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 not just the fact that Miyuki is having the time of her life watching me suffer. It's not even the romantic café setting that is making my entire existence feel like a fever dream.

It's the prickling sensation on the back of my neck.

I casually glance toward the window, and—

Sitting at a corner table outside, sipping her drink like some shadowy mastermind, watching us like we're her favorite soap opera drama.

And now, we're locked in The Silent Battle of Idiots.

(Narrator switch: Sakura Minami – Watching from afar, completely unfazed)

Most people, when caught spying, would look away. Maybe pretend they were totally not watching.

I take a slow, deliberate sip of my iced latte, maintaining direct eye contact.

Come on, Hikaru. What are you going to do? Break first? Or accept your fate?

He narrows his eyes slightly, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.

(Narrator switch: Hikaru Sano – Trying to stay calm, but failing horribly)

This is a trap. If I acknowledge her, Miyuki will immediately get suspicious. If I ignore her, she'll absolutely take that as permission to make things worse.

I squint, giving her the tiniest, most imperceptible shake of my head.

(Narrator switch: Sakura Minami – Absolutely not leaving)

(Narrator switch: Hikaru Sano – Internal screaming intensifies)