Rin sat on the couch, her laptop balanced on her knees, scrolling through reader comments on her debut novel, "In This Life, I Will Choose the Second Male Lead". The warm glow of the screen softened the shadows of her apartment, and as each comment appeared, her heartbeat sped up with pride and a little disbelief.

She still remembered the uncertainty of publishing that first story. But now, with every enthusiastic message, it seemed all the late nights and endless writing had been worth it.

“I’m in love with this book! Erna and Kael’s relationship is so beautiful and real. A historical romance that breaks all the cliches — I’m obsessed!” – @PageBoundSoul

“Erna and Kael forever! I need more stories where the heroine actually chooses the second lead. Miss Shin, you have spoiled me for all other romance!” – @RosieReads

Rin’s eyes lingered on that comment. Erna and Kael, her two favorite characters — complicated, painfully real, and forever at odds with the world. Creating their story had taken a part of her heart with it. Her lips quirked as she read on, pleased that readers had loved these characters as much as she did.

“The way Erna struggled between duty and heart... it was so refreshing. Her pain, her choice, everything about her felt real and raw. It’s like she leapt off the page.” – @HistoricalHearts

“I wasn’t expecting to fall so hard for Kael! A ‘wrong’ hero that made me root for him all the way. I’ve reread every line he said. There’s a depth in his character you don’t often find.” – @TurnThePage

More and more of the comments mentioned Kael — the ‘wrong’ hero that had become readers’ favorite. A knight with a conflicted past, a man from an enemy kingdom who should have been despised, yet couldn’t help loving Erna from afar. Rin smiled, remembering how much time she’d spent crafting him as a complex but beloved character.

She kept scrolling, basking in her readers’ excitement. Then, a new comment caught her eye.

“Just finished it... I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Kael and Erna. Their chemistry, their heartbreak — I need more books like this! Any idea if Shin Hye Rin is working on a new story?” – @FictionalDreamer

Her fingers froze over the trackpad.

A… new story? Rin’s eyes flitted to the next comment, her heart suddenly beating a little faster.

“I’d read anything this author writes! I hope she’s working on something else, because I’m going to need more books by her soon.” – @EagerReader12

“A new book,” she whispered to herself, the words heavy as they fell into her mind.

Her heart gave a sudden, anxious lurch. A new book… I signed a contract for another book!

The thrill of pride she’d felt moments before faded, replaced by the cold, creeping weight of reality. She pressed a hand to her forehead, fighting a sense of dread that was starting to take over.

“A new book?” she muttered, her voice a little louder this time, almost disbelieving. She looked around her apartment, as if searching for something — some hint of an idea, some whisper of inspiration. But the silence was overwhelming.

“Oh my god,” she whispered, her hand flying to her mouth. She shut her laptop, almost as if hiding the comments would make the expectation go away.

Oh my god! I have to write a new book!

Excited for more?

The first chapter will be posted very soon, so keep your popcorn close. 👀

~ Reyna