‹Rin›

Okay, I'll ask only this one time…

Why does it feel like chapters or arcs have a very short epilogue in the beginning of the following chapter? I can remember 036, 048, and 061 having the same pattern every time the chapter starts. Seriously, what's up with that? Is it actually bad writing?

A/N: Hey. Even if that's the case… HEY.

But with that out of the way, today is the first day of June and I have found myself in Sector T1 to Yuuga's apartment after pitching myself soft serve from Yona.

Quite surprisingly yesterday, we manga assistants were called literally after Amagami-sensei just came home from their rather eventful trip in Tokyo. He and Mina brought home a lot of references that can be used for the setting of his current manga that was immediately out to use after catching up on what has the author wrote in that month without us.

But it wasn't the important thing. Even I was a little infuriated for doing a fake story that instigated at North which was apparently "a way to deepen Yuuga and Mina's relationship." After we have heard of Yuuga's experiences and feelings from that, I had turned a little worried, in which Potato and I immediately expressed.

Yuuga had seen what Gin was capable of doing after the incident that happened back in Goci, so he knew and openly feared what could have happened if it was the two of us standing on that stage.

The manga's chapter was in the middle of a good tone, so we abruptly shifted our thoughts to the story to shake off that alarming situation.

And while I'm at it, there are indeed changes on Yuuga and Mina's relationship. It did not take me a full day to realize that they might be more subject to intimacy than us. Okay, I have to throw that what's changed the most with Yuuga is that he has become protective on his girlfriend, keeping in mind that "over" is not affixed on the word. Adverbs make a huge difference.

I already know that Mina does not really do much of work on the manuscript apart from doing some erasing, but it feels like I'm the odd one out here now that I came to work here alone while the potato is doing his things for a living.

I for one realize to at least imagine how I am with Potato in another perspective. So yes, I always see him for almost everyday and the times where I or he visit our respective homes have become very normal to the point where it doesn't even fluster me anymore. At this point, we are both most likely considering our juxtaposed houses to be our own. Says the one who outright uses his neighbor/boyfriend's kitchen on her own liberty. But before I even get distracted, things are so normal in the "household" that they either think that we are siblings or we are simply married.

And yes, I just said something embarrassing.

That is where we differ. We already look like some married couple (kyun) that has been wedded for ten or so years (kyun), while these two in front of me are still showing the joys of youth with how they can express their feelings and actually look like they are out of a romcom.

I am starting to doubt my eyes for seeing flowers on their background while watching them.

Kyun.

It is actually fluffy. A light touch of their fingers, you will then see that there is a hint of fluster between them. Mina prepared a cup of tea, Yuuga saw her putting down the cup, and then they will smile at each other. The next time you see them, Yuuga will notice that Mina's hair is a little unkempt so he would make her sit and tie her hair and then he begins playing with her ponytail while Mina fights back playfully.

I am of course enjoying this show happening in front of me, and I don't really have a complaint. Also, I felt like I have achieved something that I can proudly tell Gin.

"Ahhhh… Between these two, I think I have finally attained minimal exposure…"

Wait, that's not the case.

"…!

SENSEI, STOP GETTING ALL LOVEY-DOVEY AND GET BACK TO WORK…!!!"

Thank strawberries I noticed that before I could get any more fluff-overdosed.

"Hahh… I love Gin the way he is so I'm just fine with how boring we are."

"Uhh, what was that suddenly, Ringo?"

"Don't mind it. Just a narration slip."

But looking at it now, it seems that not only did their relationship developed more, but also Yuuga's writing which have gotten more detailed and substantial. After reading two of his completed works, this might be a turning point where I can see a massive focus in the consideration of the characters. Not only are the personalities more polished but even the physical traits have been given more coherence.

And for a haphazard writer like him to write not only an outline but a full narrative is utterly surprising.

But why is it that every time I mention the manga, the topic is not related to that?

"By the way Ringo, do you know any plant that can be grown properly in a pot?"

"Well, if I were to take a page out of our garden, the most common in ours would be tomatoes, peppers and pandan."

"You have pandan…?"

"We sometimes use them for rice.

Why do you ask though? Are you going to use the open space in front of the building to plant?"

"Maybe…? We still don't really know."

"Hmm. Sometimes, you could stop by Potato's house and see how much better his garden is than ours. He's trying to be self-sufficient for some things."

Suddenly, the two looked at each other as though they share the same thought. Mina for some reason then asked an ambiguous question to Yuuga.

"Should we ask?"

"Nah. I think I'd prefer if it's just the two of us."

"Mhm. It may be better if it is a bit quiet."

What I have learned from being with the autumn couple is that it's better to just don't ask unnecessarily whenever Gin and I end up talking on our own world. And so in the same way, I shut myself up and continued on putting liquid paper on the B4. I better get paid more for working while the author himself is procrastinating.

▪ ▪ ▪

Well, ain't this an unusual sight to behold.

"Morning, Rin. Do you want the eggs runny or cooked?"

It felt as if the tables have been turned. The wannabe househusband is standing tall in our kitchen. Random thought: I actually think that men who doesn't use apron while cooking in the kitchen looks manly; but that's probably just my opinion. However, having that thought first thing in the morning made me flustered right in front of my easy-going parents as I take my seat to wait for the breakfast.

Then I replied, "Ah, I want them half-cooked, Potato. Can you out a few taps of cayenne on mine?"

"Capsaicin this early, huh. Uncle Shuu, your daughters are quite adventurous."

On that, the cheerful dad only let out a heaping laugh.

"Don't you think that it's refreshing to have a son every once in a while?" my dear mother rhetorically asked synchronous to her relieved expression.

Still, I replied anyway.

"Mom, you actually have a son. He's just enjoying life with Sis."

"But what would you call him then?"

"Hubby.

…

Ahhhhhh. What a delusional woman."

"Musuko, you better not play along!"

"Yes, sir; without a hint of sarcasm."

Well, that was quick of me to forget the question at hand here.

"Shouldn't you be at work today, Potato?"

"I'm using one of my reserved leaves since I have to update my bank's security. Are you coming on Minase's today?"

"Nooope."

"I'm going below since Marco will walk me through the process. Want to come with me?"

"I thought you were going to the bank…! I'll go with you though."

"No, no, no. It's complicated but it's an acceptable process. I don't want my account getting hacked when I need it the most, you know."

"How much does it even have anyway…"

"That's something I can't tell you~" he abruptly turned from the counter and crossed his fingers to his mouth.

"Now I'm even more curious…!"

…

Let's move on from that.

The foreseeable future really is something that is new to us. We are not high school students anymore. Even for Gin who has been working for a few years now, this is not something that is usual for him. We have been so used to the things we did for almost everyday in three or so years, that our life of being a high school student has become something like a routine for us in a way. But now it has ended.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Admittedly, I am still stuck on the things that I do from when I was in that stage of life. It has also sunk in my mind that I would not be able to paint as much as I do right now as it is not the path that I wholly chose. What I have failed to do in the past two months is change my mindset and set my head straight. Those months should be a transitioning period, but I hardly even did anything anyway. I guess in a way I am indeed underestimating what is to come next.

Things would definitely be rougher. I would most likely grasp on the knife more than my pencil or brush for the coming years. I wouldn't be able to do the leisure things that I do in the house, and that my time would greatly be affected once the next step has come. As much as I miss the principles of Blue Ink, thinking of coming back to high school is simply an example of cowardice—a way of thinking that runs away from life.

But then again… it is never a sin to look back on those times. Even if we have decided that we can never turn back, we can still find ways to make a memory out of it.

And so, I sought to find myself a way for that.

…

With our visit to the underground base concluding and coming back to the surface, I promptly stopped to say what I have in mind.

"Gin… can we come to Blue Ink right now?"

"…?"

On the eyes of Gin, my mood had most probably changed. Once in the base I was in all smiles as I watch over the children, and now it has disappeared, replaced with a nark but subtly sad portrait painted on my face.

Then we arrived "back" to the gate of the high school where we said our farewells after long minutes on foot. It was very unusual to see that the school as of the moment is empty, only occupied with silence in all directions.

It was rather scary to hear your own footsteps, to be honest. It is still a very warm afternoon, but the thought that we are seeing not a single soul or shadow makes it quite cold so to speak. My heart raced not because of that minute fright but because in my eyes, I still see this place as a peaceful yet lively one. It was like a mirage had taken over my vision because of the heat, but it just means that I am still clinging tightly on my important memories here.

Of course, I can't help but think that it is a little painful that we will not be in this place anymore.

I left Gin and immediately ran towards the table that we had used for the past three years, still in the very same place as if it has courageously conquered countless storms with its relentlessness. As he followed me on my tracks, a sat on the very same seat that I had occupied for the entirety of my stay here.

Suddenly, Gin let out a chuckle and sat on his usual seat.

This is where my life changed. I "first" met Gin in this place. He was nothing like how he looks right now. At that time, he looked so younger, more aloof, and expressionless. But even then, perhaps… my eyes have locked on him.

There is also a certain girl with a hair that only extends down to the summit of her shoulders. She was extremely timid, she spoke with a weak voice, and she can't look at other people's eyes. That girl has not yet decided on what she shall do on her new life in a new high school, away from her friends. It was like a plain story, but receiving the name "Rin" turned her life upside down in so many ways.

I… That girl, Rin, stood up from her seat and silently wandered in front of the Art Room. In a pillar nearest to the door of the room, she stood and leaned as a smile slowly grew on her lips.

Gin thought that she was being left behind, but as soon as she caught up, she saw the girl standing beside the entrance of the room. Their eyes met, and so a giggle inadvertently came out. He realized what could all this mean. Perhaps, for the first time, Gin had seen the girl who was silently watching him as he celebrated upon seeing his work featured in the room. All he did was scratch his head and once again let out another chuckle.

But then the girl looked at Gin and spoke on a weak voice. I had… She had realized that her eyes are getting damp and a bead of tear rolled down to her cheek.

"Can we go… on the rooftop first?"

But it seems that Gin understood half of it. He carried the girl on his arms and leaped on the old building's rooftop. The girl however thought, it is fine either way. On her first incline to this rooftop, she excitedly climbed the stairs to see a spectacle. On that day, the sun was rising in a very late time and the girl was looking forward to see the the view from that high.

There is a saying that the sun embodies hope, and it was indeed rising at that moment. But beside the sun was a person also watching the view, leaning to the railings of the rooftop. Perhaps, it was hope that she felt after having her longing satisfied. It has been a week since they lost contact with the person that she had realized she had fell in love and all of her worries were slowly washed away by the sun's light.

…

They then came down just to come to another rooftop through the a leap of Gin. To their surprise, they were not alone. On the other rooftop, there stood a couple.

"We saw you from the other side," Yuuga nonchalantly waved his hand. "Well, don't mind us."

The girl had helped cultivating the myriad of flowers planted on the rooftop, and it made her sad anew that she will not see them everyday anymore. But she did not lose hope. Maybe, she can visit from time to time if the flowers she had raised are still in bloom and taken care of.

But surprisingly, she picked a flower and extended her two hands towards Gin. Her head was patted and Gin took the flower from her hands and placed it in between the head and the ear.

Abruptly, the door opened with the entrance of Nagi and Shiro, who has coincidentally went to the school for their own reasons. But then, Shiro began to stare at the girl and Gin, and without saying a word, lent the camera hanging on her neck. Hesitations swept away, Gin focused the lens on the side of the girl and captured an image in three clicks once the clouds have momentarily covered the sky.

With that, he handed back the camera.

"Please send me the RAW of them."

"I got you."

Before I knew it… I began speaking in third person.

All of a sudden a blow of wind gracefully went past where we are all at. Unconsciously, I gazed upon the horizon and leaned my arm down to the railings of the rooftop along with Gin.

"Do you need a handkerchief, Rin?"

"No. Maybe not anymore.

…

I was just thinking… I almost can't believe that I've had so many memories made here that I didn't expect. I really thought that my high school days here in Blue Ink would be ordinary. I guess it's all your fault, Gin."

"Then it's also your fault for sticking with me until today and falling in love then. Hahahaha."

Of course, I did not take the joke seriously. I can't help but see how free his shoulder is, and so I leaned my head on it as I continue to look on the far horizon. But before I knew it, I had closed my eyes and another smile has arched on my lips.

"Then be it my fault that I fell for you."

"Ahhhh, you're so adorable. Instead of a fault, it is a blessing.

I've been in this school for six years… even longer than that… You know, for this blessing, I'm forever grateful… I love you, alright, Rin?"

"Mhm. Love you too.

But they're probably watching us right now."

We both turned around, but very surprisingly, they are minding their own things. Nacchi and Shiro are comparing shots, while Yuuga and Mina continue to stare on our plants.

Gin then started, "Alright, it's getting too hot in here. Let's go down to the Art Room, I'll turn on the AC so Nagi won't die."

"Thanks for the save…"

But then, Nagi had a thought of making a time capsule. It was probably rude of me to cringe about it when I myself am being sentimental. It just so happened that the Art Room has an unused metal box, and we still have loads of paper here, well, since they want to write to their future selves.

"Let's just hide this for now since we won't be able to bury this unless it's complete."

"Right, it's getting late so let's wrap up."

"Am I in the position to ask what you wrote, Potato?" Rin jokingly asked.

"Hmmm… Let's keep it a secret for now since you'll be able to read it anyway."

"Ehhhh."

…

"Congratulations. You have achieved the life you wished for. :D"

▪ ▪ ▪

‹Gin›

Sometime in July.

"Hello, Gin? Have you received something on your mail already?"

Ms. Shiro Kirishima, I seriously don't know what you are talking about.

"Uhh… wait. I'll check my box right now."

I could have sworn that I just emptied my mailbox yesterday, and yet Shiro went to call me as if she knew what is going on. Nonetheless, I opened it and there is actually a single envelope inside.

Thus, upon coming back inside the house, I immediately opened the mystery mail without dropping the call.

"A lunch invitation in Licht Gallery two days from now…? I don't remember being acquainted with this place…"

"That doesn't matter. Make sure you free up your schedule in that day. I'm telling you, this is very important.

Well then."

I know that it has nearly been a month since Shiro began studying in a vocational school for photography, and I have never heard anything like Shiro working part time in this place from herself or from Nagi. Truly it was a mystery as to why I was suddenly invited in a photo gallery where I do not have anything to do with.

But still, I would not let this pass because firstly there is lunch, so food, and Shiro said that it is a very important event. But I am very sure that my uncomfortable squint is showing suspicions. I absolutely don't know how they got my name.

The only way however to sate my hunger and curiosity is of course go to venue and find the answers to the empty spaces of my deduction. As seen as the invitation clearly depicts that it is a formal event, it is just right for me to actually dress up a little. But then again, minimalism takes the better of me so I just went with a plain shirt under a blazer and a pair of my decent jeans while I internally complain about the heat that is still present even in a day in July.

I should have just worn shorts.

…

Licht Gallery—I never thought that it would be a huge place. The coldness coming from the air conditioner immediately embraced my skin upon my entrance to the building that is seen with an abundance of pictures hanged and even embedded on the wall itself.

There is indeed a nice number of people inside with the same smart casual attire. The sight of the manifold people absorbed in their own conversation triggered a drop of anxiety inside me.

I finally realized, this gallery is full of photographers.

But then I found a graphic designer I am following in the social media and immediately greeted him and unconsciously took a seat on his table after a handshake. What do you know, I am a little abashed that he actually recognized me from my presence in the TAC Instanyan page. Of course, small talks like my silver hair have been brought momentarily and some other things. But asking about what in the world is going on in this place would definitely embarrass me, so I decided to stay silent and let things unfold.

"Hey there," suddenly Shiro tapped my shoulder from my back and sat beside me.

"Ossu. How's your college life, Shiro?"

"Mggghhh. I didn't expect that we would be doing a lot of field days around Cotona. It's a great experience though. I'm doing fine myself."

I then got the chance to ask in a very subtle whisper, "Please tell me why exactly am I here."

"Well, I'm apologizing late. I actually listed you to this photography competition. The results are actually going to be announced in a few."

"How did you even…"

Unusually, I gave up on thinking further now that I can't even remember anything that rooted to my presence here.

"This one's quite a small competition, okay? The first place will get 60,000 Laxes."

I felt a shudder from my back.

"By any chance, Shiro-san… How much it is normally…?"

"Hmm. Probably around ten thousand."

"Uhhh… aaaahhhhh…?"

"Dollars."

Ka-ching.

Before I even began to throw up from hearing that astonishment, I got myself a glass of aperitif and eventually chowed down on the absolute greatness of a lunch that I haven't had in a while.

…

There's no way that I will win a competition like this. I don't even know what was the entry submitted here!

The microphone has been turned on, and the monitors around the gallery lit up all at once. And so the honorable mentions have been announced before the three outstanding places.

"Now for the third place… with the photo entitled 'Love has nothing against the summer heat…'

Ms. Shiro Kirishima. Congratulations!"

She then immediately walked up on the platform to receive her plaque, and right before the cameras flashed to her and the emcee, her entry appeared on the screens…

…Where it portrays a couple leaning on the railing of some rooftop under the sun and that the girl has her head leaning on the man's shoulder…

…

…

"…"

Anyway, the prize for the third place is ten thousand Laxes.

Afterwards, the second place has been hastily announced, at least in my eyes. I however need to reiterate that I am not a very big fan of competitions, but let me at least say that I am getting nervous and my heart has begun to race for the announcement of first place. But in the middle of all the nerves, a thought came to mind that I should have noticed sooner.

"Umm… Shiro… Did my entry have a title?"

"Don't worry about that. It is something that I dug from my memories from when we were in fourth year. You really like the pun, so I made it title."

"Whaaaat…?"

"For the first place…

Congratulations Mr. Gin Sakato for winning with your piece entitled 'Apple of the Eye'! Let us give him a round of applause!"

Umm…

What in the world am I doing on the platform…? Why am I showing an extremely awkward smile that is definitely captured in the camera…?

Ah, I see. I won the first place… with the photo I took back in the rooftop… Won… First place… Sixty thousand…

Ahaha…

Ahahahahahahahahahaha.

ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

…

Nah, I didn't win—the battle, at least.

Even if I am going insane behind this stupid smile I currently have. What immediately came to mind is that Shiro is the true winner of the first place. That, not only because of my humble nature, but because she technically won this competition.

Immediately after the event, Shiro and I came to the bank and I deposited only half of my prize money as I gave Shiro the remaining half since she deserved it more than anyone.

But amidst that, this sum of money will definitely help for my plans in the future.

Ahaha.

Why in the flying apples has my smile not yet disappeared?