Chapter 1

O-Hana High School, one of the top high schools in Tokyo, Japan, situated in Sendai, was celebrating its annual school festival. Like every other school festival, they had a variety of booths that students prepared for their visitors. From the main gate to the entrance of the school, there were different food stalls. The place was bustling with crowds, and a myriad of colors could be seen everywhere. From the hallways to the rooms, everything was fully decorated. Students from every booth were doing their best to attract customers. However, that was not the case for the students of Class 3-C.

At the school gymnasium's stage, a group of students was performing a play. Every seat was taken, and everyone's attention was glued to the stage as if they were afraid to miss even a single gesture from the actors. At first glance, one might nothing special about the setting or the cast. After all, it was just the typical story everyone knows—Little Red Riding Hood, the classic children's tale. However, the students of Class 3-C had made their version the most popular play of the festival. The constant changes and unexpected twists in the storyline kept the audience on their toes. Even if you watched it multiple times, it felt as though you were watching a completely different play each time.

"I can't believe this! It's only the third day of the festival, and we're already the top class in popularity and sales!" exclaimed a student who acted as their leader and director, beaming with pride.

"It's because the story was so interesting and entertaining, isn't it?" chimed in another student backstage. He was in charge of sound effects.

"Yeah, right? Hanako-chan's version of the story made it so unique," a girl said, who was responsible for the costumes.

"Haha, that's true! Fujikawa-san's stories always draw you in. Once you start, you just have to see how it ends," added the lighting director.

"Stop singing praises for me, will you?" Hanako Fujikawa murmured in a small, shy voice, her cheeks turning red. "Everyone's been working so hard, and the actors did an amazing job. That's why the play is so lively and enjoyable."

Her classmates laughed teasingly. "How humble of our little sensei, isn't she?" quipped the lighting director, prompting a round of playful teasing.

After their lighthearted moment backstage, the play came to an end. The audience began to disperse, and the students slumped onto the stage, utterly exhausted. Some were sitting, while others lay sprawled out. Meanwhile, the backstage crew distributed refreshments to the actors who had given their all during the performance.

"Congratulations, everyone! Another successful day! Thank you for all your hard work!" their teacher, Moriko-sensei, praised them, clapping enthusiastically. Pride radiated from her as she smiled at her students.

"Thank you, Moriko-sensei!" the students responded in unison, their faces glowing with contentment.

"But, Moriko-sensei, who's that beside you? Is he your boyfriend?" asked the girl who played Red Riding Hood, pointing curiously at a man standing next to their teacher. He was dressed in a black suit with a top hat perched on his head and a mustache under his nose. To the students, he resembled the Monopoly guy.

"Oh, right! This is Mr. Sora Miyamura. He introduced himself earlier as a publisher from Michiko Publishing House," Moriko-sensei explained enthusiastically.

Mr. Miyamura stepped forward with a warm smile, bowing politely while holding his fedora to his chest. "Hello, everyone. As Moriko-sensei mentioned, I am a publisher. I'm sure many of you have already guessed why I'm here."

The students exchanged knowing glances before erupting in unison, "Hanako!" All eyes turned to her.

"Wh-what?!" Hanako stammered, startled by the sudden attention.

Mr. Miyamura's gaze followed theirs and landed on Hanako—a petite girl with long, silky black hair, big brown eyes, rosy lips, and pale skin. "So, she's the writer?" he asked. When the others nodded, he approached Hanako and extended his hand for a handshake.

"Good afternoon, Ms. Hanako. You're the writer known as 'Rose' on social media, correct? I'm Sora Miyamura, a publisher at Michiko Publishing House. Here's my business card," he said, handing it to her.

Hanako accepted the card hesitantly. "Um… does this mean you're interested in my work? I mean, you're a publisher, right? So…" Her voice trailed off, her face flushing with embarrassment.

Mr. Miyamura chuckled warmly. "There's no need to be embarrassed, Ms. Hanako. You're absolutely right. My daughter has been following your posts since your very first story. She even made me read some of them, and I see great potential in your work. If you have a novel, completed or in progress, I'd love for you to give me a call. I can connect you with an editor to help polish your manuscript. Please consider it—I'd like to publish your books."

Hanako nodded meekly, her mind spinning. "I'll think about it. Thank you for the offer."

"It's my pleasure. I'll await your call." With that, Mr. Miyamura bid farewell to Hanako and the rest of the students.

Sitting alone, staring at the business card, Hanako was soon surrounded by her classmates, eager to know what had transpired. Their joy was infectious—they were thrilled that Hanako had received a chance to achieve her dream.

Later that day, while cleaning the gym for the next performance, Hanako remained deep in thought. Even at home, her mind was occupied with Mr. Miyamura's offer. She paced her room until her eyes landed on an old, worn notebook. Opening it, she discovered a story she had written in grade school—a novel, not just a short story. Revisiting her childhood work sparked a decision.

Lying in bed, she grabbed her phone and made the call. "Mr. Miyamura, I want to make books," she declared firmly, determination shining in her eyes.

"I'm glad to hear that, Ms. Hanako. Have you decided on the story?" Mr. Miyamura's voice buzzed with excitement.

"I already have a story. I just need to proofread and edit it," she replied confidently.

"That's wonderful. May I know the title of your book?"

Hanako paused briefly before answering, "The title is 'The Lost Bud.'"

Notes:

*Sensei - can refer to teachers and other professions

*Chan - people add them to someone's name to add familiarity to that person who's younger or the same age

*San - is the more formal way of *Chan