Hikigaya Hachiman welcomed the second December after his freshman year with a sense of anticipation. The entrance examination day was approaching quickly, and Hikigaya felt completely confident about his chances of success.
After enduring Machida Sonoko's intense and rigorous tutoring, he believed he had acquired all the skills necessary to become the top student in his grade. All that remained was to put his abilities to the test in the upcoming exam before the New Year holiday.
What he didn't anticipate was that the current top student in Class A and in the entire grade had recently been absent-minded in class. Even the head teacher, who rarely criticized students, was compelled to call him into the office for a discussion.
Although no one knew the specifics of their conversation, a rumor soon circulated: the top student had recently become hooked on Hikigaya's novels, which supposedly led to his declining academic performance and lack of focus in class.
"Read what Hachiman reads," was Hikigaya's sharp comment regarding the situation.
However, as he pondered how his novels could distract his academic rivals, he began to contemplate whether he should focus more on his writing. After all, the more students became engrossed in his novels and distracted from their studies, the less competitive his peers would be, potentially benefiting him in the long run.
Of course, these methods were unorthodox. Everyone's scores would drop, and university admissions would not become easier, making self-improvement the more reliable path. According to his senior, Haruno, with Hikigaya's literary accomplishments and strong performance in liberal arts, any university in Japan would be eager to recruit him.
"So, my junior, you should stop studying things that are not useful and focus more on literary creation," Haruno had once advised him.
Hikigaya had heard this peculiar reasoning for dissuading people from studying on more than one occasion, and he found himself slightly tempted by the idea.
However, mystery novels differ from other literary genres. If mystery writers accumulate more knowledge, there will always be opportunities to apply it. For example, in his previous life, Keigo Higashino, with his background in science and engineering, often incorporated scientific principles into his works. If Hachiman Hikigaya intended to create a novel with similar depth, he would be at a disadvantage without a solid foundation of basic knowledge.
For Hikigaya, December also marked a significant event: the announcement of the candidates for the upcoming Naoki Prize. Imamura's assertion held true; his work, "Malice," was indeed on the list, and it was the only mystery novel nominated. The Naoki Prize, alongside the Akutagawa Prize, is regarded as one of the highest honors in Japanese literature.
It is already a tremendous honor for any work to be nominated for such a prestigious award, so Hikigaya refrained from having overly high expectations.
"Hikigaya-kun, you really don't have much chance of winning the Naoki Prize this year. You must be aware that many seasoned authors are also in contention for this award. While it is primarily based on works, seniority often plays a role as well, especially for those writers who have made significant contributions to the literary landscape."
"But don't fret, Hikigaya-kun. Although there is no definitive rule regarding the Naoki Prize, it is generally understood that an author can only win it once. As long as you maintain the quality of your writing, I believe you will earn the Naoki Prize when you reach college."
Mr. Arisugawa was concerned that Hikigaya might have unreasonably high expectations about his nomination, so he called Hikigaya as soon as the list of candidates was announced.
"Well, I appreciate it, Mr. Arisugawa. Thank you for the reminder. I won't have any unrealistic fantasies. Honestly, at my age, winning an award may not be the best thing. I can't deny that I would be proud, though," Hikigaya said sincerely.
"Haha, Hikigaya-kun, even if you say that, being nominated for the Naoki Prize at the age of sixteen means that the time when you actually win the prize won't be far off. You will still be very young at that time. In any case, I hope that when you achieve success, you can maintain your passion for creation," Mr. Arisugawa remarked.
He genuinely believes that Hikigaya Hachiman is a humble person who is notably more low-key than his peers, which is a significant factor in his success.
"I will, Mr. Arisugawa. I look forward to your guidance in the future," Hikigaya replied.
"Hikigaya-kun, I may not be able to give you much advice right now. What you've written is so imaginative, and you are indeed a young talent. By the way, it's almost the end of the year again. Do you need me to pick you up for the banquet in Chiba this year?" Mr. Arisugawa asked, recalling something.
"Thank you for your concern, but I can go by myself this year," Hikigaya answered. Haruno had informed him a few days earlier that the family would arrange for a car to pick him up for the banquet, so he felt it was unnecessary to mention it to Mr. Arisugawa.
"That's alright. I know you and the eldest daughter of the Yukinoshita family have been quite close lately. She must have found a way to take you there," Arisugawa added thoughtfully.
Hikigaya was speechless. As expected, nothing could be hidden from this accomplished writer and teacher. Editor Imamura had likely let the secret slip.
"Forget it, Hikigaya-kun. This is something for you young people to handle. Once you arrive at the venue, don't forget to come find me. It will be the same process as last year, you know."
"Okay, sir. I'll come find you as soon as I get to the venue," Hikigaya agreed immediately, and the two continued discussing the literature award before ending the call.
Whenever he spoke with Mr. Arisugawa, Hikigaya would sit up straight, regardless of where he was. Unfortunately, he hadn't developed the best habits, and he would soon tire out and collapse wherever he was when the call ended.
As he lay on the ground, Hikigaya continued to ponder many things, such as being selected for the Naoki Prize. Sakuraba Publishing House had already started preparations in advance, coinciding with the second wave of printing of "Malice." His selection for the Naoki Prize was ample reason for a marketing campaign.
Once this printing was complete, Hikigaya Hachiman's bank deposits would exceed 200 million yen. For him, money had become just a number. The bank had inquired several times whether he wanted to hire a financial planner, but he had declined.
What worried Hikigaya the most at the end of the year was the upcoming banquet. For some reason, he felt that this event wouldn't be as simple as the last one. Last year, he hadn't even known about the Yukinoshita family, but this year, he would be a guest of honor in their home.
"I hope I'm just overthinking this..." Hikigaya thought, giving up on the worries that easily made him uneasy. He turned over in bed, hugged his quilt, and fell into a deep sleep.
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