Once again, spoilers lurk beyond this point, especially in the story-specific sections. You've been warned.
On 'Return Your Love'
- In Japan, it's considered impolite to fill your own cup or glass at the
table. Instead, you're expected to keep an eye on your friends' drinks and
offer to refill them when they get low. In turn, you can expect them to
do the same for you. =)
Feedback is a two-edged sword. On one hand, it lets me know that people actually read (and even appreciate) what I'm doing. It's wonderfully affirming to know that I've been able to write something that rings true with other KLS devotees. And in some cases, I've even been able to help them come to terms with their feelings about Ending 1, simply by setting things 'right'.
However, the other side of getting feedback from various members of KLS fandom is discovering that there are so many different interpretations of Kana and Taka – and each of them is valid.
I've found that everyone draws something different from the game; they view it through the prism of their own lives, just as my fanfics are a reflection of the Kana I fell in love with. The person I want Kana to be.
In other words, I've realised I can't claim that my interpretation of Kana and Taka is 'right' or 'definitive'. I'm aware that most people aren't expecting that, but it's a blind spot that I felt obliged to apologise for. As written by me, Taka may diverge from the blueprint laid down by Hajime Yamada (the game writer). The Kana that I've projected may not mesh with Yamada-san's idea of how Kana would grow up.
So, um... everything in these stories is a reflection of how I've interpreted Kana and Taka's history. I'm sure there are more than a few cases where I've drawn something from my own life and chosen to identify that with Taka's plight. We always look for something familiar, something that resonates with our own lives. That's a limitation of my fanfics that I'll willingly admit to.
However, I've also found that discussing my personal outlook on KLS with other fans of the game is rewarding in itself. It helps me see myself more clearly. And thinking – even thinking too much, which Kana is sometimes guilty of – is something that almost always leads to growth.
I'd like to thank everyone who worked on the game, especially Yamada-san, for making me think. You don't generally expect personal growth as a result of playing a bishoujo game. =)