Chapter: The Day My World Shifted
The middle of the second semester of my third year in high school was supposed to be ordinary. A calm stretch of weeks before final exams, filled with sleepy afternoons, half-hearted homework, and the lingering bittersweet knowledge that graduation was approaching. I never imagined that my life would tilt on its axis with a single vibration from my phone.
It happened on a Wednesday. A warm breeze drifted through the classroom windows, carrying the faint smell of chalk dust and sakura petals. Our homeroom teacher was lecturing about classical literature, a subject I usually liked, but my focus had been flickering in and out ever since lunch.
Then it happened.
Ping.
I blinked, assuming it was a reminder or maybe a message from Touka. But no, my notifications were muted. I hesitated, feeling the weight of the teacher's voice echo through the room. Still, curiosity tugged harder.
I slipped a hand into my pocket and quietly drew out my phone.
The screen lit up.
A message. From a sender I didn't recognize at first glance.
I frowned.
Then I read the name.
My breath hitched.
It was the publishing company, the famous one known nationwide for discovering new authors and launching their careers. The same company hosting the writing contest I had impulsively joined a month earlier.
My throat tightened. I tapped the message, my fingers trembling slightly.
Dear Himeya Shin.
We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been selected as the grand prize winner of our Young Writers Literary Award...
My eyes widened. I read it again. Then again. Word by word. Line by line. My brain refused to accept it.
And then,
"WHAT?!"
The word tore out of me before I could stop it.
Chairs creaked. Heads snapped toward me. The classroom froze.
Including the teacher.
"Shin?" he said, eyebrows raised. "Is something the matter?"
All eyes were on me. Twenty-nine pairs, staring with confusion, curiosity, or mild annoyance.
Heat rushed to my face.
I sat back down so fast the chair rattled. "N-no! It's nothing! Sorry!"
Nothing, he said. Nothing.
Yes, nothing, just the moment my future changed.
I wanted to disappear. Sink into the floor. Vanish into thin air. But the truth was, even through the embarrassment burning in my cheeks, something inside me felt bright, electric.
My story had won.
I had won.
Present
Today is the day.
My prize ceremony. My chance to step inside the building filled with professional authors, editors, and the people who brought stories to life.
And if everything went well, the day I would meet her again.
The editor who had first encouraged me months ago. The woman whose words had changed how I saw writing. She had told me, with a warm and steady confidence, that stories could change people, even if only a little.
I swallowed.
Gulp.
"Himeya, are you ready?" my father called from the driver's seat.
"Yes, Father."
We stood by our small family car. My mother waved from the front yard, her smile wide and bright.
"Take care, dear. Kei, Himeya, congratulations!" she said, hands clasped in front of her chest.
I could see how happy she was. My success was her joy.
I bowed slightly. "Thank you, Mother. I'll do my best."
My father, Kei, and I got into the car. The morning sun warmed the windshield as we started the long drive toward Tokyo. The hum of the engine blended with Kei's excited chatter and my father's quiet humming.
Halfway through the trip, we stopped by Haru-nee's house. She had insisted we pick her up so we could all go together.
The house looked more elegant than I remembered, white walls, delicate plants lining the path, and a wind chime that tinkled softly.
Inside, Haruka and Touka were waiting.
"Welcome, Father, Kei-chan, and Meyya," Haruka said, greeting us with her usual gentle smile.
"Thank you for having us," my father replied.
I glanced around. The place was fancy, to put it mildly. Crystal lights, polished wood floors, artwork framed on the walls.
How much did she spend on all this?
Before I could ask, I felt a tug on my sleeve.
Touka.
She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward her room.
"Hehe, you came," she said, eyes shining.
I scratched the back of my neck. "I did, huh. Haha..."
Even through my nervous laugh, my heart thumped with a mixture of excitement and dread. Today wasn't just a ceremony. It was the beginning of something bigger.
And I wasn't sure if I was ready.
But ready or not, the day had arrived.
The day my world shifted.
Touka closed the door behind us with a soft click. Her room smelled faintly of lavender, the curtains fluttering from the breeze slipping through the slightly open window. Plush toys lined the shelves, and scattered notebooks covered her desk.
"You look nervous," she said, leaning closer. Her eyes, always sharp and expressive, softened.
"Nervous? Me?" I forced a smile. "Why would I be? It's only the biggest day of my life."
Touka giggled and lightly poked my cheek. "Exactly. That's why."
I sank onto the small sofa by her window. Touka sat beside me, close enough that our shoulders brushed. The warmth of her presence eased some of my tension.
"You worked so hard for this," she said softly. "You deserve this moment."
Her words sank into me like sunlight.
"Still..." I exhaled. "I'm scared. What if the professionals think I'm just a lucky beginner? What if I mess something up during the ceremony? What if..."
Touka placed a hand over mine.
Warm. Gentle.
"Himeya," she whispered. "You're amazing. And I'm proud of you. No matter what happens."
My breath caught. Touka rarely spoke like this, honest, quiet, vulnerable. Her sincerity hit harder than any award ever could.
"Touka…" I murmured.
She looked away for a moment, cheeks tinted pink. "Besides... I'm happy I get to see you shine. I wanted to be part of this day."
A flutter spread in my chest.
"Thanks," I said. "Really. It means a lot."
Touka suddenly leaned her head on my shoulder. "Just don't forget us when you become a famous author."
"Never," I said without hesitation. "You, Haru-nee, Kei… you all kept me going." I paused, then added softly, "Especially you."
Touka froze, then slowly hid her face against my arm.
"Don't say things like that out of nowhere..." she mumbled.
I chuckled, unable to help it. Seeing her flustered eased the knot in my chest.
We stayed like that for a while, the quiet hum of the room surrounding us. If the ceremony didn't exist, if time could freeze here, I might not have minded.
But soon Haruka knocked on the door.
"You two, it's time," she called. "We should leave before traffic gets worse."
Touka straightened, though her cheeks were still faintly red.
"Let's go," she said, trying to act composed.
I stood, offering her my hand.
She hesitated, then took it.
The Trip to the Ceremony
We rejoined the others in the living room. Haruka adjusted her bag and glanced at me with a grin.
"Ready, Himeya?" she asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied.
Haruka gave a confident nod. She always carried herself with a quiet strength, something like an older sister who knew exactly what she was doing.
We stepped outside, the sunlight warm and bright. My father would follow with the others later, but Haruka and I would go ahead to meet the organizers early.
"It still feels unreal," I said as we walked toward her car.
"Big moments always do," Haruka replied. "But that's what makes them memorable."
Once we got inside, she started the engine. The radio played a soft melody as the scenery shifted from neighborhoods to bustling roads.
"You've come a long way, Himeya," she continued. "I remember when you were still struggling to finish your first draft. Now look at you, heading to an award ceremony for young writers."
I scratched my cheek. "I honestly didn't expect any of this."
"You should start believing in your talent," she said gently. "A story doesn't win a national contest by accident."
I looked out the window, watching the tall buildings slowly emerge.
"...Haru-nee?" I said.
"Hm?"
"Thanks for supporting me too. For reading my drafts, even when they were rough. For telling me what worked and what didn't."
Haruka smiled. "I enjoyed it. And besides, you're my little brother."
The city came alive around us, bright signs, crowded sidewalks, and the towering skyscraper that housed the publishing headquarters.
I felt my heartbeat quicken.
"We're here," Haruka said, parking the car.
I stepped out, staring up at the massive building.
This was it.
The place where dreams became stories.
Haruka stood beside me, offering a reassuring smile and then she nudged me gently. "Let's go."
We took the elevator to the fifteenth floor. As the doors slid open, a staff member greeted us with a smile.
"You must be Shin," he said. "We've been expecting you."
I straightened despite my racing heart. "Yes."
We followed him through the hall, past posters of bestselling novels, framed awards, and photos of well-known authors.
It felt unreal.
The staff guided us into a preparation room. Inside, several other young writers were waiting, nervous, excited, whispering to their family members or pacing quietly. A table with drinks stood at the side.
I recognized none of them, but their energy made my chest tighten.
"Shin!" a voice called.
I turned.
It was her, my editor. She approached with a warm smile that eased my nerves a little.
"It's good to see you again," she said. "Congratulations on making it here."
"Thank you," I replied.
"You've grown a lot since your first draft," she continued. "Your revisions were thoughtful. You took advice well. You should be proud."
I felt heat rise to my cheeks. "I… I just did my best."
"And it shows."
Haruka nudged me lightly from behind, signaling that I should respond properly. I cleared my throat.
"I appreciate your guidance," I said. "I wouldn't have made it this far without it."
She chuckled softly. "Writers always say that, but the truth is, you're here because of your own effort. Don't forget that."
The ceremony began shortly after.
We were guided into a large hall with rows of seats and a stage decorated with banners and lights. The crowd buzzed with chatter, authors, editors, families, and journalists.
When my name was announced, my heart leaped.
I walked onto the stage, bright lights shining on me. I accepted the plaque, the certificate, and the envelope containing the prize.
Cameras flashed.
My editor stood below the stage, clapping proudly. Haruka and my father were somewhere in the crowd, cheering quietly.
I never imagined a moment like this.
But it didn't stop there.
After the ceremony, we were invited to a private reception. Editors mingled with writers, agents approached potential talents, and staff offered drinks and snacks.
At one point, a senior editor approached me.
"You're Shin, aren't you?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I read your entry. You have promising instincts. If you're interested, our company would like to discuss your future projects."
My breath caught.
"You… want to scout me?"
He smiled. "Rising talent is worth investing in. Think about it."
I nodded, stunned.
The reception blurred into laughter, congratulations, and warm conversations. By the time it ended, my feet were sore and my head felt light.
But the day wasn't finished.
Haruka had invited us to her home for a small after-party.
When we arrived, she prepared snacks, drinks, and even a small cake.
Touka rushed toward me and grabbed both of my hands.
"How was it? Tell me everything!"
I laughed. "It was overwhelming."
"Of course it was! You're amazing!"
The room filled with warmth and support I never knew I had.
And as the night slowly unwound, and laughter echoed softly through the hall, I realized something.
The world hadn't just shifted.
It had opened.
A new path stretched before me, filled with possibilities, fears, dreams, and the people who made me strong enough to chase them.
And so, the day that was supposed to be ordinary became the day everything changed.
...
Is this how the future...
future...?
what's wrong about the future...
...