Toradora!

Volume 10, Author's Notes

Everytime when I talk about the James Bond movie Tomorrow Never Dies, I always mix it up with The Day After Tomorrow. Whenever my friends remind me that it's another movie all together, I would go red so much that I could glow. The heavens would take pity on me and arrange for me to become a star in the skies. Sigh, whenever I do become a star, I would think, "The Japanese language can be so difficult sometimes". But now that I think about it, it's hardly got anything to do with the Japanese language... If you could see a female-looking constellation that looks very embarrassed and would cover its face and wail, please wave. That would be, Takemiya Yuyuko, shining ever brightly...!

By the time I've noticed, I've already been involved in writing Toradora! for three whole years. I went from writing the overall story arc, to writing a draft, to taking a short break, to examining the first print, to writing another overall arc, to writing another draft... I did that repeatedly for three years. Perhaps due to having to meet deadlines, it felt as though it all went by in a blink of an eye, it's just the seasons that have changed. Much like the time within the novel itself, from spring to summer to autumn to winter and back again. But in reality time passes by relentlessly, and I find myself three years older.

Anyway, I've now completed a story using three years, and came up with ten volumes of Toradora! I give my gratitude to all those that have followed this story all the way from beginning to end! I wonder if you guys had fun reading this?

My current plans are to publish a few supplementary short stories, though the main arc has now come to its end. I'm very lucky to see this series last all the way here, from getting a place for it to get published and readers willing to read it. It feels really great! I'm so happy that I feel like writing some more! This would be my genuine thoughts after rationality is thrown out the window, though I also feel that the time has come to draw things to a conclusion.

Once again I give my thanks to all those who have been reading 'Toradora!'! Because you guys have always been waiting at the finishing line of my draft, allowing me to continue my writing, which would pat you on the shoulder in place of my hand and shout out for me. Writing 'Toradora!' is my way of keeping in touch with you guys.

If possible, I would really like to crawl out of this book... I wonder how everyone would feel when I said that? Sounds pretty scary, huh? For a thirty-something me to suddenly pop out. Looking extremely tired, with dark rings round my eyes with tiny hairs sticking out from my face. (After applying some nutritious but quite expensive facial lotion, I've been growing hair on my face. I also applied some on my hands, so they're kinda hairy as well. What am I gonna do?)... That won't do? In that case, how about I cosplay as a pretty girl drawn by Yasu-sensei instead? I would have silvery hair with golden eyes and sharp-looking cat-ears, shamelessly exposing my naked body which could easily be mistaken for that of a young boy, wearing nothing but a black hairy neck collar. If such a day comes, please take good care of me.

... Sigh, perhaps cosplaying naked with silver hair and cat-ears may be a bit difficult. Maybe just being naked with silver hair. But it may be a bad thing for some people here... Anyway, I still feel like writing something new, and would want to continue writing. To all those that have supporting 'Toradora!' all this time, if I could come up with a new series, please do come take a look. Even a peek would do. I would be most honoured if you could do so.

As for those who have sent me their letters and comments, your words have saved me from the brink of death. For many, many times when I seek assistance, I would go and read everyone's letters. As for those who have attended my autograph signing session, as it was my first ever session, I was naturally feeling very nervous, but it was fun, and I'll never forget that experience. And finally, to those that have come all the way to the end of 'Toradora!', I once again give you my most sincerest thanks! I hope to see you again in my next piece of work! Finally, to Yasu-sensei and everyone involved in getting 'Toradora!' complete, congratulations on a good job everyone!

I'll be taking a break for a while, but I intend to get back to work soon!

Takemiya Yuyuko