Hi everyone!
This is my first KNB story.
This story is based on the plot of Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi (World's Greatest First Love). The plot is the same and there will be a revision in the scenes but I might use a few lines that I really love! If you haven't watched or read it yet then I recommend it to you guys!
Review will help me to improve and constructive criticism is highly appreciated! Please no flaming!
DISCLAIMER
I did not own KNB and Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi. They belong to their respective owner's.
Here's the first Chapter. Enjoy!
CHAPTER 1
Hello, New Job!
My name is Kuroko Tetsuya, 24 years old. Today is my first day of work as novel-editor at Teiko Publishing, the rival company of Kuroko Publishing which is owned by my father.
I am currently sitting at the lounge of Teiko Publishing waiting for the HR personnel. I can't wait. I'm so excited. I will be the number 1 editor here and show those people they are wrong. Well, this goal all started because of…
At Kuroko Publishing
I'm so happy! Both the books I edited this month were best sellers!
"Hey, did you hear that Kagami Taiga's book was the best seller for this month again?"
"Eh! Isn't that the book edited by Kuroko?"
Ah seems like my co-editor's heard the news they must be really happy for me.
"That brat always gets the best authors!"
Eh?
"Those books he edited sold well because the authors were good and not because of him. All her did was accept the manuscript and send it to the printing press."
What are they talking about?
"Just because he is the owner's son, he gets all the good authors even though he is just a newbie and has no talent in editing."
So that's what the thought about me huh? 'Just because I happened to be the owner's son.'
I give all my best to make those books enjoyable. I work so hard just to make it the best seller.
It isn't just because of the author's hard work it is also because of all of my efforts.
If I am the same Kuroko Tetsuya from ten years ago, I would have cried my eyes out until there's no more tears left. But… I'm not that person anymore…
All thanks to that person…
My sempai…
My first love…
The one who broke my heart…
The one who taught me to always expect the worst…
That I could lose everything I hold dear…
Because after all…
Nothing gold can stay.
That's why I've decided,
I will become the number one editor of the literature department in the rival company and prove them all wrong!
So that's why I'm here.
"Erm… excuse me, are you Kuroko-san?"
"Huh? Ah, Yes I am!"
"I am Sato Megumi, from HR department. Welcome to Teiko Publishing!"
Sato-san is actually good looking especially that smile a perfect girlfriend material. Unfortunately, I am not interested. After all, I vow to NEVER, EVER fall in LOVE again.
I was brought back to reality when Sato-san spoke again.
"From now on you will be joining the Emerald Department. It is the Shoujo manga department.
I blink then blink again because of course she didn't just said what I thought she said.
"Shoujou… Manga?" I asked softly.
"Yes, Shoujou Manga." She answered cheerily.
Now here comes the problem. "But I applied for the Literature Department." I said in a deadpan, though inside my head I'm quite in a panic mode. Because seriously Literature and Shoujou Manga are not even related, not in the very least!
"Eh" she replied, now sounding a little bit confused.
"But it is dearly written in your employee files that you will be working for the Shojujo Manga Department of Teiko Publishing.", she continued.
"Are you really sure?" I asked again. My mind seems to refuse the fact. The fate can't possibly be that cruel to me right?
But Sato-san has to shatter my remaining hope by replying "of course I'm sure!" with the dazzling smile of her.
"Now shall we go?" She asked.
I really have to decide now. Take it or leave it? I have no idea how to edit a manga but I have a goal to achieve. My mind is weighing the pros and cons of either decision without giving a trace of my internal battle on my face. This seems to send Sato-san on edge.
I sighed and mutter a small "Okay". She beamed and led me towards the Shoujo manga department.
I just have to show my face for a month or so and then I will request to be transferred to the literature department. While we're on our way to the Emerald Department, I've accumulated quite a few… okay a lot of questions and I can't help myself but ask. "Erm… Sato-san, isn't it weird for a male like me to be assigned to this kind of job? I mean isn't it quit awkward?
"Of course not!" she said quite defensively. "Actually, the editors of the Emerald department were all males!" I just had to raise my eyebrows at that – All males, seriously?
Then she continued. "A few years ago, the Emerald Department was the worst department at the Teiko Publishing. Its sales were only few to almost zero. Then the higher-ups hired a new editor-in-chief for the Emerald Department. He removed all the editors and hired for new editors that he chose himself. And suddenly the miracle happens." She paused, I think just for effects. Her eyes twinkling with… is that admiration I saw there? Yes, definitely.
"In just two months, the Emerald Department rise to the top of the world of Shoujo manga and editing. Led by the miraculous editor-in-chief, those five were from then on called as 'the Generation of Miracle." She finally finished her epic narration.
"Really?" yup, that's all I could say. I probably looked expressionless and indifferent outside but I'm actually speechless. I guess accepting this job isn't a waste of my time at all. I could probably learn a few things from this 'oh so great' editor-in-chief. Now I'm excited to meet him.
"Of course they're amazing! Not to mention extremely hot and gorgeous." Now she seems to be lost in her own world.
"Oh were here!" She announced enthusiastically, excited to see the MiraGen perhaps. Yup, I just decided to short cut the title.
She suddenly froze on the spot with the one eyebrow twitching. I looked towards the spot where she's looking and I can't help but gasp.
The large room is divided by many departments. The other department look normal but what caught my attention is the department at the rightmost corner of the room/ it seems to have accumulated all the despair in the world. No life seems to exist and the people in there all look dead. It practically screams doom! It's so gloomy!
My moment of shock was crashed by another moment of greater shock when Sato-san said albeit hesitating by, "T-tha's the… Emerald Deparment."
Silence…
Silence…
Then another silence…
'WHAT?!' My head screamed. This is the great Generation of Miracles!
I observed the Emerald Department and heard a blonde editor murmur. "…Mama… where are you… Mama?" his head is placed on top of his table, where a pool of liquid is. Is that his tears? That much?!
Across from him another guy said. "Light… I can see light… is this… m-my end?" this time it's from a Green-headed zombie I mean person. He reached his hand to the light bulb slowly. Gate…? Why there is a gate here...? He softly murmured.
'Oi, oi don't tell me he's actually seeing the gates through after life? Now he's gasping for breath. Is he really on the verge on death? Then he took one long and deep breath and then nothing. He's not moving anymore. 'Rest in peace Green-headed-Zombie-san'
"…mm…lp…an't ..breathe." huh, now where's that coming from? "…help…lease...breathe…" I looked around and saw a quite large mound of piles of paper. I looked closely and there seems to be a movement. The pile is now moving quite a bit. Then all of a sudden a blue hair pops out from the pile. No wonder he can't breathe. What is the doing in there, anyway? Is that a modernized way of mummification? Ugh, they're weird.
"K…ku…kurrroko-san… behind..you." I heard Sato-san whispered nervously. I looked at my back and I can't hold back a gasp. I know traces of fear can be seen on my poker face no matter how much I try to prevent it! Standing right in front of me is the tallest zombie… I mean man I've ever seen! His large hands were outstretched towards me and… wait is he sleepwalking?! Now he's only few inches away from me. What does he mean?
"…Itadakimasu…!"
Is he trying to eat me? Before he could succeed in eating me, I stepped sideways to avoid him and he went straight to the wall.
Ow, that must hurt huh? Now he's trying to eat the wall. Well good luck with that.
"CRACK"
What. The. Hell? Did the just cracked the wall? With just his teeth?!
"Erm…k-kuroko-san! I-I'll..b-b-bee taking my leave now… .eh…G-Good luck to you!"
When I looked back Sato-san is already out of sight.
What do I do now? I really want to leave. But I still have my manly pride. I accepted this job, after all. I guess it can't be helped then. I'll just ask the other department.
5 minutes later…
Another 5 minutes passed…
Then another 5 minutes.
We could find a certain teal-headed editor dumbfounded, completely confused beyond his wits.
'Why does everyone avoiding me?!'
Every time I tried to approach tem they will say 's-sorry I'm busy!" or "…I-I don't k-know them!" or something like "P-please spare m-my life!"
What the heck is wrong with all of them?!
I just want to ask a simple question? Why are they so scared?!
I sighed. I'm tired already; I want to get it all done with. I'll do the Plan B then. I'll approach the editors of Emerald Department on my own.
I can only hope that my parent won't find my body floating on the river tomorrow.
Now who I will ask? I guess the safest of them is all that Blond-head-san.
"Erm…excuse me…" No response. When I try to shake his shoulder he fell to the floor. Unmoving! Is he dead? Be brave Kuroko! You have to survive this first day of work trial.
"Excuse me." I tried again, this time a little louder for me that is.
There's a slight movement. I hold my breath, waiting for the blonde to return to the world of the living. His yellow eyes finally opened. "…Who are you…?" He asked weakly.
"I'm Kuroko Tetsuya, the new editor." I replied politely. I can see recognition in his eyes before.
He said, "Oh right. I forgot that you will be starting today." He answered without attempting to stand up.
Then he shouted, "Oi, Akashiechi the newbie is here!" when no response was heard he shouted again, "Akashichi!"
There's a loud thump heard followed by a smooth and silky voice. "I heard you once Ryouta, no need to shout again."
For the first time I realized that there's a fifth person in this department. Then our eyes met and my world tilted on its axis.
AN
That's the end of first chapter! See you next update!
Tell me what you think.
~satz~