Nozaki recovered from his cold. He and Chiyo went to the comic convention that following year after graduation.
"This is so exciting, isn't it Nozaki?" She asked.
"Yeah, but don't get lost since there's a major crowd this year." He noted, his comic in one hand and the other holding Chiyo's hand.
"I see that. Do you think everyone is here for the convention?" Chiyo wonders.
Nozaki replies, "Quite possibly; I mean, we are in Akihabara, one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan."
Chiyo nods, thinking, I can't believe Nozaki actually did it! He's holding my hand; if this is a dream, please don't wake me.
Chiyo's so happy right now and I need to be more grateful for her help. The comic artist thought, watching her smile.
"Do we have everything, Chiyo?" He asks.
"Let's see: There are free tables around us so we can pick one. Also, we can get food and drinks at the stalls nearby. I brought our supplies for the convention, too." Chiyo said.
"All set, why don't we pick this table here?" Nozaki asks.
I'm also grateful for my editor as well. He thought, remembering the past.
Begin Flashback
"I'll go this route with my idea." Nozaki said, showing his editor the idea.
"This won't win the contest, Nozaki. You need pizzazz, something to grip your audience." He told the comic artist.
"Thank you, I'll do my best."
End Flashback
I'll do what it takes to make my editor and Chiyo proud of me.
"We're all set. Did you want anything to eat, Nozaki?" His assistant asked.
"I'm good for now; won't you grab me a green tea please?" Nozaki said, giving her the money.
"Okay, two green teas; one for me and one for you. I'll be right back." She went to get the drinks from the stand.
One customer asked Nozaki about his work.
"This is family friendly, right?" He asked, curious.
"That's right. You can give that comic to children as a gift. It's only five hundred yen." Nozaki responded.
"I love the art style; I'll take it." The customer gave five hundred yen to Nozaki, who said his thanks.
Many others had crowded around Nozaki, who was concerned for his assistant. She had come back with the drinks and was surprised at the crowd gathered.
"With this crowd, we'll sell out your comic in no time." Chiyo whispered.
"I agree." He replied.
"Alright, single file, please." Nozaki told the crowd, who heeded his words.
"Thank you for your patronage." He told everyone, bowing.
"I can't believe we got an original work with excellent art." One customer told his friend, who nodded.
"It's almost time for the results; I'll be back; just going to the restroom real quick." Nozaki told Chiyo.
After returning, the announcer said, "The winner of this year's comic contest is, Nozaki for his amazing idea! Let's give him a round of applause!"
The crowd clapped, happy for his success.
"We did it, Nozaki! I'm so happy!" Chiyo gave him a peck on the cheek, making him blush.
"It was your idea in the first place. All of the credit should go to you." Nozaki supposed.
"Even if it was my idea, you're the artist here. You should be proud."
The two packed up and went home after getting the grand prize: A ticket to the hot springs.
The End