Cherry Blossoms

But this time was different. Aya's words would make a big difference. Because if she said my work was terrible, then it meant I was still quite untalented at writing, and I wouldn't be able to finish writing a decent story in time. On the other hand, if she said I did well, it would give me even more motivation to give it my all. But... at this point, wouldn't it be better for everyone if she lied regardless? Aya could easily say that the chapter I wrote is good, so I wouldn't lose motivation to continue. The important thing is to submit a complete story for the contest. I wondered how useful it really was to know the truth. And even if I had written a terrible chapter, by continuing to write, I would definitely improve, so the lie would become the truth. But then what value does the truth have in this case? 

As I got lost in my thoughts, Aya looked up from the computer screen and glanced at me. 

"Not bad, Shin. I can see some inexperience, but the chapter is good."
Exactly the response I was expecting. I wanted to ask if she was really being sincere, but she would surely say she wasn't lying. Could she be doing this for my benefit?
Suddenly, an idea struck me. If it's true that I'm still a beginner, then I can improve by learning from others. Yesterday, Rei told me she was participating in the same contest as me, and Aya knew about it. Could it be that...? But I'll ask her anyway.
"Aya, are you writing a story too?"
"Huh? Why this sudden question? Anyway, yes. As soon as Rei told me about the contest, I decided to participate as well. Then I came to you as soon as possible to suggest that you join too."
"It might be more appropriate to say that you forced me to join. Anyway, why didn't you tell me? Reading your story could give me a great help."
"I don't like showing my unfinished work to others. Right now, I'm still dissatisfied with the story I've written."
Gosh, we have a perfectionist here. But I need to convince her to let me read her story if I want an additional source of inspiration. Here comes the monologue to persuade her:
"Aya, I really appreciate the help you've given me so far. Without you, I would have never made it. But I also want to repay you for what you're doing for me. Listening to an outsider's perspective can make you reflect on new things that you usually wouldn't recognize. If you let me read your story, I would do my best to give you helpful feedback..."

And now for the finishing touch.
"...However, I won't force you to show it to me. It will be up to you to do it voluntarily, and only if you really want to. Just remember, when you do, I'll be here to support you."
Heh heh, reverse psychology always comes in handy in these situations. Now let's see her reaction...
Aya's cheeks turned red. She was visibly moved.
"Shin... you've never complimented me like this... thank you. Anyway, if you really want to, I'll show you the story I've written..."
Heh heh, naive little Aya. You're so easy to influence. With my psychological powers, I could conquer the world if I had bad intentions, but... I'll only use them for good. Aya took her phone out of her bag and turned on the screen.
"This is the story."
She showed me the screen. I saw the title's name and an image. It was called 'Cherry Blossoms'. Okay, I'm not an expert on titles, so I'll let it slide this time. What caught my attention was the image. It showed several cherry blossom flowers, all pink, in the background. In the foreground, there were the faces of a boy and a girl, both fairly cute. At the top, above the sky, the title was written in colorful font. I realized that, well, how can I put it... It was clear that whoever drew it was a beginner. The faces were slightly skewed, and the cherry blossoms in the background didn't look very realistic.

"Did you draw that image?"
"Yes."
"It's nice, but there's some inexperience showing."
"I know. The thing is, the contest also requires a cover. Hiring someone to draw it would be quite expensive, so I decided to go with a do-it-yourself approach."
What did she just say? A cover is required? When the hell did she plan to tell me? Aya is truly the worst person on the face of the earth.
"But Aya, you can draw decently well, but I'm completely untalented. I don't think I can create a remotely acceptable cover."
"Shin, if you really can't do it... I can draw it for you..."
Aya is truly the best person on the face of earth.
"Okay, now let me read your story, please."
Aya handed me her phone. I noticed that she had already managed to write 10 chapters. But how did she do it? I could barely finish the first one, and she's almost done. Aya had published the chapters on a website. I wrote the name, so I could finish reading when Aya went back home. For now, I intended to read only the first chapter to get a general idea. I began reading and noticed that her story was completely different from mine. The two main characters met for the first time purely by chance, and this fate-driven encounter made them fall in love. Their first meeting took place on a street surrounded by cherry blossom trees, and it was spring, hence the title "Cherry Blossoms". 

Gosh, what an awful story! At first glance, it seems way too cliché! And I don't believe in fate predeterminedly choosing our future. Okay, Shin... stay calm... focus on the writing style and the introduction and development of characters... Mmh, not bad, actually. It was clear that Aya was somewhat skilled at storytelling. She must have written quite a few stories to have reached this level.
"Putting aside the story's content, I really enjoyed it!"
I thought Aya would be happy with my compliment, but she gave me an inquisitive look.
"What do you mean by 'putting aside the story's content'?"
And so, I explained what you read a few lines ago.
"Shin, do you think what you told me is a flaw in the story?" 

Gosh, what a difficult question. When you read a story, there will be things you like and things you don't. For instance, with things you don't like, you have to differentiate between objective and subjective flaws. If a character behaves extremely unrealistically and inconsistently with all the choices made so far, it's probably an objective flaw. However, if that character does something the reader dislikes because the action was motivated by ideals they don't share, then it's not necessarily an objective flaw, but more something subjective and personal. That being said, how do I determine if the fate-driven romantic encounter is an objective flaw or not? I might not like it, but many others will likely find it exciting. When writing a story, you usually take the target audience into consideration. So, what does this mean? If I'm not part of the target, does that mean I can't understand and enjoy the story? Wait, that doesn't make sense. After all, the target audience, let's say 'girls', doesn't say much. Because not all girls think the same way. The true differences are from individual to individual, because each person is different from the other. Therefore, if I can't enjoy a story, it's not necessarily my fault. Yet Aya's story is well-written... it's just the concept behind it that doesn't sit right with me... In a way, I'm sorry I can't fully appreciate her story.

"I can't really answer that. Why don't we take a break? I have some delicious cookies in the kitchen."
"Shin, you have a story to write, and you have only a few days left. It's better not to waste time with unnecessary breaks!"
"Come on, Aya... It's not an unnecessary break. Right now, I've lost focus, so I need a little relaxation to regain it."
"Why do I feel like your breaks are more than necessary and last much longer than you actually need?"
"Because when I work, I give my absolute best, so my energy depletes quickly. To continue writing my masterpiece, I need a proper break to be able to reuse my genius as soon as possible."
"I'm speechless. Every day you surprise me in a new way. What you just said is... incredible. There's no other way to describe it. And anyway, even if you're resting, I don't have time. Remember that I'm also writing a story right now. So, if you're stopping now, I'm heading home to finish writing."

"If you don't have time, then why do you come here every day?"
"..."

Her cheeks turned slightly red. She averted her gaze for a moment.
"I understand, Shin. You don't intend to continue working right now. So, I'll head back home. Try to write as much as possible by tomorrow. 10,000 words would be preferable. The deadline is approaching."
10,000 words?! Does she really think I can manage that? Well, I'm the first to not believe it. But I'll try to write as much as possible.

"Alright, Aya. See you tomorrow."