Chapter 1

…

(Even though, I must’ve sketched the scenery here countless times… my lines feel all wrong. I can’t, concentrate…)

…Phew.

Kiroku. How about taking a break now?

Kamina, san.

You’ve been drawing through your lunch, haven’t you? I brought you some onigiri and miso soup, so feel free to eat up.

Thank, you.

…Are you thinking about something in particular while you draw? If you don’t mind sharing with me, I’ll listen to any troubles you have.

Wh…

Ah… well, um… …I was… thinking, about, my BD, area.

I… want, to use art… of, course. …And the first thing, that came to mind…

…

…Take your time. Don’t force yourself to talk about it if you don’t want to.

The first thing, that came to mind… was a solo, exhibition. A dream where… I show, everyone… the things I’ve drawn… the things I’ve, made… so far.

But… is it really okay… to hold… an exhibition, for myself…?

I don’t see the issue.

Y-you answered so quickly…!

Because I didn’t have to wonder what to say.

I want to support your dream. If you’re unsure, I want to push you forward. And I can’t imagine I’m the only one who feels that way.

…What’s more, when I mentioned my own dream of holding a solo exhibition, you didn’t laugh, and supported me, didn’t you? Do you remember?¹

I, do.

That made me very happy. You gave me the courage to take a small step forward.

…

There’s still time, so don’t feel you have to answer right away.

Let’s take care of that empty stomach first. Then you can take your time to think.

All, right. Thank you… for the food.

…Yummy.

(…I have people who’ll push me forward.)

(Kamina-san… isn’t the only one. There’s Chief, the Noon Team, Karigane-sensei… people who… accept my art…)

(So… I'll—)

Woohoo! Let’s head home ~one and all~

Ah… actually, I…

You’re staying again?

…Mhm. To… continue, the picture.

I was astonished when I heard from Chief that you would be displaying a brand new piece made for your birthday exhibition.

Moreover, I’m amazed that you’re attempting something so large you need to borrow the art room.

Making a new piece with so little time left is gonna whittle away your HP. Sure you can do this?

You’ve been working yourself non-stop since you decided on this…

I’m fine… for now, at least.

If you do find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’ll gladly back you up.

…Thank, you. I'll… get going, now.

…Is he really gonna be okay?

…I’m, back.

Oh! Welcome back, Kiroku~!!

Late again today, huh. Go get changed first, I’ll heat up your curry while you do.

…Thank, you. I'm… pretty hungry, so. That helps.

…He slouches enough as is, yet it still managed to get worse.

Hm. As we thought, it seems he’s overdoing it. Everyone, now is the time—

But of course, I couldn’t agree more! —Day2, move out~!!

YEEEAAAH!!

…Phew.

(My event is tomorrow. Nayuki-san said I have until the morning of, so… just a bit more. If I just add a little more—)

Heya! Are ya winning, boss!?

…Guys.

We brought some refreshments. I get wanting to do your best, but it’ll all be pointless if you collapse.

This is what you’ve been working on…!?

Incredible…

It’ll be making its debut tomorrow…

Yeah, yeah! It’s not just crazy, it’s absolutely insane! Actually, no, it’s fabulous great pegasus max!!

Really stretching your vocabulary there.

…Ah, we shouldn’t be interrupting you. Apologies. Let’s hurry and set up a supply box on this table.

We made these onigiri with Yukikaze-san. We’ve got tuna mayo, bonito flake, plum, and pollock roe fillings all here at the Day2 convenience store~!

(…It’s so, lively.)

(Until now, I only ever drew with my “friends” around, but—)

Hey hey! Kiroku, what kinda onigiri do ya want?

(Now, I’m not alone.)

I’ll, have… a tuna, mayo one.