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, with that hopefully unnecessary mea culpa out of the way, on with the show.