The Nonfiction That Only You Know

Chapter 43

Original Author: ひのはら (Hinohara)
Date Submitted to Kakuyomu: 2021/07/03

It is not unusual for the author of the work a movie is based on to show up at the filming location.

As the creator of the original work, they would be curious about how the adaptation is coming along.

However, ever since filming began, Mii has never shown her face even once.

She not only didn't show up for any of Chiho's scenes, but she also didn't even show up to observe the climax when the protagonist solves the mystery.

Perhaps she's too busy with her work as a hairstylist for such things, but Chiho hoped she would come at least once.

In the end, they finished shooting without Chiho being able to meet Mii.

Right now, things are lively thanks to all the alcohol everyone has been drinking.

Despite drinking as well, Chiho couldn't get excited at all.

This wrap party is attended by the performers and the film crew. Chiho, who has Mii on her mind, has been forcing herself to smile since earlier.

"Alright, we're going to start playing bingo."
"Are there any prizes?"
"Of course."

There are complimentary tickets for famous salons, coupons for popular restaurants, and so on. Chiho couldn't get into the mood for bingo.

Since she hasn't had enough alcohol, this atmosphere pains her.

As she devises a plan to leave early by saying she has something to do, Chiho stops moving after hearing the director's loud voice.

"I heard that Kisaragi-san, the author of the original story, will be joining us here later today."

Chiho sits back down in the chair she had just gotten up from.
Grabbing a remaining bingo card on top of the desk, she pretends to participate in the event.

The people around her also seem to be looking forward to the appearance of the original author.

"Next, 24!"

Chiho feels sure her excitement is for completely different reasons.
She didn't care about the voice shouting out the numbers.
Her heart is dancing because she might be able to meet Mii.

"Bingo!"

The voices of the male actors rose one after another.
Chiho didn't hear half the numbers so she's one of the last two people left.

"You're surprisingly unlucky, Minami-chan."

Chiho replies to the actor's banter with an insincere smile.

In the end, they were the last two people remaining and received some snacks as a consolation prize.

Even after the game of bingo was over and everyone started packing up, Mii has still yet to arrive.

"Director. It's almost about time for the party to end... where's Kisaragi-san?"
"Ah, I got so absorbed in playing bingo that I forgot to mention it. Seems she's so busy with her day job that she wasn't able to come."

Paying no heed to Chiho's feelings, the others begin to talk.

"Wow, she sure is popular."
"Sounds like it. I'd like her to do my hair as well."

After coming this far, Chiho has become unsure of her own emotions.
She thought she wasn't interested in finding out what Mii is like now, but her true feelings are that she wants to meet her so badly that it's driving her insane.

From the bottom of her heart, she wants to meet the current Mii, who is working as both a hairstylist and a novelist at the same time.
Despite that, Chiho is cowardly and terrified of the possibility that Mii no longer has any feelings for her.

Even though she wants to meet her, she can't help being afraid of her feelings being rejected.
After all, on the very last page of "GHOST", the following words were clearly printed:

"This story is a work of fiction."