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

The thing about Hikaru is… he's an idiot.

I say this with love. With years of friendship. With the deepest understanding of his tragic condition: zero self-awareness when it comes to romance.

And now, after watching him and Miyuki bicker like an old married couple for an entire afternoon, I have officially decided to fix this mess.

"Wow, look at you two," I say, leaning against Hikaru's desk. "The chemistry. The tension. The absolute refusal to admit your feelings."

Miyuki raises an eyebrow. "I feel like I walked into a reality show script."

Hikaru sighs. "Ignore her. She thinks life is a rom-com."

"Life is a rom-com," I say matter-of-factly. "And you two are giving slow-burn idiots-to-lovers energy."

Miyuki chokes on her tea. Hikaru visibly malfunctions.

Sakura is dangerous. Not in the physical sense—though she does have an unnerving amount of energy—but in the I-will-force-you-into-a-love-confession-like-a-meddling-anime-character sense.

"You know," she continues, ignoring my silent please stop expression, "I read this article the other day. Apparently, when two people are alone in a cozy environment, it helps deepen their emotional bond."

Sakura grins. "And I just so happen to know a cute café nearby that's perfect for some 'casual bonding.'"

I narrow my eyes. "Wait. Is this… a setup?"

Sakura gasps dramatically. "Miyuki! I am offended! How could you accuse me of—"

She grins. "Yeah, okay, I am. But! Would it kill you two to spend a little time together outside of this disaster zone?"

I glance at Hikaru, who looks like he wants to fade out of existence.

I can feel Miyuki's gaze on me. And I already know what she's thinking.

I clear my throat. "I mean. A café isn't—like—a date or anything. It's just… food."

Sakura beams like she just won the lottery. "Exactly! So, you're going?"

Operation: Romantic Ambush