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

Let's get one thing straight—I was forced into this.

This is just two coworkers having coffee in a completely normal, non-romantic setting.

…In a cozy little café. With dim lighting. And soft music. And… oh no.

I stare at the warm, suspiciously romantic ambiance, then at Miyuki, who looks completely unbothered as she flips through the menu. Meanwhile, I am internally screaming.

"This place is nice," she says, casually. "Sakura has good taste."

I knew she was plotting something.

(Narrator switch: Sakura Minami – Watching from afar)

I take a sip of my iced latte from my strategically hidden corner of the café.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen," I whisper to no one in particular, "we witness the rare and socially awkward Hikaru in his unnatural habitat—a date."

I watch as Hikaru shifts uncomfortably in his seat, avoiding eye contact like Miyuki is a tax collector and he hasn't paid in years.

"Notice his defensive posture," I continue, whispering into my straw like it's a microphone. "The panic in his eyes. The realization that he has zero dating experience and might self-destruct at any moment."

I smirk, taking another sip. "This is gonna be good."

Hikaru has been staring at the menu for five full minutes without flipping a page. I don't even think he's reading it.

I tilt my head. "You look like you just realized you sent a risky text and saw 'typing…' for too long."

The waitress arrives before I can tease him further.

"I'll have the matcha latte," I say. "And for him—"

"The same," Hikaru blurts out, clearly panicking under pressure.

The waitress nods and leaves. I raise an eyebrow. "Did you just order the same thing because you weren't listening?"

Hikaru looks me dead in the eyes. "I have never listened to a menu in my life."

(Narrator switch: Sakura Minami – Still spying)

"And there it is, folks!" I whisper excitedly. "The classic 'accidental synchronicity' move. A rom-com favorite!"

I lean forward as Hikaru fumbles with his straw.

"The tension is real. The stakes are high. Will they finally realize their feelings, or will they continue their slow-burn suffering?"

A Totally-Not-A-Date Situation