CLOSED "Half, and Again, and Away"

[Night.Cloud]

Hey, Lemma:

The project "Half, and Away, and Again" is a short, static visual novel (of about ~20 000 words) that follows the main protagonist Leo on a short revisit to his high school and the past he has long since hid away. The stories mainly deals with change, growth, forgiveness, acceptance, and bullying, but also touches on many other minor themes.

The story is broken down into three acts, with each act holding a sort of "memory flashback" in half-reverse order; the story progression is like this: 1998 - 1986(sept) - 1998 - 1986(oct/dec) - 1988/1990 - 1998. Essentially, it is present-past-present-etc, and is meant to be somewhat confusing until all the pieces come together at the end.

I'm currently looking for a single writer who is willing to write one small portion of the story - it should be anywhere from 1500-2200 words. I am willing to take anyone who can write or mimic the writing style already used throughout the rest of the story. If you are interested, please continue to read below to see what exactly you'll be writing! Once I've confirmed with whoever is interested, I will then invite you to read the story (if you so wish to) to familiarize yourself with the rest of the plot. Of course, the writer will be credited to the portion of the writing. I have provided a very brief summary of the entire story.

-- Summary --
Introduction - No date, assumed elementary school
A girl stands waiting for the MC. His friends all tease him, and MC turns away.

Act I: "Somewhere"
1998 - Present
The MC runs a small antique shop. A customer walks in, looking for a gift. After a while, MC realizes it’s an old friend from school, and that she (EMI) is looking for a gift for their teacher. MC hasn’t seen EMI since she left for a school in Europe, and the pair decides to visit the teacher together.

1986 - High School
MC is bullied by everyone - including the teacher. His desk has insults written all over it, and he gets into a fight after school. MC shows a particular hatred to a girl who doesn’t seem to have done anything. Girl revealed to be EMI. MC gets in trouble with his mom who thinks he’s out partying instead of studying like he said. MC decides to leave, forging his mom’s signature on school transfer papers.

Act II: "Somehow"
1988 - Present
MC calls his wife, telling her that he’ll be home late the next day, and that he’s visiting his teacher with an old friend. MC and EMI get on the train.

1986 - High School
MC transfers schools, and although he tries to keep a low profile, the attractive student activity president (AOI) talks to him a lot. They end up becoming good friends despite their opposing personalities. Although AOI tries to ask MC about EMI, MC never replies. At Christmas, MC finally decides to visit his mother, and reluctantly agrees to let AOI come as well. Mom is very happy MC has made a friend, but asks him to apologize to the school. When MC goes to school, he settles his differences with his teacher, but learns that another student has taken the place of the victim after he left. Girl revealed to be EMI.

1988 - High School
EMI transfers to AOI and MC’s school, and despite MC’s attempts to avoid EMI, AOI suggests he talks to her. It’s awkward at first, and both EMI and MC avoid talk of their past together. Although MC apologizes, EMI seems to shrug it off nonchalantly. Overtime, they grow quite close, but EMI receives an offer to a university in Europe. EMI leaves, and MC feels as though he hasn’t been forgiven/apologized properly. He knows that EMI won’t contact him, as she’s never been like that. On the train home, AOI asks him if he liked EMI. MC doesn’t reply, but says he hated her before.

Flashback - No date, assumed 1985
MC is constantly called a "bitch" until he accidentally makes a chubby boy cry. Not knowing that it wasn't on purpose, the school "gang" recruits MC into their midst, and forces him to continue to bully and cause trouble in the school. Eventually, the gang decides EMI as the next victim, and MC has no choice but to participate. He begins to hate the look of sorry EMI shows him as she knows it isn't his really his fault. At the end of the year, adults finally intervene, but MC is sold out as the scapegoat. Blamed by both "gang"mates and classmates, he is thrown mercilessly under the bus (so to speak).

1988 - High School (CONT'D)
The train reaches the destination, and it’s time for MC to part ways with AOI. AOI is heading to a different university in Japan, but says she’ll see MC again. MC pauses, then suggests that they won’t meet again. MC doesn’t manage to apologize for the (love?) trouble he’s brought to AOI before the train leaves.

Act III: "Someday"
1998 - Present
MC and EMI reach the school, and they have a chat with their old teacher. Things get a little awkward when the teacher asks if the MC chose EMI over AOI, but the situation is defused. Apparently, AOI is teaching at the school, and EMI suggests MC should talk to her. MC agrees, but after seeing how much AOI has grown up and how happy she is, decides that he shouldn’t intrude on her life again. EMI and MC leave, heading to the bridge they used to meet up by. EMI asks him if he regrets; yes, MC regrets everything. EMI asks MC if he loves his wife; yes, MC does. Night falls and MC declines an invitation to stay longer - his wife is waiting for him. He says sorry one more time, and he realizes that he was forgiven from the start. MC knows he won’t see EMI again.

Epilogue - No date, assumed elementary school
The MC glances backwards, ignoring his friends - all his concentration is on the girl. "Yeah, I do, too."

End
-- Summary --

The writing portion I hope someone will be able to pick up is the "Flashback - No date, assumed 1985". Currently, the bullying present in the story is very, very intense, and I don't believe it is fitting as character reaction doesn't make too much sense with it. I'm looking to have a writer write a toned down version of the bullying. If you are interested, please feel free to PM me or leave a post! Discussion is very welcome and if people are interested, I will link sections of the story.

Thanks again, Lemma.

[Caeoltoiri]

Hey, Night.Cloud -- this seems like an nice story you've got going on here!

I love what you have written so far, and I'm interested to see it when it's all finished- and I'd like to offer my assistance in toning down the bullying, if you'll have me.
I roleplay with a wide variety of people and generally match my style to theirs, so I believe I have enough experience to attempt my hand at yours; andI'llgetasneakpeakateverythingelse,hehe

[Night.Cloud]

If you like, I can send you everything but the bullying scene (as I've deleted it.) That way, you can see if you actually like the story or style and can decide if you would like to help right. Feel free to PM or reply.