‹Nagi›

I'm just gonna say this the first thing, however much you love what you are doing, it's unavoidable to come to a time where you'd think that it's actually difficult. Well, is there actually anything in this world that is actually not difficult? I don't have a very simple-minded way of thinking, so I think quite deep even on what one thinks as something that's easy.

Let's just say that even grade schoolers can actually input a "Hello World" to an absolutely bare minimum HTML file in the notepad… or simply the act of copying and pasting which anyone can do. Really, kids these days just catch on so naturally in the modern technology. At most, I was able to operate a computer to a very bare-bones degree at the age of six as if it was by instinct. But the behind-the-scenes of that are easily taken for granted.

How was HTML even made? How did the function of copy-pasting came to light? How were inventors able to even create a monitor, even a CRT? Or how was the alphabet even formulated?

It felt like a cycle in my opinion. Even before those conveniences were so widely available, someone has to rack their brains and sweat blood just to come up with that thought and materialize it. And now that those things are a part of our lives to a certain extent, the technological innovation keeps going north, hence, another brand new, breakthrough thing has to be created after pulling hairs.

But even I realize that I said a lot and they don't make a very accurate sense because I just kept on dwelling on the backgrounds of my examples. So to simplify, it's like you have gotten through the fundamentals but only the fundamentals. It's a staircase where you've just taken one very steep step up.

Scrap that, you're climbing a cliff basically!

When it's basically a given that the only way is up, it doesn't even feel like I hardly climbed up because all you can see is a towering something that extends to the sky.

I suddenly thought of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, but let's not get that deep, and I really have to stop myself before I actually go on with that. Also, I am just 19 and I haven't checked the diagram in a while.

And surely you're probably thinking that this is one of the many introductory essay-like passages that the character narrates in the beginning of the chapter, but I think that it's right by just a fourth.

You see, this is an absolutely trite statement, but college really takes some from you. And since my course is very technical and requires kinesthesis and presence of mind for everything, a lot of my time gets eaten and my social life also takes some, but perhaps it's just me.

Truly that also includes even the times I ought to intend for taking a breather or hanging out with pals from time to time, but then I will find myself either editing, studying, or taking back my precious sleep. And thus, it is granted that the things I did as a high school student aren't going to be as usual, but in my case, I haven't met them for the past four months apart from Shiro and the Open Event.

So sike, this isn't really that essay-like thingy since I am shouting all of my complains in front of Gin late in the evening of the last day of the year, eating hotpot to top it all off.

"…

I swear you came here early yesterday… Did you sneak in my pantry and steal some of my wine?"

"If I did, Haku would have told you. I am sober, but I guess I'm getting a bit loose up here," and I pointed on my noggin.

"At least I'm assured that we don't share the same vocabulary of when our head goes wrong. Well, it's nice that you finally got the time off. I think that you really needed this."

"Hahh… really. So anyway, I haven't even seen Ringo today."

"Her friend from CCI came over and I guess they played lots. Wouldn't be surprised if she's already asleep."

"I would be surprised if she's still awake, rather! Who eats hotpot at 10:30pm anyway?"

"U-"

"Us. I know you're going to say that."

"So? Same question as earlier, but Ms. Shiro."

"Uncle Junpei loves his family a lot. He has also kicked me out of their house thrice."

"Got it.

But back to the topic, you sure you're fine?"

"Mentally, probably not much I guess… I'm realizing how getting in touch from time to time is so much of an importance. Still, a technical course is a technical course. It's projects after another, even for a first year."

"I really can't say much since I've basically abandoned the thought of going to college. But you've already said the solution to your problem. It's probably just difficult to get your schedule right.

Even Rin wants to let loose sometimes since her classes are also quite hard. She said that so much was happening that the last thing she's expecting is their instructor slapping two pieces of white bread on her face."

"You do suit being an idiot sandwich, though."

"Well thanks for the compliment. How about Shiro's photography in Imahe?"

"It was still close to an art class, really. She's not as busy as me since they don't dabble on production like us."

"I see. This may not be the best time to ask this, but do you have your sights on your aims concerning the production realm?"

"Good question. I really wouldn't try to go to big industries in this case, but I met a famous tech YouCuber in the neighboring sector that basically has his channel as his company. Maybe I'll give it a shot."

"The one with a T*sla?"

"Yup, that one."

"Ain't that nice. I presume being a producer for YC channel is less stressful, and I bet it feels fun."

"Sure. It's great that your boss also knows not a lot not only content or narrative-wise but also the technical side of things. Oh, shoot, now I'm imagining how that would look like.

But honestly, even a self-taught like you is more than capable since you basically think like everything is art."

"I wonder about that."

"I may know the lefts and rights on that side, but I also know how things in the Stylo work. Truth be told, I think I'm more suited in that business since I can be there for long-term."

"I think I get you."

"But what I need the most right now is to find a balance otherwise I'll break, to be honest. Shiro's already worried so I don't want to burnout."

"Yeah, we really shouldn't take for granted how the girls worry about us. Since I've felt it, I know that that anxiety turns into fear and sometimes I would even cry alone for her."

"I see… I guess not being a human also has its own perks. You really know how to express your honesty."

"That's only because I still don't understand why people hide the things that I can show. That's a bias that so few people probably have, or maybe just me."

«While Gin has stopped on his words, he did not get a response as he waited. Instead, he saw Nagi staring at the meat on his chopsticks for several seconds and then suddenly chuckled before chewing on the meat.»

"Sheesh… I can't imagine us talking like this when we're fourth years. All we did that time was talk about how to progress our own side of romance and now we're talking about our essential concerns in front of nabe.

In your side, it really has been five years."

"The way this conversation is going just asks for some drink, but I do respect your current declination."

"Nah, don't mind me."

"Lol, I didn't buy them anyway.

But really, why isn't the legal age for drinking 21 here? Now I'm questioning why I just accepted it when Kei accidentally poured on mine!"

"Not like your body can actually get affected by it."

"Y-Yeah, but at least I have compliance!"

"And even I do have my self-compliance, dude. Wait for me when I turn 21 and I'll follow your less than moderation."

"I know you've ranted already earlier, but I think this is the time where you bash my table and rant more to get them off your chest. Don't worry, this wood and the heater below is sturdy."

"You mean it?"

He gave a thumbs up.

"Then you're not going to sleep until next year."

"Heh."

▪ ▪ ▪

Perhaps it was really a good idea that I stayed over on Gin's place to hear out the thoughts that I have finally let out after those stressful months. Talking to people close your age—well, not really Gin because he's 21—can be a double-edged sword, but not this time. When it comes to the life of being a human, he might be the purest even though he has been exposed to the reality of this world. Maybe not necessarily understanding, but you're assured that his words aren't fake or just trying to cheer me up. But well, I really need to be cheered up, honestly.

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But bashing his kotatsu helped a lot, as I was able to start the year at least a little better than how much of a mess I was just yesteryear. Of course, it's never the case that college is going to adjust on me being a suffer-boy so my workload continued as expected. And since I have my self-compliance, I was able to sort out my head as I thankfully am avoiding getting pressured by that 5% and so I began anew on workload with a bit of a new perspective and new track. Nonetheless, solving this problem of mine before it turns to an identity crisis will probably take a whole lot of time.

Thus, because of pace changing and actually realizing the things that I can and should actually decline to release some work, I was able to accept a sensible request from a client at the start of the year. It's not often that I get clients actually coming to me, and I am not really focusing on accepting clients at this point. But thankfully, even though this is Mato-sen, I would definitely decline him if he was asking for a passion project; which is not the case. I may not have any bills to pay, but sometimes I have to reward myself unless I won't be able to walk forward confidently.

O, life.

"Been a while, Mato-sen."

"Should you really be calling me that at this point? Anyway, did your voice get deeper?"

"Hm, I guess it did. So, what're the details?"

"Basically, my students in the club want to promote for new students with a film."

"Whaaaaat? Is a promotional film that was planned by the Art Club something I can eat? I hope that's tasty."

"Yeah, it was quite a surprise. But in advance, should we talk costs?"

"Already…? If that's what you want, you should probably hold a meeting with your students. They might get shocked.

Maybe except for Ms. Kagurazaka."

"Guess I should- Oh," in a moment of his pause, Mato-sen turned to his phone. "Well, schedule overlap, but might as well. I'll gather them and then we'll wait for another person."

I haven't really looked much at the new members of the club, but I realized that I ought to observe them as their senpai while I have the time.

I was surprised to see that club—not the TAC—is actually accepting commissioned work, but barely. Apart from being oriented that some cheesy stuff happened on those two, Aomine apparently took the initiative with the help of Ms. Kagurazaka's management prowess. But it would appear that not even the brightest ones is exempt from being weighted by the pressure. After the birth of this movement in SNS, again, they immediately got three clients at once, and it seems that things aren't going smoothly for them as I am seeing their difficulty firsthand.

Inevitably, I was concerned, and so I tapped Aomine's shoulder.

"…! Y-Yes…?!"

"Tense up your shoulders for a moment, then release. You're not in front of audiences with heads of a potato. If you're this nervous and insecure, then just the same for this work—this piece also won't show confidence. I don't know your full capacity but I know that your anxiety is restraining you.

It's fine to get nervous for your first order, but soon you'll be able to make them in under two hours. Heck, I was doing 15-minute commissions in ManCon and our Open Event.

Ah, is anyone here an otaku?"

"Present…!" who is apparently named Sir Sans's nephew, Hoshino, suddenly shouted and raised his hand.

"Gone to ManCon already?"

"N-Not yet, senpai, but I do plan this summer."

"I'll see what I can do. Let's set a time so you better save up by then. Ah, let me scan your QR code so I can add you."

"Roger, senpai!"

Click

"So my first shot is going to be a senpai helping out his juniors. That's going to be plus points."

Who would've thought. It was the sound of a camera shutter. And then a smile in front of me.

"…

I take it that you're the one we're waiting for the meeting, Shiro?"

"That's right. And I see that you also have business with the club?"

"Sure am."

For staring at each other just for a short moment, I realized something.

"Hahh… Twelve days in the year and I haven't seen you in a while."

"True. You're not looking as bad as last year."

"Your messages helped. Thanks."

«While the couple was having their moment and their greetings, Aomine and Sora began passing obvious messages on paper again.»

"Wow, so couples really talk naturally," Sora started.

"Your logic is getting overshadowed by the romance manga that Hoshino is recommending for you."

"Hey."

"I heard that they've been there for three years so it's probably a given at this point."

"They're amazing."

"…

Let's give this a break today…" he whispered.

~ ~ ~

"Anyway, I think I haven't formally introduced these two to you aside from the Open Event…

This guy is Nagi Kajima, a first year in Cobalt Institute of Technology taking up Film studies.

Then this is Shiro Kirishima, also a first year, in Imahe School of Photography.

As you already know, they were my students and a member of this club."

"Nice to be working with you," we said in one voice.

"Well then, let's start with Shiro's agenda. If you will."

"Once again thanks for having me here. So we're currently having photojournalism as our final project and I chose Blue Ink as my coverage, or the Art Club as a more specific scope.

I will be coming by on Tuesdays and Fridays every week until March and give context to the materials I have taken. As for Ms. Kagurazaka's case of publicity, I have gotten your parent's consent through Mr. Hayasaka and agreed to their terms.

I know that it may not be very agreeable but I have to be frank here. Me being promoted to a second year depends in your cooperation."

I sure hope that these high schoolers will soon realize that what she just said is like a cry for help for us whose been stressing out for months. Anyway, such words are basically under the coverage of our sanity and are normal.

"Then about the promotional film, I'll be the one to discuss to Nagi here. So it's obvious that the purpose of this film is going to be for recruitment of new members, but the catch is that this film is not for next year."

"Uh-huh…"

"They're current target audience are undergraduate students, including the JHS, but while that's on mind, it would help if this is going to be reusable for the coming years.

On that note, I think that the Entertainment Club will soon hit their ceiling so it's a good opportunity.

As for the materials and theme, we will be responsible for that. But if you have your insights, you can share them midway as you're the one with experience.

So with that, may we talk about pricing?"

"…

Give me a sec."

Even though I am under a very technical course, that doesn't mean that all we do are practicals and less sitting in classes. If anything, I am thankful that we were immediately exposed to many things like doing business and negotiations while teaching us the minimum standards.

I just hope that the two BM students wouldn't react.

"Let's see… so I assume that the coverage of my work is production and post-production… and I still use royalty-free at this point… Also, I am independent so I hold my own definitions that still uphold the legal standards.

This is already a bargain, alright? I would agree for a two weeks maximum of filming and then I can do the post for five days. Art Club, this is an example that your art isn't so simple to be valued as cheap, and that this may sound unreal for you, but this is absolutely cheap in the industry already.

I'll agree for 9000 Laxes. That's as much as I can ask. That doesn't only concern the film itself but also the labor and the ideas. Remember that the tuition put in your course is going to return someday, and that is what I am doing now that I'm putting what I have learned to work. I say all that, but in the end, I think that this is still quite a high cost."

With that, I gave the club time to think about this on their own. But surprisingly, it wasn't long until Mato-sen's decision came about.

"We have an agreement."

Thus a handshake and a hand sanitizer after.

"If that's the case… you didn't change your email, right, Mato-sen?"

"Of course I didn't."

"Alright, Enter."

Immediately, he received a notification.

"Woah, so you're using digital receipts? Did you really come from this high school?"

"Ahahaha. I've learned a lot of tricks midway."

"Is that so. Then expect a transfer to your bank account tomorrow."

"Woah, hold it right there, Mato-sen! I'd rather if it is transferred after submitting the film to you. I already have all my resources so I'll just end up using it right away."

"If that's what you say. I'm on this so I'll reserve it from my next payday.

I guess another lesson, Art Club—it'd feel satisfying when you actually earned your own money, I'm telling you."

"Don't ask us to treat you for beer."

"Urk…

Let's end the meeting here…"

▪ ▪ ▪

Two weeks later, and the filming finished. As promised, or more appropriately, contracted, I got my pay and some extra. Mysteriously, another 5000 Laxes were transferred to my account. Because of that, I learned that Ms. Kagurazaka may well be similar to Gin's persistence in this kind of exchanges. I immediately called her so as to return but she greatly turned down my turning down.

I felt really bad honestly. If you remember, I was present when the incident in Cobalt Hotel happened amidst a dinner held by the Kagurazaka. Subsequently, the father and daughter visited our house and proposed to cover our academic expenses along with Naru, and for emergencies.

And now that I think about it… I wouldn't be surprised if Uncle Junpei actually shot his knuckle in front of Mr. Kagurazaka. But I still hope he didn't. And so my assignment is to ask Shiro about that the next time we meet.

That's what she said.

Well of course, coincidence. Mid-January; and I finally got the schedule for my driving test sorted out… which is the same for Shiro, and we are testing consecutively.

If anything, this is putting another chuckle on my face, as if history repeats itself. I wondered, if it actually will happen, where we will have another chance meeting.

…

Answer: In the cinema, before the lights turn off.

On the side note, I actually have free time now as I can go to see the movies!

It was a long stretch to see her with the same flavor of popcorn and same hotdog, and it's true; it's just that we bought the same foods. There aren't many people inside and I'm that guy who doesn't follow the seat I took upon buying my ticket when I know that there aren't many that is going to way. Therefore, I found myself a seat anywhere unknowing who is the person sitting next to me.

Needless to say, I stood in awe.

"I'm a bit sad that you didn't invite me…"

"W-Well, y-you don't really like live action adaptations… I didn't expect this."

Thankfully, I picked a seat that isn't busted. It sometimes happens.

"I heard some good feedback about this adaptation so I figured I'd watch it."

"Hmmm, I see."

~ ~ ~

Sorry, for I have trash tastes.

It was average at best, at least solely in my opinion. I've already read and watched what was going to happen, so I decided to ignore the last thirty minutes (or at least I think) of the movie and finished my grub.

Coincidences and cliches really don't go hand in hand, but I think I'll be able to pull off that combo today. Intentionally—which I hope Shiro didn't catch on— I leaned my head on her shoulder and immediately dozed off until she woke me up at the end of the film.

Side note, even though I'm a film student, I don't really fuss or nitpick on things I see on movies. But sometimes I ride Gin's wave when he points out mistakes on the cuts, like lighting and such.

…

Speaking of that guy…

"Oh, Nagi, Shiro? On a date?"

We found Gin in the department store holding… some kind of a pillow?

"…

Coincidentally, yeah. So, what's that you're holding?"

"This, huh. It's a hug pillow."

If I have seen one long cat in real life, I would be impressed. Indeed he is holding a hug pillow, or a body pillow generally, but I'd just recommend calling it the former, really. Gin is a tall one (around 6 feet now) in terms of Orion standard height, and that's why the adorable pillow with a gray cat design and ears, and tabby pattern looked short.

"Why are we suddenly seeing you with that anyway, Mr. Minimalist with a sleek bedroom?"

"I don't fall asleep immediately these days-"

Our eyes widened in surprise, "You, of all people?!"

"Ahem, so I bought this to see if this will help."

But it seems that my thoughts paralleled with Shiro.

"Pfft… You look like a teenage girl who saw something cute and bought it immediately…" she joked straightforwardly.

"Man, I guess that's one way to put it."

"He kinda looks like Haku. You sure he won't get jealous?"

"Look, dude. If I suddenly embraced him, he'll get squished, and I'll quote him in this: 'I prefer 3D over 2D,' inside a meow."

"So cats of culture also exist…!"

"Oh, I be'er scram.

See 'ya!"

And there he goes.

"What's the time on your watch, Shiro?"

"6… 23."

"There's a family restaurant on the roof of the station, right? Want to have dinner there?"

"Sure."

A restaurant over the train station, seriously?! Seriously? It's one restaurant that isn't found inside the mall which is just beside. But as this is a rooftop, dining in in front of the restaurant is a thing under a glass roof like Gin's but not as thick. It's convenient especially at night since we're not under the sun, and it is getting warmer now for spring.

Also, I didn't realize, but it is a nice view to see the road and the lights under us especially since we picked a good spot near the edge of the roof.

"It was quite nostalgic, isn't it, Shiro?"

"It really brings me back. At that time… it was like, we met by chance for three times in a day?"

"Yeah, it was unbelievable. Now I feel embarrassed for suddenly crying in front of you."

"Uuuugggghhhh… same… Those kiddos aren't even aware of how much stress college is going to be after three years. How was I so emotional back then…"

"That's because you've resolve your conflicts now. Thinking back, it has been more than a year since you told Uncle your true feelings."

"I guess that would be the last time that I'll be selfish. We're now too old for that kind of things."

"Yeah… but we now have a new set of problems that are harder to deal with."

"I agree. But don't hesitate to call me when you need someone to talk to, okay? Keep up the good work."

"Likewise. Let's help out each other more."