...This is what you said you wanted?
Lee points at the flashy, over-decorated notebook on the display stand, the corner of his mouth twitching slightly.
Do you think the display model needs more decorations? We have many more options you can choose from—
...No, that's quite enough.
The mere thought of even more extravagant decorations waiting for him compels Lee to forcibly interrupt the shop attendant's introduction.
So we basically just need to continue writing the other person's story after exchanging our notebooks and then read them out loud in public, right?
It's not that I don't want it. It's just...
Lee swallows his words.
If this is what you want, I'll do it for you.
...Just consider it my way of making sure you don't get too carried away.
—Alright. Think that's enough.
Let's go.
Following the shop attendant's instructions, the two of you sit down separately. When you and Lee are halfway done, the shop attendant swaps your notebooks. The two of you go on writing, all the while without saying a thing to each other.
Occasionally glancing to the side, you catch glimpses of Lee slightly furrowing his brow and pausing briefly to think before putting pen to paper again. Is this giving him a headache?
The two of you are done before long. The shop attendant starts setting up recording equipment as he explains that both you and Lee can take some time to relax.
Nope. I just wasn't quite sure if I did a good job.
I mean, writing this sort of thing... isn't exactly my forte.
Not gonna happen.
Halfway through your conversation, the shop attendant finishes setting up the stage and lets the two of you know that you can take the stage.
You are told that, when you have your notebook back, you're supposed to finish the first half of the story—which you've written—and the second half of the story—written by whoever you're in this activity with—for your attempt to be considered successful.
I'll go first.
"After careful research, Lee decided to go out and purchase the parts needed to improve a set of weapons."
"He planned his route according to the supply list, but for some reason, on the day of his shopping trip, he discovered that the list had been altered—the items were completely different from what he had originally written down."
"Fortunately, the new list also had route locations marked for him, so Lee followed the guidance and made his purchases, eventually bringing back—"
Lee goes through the first half of the story that he wrote. When he reaches the second half, however, he falls into a brief silence.
"...Eventually bringing back the signature desserts from the most popular bakery in the commercial district, famous coffee that required a two-hour wait in line, holiday snack packs on sale at the store, and specialty cuisine from Kowloong Restaurant."
"When he returned to the lounge, Lee realized that he had accidentally mixed up his parts list with the commandant's shopping list. To thank the commandant for unintentionally helping him get some exercise done, Lee gave the commandant all the food he'd brought back."
...And that's it.
Lee closes his eyes, seemingly unsure what to make of the story. After a soft sigh, he speaks in a note of resignation.
You know what, never mind. As long as you like it, that's all that matters.
It hits you that you should probably do something to ease up the mood.
"One day, [player name] got their hand on an oil lamp from an old age."
"A tiny person that came out of the lamp claimed that it would grant whoever followed its instructions three wishes."
"When [player name] made it clear that they didn't trust the tiny person, it immediately revealed some of their well-kept secrets. It hit [player name] that this tiny person was no normal being."
"In hesitation, [player name] sought Lee's help. And they—"
......
Why did you stop?
"So they carefully took the lamp apart and discovered eavesdropping and surveillance devices hidden inside."
"The lamp, as they thought, was a gizmo their enemy was using to collect intelligence."
"So Lee captured the tiny person, took it apart, located their enemy through reverse tracking, and eventually wiped them all out in one fell swoop."
"And so it was another peaceful day for [player name]."
Hearing the ending of your story, the shop attendant and passersby can barely contain their amusement as faint laughter ripples through the crowd.
What? What's so funny about this?
I'd never take any risk when it comes to your safety.
Hm?
Regardless, the two of you have fulfilled all the requirements. The shop attendant hands over your notebooks, now decorated, and informs you that the activity has been completed and that you are free to leave with the souvenirs.
I guess it's actually kind of nice... doing things like this every now and then.
Walking right next to you, Lee repeatedly flips through the notebooks and examines them carefully.
Things that have to do with you are never boring.
I found it weird at first, but now it feels quite nice now.
It's interesting the way it's done, and it really shows me what you think and vice versa.
We can do this again sometime if you don't mind.
One way to do it is that we could exchange diaries every week where we write down things we want to say. Then we'd be able to read each other's thoughts the next time we meet.
When you have something to look forward to down the road... it just keeps you excited.
