Cover

Okay, let's keep writing until Aya arrives this afternoon.
On second thought, I'm taking away her precious time that she could use to write her stories, so I need to give my best to not disappoint her expectations... uhm... not that I care. I managed to write another 5000 words. I have to say, writing a story can be a completely different experience depending on the circumstances. While Rei was taking all her time, calmly uploading 1/2 chapters per week, I'm trying to finish everything in the little time I have. I wonder which of these two situations I would prefer. And what if I got bored doing it like Rei does? On the other hand, trying to write the story knowing there's a fair chance I might not make it gives me a strong sense of excitement... along with all the stress that comes with it!

DLIN DLON

It was Aya. We went into my room. She was really cheerful. What had happened to make her so happy? I had never seen her like this in my entire life.
"Aya, did something pleasant happen?"
and she replied,
"Shin, I'm glad you asked. You see, in front of you, you have a talented writer. You'd do well to make use of every precious moment you spend with me to learn something new."
"And how do you say that with such certainty?"
"Shin, yesterday someone, probably a renowned book critic, said that my story was really beautiful. Just that alone, it repaid all the effort I put into the work. I've decided, I'm dedicating my work to the best follower! Thank you, PenguinLover68!"
Now I understand what was putting her in such a good mood. And thinking about it, maybe I should have chosen a better username. It sounds fantastic when written, but when read aloud, it's really embarrassing.
"Aya, don't get too full of yourself. Maybe that comment was written by a 9-year-old kid."
Aya gave me a fierce look. If her black eyes could talk, they would have told me to die.
"And so, Shin? Throughout history, there have been many child prodigies who changed the world as we know it today. If the person who commented on my story was a child, then they must be the most talented child in the world to judge stories."
Sure, she always seeks the most absurd motivations just to be right. PenguinLover68 is a child prodigy. And that's already hilarious as it is.
"Moving on, Aya... I managed to write a whopping 15000 words."
Aya was still lost in her thoughts, thinking about her one true love who had commented on her story. Looking back, was it a good idea to leave her a comment? She's already getting a big head. Suddenly, Aya snapped back to reality and looked stunned.
"Good job, Shin! I didn't think you were capable of doing something like that!"
Huh? And what's this? A compliment or an insult? Should I be glad that I exceeded her expectations, or should I despair because she always had a low opinion of me?
"Shin, let me read what you've written!"
Aya looked at my computer screen.
"Ah, I see you've added a title to your work... oh no."
Aya made an indescribable expression. As if she had seen the ugliest thing in the world.
"Realistic Encounter..."
"Okay, maybe as a title, it leaves something to be desired, but it's the first thing that came to mind. The story does indeed revolve around a realistic encounter, not those surreal and impossible meetings you sometimes read about in other stories. With this title, I wanted to provide a hint about the writer's approach to the story. Although I could agree that maybe it lacks an hook, that distinctive element that captures the reader's attention. And besides, it's also true that everyone has realistic encounters every day, so people might want to read a story where a special encounter happens."
Aya hadn't recovered yet. She'd been repeating 'realistic encounter' for about 30 seconds now.
"Shin... but then you're PenguinLover68."
"...Yes, it's me."
"Now it all makes sense. I checked the profile of the guy who commented on my story and noticed he commented on his own story. I wondered what kind of weirdo could do something like that!"
Ugh... where did the child prodigy go... now that you've found out it's me, I've become a weirdo... Okay, I definitely shouldn't have left her a comment.
"Shin... maybe I exaggerated in calling you a weirdo..."
Is it possible she can read my mind?
"You think? But no, I'm not offended at all..."
"Thank you."
"Huh?"
"Thanks for leaving me a positive comment. You can't imagine how happy it made me when I read it. I was starting to feel a bit demotivated until then."
Aya... she showed her vulnerability and told me what she really feels, how cute... Perfect! Now's the time to take advantage of it!
"You see, Aya... I'm really glad to hear those words. Thinking about it, I could have some positive comments too--"
"No."
"What?"
"I'm not giving you a positive comment just because you gave me one. And what's the point anyway? It certainly wouldn't motivate you knowing it's not sincere."
"For example, it might help me if some user on the site opens my story and sees a positive comment, and then decides to read it..."
"Shin, one more comment, positive or not, won't make much of a difference. If the story is good, then there will definitely be people leaving positive comments on it."
"..." 
Gosh, when did Aya become so good at debating? And so convincingly, too. This girl surprises me more and more every day.
"Well, I really respect your choice. Aya, your job here is done. I have nothing more to say to you, you can go home."
Aya rolled her eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"First of all, upload those 15000 words to the website so that when I get home, I can read them. Otherwise, it would take me too much time to read them here. I can't stand your presence for too long."
"Thanks."

"Also, I just finished the cover for your story, and I was planning to show it to you."
She took out her phone and showed it to me. What a talented girl, I must have underestimated her. How many times have I underestimated her in these days? I saw the image. It was beautiful. More than I could have created. I was almost moved. I looked her in the eyes and said,
"Thank you."
but this time, I meant it. She blushed and said,
"Don't worry, I did it because I had some free time! Otherwise, I wouldn't have done it."
Free time? How did she manage it in just one day? I think she's not telling me the whole truth. She must have dedicated most of her time to creating the cover. She should be more honest with me. But maybe she answered that way on purpose. She doesn't want me to feel guilty for giving her a fairly demanding task. I started to look at Aya in a different light. It's amazing how one's opinion of a person can change so quickly. And here I was, thinking until a few days ago that she was a complete idiot. We said our goodbyes, she left, and that's how we got to work on our stories. 

We were working on the story at the same time, even though we were apart. Yet, I felt a certain closeness with her. It was as if our minds, in a way, were synchronized. But in the end, I'm a rational person, I can't think too much about these silly things.