Chapter 2

This way marks the proper route through Kinugawa-kun’s solo exhibition! Please follow along without straying from the path, everyone!

Yes sir!

It’s pretty packed, huh. Everyone here came to celebrate Kiroku… to see Kiroku’s art.

Yeah…! Oh? Isn’t that…

That… producer, from, Kanazawa?

With the Watanabe collection!

(Back then, he had me redo it, at first. What is he thinking… looking at my work now?)

Woah… there are so many pieces! It’s so colourful…! This blackboard art especially stands out, it’s beautiful!

Oil paintings, sketches- ah, there are even puppets like Dewawa and co.

Painted paper sumo wrestlers and origami Buddha statues, and the okiagari doll from the live painting session are also on display.

I doubt there are enough hours in the day to take it all in properly. It reminds me of a certain art gallery in France.

(Huh, he put up some PatiBato art too. Clearly labeled as “personal fanart”, good on him for doing this proper… ly…)

(Wait, hold up, what’s that one! I’ve never seen that Reito sketch before!? Huh? He didn’t tell me about this!?)

Uu-chan? You suddenly started trembling, what happened?

Ah, um, i-it’s nothing?

This isn’t just about the art itself—it feels like the culmination of everything Kiroku’s made since joining Hama Tours.

Indeed. Though, the one attracting the most attention—

…? There’s a huge crowd by that area.

The one, hung up there, is… my newest. It’s titled—

“The Guides of Hama"…?

He’s gone beyond detailed! This enormous canvas holds the likenesses of us all at Hama Tours, Shuumai, and the pet robots.

Such delicate yet daring use of colour! Texture that strikes a vivid impression in all who behold it! And the life in each and every brush stroke—how it makes my heart tremble!

Ma~n, it’s still crazy no matter how many times I see it! Kiroku’s art! Is irresistible! It’s the most dazzling thing ever!

In…

Incredible, Kiroku-kun! You can make such wonderful art! O-oh no, I’m getting to emotional to speak…

What’s that? Kinugawa-sensei is present! Pardon me, I’d love to have just an hour of your time to talk!

Pl-please sign this! I watched your live okiagari doll painting—it stole my heart!!

Wah…! Oh damn… feels like… the world’s finally discovered our Kiroku!?

(…Everyone… looks like they’re having fun looking at my artworks.)

(I was a bit scared, to show them to so many people. But…)

…Aah… this art is wonderful…

(I’m glad, I mustered up the courage.)

(…I had some time to myself, so I got to talk to that producer.)

Your artworks are unique as ever. I suppose you’re still prioritising your own enjoyment when making them.

…

But… looking at it without thinking of work… The liveliness that you get from fully embracing your individuality makes me a touch jealous.

…

…

(Ah… Chief is… staring at my new piece.)

Chief.

……

Ch-Chief…?

Huh? Ah, sorry, Kiroku-kun! Didn’t notice you there.

It’s, alright. …Do you, like, this one?

Yeah, I love it! It’s really, really wonderful. I could look at it forever and not get bored.

You drew everyone with such bright smiles. Just seeing them lifts my mood!

Th-thank, you.

You did a portrait of me in the past, too… being drawn like this really is a nice feeling.

I’d like to hang this one next to it… though I guess I’d need to actually get it in my room first, ahaha.

…I’m happy, to hear, that.

…So far, I’ve made… a lot of art… and experienced, so many other works. But… I’ve also been, rejected, and hurt.

…Right.

Now that I'm… in Hama Tours… and spending time, with everyone, and, with you. I can—have more fun, making art. I… want, to make more art.

So that, I can… share my individuality, with the world… even if, it’s just, a bit… at a time.

So that, I can… like myself more. I want to continue making art.

Kiroku-kun…

Ah…! So, rry. I’ve been, taking over, the conversation.

Not at all. Thanks for sharing how you feel. I’m really glad that you can speak like this more than before.

…That’s, thanks to, you, and, the others.

Being able to, breathe easier. Being able to, reach out, beyond my ribcage… little, by little.

It’s all because I’m here. Because, I could meet, all of you.

…I’ll make sure to continue supporting you, so you can keep pursuing art.

All of us are huge fans of your art. We’ve got your back!

…Yeah.

(Chief’s smile really is vibrant. Overflowing with colour and brightness—)

(I want to draw. I want to make something new right now.)