How To Eat Life Volume 1 Afterword from Jyūmonji Ao

The first song I heard from Eve was “Dramaturgy.”

Ever since, I’ve listened to every new song released.

Of course, I was just a listener.

I was lucky enough to write this novel. It was then that I read the lyrics of Eve’s songs. In the past, I used to write lyrics and compose music on the side as an unskilled music lover, and I used to play and sing on the street, but the truth is I can hardly read sheet music. And I can’t remember the lyrics. Was there something wrong with me? Even if I sang it hundreds or thousands of times, I couldn’t remember them accurately.

I watched the MV many times. I read the lyrics while listening to the music.

How confusing.

Although there was definitely something to be conveyed, it cannot be grasped as a clear mass of meaning or a clear flow. I felt that this was also an indescribable charm, but when it came to describing the story from there, what should I write?

It was like solving a problem without an answer. I was perplexed. At the same time, I was excited. To begin with, there was a clear answer in the work of a writer I had been engaged in for a long time.

There wasn’t.

Even if you think you are right, it may not be so to the reader.

There are many times when the reader finds something definite in something written with hesitation.

In the end, I always find myself fumbling around in pitch darkness. After moving forward, there will be a single path. It becomes a story.

Of course, I had many discussions with Eve. A number of ideas came to mind. I received a lot of valuable opinions and advice. Writing a novel is basically a solitary task, but this time, I was not alone. There was a signpost. At a fork in the road, there was someone who helped me decide which way to choose. He would sometimes take my hand and encourage me with his delicate and warm singing voice.

Eve, everyone involved, Mariyasu, Lack, who was in charge of the illustrations, Mr. Nakamichi, the editor in charge, and everyone who read this novel, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would be happy to see you again.

— Jyūmonji Ao