Work Text:
“When I think of all the books still left for me to read, I am certain of further happiness.” —Jules Renard
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Video: Introduction & a review of that one book everyone is talking about
[The video fades in slowly, eventually focusing on an owl-shaped mug sitting on a wooden desk, with steam rising from it through warm, soft lighting.]
[On the same desk sits a simple wire notebook and a pen. The back of a chair can be seen, and in the background is a bookshelf full of texts of varying sizes and colors. Many of them are hardbacks with old, cracked spines.]
[Atop the shelf sits an antique globe, a few candles, two small porcelain owl figurines, and a large houseplant.]
[A man, wearing a forest-green, threadbare sweater, walks into frame, fluidly moving to sit on the chair. He places a book on the desk and reaches for the mug. He takes a long sip of the drink, eyes fluttering closed, before finally looking up through his glasses and straight at the camera. His eyes are a striking gunmetal blue.]
“Hello.” [His voice is soft, in a low register.] “My name is Keiji, and welcome to my channel, ‘Keiji Reads’. I have started this channel to talk about books, writing, and anything else related to that subject.
“Today I will be reviewing a new book—one that has been quite popular here in Japan lately. I have a lot of opinions about this new bestseller.”
[Keiji sits back in his chair, cupping his mug delicately in his long fingers.]
“Well then. Will you join me for a cup of tea? Let’s settle in, get comfortable and begin.”
***
Video: A tour of my bookshelves (yes, there are more than one)
“I actually have three bookshelves total. Now that we’ve gone through the one you all recognize from my setup, let’s move on.”
[The video cuts to the living room. Keiji, who is wearing an oversized Molten volleyball sweatshirt and form-fitting yoga leggings, is sitting cross-legged on the floor.]
[A yellow, two-shelf book trolley is situated next to him.]
“This is technically not a bookshelf, but it holds books, so it counts.” [Keiji grins.] “I really love this trolley. We live in a pretty small space, so it’s really handy that we can just wheel it to a different area of the apartment when we need more room.”
[Keiji pushes back a few tendrils of hair that had fallen across his forehead. He points to the trolley.]
“On the top there, I keep my ‘current’ books—ones that I am reading now, or have not yet read. And the bottom has some manga volumes, graphic novels, and art books that are much too big to fit anywhere else.”
[He reaches for the first text. He smiles when he sees the cover, then hugs it to his chest reverently, eyes squinting closed in bliss.]
“This is an anthology of short stories that I am almost all the way through. So far it’s wonderful. I hope I can write as beautifully as these authors one day…”
***
Video: A small book haul from Kinokuniya 📚
[Keiji yelps as the books he’d tried to balance against each other in a neat line collapse like dominos and slide across the desk. He grabs them before they fall to the floor.]
“Well, that didn’t work.” [He chuckles wryly, reaching for the books and stacking them on top of each other.]
“Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this mini-haul from my recent trip to the Kinokuniya location in Shinjuku. I probably spent way too much time and money there, and it was such a hassle to bring all of this back ... But I’m so glad I did.”
[Keiji leans forward, folding his hands over the stack of books and resting his chin on top. His face is now much closer to the camera. Even through his glasses, his eyes seem to sparkle, long eyelashes casting shadows across his high cheekbones.]
“I do recommend the store, although I know there are much better, independent shops out there.” [His smile softens.] “My favorite kind of bookstore is the kind you find by accident—you know, those tiny, cramped little places that have books stacked from floor to ceiling.
“They’re usually run by some tiny old person with an antique cane, who somehow knows where everything is despite the unorganized chaos.
"Sometimes there will be a bookstore cat, wandering about like some sort of spirit or witch’s familiar… Those places are so magical...”
***
Video: Keiji answers (some of) your questions…
“User ‘jasmineflower98’ asks: ‘Do you like poetry? Just interested because you mainly talk about novels and short stories.’ Well yes, poetry is actually what I write the most! I have a very busy day job as an editor, so poetry is usually what I have time to create.”
[Keiji picks up a blue leather-bound notebook, which has a golden shooting star stitched to the front, and turns it towards the camera.]
“This old thing is full of my poems. They are very personal, though, and some are rather silly. They will most likely never see the light of day.”
[He laughs, putting aside the journal and looking down at the list of questions. His expression turns thoughtful.]
“The user ‘wanderlust_reads’ wants to know: ‘Have you traveled much? If so, did you journal during your trips?’ I have traveled quite a bit, actually. I’ve been to Hong Kong and Seoul, as well as parts of Southeastern Asia and Australia with my family…”
[Keiji trails off. He shifts nervously in his seat before starting again, his voice a bit stronger than before.]
“I want to visit Europe someday. Especially Paris, France. My b-boyfriend will be going there for work soon, and I hope I can tag along with him.” [He looks down shyly.] I think he understands how very important it is to me…”
***
Livestream: Let’s chat about my favorite poems… ✍️♥️🦉
“Thank you, LitLover20, for the $5 super-chat. I really appreciate your support.” [Keiji bows his head to the camera.] “I’m glad you enjoyed the last reading, and I’m glad my voice is comforting to you. Though you should hear it when I’m yelling at my mangaka after he’s late turning in pages.”
[Keiji chuckles. His eyes scan the chat, obviously trying to keep up with the stream of comments.]
“Ah, user ‘visions-of-sugarplums’ wants to know what tea I’m drinking today.” [He nods and scoots his mug into sight.] “Today’s tea is chamomile lavender. Loose-leaf, of course. I like it, though it does not surpass the rose hip blend from last week. I think—”
[Keiji is interrupted suddenly by the sound of a door slamming open. He flinches, and looks behind the camera. His eyes widen.] “What are you doing home so early? I told you that I have a livestream.”
[An unfamiliar voice speaks off camera, loud and excited.] “Sorry, Keiji! We were done early! I’ll be quiet!”
[Keiji sighs. He turns his attention back to his laptop.] “Apologies for the interruption. Where were we?” [He begins reading comments again. But this time his brow furrows.] “Ah. No, my boyfriend will not be joining us tonight. M-maybe another time…” [He bites his lip, looking a bit wary.]
“For now, let’s just continue with the poetry readings. This next one is actually an original of mine. I would love to hear your feedback…”
***
Vlog: Attending MSBY Black Jackals vs. EJP Raijin in Nagano
[The camera pans the entrance of a sports stadium. A large banner is attached, showcasing a number of players from two professional volleyball teams. The shot transitions slowly to a close-up, vlog-style angle of Keiji in front of the building.]
“We’re doing something a bit different today.” [Keiji, dressed in a warm trench coat and blue scarf, grins.] “Many of you have been asking what else I enjoy other than reading. Well, the answer is, volleyball! I played through high school and part of college. I occasionally attend games. I know a few professional players.”
[Keiji moves the camera a bit to show the banner again, pointing up at it.] “I know a few of these guys, actually. Let’s go in and show our support, shall we?]
[The next few shots are of inside the stadium: The players marching in; the first whistle and the start of the game; a series of impressive serves and volleys; Keiji munching happily on rice balls.] “Shoutout to Onigri Miya! Best in Japan.”
[Towards the end, the teams are switching courts when a Black Jackals player jogs over to the sidelines. His bright golden eyes inspect the crowd before looking straight at the camera. His eyes widen and he beams.] “Keiji! Hey, Keiji!” [The man waves vigorously as a few fans also turn towards the camera curiously.] “Meet me after, okay?”
[Keiji can be heard chuckling lightly. The player runs back on court, but not before the camera catches the name on the back of his jersey: BOKUTO]
***
Video: Life update: I’ve been published! 📖🙏
“It was definitely a surprise, but a really good one, of course.” [Keiji, sitting at his usual desk, grins. His hands are resting on a small book, fingers tapping out a rhythm.] “I’ve only had a poem published once before, when I was still in college. But that was a small local quarterly.”
[He picks up the book and turns the cover towards the camera. It reads: TOKYO POETRY JOURNAL] “This is a tremendous honor. Only select poets are allowed to participate. I think it was a fluke I was chosen, honestly. It seems unreal that they liked my poem enough to even consider me.”
[Suddenly, a voice is heard from off camera. It’s the same that crashed his livestream: booming and animated.] “What have I said, Keiji? Don’t put yourself down! You deserve the honor!”
[Keiji blinks, eyes flicking to the side. A fond yet exasperated expression overtakes his features. He hugs the book to his chest. The voice continues.] “And don’t you dare cut this footage out of the video, Keiji! I’ll know if you do!”
[Rolling his eyes and shaking his head, Keiji turns back to the camera.] “Well then. I’d better stop the self-deprecation or else my boyfriend will interrupt yet again.” [The boyfriend releases an offended gasp. Akaashi smiles.]
“Let me just read you the poem.” [Keiji takes a deep breath, opening the book and flipping through it before stopping on a page. He smooths out the paper.] “It’s called: ‘Celestial Moment.’ I do hope you enjoy it.”
***
Vlog: Celebrating milestones (and my birthday) — Thank you for 100k!
[A silver YouTube plaque is sitting amongst towers of books. The camera artfully zooms in on the plaque where it reads: ‘Presented to: Keiji-Reads for passing 100,000 subscribers’]
[The shot changes to a view of Keiji holding up a glass of sparkling wine.] “I think it adds nicely to the decor.” [He giggles. His eyes look a bit watery behind his glasses, and there’s a pink dusting his cheeks, maybe from the alcohol.] “But seriously, thank you all, so much. I really appreciate every single one of you.”
“Keiji! It’s time to blow out your candles!” [The voice is familiar: his boyfriend. The vlog transitions to Keiji sitting at a table, a cake in front of him. He’s surrounded by people: A sandy-haired man who is smirking down at him; a short redheaded woman eyeing the cake eagerly; a long-haired man with deep eye bags; and many others.]
[Suddenly, another person bounds into frame. It’s the same player from the MSBY Black Jackals who waved to him during the volleyball match months prior: Bokuto. He sneaks behind Keiji's chair, placing his hands on Keiji’s shoulders.] “Make a wish, babe!”
[Keiji reaches to interlace his hands with Bokuto’s. He looks deep in thought. Then, smiling softly, he leans in and extinguishes the flames. Everyone cheers. Bokuto stoops down and kisses him on the cheek.]
[The scene fades slowly and the video ends.]
***
Video: Answering more questions! (ft. my ridiculous boyfriend)
“That book sounds really cool! Keiji, can I read it after you?”
[Keiji and Bokuto are sitting, shoulders pressed together. Keiji’s usual setup is behind them. A photo of the two men is now displayed on the bookshelf.] “I think that book might even be beyond my English reading comprehension, love. It sounds intriguing though. Hopefully there will be a translation. Thanks, user ‘mumstheword,” for the recommendation.”
[Bokuto looks down at the page of questions.] “Oh! User ‘BookWorm411’ wants to know who was filming your birthday vlog when you weren’t behind the camera. Wow, good eye! So, his name is Ken—” [Keiji scrambles to put his hand over Bokuto’s mouth. Bokuto looks confused.]
“I’d prefer that we don’t tell everyone about him.” [Keiji turns to the camera.] “He’s a popular YouTuber with millions of subscribers. I’d rather not attract that many people here. I’d like to grow my channel on my own.”
“You’re already doing so well, Keiji!” [Bokuto smiles at him fondly. Keiji’s cheeks redden.] “Not everyone could do this, you know? You’re special! I mean, I’ve always known that, but now all your followers do, too! I’m so proud of you. You know that, right?”
[Keiji hesitates for a moment. He glances at the camera briefly before turning back to his boyfriend. He cups Bokuto’s face in one hand, leans in and pecks his lips.]
“I do now.”
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"We lose ourselves in books, but we find ourselves there, too." —Anonymous