chapter 12: The evening of dreams

Absolutely! Here's a more expanded version of Chapter 12, with fun scenes added and the word count increased to over 800 words.

It had been a week since Hotaru submitted her story, and by now, she had almost convinced herself to stop checking her email every five minutes. Almost.

That morning, she lay sprawled on the couch, staring at the ceiling, half-dreaming about her future when a soft ding echoed from her phone. With a sigh, she lazily picked it up—expecting some random app notification—but then froze.

The subject line read: Congratulations! You've Qualified.

For a whole minute, Hotaru didn't move. Then she screamed.

"KAI!!" She bolted off the couch so fast that her sock-clad feet slipped, sending her sliding across the wooden floor until she crashed straight into a very confused Kai, who was just walking out of the kitchen holding a bowl of instant ramen.

"What the—" His noodles almost took flight, but Hotaru grabbed his arms and shook him wildly.

"I got in! I GOT IN!!" she shouted, bouncing on her toes like an over-caffeinated squirrel.

Kai blinked at her, still trying to process what was happening. "Got in where? Jail?"

"THE UNIVERSITY OF WRITING, YOU IDIOT!"

His eyes widened. "Wait, seriously? That fancy one you kept obsessing over?"

"YES!"

Kai's grin stretched wide as he ruffled her hair. "See? I told you you're smarter than a potato."

Hotaru swatted his hand away. "Thanks, I think?"

She started pacing like a tornado. "Okay, okay. I have to get ready. There's a ceremony tonight for all the students who qualified!"

Kai leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Then I'm coming too."

Hotaru paused. "I'm not sure if guests are allowed. Let me check."

She scrolled down the email, then gasped dramatically. "They do allow guests! Hurry up, go change—we have to be the first ones there!"

"First ones there? Who even cares about that?" Kai grumbled, but seeing her excitement, he sighed and headed toward his room. "Fine, fine, but if I have to wear a tie, I'm blaming you."

---

By the time they stood side by side at the front door, even Hotaru had to admit—they both looked amazing.

Hotaru wore a midnight-blue dress, the fabric catching the light as she twirled in front of the mirror. Her long braid rested over her shoulder, decorated with tiny silver clips that sparkled like stars.

Kai, for once, ditched his hoodie and sweatpants for a sleek black suit and (shockingly) a proper tie—though it was a little crooked, and Hotaru had to fix it for him.

"Wow," Hotaru said, giving him an exaggerated once-over. "Who knew you could actually look like a decent human?"

Kai smirked. "Am I really that handsome?"

Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Fishing for compliments again?"

"Just answer."

"Fine. Yes, you look dangerously good."

Kai ran his fingers through his silver hair, looking pleased. "I'm probably God's favorite creation."

Hotaru groaned. "Yeah, yeah, let's go before your ego explodes and ruins my dress."

---

The university's ceremony hall was dazzling—golden lights hung from high ceilings, the floor polished so bright Hotaru could practically see her reflection. Nervous students gathered in small groups, whispering and straightening their clothes.

Hotaru didn't feel nervous, though. She was too excited to care.

When her name was called, she practically floated up the stage, her smile so wide it almost hurt. The dean handed her a beautifully framed certificate and a shiny new student ID.

The applause was warm, filling the hall like soft rain. Hotaru turned toward the audience, and the dean asked, "Would you mind sharing a few words with us? We'd love to know what inspired your story."

Hotaru took a deep breath, clutching the mic with both hands. "Well… I wrote about my past. About the mistakes I made and the lessons I had to learn the hard way. I used to be weak—too scared to face the truth. But writing this story made me stronger."

The room was silent, every word hanging in the air.

"Was there anyone who supported you through this journey?" a woman from the faculty asked.

Hotaru smiled instantly. "Yes. There's someone very special. That person is actually here tonight, somewhere in the audience."

A wave of excited murmurs filled the room. "Who is it?" someone called. "How did they encourage you?"

Hotaru laughed softly. "If I answer all of that, we'll be here all night. But I will say this—if not for that person, I wouldn't be standing here right now. And this story wouldn't even exist."

The applause was louder this time, filling her chest with warmth.

But as her eyes scanned the crowd, the warmth faded slightly. Kai wasn't there.

Her smile wavered. Before she could wonder too much, the gatekeeper approached, handing her a small folded note.

Hotaru's fingers trembled slightly as she opened it. The handwriting was unmistakably Kai's.

I'll be waiting for you at home.

Hotaru's lips formed a small pout. "That idiot," she muttered under her breath.

But what she didn't know was—when she got home, something far more surprising would be waiting for her at home.

The end of chapter 12

WARNING

This is the original version of the webnovel "Hotaru's assassin" by the author "Hanagaki Ryuka". Please don't copyright or upload it in your name

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O1cON4UEjsjFPMZxqNSY425-fdHW19779uAKscbDsy8/edit?usp=drivesdk