Hello everyone! This is Lilac, the author of Modern Crime—yours emotionally wrecked and exhausted (but proud) writer.

I honestly don't know how to begin because Modern Crime has been one long wild ride. First of all, thank you to everyone who stayed until this point. Season 1 is officially over.

88 chapters—I REPEAT, 88 CHAPTERS—of crime, chaos, drama, trauma (sorry-not-sorry), and all the pain I promised! And guess what? We MADE IT to the end!

I actually started working on Modern Crime as it is now on November 8, 2024, and today as I write this, it's March 16, 2025. But if I go back even more, Modern Crime has existed on Wattpad since 2019, when I first drafted it under a different title—"Brains of Crime." Back then, I thought I'd write a long, single-chapter story (yes, wild me), but let's be real, that wasn't the best plan. So I unpublished it and left it sitting in the corner of my mind.

A year later (begining of 2020), I redrafted the whole story, broke it into chapters, edited it thoroughly, and added a lot of new elements—and what came out is Modern Crime as you know it today.

My love for Sherlock Holmes (my forever favorite detective) was a big reason behind this story. I love the art of deduction, and I wanted to explore that in my own way—but make it darker, twisted, and layered with trauma (because when do I not?).

If you ask me if I planned this from the start... No. Absolutely not.
The current story is completely different from the first draft. I added new characters, new backstories, and put everything into arcs to give it a better structure.

"Okay, okay, now THIS makes sense... I think."

One of the biggest changes?

Itsuhara. Originally, she was supposed to be an older woman in her 30s who adopts Kavei. But now? She’s a nineteen-year-old junior detective trying to convince Kavei to work with her. I flipped her whole identity and made her arc a core part of the plot.

Characters like Henkai, Benio, Miyasi, Saira, Ren, Hashi, Hentai, Kenma, Ojiro, Narito and Nana were added later, and honestly, they brought so much more depth and chaos to the story.

Yes, I planned to wreck them (and you)

The trauma? Always part of the plan.
But here's the twist: the story was originally drafted only halfway—up to the Evidence Arc. Everything after that, including that devastating ending, is completely new. So you can blame 2024 me for the pain you just read.

Writing Struggles ? (aka my emotional damage while writing this)

If you're wondering which character tortured me the most to write—Kavei. His emotional tension and ability to hide his pain made writing his character so hard, because how do you write a character whose heart is breaking but won't show it?

Second toughest? Kai. His cluelessness about his own feelings for Kavei made me want to throw my laptop at times, but as a writer, I know his feelings are super obvious (like, HELLO KAI).

*Shakes Kai super aggresively* "WHY DON'T YOU GET IT?!"

And if you ask my favorites:

Kavei (my poor broken baby)

Kai (because why not love the mess)

Itsuhara (queen behavior always)

Whispers slowly: "you'll suffer more in S2, babies."

I'm not gonna lie, writing this series took a toll on me. There were times when I had to pause and take breaks because the darkness of the plot started affecting my own mental health. There were moments I wanted to stop or questioned if I could finish it. But guess what? I DID IT.

And I'm honestly so proud. Proud of not giving up. Proud of the world I created. And beyond grateful for everyone who pushed me forward, including you (the readers), my bestie (Jen), and my amazing team.

Shout-out to My Wonderful Team:

Because without them, this story wouldn't be what it is:

Akio (Editor) – The grumpy sweetheart who keeps my chaotic writing in check.

Shoto (Writing Instructor) – My calm, wise guide through the wild mess of drafts.

Mihiko (Proofreader) – The lovely one who reads through my darkness and still smiles.

Rose (Graphic Designer) – The genius who brought life to the visuals and gave me constant support.

And you (the readers) along with Jen (bestie, lifeline, motivator) – for always cheering me on.

A Word to My Readers:

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your love, support, and comments are what pushed me to keep going. Even when I felt low, seeing your reactions, theories, and love for these characters brought me back to my laptop. I know I ended S1 with a punch in the gut—sorry, not sorry—but trust me, I loved taking this journey with you.

Whispers secretly: "you thought it was over? Just you wait."

What’s Coming in S2?

Answers. Pain. Twists. More pain.
Things you won't see coming (I PROMISE you that).

Now... I know you’re all wondering—Season 2 when?!

Well, I’ll be taking a short break to work on some other projects (and let these poor characters breathe lol). But don’t worry—S2 will come. And yes, it will be even crazier, darker, and more painful—because why stop now, right?

Messages from the Team

Akio (The Tsundere Editor):

"Honestly, when I first read the drafts, I thought—how is Lily going to pull this off? But she DID. You’ve created a story full of darkness and light, broken people and their little hopes, and I’m proud to be part of this journey. You drive me insane sometimes with your chaotic brain, but damn, this was worth it. Congrats on finishing Season 1! Now, take a break... but not too long, we got work to do!"

Shoto (The Charming Writing Instructor):

"Lily, seeing you grow as a writer throughout Modern Crime has been amazing. You’ve managed to weave deep emotions, complex characters, and heart-wrenching plots into something unforgettable. Every revision you did made this story shine more. I’m so proud of you for not giving up, for trusting the process, and for pouring your heart into this. Congratulations, and never stop writing like this—with soul."

Mihiko (The Bubbly Proofreader):

"From the first word to the last, I’ve been holding my breath reading Modern Crime. Lily, your ability to make us love and suffer with these characters is a rare talent. You’ve outdone yourself, and I’m so glad I got to witness the magic (and pain) of this story before anyone else. Congratulations on making it to the end of Season 1! Now go rest—and then come back and break us again!"

Rose (The Elegant Graphic Designer):

"I’ve been blessed to bring some of your vision to life visually, but honestly, Lily, what you did with the story itself is art. The emotions, the plot twists, the way every character feels real—chef’s kiss. Watching Modern Crime grow from ideas to reality has been beautiful. So, congrats for pushing through the tough times and for making something incredible. I’ll be here to make S2 just as iconic—get ready!"

Final words (for now):

This has been a journey I’ll never forget. And I’m excited to share more of this world with you. Stay safe, keep loving my chaotic characters, and be ready for what comes next.

Stay tuned for Season 2 and keep an eye out for my other stories!

Signing off, with lots of love (and a slightly evil smirk),

Lilac (your silly, Lily)