My heart started racing with anticipation, I clicked on the message, my eyes scanning the words that appeared on the screen. And as I read each line, my jaw slowly dropped. What was written in the message was something I never expected to see.

"Hey Pinkie-san, I'm an active viewer of your art streams and a fan of your work! My name is Kurotsuki, and I'm a light novel author, and I wrote 'Run With the Wind'!"

My eyes widened as I read the message, and sure enough, I could feel my heart racing. Kurotsuki, the author of my favorite light novel, was messaging me.

This has to be a dream.

I shook my head and responded, thanking Kurotsuki for watching my streams and asking what I could help him with. His reply came swiftly, taking me by surprise once again.

"Anyways! I'm planning on writing a new light novel series and I was hoping that you could consider the opportunity to be the illustrator and co-writer for this project? Part-time of course."

My hands were trembling as I read the words. Was this really happening? The author of 'Run With the Wind', the series that just ended, wanted to work with me?

This is too good to be true.

In a daze, I jumped up from my chair and dashed to my bookshelf, grabbing all six volumes of 'Run With the Wind' that I owned. I looked at the cover to see if there was something different with how the author's name 'Kurotsuki' is written compared to the one that's talking to me online.

Surprisingly, it was exactly the same.

But as excited as I was, I couldn't help but hesitate. What if this was a poser? Someone pretending to be Kurotsuki just to mess with me? I stared at the screen for a brief moment, thinking of the possibilities of this event.

Number one: I just mentioned 'Run With the Wind' in my stream earlier, so this could be a viewer who wanted to prank me.

Number two: It's also not a stretch for Kurotsuki to be looking for a new illustrator, given that he had just finished writing 'Run With the Wind', but as for the co-writer part? I'm still not too sure about that.

I can't go for a definite conclusion as to what it really is, one or two, I still have to hold back from thinking of it as such. Instead, I decided to reply, asking Kurotsuki for more information.

"Why are you looking for a new illustrator and especially a co-writer Kurotsuki-sensei? I don't think I have any experience as a writer, and wouldn't you prefer to work with your previous illustrator?"

Kurotsuki's response came shortly after.

"I've been watching your streams for a while now, and I believe you have what it takes. You're able to read between the lines and find meaning in things, which is a great quality for a co-writer. As for the illustrator role, I saw your recent livestream where you drew a fantasy-themed artwork," then Kurotsuki's messages came to a pause. If he was indeed the author himself, I could imagine him fumbling through his papers or sticky notes filled with ideas that he wrote.

Roughly a minute later, another message from him came through.

"I'm planning to write a fantasy story, and your art style fits the vision I have for it. My previous illustrator for 'Run With the Wind' moved on to work with another author as soon as the series was completed. Besides, their art style was more suited for shoujo romance, not fantasy."

His reasoning did make sense, 'Run With the Wind' was a high-school romance novel after all, and if he was going to write a story for the fantasy genre, he'd need a different illustrator. However, despite Kurotsuki's explanation, I was still skeptical. I needed a way to validate his offer by myself.

"I'm sorry if this is too much to ask, but is there a way that we could somehow help you prove if your offer is real? I just have to be careful..."

"If you'd like, we can meet up in person at Hikari Suisei Publishing's building. You'll be talking to me, and the editor assigned to me. That way, you can see for yourself that this offer is genuine."

Hearing the name 'Hikari Suisei Publishing' made the offer seem more plausible, but the idea of this being a prank still lingered in my mind. As someone could've just made this all up and sent me to Hikari Suisei only for me to find out that I was not actually set to meet someone, I'd end up embarrassing myself.

I hesitated before responding, "I appreciate the offer, but I need some time to think this through. Meeting you in person means revealing my offline identity, and I'm afraid of taking any risks."

Kurotsuki replied understandingly, "I understand your worries, but I want you to know that I'd be revealing my offline identity to you as well. I've never made my identity public either. Whenever there were events, such as the Author's New Year party last January, I sent someone as my proxy. And for signings of copies of my book, I'd send someone else in my place too."

Curious, I asked, "Why would you be willing to show yourself to me now, especially when I'm not even certain about accepting the part-time job?"

Kurotsuki's response came swiftly, "Let's just say that I'm willing to take a leap of faith. And also I just want to express how much I wanted you to be on board this project, you're a really good artist."

I pondered over this for a moment, then came up with an idea. "Kurotsuki-sensei, can you send me a photo of your manuscripts, any manuscripts, or at least the place where you work at?"

Kurotsuki seemed to like the idea and replied, "Sure, give me a moment."

Soon after, he sent me a photo of his work desk, with papers scattered all over the place. Copies of 'Run With the Wind' were visible in the background.

The photo was focused on a single piece of paper, with a hand holding a pen on top of it. Written on the paper was none other than Kurotsuki's signature, so there was no way this photo could have been easily taken off the internet. Or I could just overthink things and still not be convinced.

"Apologies for the clutter," Kurotsuki wrote in the message accompanying the photo, "It felt a little embarrassing to send you this, but I hope it helps."

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

I couldn't help but smile at his message, finding his shyness slightly adorable. With the photo as proof, my doubts were slowly dissipating. This might actually be the real Kurotsuki, and the offer could be genuine after all.

Taking a deep breath, I typed in, "Okay, I guess I can go to meet you at Hikari Suisei. When should I come?"

"You can come as early as tomorrow Sunday if you'd like. There won't be as many people holding meetings during Sundays, so it would be more comfortable."

"I see... I'll come tomorrow then," I typed back, my nerves making my words seem weirdly hesitant and shy. "I'll see you there."

Kurotsuki sent a surprisingly excited message in response, "Great! I'm so glad you're giving it a try! I can't wait to meet you in person, Pinkie-san!"

Feeling my face heat up, I quickly replied, "Um, yes, me too. Anyway, I have to head off now and take care of other things, I still got homework. I'll see you tomorrow, Kurotsuki-sensei."

Kurotsuki sent a final message before logging off, "Alright, have a great rest of your day, and take care! See you tomorrow, Pinkie-san."

With my heart still pounding, I closed the chatbox, the reality of my upcoming meeting with Kurotsuki settling in. I was excited of course, but also anxious.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed with an incoming call, and the caller ID showed that it was my childhood friend, Satoshi Sakai.

"That's a surprise," I mumbled as I answered the call. "Hello, Sato-kun?"

"Hey, Aya!" Satoshi's cheerful voice greeted me. "I just finished watching your stream, and I loved your new artwork! You really outdid yourself this time."

I blushed, feeling a bit shy, "Ah, thank you. I'm glad you liked it."

I then shared the news about Kurotsuki's message and the part-time job opportunity as an illustrator and co-writer. I also told him about the planned meeting at Hikari Suisei Publishing's building. Satoshi was surprised but immediately expressed his concern for Kurotsuki's legitimacy.

"Hmm... I don't know," Satoshi said hesitantly. "It sounds too good to be true."

"I know right? Now listen," I tried to share Kurotsuki's earlier reasons for the offer, but Satoshi wasn't convinced.

"I kinda don't want you to go alone, Aya. A formal meeting or not, it might still be a prank. Let me come with you tomorrow."

"Really? Thank you, Sato-kun. I'd really appreciate that."

"Great, we'll meet up tomorrow at the usual spot, no worries," Satoshi reassured me. "We'll figure out if this Kurotsuki person is legit or not. Just promise me you'll be careful."

"I promise, Sato-kun," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease.

"I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Yup, good night now."

"Good night."

We then ended the call after our conversation, I changed into my pajamas and tried to relax. The sheer anticipation of meeting Kurotsuki tomorrow made it difficult to fall asleep, but eventually, I managed and drifted off.

The following day, after finishing my morning chores and breakfast, I decided not to do a live stream in the morning due to the preparation I had to do for the meeting with Kurotsuki. I figured I could do an evening stream later instead, my viewers are fairly understanding so I'm sure they would let me off the hook.

I changed into my best-looking outdoor outfit, tying my pink hair into twin tails, and texted Satoshi to let him know I was heading out.

I stepped out of my apartment and was relieved to find that the weather wasn't too hot today. With a deep breath, I set off toward the park near our school, where Satoshi and I had planned to meet.

As I walked, I just couldn't help but think about what was about to come next. Today would be the day I'd potentially meet the author of my favorite light novel, and maybe even secure a part-time job as his illustrator and co-writer. But I couldn't shake off the doubt I had about the reality of the offer.

Would everything go smoothly?

For now, I managed to shake off the thoughts, Satoshi will be there to accompany me anyway.

Upon reaching the park, I scanned the area, searching for my childhood friend's familiar face. And there he was, his black parted hair falling to his neck level, and his blue eyes gleaming with his usual upbeat smile, he was dressed in a fairly simple attire composed of a black shirt and gray pants. Our eyes met, and he waved at me enthusiastically.

I waved back and walked over to Satoshi. "Hey, Sato-kun," I greeted him.

"Hey, Aya! You in a hurry to get there?" he asked with his usual cheerful tone.

"Not really, why do you ask?" I replied, adjusting my hair.

"Great. Since we have some time, how about we grab a snack first? I know a good spot for crepes nearby," Satoshi suggested, his eyes lighting up at the idea.

"Crepes? Sure, that sounds nice!" I agreed happily, and Satoshi led me to the simple-looking crepe shop he had mentioned. I ordered a strawberry crepe, while Satoshi went for a chocolate one. We both decided to eat them on the go.

As I took my first bite, the taste of the crepe was delightful. The soft, warm crepe was filled with fresh, juicy strawberries paired with a dollop of whipped cream which added a light, airy touch, while the drizzle of strawberry sauce brought the flavors together perfectly. I'm no great cook or whatever but I can tell that this is high quality. With that, I couldn't help but savor each bite while thinking to myself.

He wasn't lying... it's delicious...

Enough of the tasting, now with our crepes in hand, we set off towards the city where Hikari Suisei was located, eating our snacks as we walked together.

During our journey, Satoshi asked me, "So, got any idea what this Kurotsuki dude looks like?"

I shrugged, admitting, "I'm not really sure. Kurotsuki-sensei’s kept his identity private, after all."

Satoshi nodded thoughtfully. "It's kind of weird that they're so willing to reveal themselves to someone who isn't even on board as their work partner yet," he commented.

"Yes, I agree," I said with a little unease.

Satoshi then looked at me seriously. "Well, I'm just here to make sure that you don't get mugged or anything. You're really beautiful, and it makes you a prime target for attracting weirdos. Hell, even at school, people are always staring at you. It's like you're a school princess or something."

I blushed and waved off his comment. "I-I'm not a 'school princess', Sato-kun. It's not weird for someone to take care of their looks."

Satoshi chuckled, "Yeah, I know, that's so like you."

Finally, after minutes of tireless walking. We finally spotted Hikari Suisei's sign and arrived. We then entered the building and I was immediately struck by the professional atmosphere of the lobby. I approached the reception desk, trying to summon the courage to speak. "U-um, I'm here to... meet Kurotsuki-sensei? T-The author..." I stuttered.

Satoshi, sensing my struggle, stepped in, "My friend here has an appointment with Kurotsuki, the author of 'Run With the Wind.' Is there someone we should ask for?"

I sighed with relief, grateful for Satoshi's rescue.

"Of course, let me go check in on something," The receptionist nodded and dialed a number on the phone. After a brief conversation, she looked at us and said, "The editor in charge of Kurotsuki's works is waiting for you in the meeting room on the third floor. It's the third door on the right."

"T-Thank you," I replied in surprise, taking the visitor's pass she handed me. I felt the small knot in my stomach loosen a little bit after the receptionist confirmed it with us, it looks like this offer is real after all.

However, as Satoshi and I moved toward the elevator, the receptionist stopped us. "I'm sorry, but only the person with a direct concern regarding the meeting with Kurotsuki is allowed to proceed."

Satoshi nodded and stepped back, encouraging me to go ahead. "No problem, just don't overthink and get too anxious, okay?"

"O-Okay... I got this," I nodded and entered the elevator, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. As I stepped out onto the quiet third floor, I marveled at the posters of numerous popular works published by Hikari Suisei that lined the walls.

Following the receptionist's instructions, I knocked on the third door on the right.

"Come in!" A voice from inside called out, which I obeyed. As I swung the door open, I could see a man who was probably in his forties stand up and walk towards me.

"You must be Pinkie-san," The man greeted me, reaching for a handshake which I then shook, "I'm Tanaka Kaname, the editor assigned to work with Kurotsuki-sensei and his future works, he called earlier and told me that someone he found on the internet will be coming over for a 'truth check', I was confused at first but I could see why."

"A-A truth check?" I tilted my head.

Tanaka nodded and smiled, "Yes, it makes sense that a lady like you would be cautious of her own safety. That's perfectly fine."

"So... will Kurotsuki-sensei be appearing as well?" I asked him.

Tanaka sat back down on his seat and placed his chin over his hands.

"Yes, in fact, he is on his way right now,"