This is the Start to The Novel

“So, what’s your plan going forward?”

“We’re going to get the exact outline for the story of course… Then from here understand the characters, and begin writing the first draft.”

“I must say, the writing session with Kaoru-chan last night has definitely increased your writing aptitude.”

I want to say thanks but the words get caught in my throat. I really haven’t earned praise like that—even if she’s being partial sarcastic.

“The deadline for the Akihabara Heart & Soul writing contest is a long ways out… Summer break, actually. So Akimoto-san and I have a lot of time to work through and—”

“No.”

“W-what?”

“That’s not how it works, Kiyotaka-kun.”

I’m lost… I have no clue what she means. “What’re you talking about?”

“So many times, creatives will see a far off deadline and think, “oh, I have plenty of time to do my best work.” Then days pass, weeks, months, and before they know it, they’re to late to the submission or work deadline.”

“Trust me, that won’t happen. Akimoto-san and I are committed to this.”

“That’s what every creative wants to believe… But last minute alterations and changes of heart can set you back months.”

“...”

“I’d know better than anyone. Before recently I almost lost my spot as a major “up-and-comer” because of my procrastination.”

“Isn’t it other people’s jobs to label you as an “up-and-comer"?"

“That’s not the point. You seem to have finally grasped something here with this idea—I just don’t want to see you flounder again… not like last time.”

“I won’t.”

Fujioka stood up and adjusted her clothing a bit. “I’ll let you two get to writing. Where is Kaoru-chan anyway?”

“Good question… I offered her my bed and she refused—”

“That’s only natural.” The stoic black-haired girl interrupted. “What kind of girl would want to sleep in the same bed as a creepy otaku?”

“You! You’re the kind! You did!”

“Fufufu~ Making up fantasies again?”

I could feel my face heating up. She can really get me worked up…

The two of us peak our heads out of my bedroom door—the apartment is silent. No lights, no sign of anyone being awake yet. Naturally we tip-toe to the living room, maybe Akimoto found her place on the couch?

No one.

“Perhaps she went home?”

My mind flashed back to all the complaining and begging she did to get away from her family this weekend.

“No chance.”

“Where do you suggest we check next?”

“...I have an idea.”

We creaked open the door to the dragon’s lair. The great source of all evil. The place where the source of all my pain and love emanated from.

My little sister’s room.

Sayuri was peacefully sleeping, almost curled-up like a cat in the arms of, you guessed it, Akimoto. The latter of which had a terrible bed-head and was scratching her exposed midriff.

“My, Makoto-kun, it seems Kaoru-chan may secretly be a degenerate. Do you know if she has a thing for little sisters?”

“No!” I whisper-yelled. “And even if she did I wouldn’t let her take Sayuri away!”

“What a gross thing to admit…”

I shut the door and we continued our conversation in the hallway.

“It’s about time you head back to your apartment, Fujioka-san. It’s still early and you should rest.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, however, it’s my duty to ensure no inappropriate conduct occurs between my two kouhais.”

“Inappropriate conduct… between Akimoto and I…”

“Correct.”

“You. You’re the one that flaunts around unannounced in lingerie and breaks into my bedroom!”

“Makoto-kun… please, quiet down.”

“No!”

After my second loud exclamation, my mother’s door at the end of the hallway cracked open.

“Mako…?”

Her voice was groggy and interrupted by a yawn. We had clearly just woken her up.

“Oh, Mrs. Kiyotaka, good morning.” Fujioka feigned innocence.

“Fuji…oka…-chan? What’re you doing here… so early?”

“Just checking up on my favorite juniors’ writing.”

“No! Mom! She crawled in my be—”

The usually calm and collected beauty quickly rushed to stifle me. She wrapped an arm around my head and covered my mouth with her hand.

“Makoto-kun, you really shouldn’t be this loud in the morning.”

“Yes Mako… Keeping it down would be— nice.”

My mom’s sentence was parted in two by a large yawn. More importantly, she’s too sleepy to realize I’m held hostage here!

My mom gave a small parting wave then disappeared back into her room.

“I must say, you are surprisingly weak.”

“S-shut up.”

Naturally, we returned to my room. Once there, Fujioka made her way to the window. I guess she felt she’d done enough teasing for one morning.

Something still lingered in my mind as I watched her slip through to her apartment. It’s something she said she wouldn’t help me with, she’s said that directly to me. Yet, I still can’t put away the idea of asking.

“Fujioka-san—”

“Hm?” She looked back.

“I— I have a question.”

She finished climbing back into her apartment and flipped her hair along with crossing her arms. Do you really need to strike a pose to have a simple chat with me?

“Ask away.”

“I know you said you wouldn’t… but—”

“Ah— Let me stop you right there. I know exactly what you’re going to ask. And the answer is no. Not now, not when you have the outline, and not when you have the first or final draft. I’m not doing illustrations for you.”

“This time I have someone to write with and a goal. It’s not for fun this time. I have a plan, it won’t be the same.”

“I’m supposed to believe you?” You want me to think after all the failures you’ve shown me, this time will be different?”

Her words were sharp and rapid, like she’d been preparing for my question.

“...”

“You know, Makoto-kun, when I believed in you one time, the illustrations I did for you would probably have been worth a seven-hundred-thousand-yen contract.

“I know…”

“And what did you do? A last minute change of heart. The creative industry is fickle yet strict. In a professional environment a move like that would’ve cost you your career.”

“But I’m not a professional!”

“I am. That’s the difference. Why should I spend my time on whims when I could be making money?”

Fujioka wasn’t trying to attack or insult me—she was simply telling it how it was. She can really act her appearance when she wants to. An ice cold, independent woman.

“At least consider it. You saw the plot proposal!”

“The answer is no. That’s final.”

I clenched my fist. There really was no convincing her this time. There’s no way I can afford to pay her either, even at a reduced rate.

She turned her head and shut her window.

Of course there’s a part of me that wants to give up on it, but I won’t. The same as how I’m showing Akimoto the power of writing, I’ll show Fujioka I’m worth it.