Chapter 9 - Kana Hiyori

(Note, this chapter does not reflect the staff or operation of Kadokawa in any way, everything here is just purely made up from the author's imagination)

[New pov]

"Next stop, Okawa!" The intercom said on the train, everything soon came to a halt as people started to get off, some guy I was leaning on moved as well causing me to stumble awake.

My head shot up as I looked at the location,

"This is my stop!" I shouted in realization, rushing to grab my things and get off with a desperate pant. The train left as I got off, my head hung low as I tried to regain my breath, my papers clutched close to my chest.

I had one goal in mind: get to Kadokawa's industry, find a place to stay, and then focus on my light novel! meeting the next day. I wasn't here for sightseeing or tourist attractions; I was here for work. As I walked towards the exit, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant buzz around me. Tourists and locals alike were heading towards the famous Osaka Castle, kids were dragging their parents towards the Osaka Aquarium, and groups of friends were excitedly talking about Dotonbori's famous street food.

"Tourist traps," I muttered to myself. "Gotta avoid them–"

As I made my way through the streets, a cheerful local woman handed me a brochure for a guided tour of Osaka's top attractions. I waved it off politely, but she was persistent.

"Are you sure? You'll get to see Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and even enjoy a boat ride along the Dotonbori River!" she said enthusiastically.

"No, thank you. I'm here for work, besides I don't really have the money," I replied curtly with an awkward chuckle and continued walking.

 As I walked further, I couldn't help but notice the smell of delicious street food wafting through the air. Takoyaki stalls, okonomiyaki stands, and kushikatsu vendors lined the streets. My stomach growled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten since breakfast.

"Maybe just a quick bite," I thought to myself, rationalizing that it would be faster than finding a proper restaurant.

I approached a takoyaki stand, the vendor skillfully flipping the octopus balls with practiced ease. The aroma was irresistible. As I took my first bite, the flavors burst in my mouth, and I couldn't help but smile.

"So good!" I admitted to myself. "But no more distractions-"

Determined, I started walking again, only to find myself passing by the entrance to the Osaka Castle. The sheer grandeur of the castle took my breath away. Despite my best efforts to stay focused, curiosity got the better of me, and I found myself buying a ticket.

As I walked through the castle grounds, I was captivated by its history and beauty. The view from the top was stunning, offering a panoramic view of Osaka. I spent more time there than I had planned, completely losing track of time.

Hours later I found myself buying merch from franchises I didn't even follow! The whole thing spiraled into me walking with a bag filled with shit that I didn't even need!!

"This isn't so bad after all," I thought, gaslighting myself!!

"I'm finally here-" I let out a soft sigh as I looked to the sky the agency, Kadokawa Shoten towering over me, blocking out the sun! I could hardly contain my excitement, I could hardly stand still let alone go into the building.

The heat was unbearable! Sweat running down my face and damping my hair, I looked like a mess!

I clutched my papers close to me, my free hand running my fingers through my short purple hair, making sure every strand was in place, a girl's gotta look her best even though it's by a little- 

"You got this, Kana," I muttered to myself, walking into the building, finally. A burst of cool air shot at my face immediately cooling my skin as I stepped into the industry building. 

I walked through it, my eyes shining with awe as I saw it all up close, all of their owned releases, manga, lightnovel, and anime all displayed on the wall as I stepped down the hall.

"Woah–" I murmured, my gaze glued to all the figures and posters they put on display, not watching where I was going as I bumped into something and stumbled onto the floor.

My papers flew everywhere, surrounding me on the floor as I rubbed my forehead.

"Ouch-" I muttered, looking up to see someone towering over me with an unapologetic glance.

He was a boy, one far younger than I was, he was in his mid-teens, with blonde hair and an emerald green gaze that looked down on me in a condescending manner.

"S-sorry," I muttered, as though I was in the wrong, the boy walking past me without so much a word. 

I tried to adjust my clothing that was ruffled from the fall, picking up my papers to hopefully salvage the work I had written, a soft sigh of relief when I counted them all in one piece, but that relief soon followed anger and annoyance.

I mean- can you blame me?? Kids these days! No respect for their elders whatsoever! Not that I'm old, I'm only 20– B-but weren't they taught to say sorry to someone you made fall! Granted I didn't look where I was going- but at least say something! I looked like a fool! Finally, I stood up straight and continued walking, soon making it into a room with other authors just like me waiting on a couch. 

Their names were called one after another until finally it was my turn. I steeled my resolve and made my way into a small room, a woman sitting by a table with a soft smile.

"Morning," She said with a cheerful smile, 

"M-morning-" I murmured, sitting down in my own chair with a bashful expression.

"So you'd like to contract with us, correct?" She pondered. I gave her a soft nod and handed her the documents. She smiled, took what I gave her, and started to read carefully. Her eyes darted across the page as I sat there in aching silence. Expecting an answer any minute.

"So- Hiyori, was it?" I heard her softly put the pages down, causing me to jolt at my seat in response. 

"Y-yes?" I stuttered, waiting for her to continue her sentence, her eyes continuing to read the page even after she put it down.

"Well, about your work–" She hesitated, looking at me in the eyes as I watched her intently waiting for a response, my fingers clenched around my skirt as I waited.

"Yes?"

"It's boring–" It's like glass shattering in my mind as I sat there dumbfounded by her bluntness, my eyes staring straight ahead but no longer on this plain of existence, the words I didn't want to hear the most said with such ease! Just kill me now!

 "Ms.Hiyori?" She called out to me but I couldn't hear her. 

"Ms. Hiryori…"

She lets out a soft sigh and looks behind me.

"Next person come, please!" She shouted, waiting for the next client to arrive.

I stand by the bus stop later that day, my gaze on the floor in a blank stare, my hand wrapped around the bus stop sign…

"What now?" I muttered, my whole plan was to get in the industry with this novel– I have no funds to get back home- I guess I got a little too carried away from all the tourist stuff– I mean I had never been to Okawa before so I might as well spoil myself right?

I pulled out a small figurine i bought from my purse, 

"Don't you think?" I asked it, watching deep within its plastic, soulless eyes.

"I need a place to stay–"

[Haru's pov]

"Give it back!" Okane shouted, reaching for her phone which I kept completely out of reach from her, a soft sigh escaping my lips as I looked back at her. 

"Then give me my console back–" I muttered, looking at the console she kept in her arms childishly.

"What? Noo," She whined, trying to grab onto my hand to reach her phone. "You only want it back because I'm close to beating you high score and you know it!"

"You haven't even gotten passed the first boss–" I murmured, looking at her with a look of disbelief and disappointment.

"That was the last time! I'm getting better!" She argued.

"Like hell you are!"

A doorbell rang and the two of us froze in our banter, looking towards the door with a curious expression.

"You answer it–" Okane said, pushing me off the couch causing me to stumble to the floor.

"You little-" The doorbell rang once more, interrupting my thoughts.

"I'm coming!" I shouted, hearing an audible flinch behind the door. I sighed and got up, walking towards the door and opening it, seeing a girl with short purple hair and a bashful expression and posture.

"G-goodmorning…" she murmured, I gave her a soft nod.

"Goodmorning…"