“That is… you know, what do you call it, the latest, revolutionary information technology. I can’t really explain it in one word…”

“Well, let me know when you’ve finished what you’re currently working on, okay?”

“N-no, I can’t do that. It’s privileged information that I can’t divulge. Not to mention that we have tons of money invested in this project, so I can’t just give it away so easily…” Just as I had begun to wish for death due to the thorough stupidity of the lines I was giving her, Misaki turned away.

“It was a waste, huh? I did offer to show you how to escape, after all.” She really seemed to think this lost opportunity was unfortunate. In a low whisper, she said, “Even though you’ll never have this chance again…”

Only her outline was faintly visible against the backlighting provided by the streetlamps.

I was a little… no, fairly excited.

My bad habit prompted me to keep gushing. “It seems you doubt what I’m saying; I am actually a really amazing creator, though. A young girl like you probably wouldn’t be aware of this, but I’m sort of well known within the industry. Yeah, when I see you next time, I’ll tell you all about it. About my work. You’ll be really surprised! You’ll respect me!”

Why did I say, “When I see you next time”? What did I mean by “my work”? Why did I always broadcast these lies, all of which easily could be disproved? I could just be honest and say, “I’m a jobless hikikomori!” Why was I indulging in this strange pride over such weird things?

Whatever. It didn’t matter. I should just run. I should just get out of there fast before I dug myself in any deeper. “W-well then, see you!”

Uncertainly, I headed toward the park exit. Behind me, she might have muttered something, but I couldn’t hear the words.

Part Two

Back at my apartment building, I interrogated my neighbor. “Yamazaki, how can one become a creator?”

“Huh? What’s this, all of a sudden?”

“I have to become a creator right away. You’re a student at the Yoyogi Animation Institute, aren’t you? Don’t you know a lot about that kind of stuff?”

“No. Well, I guess I do. Are you serious?”

“I’m serious. I’m completely serious. Anything will do. Just tell me how I can become a creator right away! Please?”

“I’m hanging up. Come over.”

The shock of the situation had been enough to force me into calling my next door neighbor. It was the first phone call I’d made in months.

“When I see you next time, I’ll tell you all about my work.” Only a few minutes earlier, I actually had said this. I had inflated my chest with pride and preposterously said this aloud. When I see you next…