Status Updates From Taiwan Travelogue: A Novel

a novel is a piece of amber, one that coagulates both the “real” past and the “made-up” ideals. It is something that can be visited again and again in its unparalleled beauty.

Oh? So Aoyama-sensei and Ō-san are friends. You must excuse me, for I never perceived this from what I have witnessed of your interactions.

Our arms were linked and our footsteps were a dance. The night wind tousled our hair.

“Chi-chan, are you making fun of me?”
“Oh dear. And if I am?”
“Hmph …”
“If I am, that is only because Aoyama-san is noble-minded enough to permit her interpreter to tease her. I am very fortunate to find myself by your side.”
“What a sly thing to say! Now I can’t possibly argue against you.”