry. If I don't have a snack first, I can't concentrate well enough.
I went downstairs to the kitchen and opened the fridge. I found an unpleasant surprise.
Ugh... I need something that will give me an immediate energy boost... I can't eat fruits and vegetables... but there's only this in the fridge...
In the end, I ate an apple. I sat back at the desk and stared at the computer screen. 2 minutes passed of me lost in thought.
Mmh... I understand what the problem is. This silence is deafening. What a nice sentence I just came up with, I'm really a talented writer...
I should put on some background music. Right now, I'm too focused, I should relax a bit.
I picked up my phone and played some lo-fi music. Now I felt much more hopeful. I started staring at the computer screen again. 5 minutes passed. Unexpectedly, I didn't write anything.
"Yawn..."
Mmh... I understand what the problem is. I need to rest. If my mind isn't well-rested, it won't be able to write the fantastic story I've planned. I'll lie down on the bed for 5 minutes, close my eyes to rest them, and then go back to the desk.
I stopped the music on my phone, lay down on the bed, and closed my eyes.
The bed felt really comfortable today, have I never noticed its softness before? I should be more grateful for the things I have.......... zzt"

DLIN DLON

DLIN DLON

DLIN DLON

"Uaaaaa! I fell asleep!"
The situation had taken a completely unexpected turn.
But what time is it?! Darn, I slept for 2 hours!
I rushed down the stairs, risking a fall, and opened the door to Aya.
"Hello, Shin-- Oh."
Her reaction shattered the little pride I had left. I hadn't had time to look in the mirror, but I definitely had a neglected appearance, easy to notice, especially the bed hair.
"Aya, I can explain... it's not what it looks like."
"Pathetic."
"Ugh..."
Just one word from her was enough to destroy me. Suddenly, I no longer wanted to continue living, let alone writing the story. I decided that, to make our relationship work better, it would be best to be honest. So, I decided to tell her the truth. Deep down, I hoped she hadn't figured out what had happened yet...
"Um, Aya... I need to tell you something."
"Huh? Shin, so suddenly?"
"Yes, I think honesty and communication are essential in a relationship."
"No need to continue, Shin. I accept."
"Huh? I don't understand what you mean, but I'm pretty sure you've misunderstood. The truth is, until 1 minute ago, I was sleeping."
Her face was indescribable. I had never seen her like this. Every time I think back to that face, a strong sense of anguish comes over me.
"Um, Aya, but I've been working on the story."
"And how many words have you written, Shin?"
"0."
"..."
Suddenly, the atmosphere became very heavy. Okay, maybe I'm taking this a bit too lightly.
"Shin, maybe you're taking this a bit too lightly. Are you sure you want to continue writing the story? I don't see much motivation in you to do so."
"Aya, I enjoy writing. This contest is the perfect opportunity for me to challenge myself. The thing is, I can't get started. It's as if I have some kind of block."
"Mmh, I understand. It used to happen to me a lot at first. Actually, it still happens to me today. Why are you getting blocked? There could be many reasons."
"Well, the thing is, I want to write the best story possible. But when I think of a sentence, I doubt its quality."
"Shin, when you start writing the story, it doesn't have to be perfect from the beginning. Also, because in my opinion, it's impossible. At the beginning, you never know how the whole story will evolve. Of course, you can decide on the general development, but you'll never know all the details precisely. So, in cases like this, it's better to write what you feel. Then, once you've written the chapter or the story, you have all the time to revise and improve it, or change what doesn't work.
I thought back to the words Aya told me yesterday: 'Failure is necessary to reach success'.
"So, Aya, in a way, the first time I write the chapter it will never be perfect?"
"I think, in most cases, a chapter can always be improved, refining it more and more each time. Especially in your case, being a beginner, it's even more true. Don't worry about making mistakes, and write down whatever comes to your mind. Then, over time, you'll become better."
"What do you mean by becoming better? Will I have to revise each chapter fewer times?"
"Mmh, it's hard to describe. Every writer has a completely subjective and personal experience of their writing process. Maybe there's a writer who has never edited a chapter they've written in their life. Or maybe there's another who has never published an unedited chapter in their life. I think you'll find the answer for yourself, after gaining some experience in this field."
"...Thank you, Aya. Contrary to what I believed until 1 hour ago, you're actually helpful. Thanks for the valuable advice."
"Fufufu, don't make me blush...  thanking me like that... wait, what?!"
Her black, demonic eyes became even darker. It seemed like they had turned into two black holes because if you stare into them, you get sucked into their intensity, and in that case, it's really the end.
"Aya, I think that's enough for today. Why don't we see each other tomorrow--"
"No."
"Huh?"
"Write."
"What?"
"Write. Now."
"But if I write now, what will be your contribution? Apart from staring at the screen with me, I don't see a real use to--"
"I'm doing it to make sure you don't fall asleep again but actually write something."
A terrible aura emanated from her. It seemed like she had just transformed into a monster from which there was no escaping.
"Okay, Aya. I'll do it right away..."
I said, with a nervous laugh.
Those were the longest 15 minutes of my life. Today I discovered that I feel slightly uncomfortable when someone stares at me continuously from 100 cm away. Moreover, she was staring at my face! Seriously, what does she find in my face that she needs to stare at it for 15 minutes?! I understand she wanted to make sure I didn't get distracted, but this seems a bit excessive.
"What do you think?"
I said to Aya, to break the endless silence. Also, I was curious about her thoughts on the sentences I had written.
"I think you should take better care of your face. Maybe you should wash it a few more times a day."
I admit that this advice, if followed, could lead to improvement. However, the context needs to be considered as well. And in this case, it seems like the advice was given at the wrong time. I'm in favor of gender equality, so one of these days, Aya might receive the famous "uppercut" that she herself intended to give me.
"...I meant, what do you think of the sentences I've written."
"Not bad. For a first draft, I have to say you're off to a pretty good start."
Aya's compliment made me very happy. Maybe she really is a good person.
"However, I'm afraid I've run out of time, and I have to go home. Can I trust you that you'll continue writing another piece of the story tonight?"
"Of course, Aya, you can count on me."
I said, with the most serious face I've ever had.
"You're terribly suspicious. If you really haven't written anything by tomorrow, then when I come to your house, I'll stare at you for a full 2 hours instead of just 15 minutes."
"AAAH! Please, anything but that! Okay, I'll write at least 1000 words by tomorrow."
"5000."
"Huh?"
What's happening? I feel like I'm at an art auction.
"5000? Have some mercy, Aya. It's my first time--"
"10000."
"Okay, very funny. I'm willing to go up to 2000 words. What are you doing, do you accept?"
"4000."
"Okay, Aya, I can read your intentions easily. Right now, you want me to say 3000, so that we can reach a compromise that works for both of us. Actually, making me write 3000 words has been your goal from the very beginning of this ridiculous negotiation. But I won't be fooled so easily, and I'll stick with my offer of 2000 words. Take it or leave it."
"You know, Shin... unfortunately, you didn't notice my bag today. I decided to follow your advice and use it to carry some items. Knowing your rebellious nature, I thought of bringing a knife, to persuade you to do the right thing."
I saw Aya's hands reaching for her purse.
"3000, Aya."
Aya stopped.
"Very well."
However, I still had my pride.
"Even though I said I'd write 3000 words, I didn't do it of my own accord, but because of your threats. Your violent methods might work in the moment, but you'll never gain control over me."

CLAP CLAP CLAP

Aya began to applaud. A mocking smile was plastered on her face. She said:
"Congratulations. Marvelous speech."

And then she left.