I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.
I’m always touched, and I’m shedding tears of gratitude.
I never had any previous publishing experience, and even though I’m lacking in ability, I got published. To all of you who read my book, I’m endlessly grateful. Thank you very much.
After the first volume, I was just mentally zoned out.
When it came time for this second volume, there was also the Dengeki hp (Volume 24) version of “Poolside Girl” to think about. But there was no time between the short story and volume 1, so after I finished, I was just, “duuuuuuuuh.”
At my home/workplace, I have a PS2 (since I don’t play games at all, I use it as a DVD player), which I use to watch concert and music videos of bands and artists that I like, and I go, “Ah ha ha! Ah ha ha!”
I generally spend my time being pretty laid-back.
So again, even like this, I’ve managed to see you again!
Everything is due to the solid emotional support that I’ve had from you. All your letters and avid reader cards and messages truly give me encouragement. I’ve never before felt such support: so strong, so important, and so warm.
I’m filled with an infinite happiness. I’m so grateful for these wonderful encounters.
I hope that the publication of this book can be a reply of sorts—an answer of sorts.
Ballad of a Shinigami. The boys and girls who appear in these stories aren’t strong people. In fact, they may be too weak. After all, they cry at the slightest provocation.
But maybe because of that they can say, “It’s okay to cry.”
Sometimes their stories aren’t just about “tears.” These stories, I sometimes think, can be like the handkerchief that we use to wipe away tears.
So if you find it funny, please do laugh.
And if you find that it sucks, then please laugh too.
Hoping to see you again.
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Basking in the warm spring sun,
K-Ske Hasegawa, 2003
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Special Thanks
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Neko-sama; K-sama; everyone at Tsubo; I think-sama; Nanakusa-sama; Miki-sama; the staff of Media Works; my family; my lovely boyfriends and girlfriends; and everyone involved with this book, who touched it, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you.
✦ ✦ ✦
for “your lovely world!!”