What can I say about track 10? There's the obvious, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH IT BURNS, IT BUUUUUUUUURNSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!" in regards to the ending. I think the creepiest part about it is Miyabi's casual usage of "little mouse" to Yayoi. o_o I got some chills from that as I was drawing it! Personally, I hate the way it had to end. BUT please believe me when I say that this is essential for the future to be brighter and happier in TWTYH! The journey may be bumpy, and I hope you'll all keep holding on for the ride. There's still a lot to explore in Miyabi and Yayoi's brand new (and rather fast-moving) relationship. I have to admit, there is something fun about writing about a *cough*horny*cough* teenage boy. I can't tell you how much page 31 made me erupt into joyful (and somewhat embarrassed) giggles. ^_^; The little bone icon has been called "epic" by many a reader. But nothing can undermine just how twisted and downright creepy the basis of their relationship appears at this moment. Does Miyabi really like Yayoi or just see her as a substitute for his unattainable "little mouse" image?! Oh yes, lots to explore yet.

And then Toshio and Yumi!!! T___T Still issues to be resolved there. It was so hard for me to draw them crying and upset, just about broke my heart. Honestly, track 10 was just extremely hard to write. Lots of sensitive issues and tender feelings between the characters, and expressed by readers in real life. I really appreciate everyone who stayed with me while things got worked out, because I know how bad it all looked at first. Sometimes I got really depressed and felt like I wanted to quit. But I had to keep in mind my end goal, and that helped me get through it when the story looked bleak and dark. This is, above all else, a love story! It is not at all meant to be bleak and dark. There may be a few periods of darkness, but they are fleeting. Everyone will be happy in the end, of that I can assure you all! That said, track 11 will be a welcome change of pace. Lots more happiness and good times than track 10 had. And, dang it, my poor characters deserve a bit more happiness!

One of my primary concerns as a comic artist, and with this story especially, is trying to portray my characters and situations as close to reality as I can. Sometimes that means showing the characters doing things or making choices that I personally wouldn't do or agree with. One time my mom saw a picture I drew of Shuya smoking and she got really upset with me and said something like, "you shouldn't draw people smoking! Smoking isn't right!" I think she also implied that people might question my standards if I drew someone smoking. While I agree that smoking is bad for you, why should that mean that I shouldn't draw someone smoking who believably would be a smoker in real life? The same thing goes for premarital sex. I'm not ashamed to admit that I waited until I was married. That was my personal choice, but a lot of other people choose otherwise; we all have our own freedom to choose. In Japan, I know it is very common for young people to experiment with sex before marriage, as it is in a lot of countries. Since TWTYH takes place in Japan, it's an aspect of the young modern culture that I hope adds authenticity and believability to the story without making it seem vulgar. Even if I don't agree with it, I'm not going to shy away from writing about it because I want it to be realistic. My mom probably wouldn't like it, but that's just my philosophy.

So excited to move forward! Again, thank you for supporting me all these years. I really hope you'll enjoy track 11 and beyond!