CHAPTER TWO: A BRUSH WITH INSPIRATION
The rhythmic click-clack of calligraphy brushes filled the air as Hana entered the calligraphy clubroom. Sunlight streamed through paper windows, illuminating rows of students hunched over rice paper, meticulously practicing their strokes. Daichi, her studious classmate, sat at a table in the corner, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Hana envied Daichi’s focus. He seemed to glide effortlessly through their studies, always a step ahead. Today, however, his usual confidence seemed shaken. His normally precise strokes were hesitant, the characters uneven.
“Having some trouble, Daichi?” Hana asked softly, settling onto a cushion beside him.
Daichi startled, his brush leaving a dark splat on the paper. He sighed, crumpling it into a ball.
“This calligraphy competition is stressing me out,” he admitted, rubbing a hand through his hair. “I want to do well, but I just can’t seem to get it right.”
Hana understood. The calligraphy competition was a prestigious school event, and Daichi, with his relentless pursuit of excellence, felt immense pressure to succeed.
“Maybe you’re trying too hard,” Hana suggested gently. “Calligraphy is about more than just perfect strokes. It’s about expressing yourself, finding your own flow.”
Daichi looked at her, a flicker of doubt in his eyes. Hana wasn’t known for her artistic talents, but her words resonated with him nonetheless.
“Easy for you to say,” he muttered, picking up a new brush. “You always seem so relaxed about everything.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Hana chuckled. “Relaxed isn’t exactly the word I’d use, but I do try not to let stress paralyze me.”
An idea sparked in her mind. “How about we take a break?” she suggested. “There’s a beautiful garden behind the school known for its tranquility. Maybe a change of scenery will help clear your head.”
Daichi hesitated, then nodded slowly. They slipped out of the clubroom, the rhythmic click-clack fading behind them.
The garden was a haven of serenity. A koi pond shimmered in the sunlight, and cherry blossom petals drifted down like confetti. Hana and Daichi sat on a stone bench, the gentle murmur of water a soothing balm.
“This is nice,” Daichi admitted, taking a deep breath. “I haven’t been outside much lately, just nose-deep in textbooks.”
Hana smiled. “Sometimes, a break is exactly what you need to come back stronger.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying the peace. Then, Daichi’s gaze fell on a young woman sketching by the pond. Her brushstrokes were confident and fluid, capturing the fleeting beauty of the blossoms on paper.
“Wow, she’s good,” Daichi murmured, a hint of admiration in his voice.
Hana followed his gaze. The artist was Akari, a classmate known for her free spirit and artistic talent. She often skipped classes to pursue her passion for art, much to the disapproval of some teachers.
“She’s in a league of her own,” Hana agreed. “But her talent didn’t come out of nowhere. She puts in the hours, practices constantly.”
Daichi seemed to ponder this. He looked back at the koi pond, then picked up a fallen cherry blossom, turning it over in his hands.
“Maybe,” he said slowly, “there’s more to calligraphy than just perfect characters. Maybe it’s about capturing a feeling, a moment in time.”
A spark of determination flickered in his eyes. He stood up, a newfound sense of purpose in his stride.
“Thanks, Hana,” he said with a sincere smile. “I think I know what I need to do now.”
Hana smiled back, glad she could be of help. As Daichi headed back to the clubroom, a sense of hope bloomed in her chest. Maybe, she thought, their paths to success, though different, would all lead them to a place of fulfillment.
This chapter links back to the first chapter by mentioning Hana and Kenji’s friendship. Hana remembers Kenji’s enthusiasm from the previous day and uses it to inspire Daichi to find his own flow.