Ghostwriterr

At 18 years old, Hikaru Sano is a published novelist on the brink of a breakdown. Struggling with deadlines, a writer’s block that feels more like a writer’s mountain, and a growing pile of unpaid bills, Hikaru’s life is spiraling out of control. That is, until he’s forced to hire an assistant—Miyuki Hoshino, a no-nonsense college freshman who dreams of something more than just being another cog in the system.

Miyuki is organized, sarcastic, and the complete opposite of Hikaru. She walks in ready to help him get his life together—if only he’d get his act together long enough for that to happen. Between surviving last-minute rewrites, chaotic deadlines, and an editor who could break a man just by typing in all caps, they find themselves stuck in an unlikely partnership.

As the two spend late nights working together, an undeniable connection begins to form. But there’s a problem: both Hikaru and Miyuki are too shy, too awkward, and way too stubborn to admit their growing feelings. Add in some dark humor, a touch of romance, and a lot of writer’s angst, and you get a comedic ride through the unpredictable world of book deadlines, creativity, and finding love where you least expect it—between the lines.

Between these Lines

It's been a few days since I started working as Hikaru's assistant, and one thing has become very clear:

I have no idea what this novel is actually about.

I mean, I know he's a writer. I know he's allegedly good at it. But I've never seen more than a few half-written sentences and what might have been a shopping list mixed into his manuscript.

So today, I decide to investigate.

"Hikaru," I say, watching as he aggressively avoids eye contact. "What exactly is this novel about?"

I narrow my eyes. "No way. I thought it was an instruction manual on how to disappoint your assistant."

Hikaru sighs, rubbing his temple. "It's… a fantasy story. Adventure. Drama. Y'know, the usual."

I raise an eyebrow. "That's suspiciously vague. What's the actual plot?"

He hesitates. His fingers tap against the desk like he's trying to form an excuse. Finally, he groans and mutters, "Fine. It's about a guy who gets caught up in a war between kingdoms while trying to uncover a legendary power. But also, it's not about the war. It's about his personal journey. Growth. Sacrifice. That kind of stuff."

I blink. "So… a coming-of-age fantasy?"

I study him for a second. He looks uncomfortable—like he just accidentally exposed his diary to the world. Interesting.

Before I can press him further, the door swings open.

Standing in the doorway, grinning like she owns the place, is the one person who can ruin my life in less than ten seconds.

My childhood best friend. My tormenter. The person who, despite being a ray of sunshine to literally everyone else, seems to have made it her personal mission to ruin my peace.

"Miss me?" she asks, her voice way too cheerful.

Miyuki glances between us, looking confused. "Who—?"

Sakura walks straight past her and smacks me on the back so hard my soul briefly leaves my body. "You didn't tell me you got an assistant! And she's cute, too!"

Miyuki chokes on her tea. "Excuse me?"

I groan. "Sakura, please don't start."

Sakura ignores me, leaning toward Miyuki with a devilish grin. "So, how's it been working with Hikaru? Has he cried about deadlines yet? Has he dramatically thrown himself onto his desk in despair?"

Miyuki sips her tea and smirks. "Both. Within the first hour."

Sakura gasps. "Oh, you're perfect. We're going to get along great."

I bury my face in my hands. This is my nightmare.

The Plot Thickens (And So Does the Tension)