Chapter 1

This is a story about my favorite production job.

Books 1-2 are currently available from M Novels.

A small, yet piercing scream echoed through the store, where the gentle afternoon sunlight was shining. Surprised by the sudden noise, the employees and customers who were enjoying their tea turned their gazes towards me, the source of the scream. It was indeed my voice, but it was so different from my usual tone that I dropped the phone I was holding. I thought I should pick it up, but the thought vanished from my mind as I immediately ran out of the cafe.

Ignoring the surprised owner's attempts to stop me, I ran straight ahead. The voice I heard on the phone was my mother's, filled with pain and tears. There were also frantic voices in the background. Even without her saying anything, I understood what she wanted to convey. I rushed out of the narrow street where the cafe was located, caught a taxi on the main road, and without waiting for the driver to ask where I was going, I told him my destination as soon as I got in, trying to calm my rapidly beating heart.

My hair, which was a dark brown and reached my waist, was messy from running, and I was still in my work uniform: a stylish outfit with a black base and frilly apron. My feet hurt from running in heels.

The driver didn't speak to me, who was sitting quietly in the back seat with my eyes closed. Perhaps he realized I was heading to the university hospital and could see how anxious I was. He sped past the cars in front of us and rushed to my destination. When we arrived at the university hospital, he stopped as close to the entrance as possible and showed concern for me.

"You can pay me later, just go quickly!"

"Sir...! Thank you, I'll be right back!"

I rushed into the hospital, heading for the reception desk.

"Excuse me, where is my sister... Where is Nanaki Hana!?"

The receptionist's expression faltered for a moment, taken aback by my urgency, but I had no time to worry about that. As she was about to stand up to check, a voice called out from behind me. Turning around, I saw Nurse Takagi, who was in charge of my sister.

"In the emergency operating room. I'll show you the way, follow me!"

"Okay!!"

◇ ◇ ◇

Have I ever prayed to God so fervently before?

Whenever I faced difficulties, I always overcame them through hard work.

But today, I pray to you, God.

Please, please, grant my wish.

I am willing to offer everything I have.

"God, please... please save my sister, Hana..."

My barely audible voice echoed through the dimly lit hospital corridor. It felt like a funeral, and I was afraid that even the Grim Reaper might appear.

I sat on a chair, and the red light on the door next to me indicated that surgery was in progress. My father and mother were sitting beside me, both looking exhausted and constantly looking down. Occasionally, they would glance at passing nurses, but there was nothing they could do except pray for the surgery to go well.

At times like this, I regret my helplessness, being neither a doctor nor anything useful. But I know that regret won't change anything.

My sister is currently undergoing emergency surgery.

I am now at a large university hospital, the same one where my sister, Hana, was admitted four years ago due to an illness.

At first, my parents and I thought it was just a cold. We gave her over-the-counter medicine and monitored her condition. However, her condition did not improve. Sensing something was wrong, my parents took her to the hospital.

The doctor's diagnosis was cruel. Hana's illness was "unknown." They couldn't find the cause, whether through brain scans or blood tests. The doctor suggested it might be a new virus, but there was no concrete evidence.

At 17, I was devastated by the cruel fate. My 13-year-old sister was suddenly hospitalized. On days off from school, we would go shopping together, cook, and I would help her study before exams. Our parents would smile and say, "Even though you're so far apart in age, you two are like twins." But that happy, carefree life crumbled like a sandcastle. The sound of waves on the beach and children playing in the park now seemed mocking.

"...Her condition suddenly worsened. The doctor said it's likely due to respiratory issues. The surgery's end time is... undetermined."

"...I'm sure, I'm sure Hana will be okay..."

My father, who had been silent, informed us of Hana's condition. My mother, trying to comfort me, patted my back. I clung to her, crying silently to calm myself down. Yes, everything will be okay. I have to believe my sister will be fine.

"Oh, right..."

"What is it?"

"I didn't pay the taxi driver... He said I could pay later and told me to go quickly."

Looking at my watch, it was 5:00 PM. The call from the cafe came around 4:00 PM, so I had kept the driver waiting for nearly 30 minutes.

"It's been a while... Here, take this."

My father handed me a 5,000 yen note. Realizing I had left the cafe in a hurry and had nothing with me, I felt a bit embarrassed. My father's face softened, and I quickly stood up, promising to return soon.

◇ ◇ ◇

When I returned to the hospital entrance, the taxi driver was waiting, drinking a can of coffee. He waved and greeted me with a smile.

"Look, you look terrible."

"Uh... Thank you..."

He handed me a warm can of milk tea. The driver didn't ask me any questions. If he had asked, "Is everything okay?" I would have probably burst into tears. I decided to appreciate his kindness and enjoy the silence.

After drinking the milk tea and thanking the driver, I left. He didn't ask any questions and smiled as he saw me off. I thought to myself, I want to be an adult who can show such consideration.

I entered the hospital through the main entrance and headed for the elevator. However, several people were waiting for their turn with wheelchairs. The operating room was on the third floor, so I decided to take the stairs.

"Hey, do you want me to grant your wish...?"

Just as I was passing the second floor, a voice echoed in my head. It didn't come from the corridor or the stairs but directly in my mind.

"Who... who is that?"

"Maybe 'God'?"

"Wh-what!?"

The voice claimed to be God. I looked around, but there was no one.

"What do you mean...?"

I voiced my doubts. I knew it was impossible for God to exist.

But what if it was really God?

What if it could save my sister?

"You were praying just now, right? 'I'll offer everything I have, just save my sister.' So, it's a trade. In exchange for everything you have, I'll grant your wish to save your sister. What do you say?"

"Ah...!"

Could it be... Could God really have come to grant my wish? This was beyond a miracle. I felt an indescribable joy.

"Please, save my sister! I don't care what happens to me!"

"Okay, I'll grant it!"

I couldn't verify if it was really God, but if there was even the slightest chance, I was willing to give everything. I recalled the bright "Okay" from God and thought of Hana. I realized I was clenching my hand tightly, knowing that her chances of survival were almost zero, even with surgery.

Please, save her.

I stood there, praying. I closed my eyes and thought of Hana.

My 17-year-old sister, who was diagnosed with an illness at 13 and hospitalized. She couldn't go out much, which must have been very hard for her, as she used to play with friends outside. She started playing games at home and became a bit of a gamer. The only bright side was that she and my father had a big argument when he unplugged her console, which is now a fond memory.

Hana, I want to see you smile again.

"Nanaki-san! The surgery... it was successful!"

Nurse Takagi ran towards me, tears streaming down her face. The surgery was successful...?

"R-really...?"

"Yes, really!"

The words took a moment to register. The only thing I understood was that Hana's surgery was successful. Tears welled up in my eyes. Was it from relief or joy? I couldn't stop them, and neither could Nurse Takagi.

I rushed to Hana's room.

But the next step led me into a world of darkness, deeper than night. I lost my balance and fell. Everything around me was pitch black.

"What... what's happening? Takagi-san?"

I called out for Nurse Takagi, but there was no response. Was I alone in this dark world?

"No, I'm scared... Dad, Mom...!"

I hugged myself, feeling terrified. Was this a joke? Or had I fainted from relief? If so, this must be a dream. But then, a voice reached my ears, confirming it was real.

"Welcome, Hinami."

I slowly turned around. A familiar voice. It was... God's voice.

A man stood there. In the darkness, he seemed to be glowing. Or perhaps my eyes were playing tricks on me. His chestnut hair was shoulder-length, and he wore a Western-style outfit: a deep orange, form-fitting top with a short jacket. If Hana were here, she might say he looked like a character from a game. His eyes, like shining gems, were fixed on me.

"Are you... God?"

"I welcome you from the bottom of my heart."

God nodded with a smile.