Chapter 7. Where Words Collide

The morning sun bathed the quiet neighborhood in soft light as Ayaka Yamamoto stood resolutely outside Akihiko Nakamura's door, her hands clutching a clear folder packed with neatly arranged papers.

The first page, prominently labeled "CONTRACT," stared back at her like a badge of her resolve.

Ayaka adjusted her stance, determination radiating from her every move.

After what felt like an eternity, the door swung open.

Akihiko stepped out, dressed casually in a hoodie and athletic shorts that highlighted his lean, well-toned physique.

His hair was slightly rumpled, and seemed ready for a morning jog.

"Good morning!" Ayaka greeted brightly, her cheerful tone slicing through the stillness of the early hour.

Akihiko froze mid-step, startled by her sudden appearance. A brief flash of surprise crossed his face before his usual calm annoyance settled in.

"Why are you bothering people so early in the morning, Ms. Yamamoto?" he asked, his voice low and clipped, with a hint of exasperation.

Ayaka's smile only widened. "It's a good thing I came early." she said, waving the folder in the air like a trophy.

"Now, I can finally corner you."

Akihiko's sharp gaze flickered to the folder before he scoffed. "What is this? I told you—I'm not interested."

He moved to step past her, his tone growing colder."If you'll excuse me, I'm going for a jog. Don't block the way like you always do."

Without waiting for a reply, he slipped his earphones on and brushed past her.

But Ayaka wasn't giving up that easily. With a burst of speed, she darted in front of him, planting herself firmly in his path and extending both arms as if forming an impenetrable human barricade.

Her intense stare bore into his, unrelenting.

"What now?" Akihiko asked, his irritation palpable as he tugged at one earphone.

"Before you say no..." Ayaka began, her voice firm, "I want you to read this contract I made." She thrust the folder toward him, her eyes sparking with determination.

Akihiko barely glanced at it before sighing. "I'll read it later." he replied coolly, already attempting to sidestep her.

"Nope. You're reading it now." Ayaka declared, her voice taking on a commanding edge.

Without warning, she grabbed his arm, her grip surprisingly strong, and began dragging him down the walkway.

"Ms. Yamamoto..." Akihiko protested, his voice laced with both disbelief and annoyance. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Making sure you take this seriously!" Ayaka shot back, her pace unwavering as she marched him toward her apartment—conveniently located just next door.

Before he could mount a proper resistance, they were inside her cozy yet slightly cluttered living room.

Ayaka shoved him onto the couch with the authority of someone used to getting her way, then immediately began spreading out the contract pages across the coffee table like a battlefield map.

"You're not going anywhere until you finish reading this." she said firmly, arms crossed as she stared him down.

Akihiko let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. "Fine..." he muttered, slouching slightly in defeat.

"But only because I want this over with."

As he picked up the first page, his eyes flicked over the bold title: "The Contract of Inspiration."

Ayaka leaned against the armrest, her eyes never leaving him, her expression a mix of smug satisfaction and unwavering determination.

Akihiko grumbled something under his breath but began reading, knowing full well there was no escape—not until Ayaka Yamamoto got what she wanted.

The contract written were as follows:

The Terms of Collaboration this agreement, henceforth referred to as "The Contract of Inspiration," is made this between Ayaka Yamamoto (Ms. Midnight), hereinafter referred to as the "Author," and Akihiko Nakamura, hereinafter referred to as the "Inspiration."

1. Royalties and Financial Entitlements

1.1 The Author agrees to allocate fifty percent (50%) of all royalties earned from the novel to the Inspiration. This includes all revenue generated from book sales, adaptations, and related intellectual property.

1.2 Royalties shall be disbursed quarterly, beginning from the first date of revenue collection post-publication.

2. Lifetime Literary Privileges

2.1 The Inspiration shall receive lifetime access to all current and future books authored by Ms. Midnight at no cost.

2.2 Each book shall be provided in the Inspiration's preferred format and include a signed, personalized dedication.

3. Exclusive Knowledge of Future Projects

3.1 The Author grants the Inspiration exclusive early access to the ending of her highly anticipated novel, The Bloody Alley, prior to its official release.

3.2 This privilege includes an advance briefing of the manuscript and a private consultation regarding its resolution.

4. Creative Input

4.1 The Inspiration shall have the right to contribute insights and suggestions regarding the development of the male lead character in the novel.

4.2 The Author will, at her discretion, incorporate elements of the Inspiration's input into the narrative.

5. Recognition and Public Acknowledgment

5.1 The Inspiration shall be acknowledged in the book's dedication section as the source of inspiration for the male lead character.

5.2 The Author agrees to extend invitations to all official promotional events, where the Inspiration will be recognized as a guest of honor.

6. Priority for Future Collaborations

6.1 Should the Author decide to develop future works requiring character inspirations, the Inspiration shall be given first consideration for such roles.

6.2 The Inspiration shall also receive early access to synopses and drafts of future novels.

7. Confidentiality Agreement

7.1 The Inspiration agrees to maintain strict confidentiality regarding any privileged information about the Author's projects until such information is officially made public.

8. Termination Clause

8.1 This agreement may be terminated by either party upon written notice, provided there is reasonable cause.

8.2 Termination shall not affect any entitlements or royalties accrued prior to the termination date.

As Ayaka leaned back, satisfied with the terms she had presented, Akihiko picked up the pen, his expression calm yet decisive.

"There's still one more section." he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll write it myself, and you'll adhere to it completely."

Ayaka's curiosity was piqued, but she gave a small nod, sliding the document toward him. "Go ahead." she said.

At the bottom part, Akihiko scribbled the following terms and condition:

9. Conditions Proposed by Akihiko Nakamura

This section has been authored by Akihiko Nakamura and must be strictly followed by Ayaka Yamamoto (Ms. Midnight). These terms are non-negotiable.

9.1 No Personal Matters in the Book

The Author agrees that no details or aspects of Akihiko Nakamura's personal life, relationships, or experiences shall be used in the novel or any other works without his explicit written consent. The focus shall remain entirely on the fictional narrative.

9.2 Scheduling by Akihiko Nakamura

All sessions for brainstorming, draft readings, and idea discussions shall be scheduled at Akihiko Nakamura's discretion. He alone will determine the time, date, and location of these meetings.

9.3 Non-Romantic Agreement

Both parties agree to maintain a strictly professional relationship throughout the duration of this collaboration. Under no circumstances are either Ayaka Yamamoto or Akihiko Nakamura permitted to pursue or entertain romantic involvement with one another.

9.4 Compliance with Akihiko Nakamura's Requests

Ayaka Yamamoto agrees to fully comply with any and all requests made by Akihiko Nakamura until the completion and publication of the book. These requests may pertain to either:

1. The creative process of the novel, including but not limited to character development, plot adjustments, and narrative changes.

2. Personal assistance outside the scope of the book, provided such requests are reasonable and do not violate any legal or ethical boundaries.

This clause ensures that Ayaka will prioritize Akihiko's needs and directions, whether related to the novel or his personal life, for the duration of their collaboration.

Akihiko set the pen down, satisfied with the additions, and looked across the table at Ayaka. "If you agree to this, we'll proceed. If not, the deal ends here."

Ayaka picked up the document, her eyes darting over the freshly penned section.

The words leapt out at her "Under no circumstances are either Ayaka Yamamoto or Akihiko Nakamura permitted to pursue or entertain romantic involvement with one another."

She snorted, a sharp, incredulous sound breaking the tense silence. "To not fall in love with you?" she repeated, her tone dripping with mockery.

Ayaka then raised an eyebrow at him, her lips curling into a sly smirk. "Please, don't flatter yourself. I wouldn't want the Prince of Ice as my boyfriend anyway."

Akihiko leaned back in his chair, completely unfazed by her jab, his arms crossed as he regarded her with cool indifference.

"Good, that clause should be easy to follow then." he said, his tone clipped and devoid of humor.

But Ayaka's teasing expression faltered as her gaze dropped back to the contract.

Her smirk faded, replaced by a look of realization as her eyes landed on the next part of the clause.

The words granting Akihiko authority over both creative and personal matters until the book's completion seemed to blaze on the page.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, her expression became unreadable.

The seconds stretched, and then, slowly, she lifted her gaze. Her eyes met his, no longer playful but sharp, burning with a flicker of challenge.

It wasn't irritation or indignation that shone in her expression but something deeper—a readiness to push back, to match him step for step in this intricate game they were about to play.

"So..." she said, her voice quieter but laced with a dangerous edge, "You're saying that until this book is done, I'm supposed to follow your orders? In everything?"

Akihiko met her intense stare with one of his own, his icy demeanor unwavering. "That's exactly what I'm saying." he replied smoothly.

"If you want me as your muse, you'll have to give me complete control. Those are the terms."

Ayaka's fingers tightened around the edge of the paper as she considered him.

Her jaw tightened briefly, and then—unexpectedly—a small, amused smile broke through.

"Well..." she said, a hint of mischief in her voice, "I hope you're prepared, Dr. Nakamura. You might've just signed up for more than you can handle."

Without breaking eye contact, she snatched the pen and signed her name with deliberate precision, as if sealing a deal with the devil. When she finished, she leaned back, her grin widening.

"Game on, Prince of Ice." she murmured, sliding the document back to him.

Akihiko's lips twitched, but he refused to rise to her bait. Instead, he tucked the contract into his bag and stood, his calm exterior betraying nothing.

"You'll see soon enough, Ms. Midnight." he said coolly. "This is just the beginning."

As the door clicked shut behind him, Ayaka couldn't help but feel a strange thrill coursing through her veins. Their collaboration had officially begun.