January—the inception of spring.

The winter has once again taken its nine-month hiatus, which gave way to the blooming of flowers anew. The fall of snow may have ended, but the coldness of the air still strongly persists before the transition to warm then hot days. It may not be comparable to the great cold of winter, but one would still opt to sit in a kotatsu and procrastinate.

But for those who work with the need of great kinesthesis, procrastination is never an option. Especially for a restaurant like Giotto's which surge of customers is ever unpredictable.

But amidst that, on the back of the establishment…

Standing with right knees slightly folded, heels and backs leaned on the wall, left hands inserted in the pockets of jeans, hoods up, and right hands grasping on cheeseburgers, waiting to be grasped by the teeth.

The three—Gin, Jean, and Reina—are having their afternoon break.

"Aren't coincidences something, Jean?"

"Now I understand Nagi and Shiro a bit. It has a nice feeling to it. And to think that we all just had to crave for fast food at the same time… It's unprecedented."

"Umm… why are we doing this pose, anyway?" asked the work training student.

"Even if you ask that…" Jean responded, "the answer wouldn't make any sense anyway. We've adapted to the author's nonsense so this is normal for us basically."

"I'll keep that in mind…"

"Ah, by the way, Reina. Instead of your camp, how was Kurimo?" then asked Gin.

"It was a nice place, senpai. When you're standing in the middle of the plateau, it doesn't seem very special, but the moment you get to the edge, you'll never think that the place is plain whenever you go. It was a whimsical feeling."

"That's a nice review."

Indeed, for the CA students that are fortunately and unfortunately placed in Giotto's, their work training ends earlier than others as they do not follow an alternate calendar with their number. And this duration, Reina, although not their batch leader, has familiarized herself with the taxing work and unconsciously, she began addressing her high school seniors literally in and out of the restaurant.

"Even though we were on high altitude, I was able to at least familiarize my lungs with the experience by running."

"Ehhhhh…? So you jog too? Were you in track and field before coming to Blue Ink?"

"Not really… I just love running. I get to maintain my shape, and it's a nice way to clear my head.

Since I live in Phthalo Street, I can just run instead of commuting."

"Hmm, aside from the admiration, I feel like I've already heard that somewhere."

"Just so you know, Gin here never skips leg day. Whatever time, he gets to exercise, even in the places you least expect."

"The fast paced cooking is also like a really hard sport, you know. Exercising makes me hungry quickly, though."

"Is that why you ordered four cheeseburgers, senpai…?"

"Well, I get a discount in every increment.

That aside… you may be the most sociable introvert I have met, Reina."

"Ahaha… I'm at least aware. I would guess that I am the type to get extremely shy after meeting people for the first time, but I can familiarize myself quickly to people."

"So that was why you quickly befriended Rin. Ain't that a relief. So, did you learn to call us like that from Ai-san?"

"Not really. I am an otaku myself, and they are rather common in my junior high, which is Gil."

"Oh, I see. Mori never really mentioned things like that."

"Ah, before I forget. Is there something that you like, want, or something? Us five is planning something as a show of gratitude for accepting us."

Needless to say, the two regular chefs were subtly surprised.

"I like how transparent this batch is. Last year the students sort of surprised us but I appreciate you asking us.

I say that, but my mind literally doesn't work with stuff like this. Any ideas, Jean?"

"Well, last year it was like 'meep, we'll have lunch earlier than our customers,' because we made the lunch for the crew with the best of our abilities. Honestly, we're fine with something like that."

"Alright, my brain's working now.

To be honest, for us cooks to supervise is not a very easy task, but nonetheless your last day won't be recorded in your DTR… I personally would want you guys to do a cooking exhibition."

"Ohh, I get that. It's like how we made food for you with the pace of Giotto's as our simulation in our head," Jean added.

"That's a good test to see if you students are actually moving at your conscious in the kitchen with our pace, or if you're just being pulled by adrenaline.

But initially, I think you guys are fine. You're all disciplined enough that I didn't kick one or two of you out. And that makes me, Jean, and Yuzuri-san really glad as we're the ones supervising you.

I've heard from Mato that you are considering applying to CCI, and the exams are nearing. In some ways, you have things that are in common with Rin, and it's not a bad thing. I'm saying this now: you have a clear shot there, and I highly suggest that you ask her for assistance.

Who knows, maybe she will become your actual senpai in a few months."

Even with the praises and commendations taken with a levelheaded reception, it was still hard for Reina to hide her elation, and thus finishing the burger at hand.

"U-Umm… Is there a chance that I can stay over?!"

"Why ask me? You have Rin's number, right? She likes to have friends anyway. Sometimes she even invites them… well, as a defense mechanism against stress, that is. Anyway, she would love to have you in their house, and not mine, alright?"

"…?"

"…What?"

"Are you… secretly married with her, Gin-senpai?"

"I guess asked by that a lot, but please stop joking like that…

I'm the type of guy who would proudly wear a ring."

▪ ▪ ▪

‹Obi Soramoto›

For some reason, there was a microphone sitting around my room after I woke up. I asked my parents, my sister, and even our dog named Tapi if they knew anything about it. Strangely, they didn't know and shrugged, but Tapi was seriously going to lick it so I placed it somewhere he won't reach.

They said that someone probably put it on my bag by mistake or that I just took it home somewhere without noticing. But I have two questions—why would I even bring home a microphone with me, and why in the world would people, or high school students, would even bring a microphone to the school?

※ Gin and company enter the chat

Anyways, it absolutely felt weird at any way and any time I look at it. It doesn't look gaudy at all, and it looked just like an ordinary microphone.

As an otaku of this country, I feel the need to share my word about this, as I do believe that I am in a position to do so.

This kind of things are widely seen on… rather weird or unique anime or manga, and every time this suddenly shows up in your face and then the protagonist sits either on his bed or desk with the object in front of him, it could only be something that's absolutely suspicious, and sometimes something is just going to pop up when you touch or use it. But with all things considered, I have touched it, and nothing has happened, so that's the first hurdle out of the way.

But with the way things are going that are not present in the context, you, the reader, may have been screaming in front of your screens probably saying that I am an absolute idiot and that I should have realized by now what it is.

However, I shall infer that 0.3 out of 10 people would probably do that. I could imagine how embarrassing it could be to scream in front of your screen, so please don't do that. In any case, I am already embarrassed for doing some testing, which you really don't need to know what happened while I was singing an anime theme song.

…

Oh.

But huzzah, I have been enlightened, mysteriously.

In my understanding, this is a narration mic, and for some reason, even my inner voice is being transmitted.

Man… I really have to poop…

……

But for me who has a thousand things to say in my mind but only fifty words from my mouth, this is a rather dangerous and powerful object. I may have noticed that a few months earlier, I gradually started talking a lot more, and I do feel like the reason for that is because I have grown to value the club, the members and my friends… Or most likely, it may have been after I confessed to Ai-san and got turned down. In the end, I have changed a bit, and tried to be more open to what I think instead of just keeping myself silent in one place.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

And so, I gave up my battle against this microphone, and let it do what it should or could.

With that, I suppose I shall point out something that I have noticed from Ai-san—in which, she has a side where she can be straightforward, but seldom. She asked me something that could have simply just hurt me, honestly, but she found a way to ask about it sensitively. I may not remember the exact words, but I know for sure that she asked me what I think about the other girls of the club. I caught wind of her intentions, but she clarifies that she just wants to know about it, and this was some time after I got rejected so yeah.

And I have also come to realize the power of breaking the fourth wall, so I can say that this is inevitable as one of the genres is tagged as romance.

So my answers to that question are…

First of all, I think it's obvious enough about Sora. In truth, I didn't really like her, because I do side on Aomine's beliefs which perhaps were due to my demeanor. If I was able to word out the thousand words of my mind, I may have outright said that "she is not beautiful" with the way she acted in the past. But now, I can definitely say that she is beautiful and maybe it was thanks to Aomine, indirectly. And even if there aren't things going on between them, I wouldn't think that I would see her in a romantic light…

Which is also the same for Reina. If I was not under stress after getting my first love destroyed, it may be a different story, but I do think that she deserves better. She is rather introverted which is somewhat close to my behavior, and considering that, she still gets familiar with people quickly. That doesn't sound bad at all, but at this point I can only see her as a friend or more so a good friend at most. Deep down, I feel like I am not the right person for him.

And while we're at it, I reckon that I should also address how I actually fell for Ai-san. Honestly, it was love at first sight, as cliched as it is. I've liked her ever since she transferred as an exchange student from Japan when we were fourth years, and yes, I have studied junior high school in Blue Ink.

I was one of those people that got frightened of the Art Club due to the old rumors on the old rooftop so I missed the chance to join as I have just realized my interests with art at that time. Upon graduating, however, I was about to give that up for senior high school but it was Ai-san that pulled me in the department.

She is sociable, yet somewhat timid. But when the times where you see her dedication overflowing to the things she set her eyes on, it was hard to look away from her. I have been aware of my social ineptness, but I felt that she might be the person that can pull me out of my shell and become a better person for myself, others, and also for the sake of her.

But I realized too late that someone has been courting her for more than two years. It made me realize where that dedication might have rooted from. I got to know Yuka Jean eventually, became friends with him, and found out about his elder brother. I admitted my defeat, as I am someone unworthy of Ai-san—I, who is lackluster, someone with so little dedication, and no strong display of vigor and enthusiasm.

I became insecure after finding out that there are people who had it harder than him. I thought that I had to become a better human, in which Yuka Jean said that it was a life-long hurdle for people who seeks the answer if they are human or not. That is, those people who lost their humanity, or their human emotions. In a sense however, I only believe that a lid has been tightly closed on them, which no matter how much one tries to pry it open it won't budge. Either way, it was something that was difficult to imagine.

I am, needless to say, astonished. It felt like I have only seen the tip of the iceberg, but it already made me think that this normal world may not be as normal as I thought it is. Perhaps, I really should have realized it already after the becoming of Joseph Horach, the Exiles, the Medical Children Program, and Teardrop.

It was a wakeup call—that I still have a long way to go understanding myself before others. Therefore, I have now set aside seeking the kind of romantic love for a while in pursuit of finding my identity.

But with all things considered, it is still one of my dreams to have a family.

…

Oh, is that so… I just received word that the long essay-like narration suddenly was found in the middle of the chapter instead of the beginning. Nevertheless, I don't even know what that meant.

▪ ▪ ▪

What do you know, four pages of me talking to the microphone and it is suddenly February. Time is sometimes a marathon, but alas, sometimes it is also a sprint.

I have completed my 100 hours of work training in Stylo Studio, which in a sense means that that is one big load out of my shoulders. Thus, we seniors have been left with our few big concluding projects. But before I sew my backside again on my chair in school, I figured that I at least deserve to reward myself with something or some things.

I found out that a certain anime movie that aired last year is going to have a re-screening in one of the cinemas in the mall, and so I hurried there for the reason that I missed it in theaters upon its premiere.

But it just happened that I am coincidentally beside Reina inside the cinema.

No, not really. We actually met on the ticket booth, and since we have the same circumstances, we decided to just watch it together.

Really, I think movies, if not all, have their own boring parts. For this case, we really can't bother reading the subtitles carefully.

"So you like your popcorn just plain buttered and salted, Reina?"

"This flavor never gets old and I've liked it since childhood. And yours is bacon… may I have some?"

"Go ahead.

Uhh, I hope that it doesn't bother your sodium intake or something. Mine is saltier but at least not as much as this side character."

"Pff… he really is salty.

But I think it's fine from time to time. Make sure to stay in check with your health, though."

"Thanks, mom."

"Ahahahaha. If this was a few months ago, I may have never expected that you can actually joke like this."

"Well, I also have sense of humor, surprisingly.

But what do you think, am I better like this?"

"I think you are, in my opinion. It may just suit you well when you get to a middle ground… and really, I get to see your cool side more."

"I am flattered."

Reina is amazing. I do wonder how she can say all of those without a hint of embarrassment or timidity, and without pause. Perhaps, I didn't really see that she is actually naturally someone with a lot of courage…

Or I guess I'll take that back. While we were talking a white light flashed from the screen upon her words, and I saw a glimpse of her ear, which was somewhat reddened.

Still, it was amazing how she hid that. But I suddenly had the itch to tease her, and just to see how she would truly react.

"Your ears are red," in the middle of a bunch of popcorn chewing.

"…! H-How did you know…"

And this time, I didn't need another white light over her face.

"Ahahahaha."

~ ~ ~

"It's raining?"

In a little glimpse of the outside of the mall from a window, it was apparent that the rainfall is moderate at best but not something I can walk under. And so, I am stuck in the mall for the time being.

"You have an umbrella with you, Obi?"

"No. Same?"

She nodded.

Then I pulled out my phone to see the face of Tapi and the clock that says 11:56 in the morning. I don't know about other cinemas but ours open at the same time the mall does. That small bit of information nevertheless…

"Looks like it won't let up any time soon. Want to have lunch? I'll treat you?"

"That's fine. I can just buy an umbrella and go home."

"Look here. Would you rather put your money on an umbrella and waiting for the rain to stop? I'm a bit conservative, you see."

"Even though you're offering me to treat you?"

"I admit that it's contradictory, but will you have an argument if I suddenly hear your stomach rumble? I'm feeling hungry myself anyway. Popcorn just isn't enough. Don't you agree?"

"…

I suddenly feel so defeated…"

"I'm trying to be at least a gentleman as I can. Please don't mind."

"No, I appreciate it."

Immediately after that, I got an "in hindsight." Maybe I was a little over-familiar? Did it look like I am asking her out? Or… wouldn't people see this as a date? Snap, I just realized it now, huh.

And while we were looking around so as to find a restaurant we can eat at… of course, someone saw us.

"Oya?" we were spotted by Hoshino.

"Oya oya?"

"Oya oya oya?"

"Wait, even you, Reina?"

"Ehehe. I can't help it."

"Anyway~ Rare to see you two together~ Something up?"

"Uhh, lunch?" I cluelessly uttered.

"Oh. Are you guys on a date? Man, this sure is a sight."

I guess I was right with my supposition. In surprise, the two of us only looked at each other without a word, or without a word that we can think of to say. I for one am not really getting that worked up in this situation even if it may cause a misunderstanding. In reality, I'm not really that defensive in this kind of circumstance, and it looks to be the same for her, which is a relief in a way.

"Does it really look that way?" I asked, not only towards Reina but also Hoshino, but then she answered.

"I don't know…? I've never gone out to one to know."

And the obvious disappointment on Hoshino's expression surfaced.

"I guess… it's not? Do you agree?" she asked anew, which I then nodded.

"Well, we watched a movie earlier, and since it's raining I thought that we might as well have lunch while waiting."

"Wha- At any way you look at it this definitely looks like a date…! And you even went to watch a movie together?! Are you two kidding me?!"

Somehow, it was Hoshino that got worked up.

Nonetheless, we managed to convince him and left on his own business, while we headed out to settle with an Italian restaurant for lunch with a plate of pasta each and a whole pizza, which we surprisingly ate all rather quick. I guess we were indeed hungry.

"Wait, your exam in CCI was last week, right? How was it?"

"The written exam was hard… But I managed to pull through with the practical well. I hope that it will pull my evaluation up."

"I hope that you pass."

"Thank you."

But it's not really wrong to think that I was contemplating a bit in the middle of lunch. After our chance encounter with Hoshino, I reassessed how I see her and came to this conclusion: Perhaps there is a chance, but I'm not really considering it yet after all. And even if that happens, it may already be too late.

That's why… I don't have my hopes up, but I don't think the shippers will go back down just like that. But I am sorry, I don't think I'll consider my own romance in a while. It is not always that easy, in reality.

~ ~ ~

"Ah. I forgot that I borrowed your compass and notebook yesterday. Do you mind if you come to my place?" asked the girl.

"It's fine by me. But, do you mind me coming to your place?"

"It's also fine on my side. Especially since my brother can tell if I'm lying or not."

"Where do you live anyway?"

"I guess I may not really be that far when I am here. It's around the Phthalo Street."

"Phthalo… You mean, Phthalo Blue?"

"Ahahaha, I also thought that."

…

A standard two-floor house, at first glance. But upon my entrance I immediately noticed the layout of their house, which somewhat gave an emphasis to their kitchen that I assumed that the space was rebuilt to accommodate that inside an open plan house, as engineers call it.

Indeed, the place looked a lot spacious with the absence of inner walls.

Mrs. Nijisaki welcomed me to their living room while I was insistent of not serving me anything as I have already had my fill for at least until later, and so I settled only with water. From the moment that I heard footsteps from their staircase, I expected that she would return it immediately and I will scram. Even I am not exempt to the nervousness, especially if their father is actually here; but I guess he is at work. However, the one that came down was not Reina…

But her older brother.

"…"

Even if I didn't intend to, my mouth and my throat suddenly shut off after a lightning glance on the man. My eyes widened, and somehow cold sweat poured down to my cheek. Before I even realized it, I can't avert my gaze anymore.

A stature and appearance so calm… and yet I feel some kind of pressure coming from him. It was not coldness nor was it warmth, but something I can't describe. One thing that I however know is that I felt somewhat down all of a sudden just as I am sitting right now.

"Ah… Reina?" she shouted from the bottom floor, "can you fetch me my glasses? I forgot to bring them down."

"Here.

Sorry, Obi! It seems like I misplaced your notebook somewhere in my room. This might take a bit."

"It's fine. Take your time."

His brother then put on his tinted glasses and headed out to the kitchen and poured some coffee. My nerves suddenly rose and if not to get worse, he even approached the living room.

"Oh… I forgot I put this here… Don't mind if I do."

"…"

He bent down and then picked up a bundle of papers lying from the coffee table and stood back up again along with a stretch on his back.

"Was that a script of some sort…?"

"A-Ah, I'm Obi Soramoto. Thank you for having me here."

"Obi, huh… I like that name," and he gave me such a gentle smile.

"…?"

"Anyway, my name is-"

A few minutes later, I left the Nijisaki house with another thought that revolved inside my head.

I have a lot of people that I admire, even if not a myriad. There are artists, YouCubers, artist YouCubers, authors, teachers, a woman, and even people in general—just like Yuka Jean who taught me of his dedication… even Exiles. And in that admiration, there is the inspiration and respect that I have for all of them.

They all came from different statuses and background, but regardless, they are all people that motivates me, leaves me in amazement and awe for the things and past that led them to their own presents. Even if I personally doesn't know those people like a "draw my life," they can be reflected from how they act now. And sometimes, even my intuition tells me some things unseen, whether it is something that I will believe or not.

It is not frequent that I stumble upon a thought without prior basis or root, and all of the things that I have shared have had at least some kind of a connection whatever it can be, and this final one is not an exception to that.

Amidst all of that, that one lightning glance tickled my intuition vigorously, and as if it was whispering to my mind, it said…

He is someone that I shall never miss—someone that I will absolutely look up to with awe and sadness, once my eyes have gazed upon that smile, and bare eyes of his.

He is… an enigma.