Content of Maki's letter to Guest "Dear Guest, living in the present, Hello. The weather is lovely today. At least, it is where I live. I don't know about your end. After all, I don't even know when you'll be reading this. What did you do today? Or perhaps, you did nothing at all. As for me, all I've done today is write this. Shoveling food into my mouth, gripping my pen, and writing. Occasionally going to the tap when my throat gets dry. If you saw such an unhealthy lifestyle, would you be repulsed? But I'd be happy if you were the same. We'd be two of a kind, then. A matching set. Joking aside, there is one thing I must tell you. That there is someone here who loves you. When I say 'here,' I don't mean inside this paper. Obviously. But sometimes, even the obvious becomes unclear. I cannot write anything that would particularly serve as emotional support for you. But I love you. That is all. You may get angry and call me irresponsible. You may laugh and call me a fool. I simply want you to be happy. Some might say it's a waste to write this on paper. But what if aliens come and wipe out humanity? And then a new lifeform is born? What if they see what I've written? Then there would be proof that I existed, and proof that humans once lived on this Earth. A novel eventually takes shape even if no one reads it. At the very least, it remains as a shape in my heart. Well, writing such things might be pointless. But even if it's pointless, isn't it fine to have a day like that? Being too stiff gives me heartburn. The day I told you I was the son of a former mafia boss, the rain felt cold for the first time. Until then, I thought it was just something that washed away blood. But please believe me, I didn't choose that life. I truly wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to use these hands to save people, to write medical charts. But, but I can say this much. You must not be with me. God will not allow it. If you are the beautiful sky, I am the unwanted byproduct of a factory—the exhaust gas. I don't want to taint you. I wish for your happiness. But if you are to be happy, the time will never come for me to be by your side, or even near you, breathing the same oxygen. Is your happiness my despair? Saying this must trouble you, right? But I want to remain in your memory, even if only a little. I'm sorry. I thought this was the only way to convey my feelings to you like this. Is it a bit too cheesy? Please forgive me. I don't want to see you. Because if I see you, I'll want you again. You are like a birthday present found before one's birthday. Something I can never have. And yet, I want it. But if, by some chance, you love me, accept me, and are prepared to walk with me... please send a reply. Sincerely yours, Maki Oda"

A novel written by Maki

'Give Moonlight to My Melancholy' Author: Maki Oda

"Today was miserable. Cornered by neighbors, forced to endure their smiles. Normally, that would be a good thing. But I am not normal, so please, just leave me be. But I suppose such a voice won't reach those bastards. Hey, you piece of work! It's sweltering again today. Why can't you keep the temperature decent? I'm dreading the coming winter. Hasn't summer already overstayed its welcome for half a year? I wonder if it will barely snow again this year. It's a bit lonely not being able to make snowmen. One more excuse to be with you disappears. Sun, you need to dial it back. It's blinding. I can't even see the face of the girl I love clearly. No, is it just that I'm not looking closely enough? Anyway, just stop it, okay? I let out another sigh today. There's no dream in a life like this. And again, as I walk through the city, someone calls out. 'Hey Saeki, what are you here for?' they ask. I think to myself that it's none of your business, but— 'Haha, I came to shop. I'm running low on groceries at home. What about you?' I end up replying again today. I wouldn't call it a bad habit, but I've grown softer than I used to be. In my heart, not my physique. You wouldn't think a guy with this build used to be a total shut-in, right? Besides, I used to be so blunt. And I have such a plain name: Shun Saeki. But you were always different to me. You always looked out for me, stayed friendly with me—you are the moonlight that illuminates me. Not shining too brightly, yet bright enough for everyone to see. But you know, when you're hidden by clouds, no one can tell. That delicate side of yours is unbearably lovely. I'm fine with being just a pebble on the ground illuminated by you. But I want you to look at me, too. Forever and ever, I'll try to be a pebble that's at least a little different from the rest for that reason. Or, I'll be reborn as a star. Right next to you." (By the way, this work is written based on Maki's real-life experiences, projected onto the character Shun Saeki. There are five chapters in total. Each one is short, making it popular for being easy to read.)