Pudding and the park

The early morning started with the soft sound of birds chirping and the gentle swaying of the tree leaves. The sun peeked above the horizon and casted a relaxing glow over the city. To some, this must be one of the most peaceful and beautiful moments of a new day.

*Puff*, Yui jumped and landed on top of me.

"Ugh..." I was startled.

"Onii-chan, wake up, it's morning," Yui called as she pushed and pulled my blanket.

"Okay okay, I’ve woken up."

Yui and I went downstairs together.

“Good morning senpai.”

"Morning."

Everyone got up and prepared breakfast.

“This is the first time I've seen you get up so early, Niko,” Mio was surprised to see my presence at this hour.

"Sometimes I do wake up early too."

"Senpai, staying up all night doesn't count as getting up early."

“Gosh, big brother really is a workaholic. If you keep at it, you might turn into a night owl for real,” said Sora.

“We have hibernating bears over there,” Mio spoke as she was preparing breakfast.

All of us looked towards the sofa in the living room area. On the comfy sofa was a Nitori fast asleep on her sketches with a pen still in her hand.

*splash splash* The glass of water in my hand was spilling out.

“Niko! Please wake up. The water's overflowing," Mio tried to tell me.

I was pouring water while sleeping.

"Yui, can you go wake up Nito-chan?" Himari asked.

"Okie."

"Just a bit more," said Nitori sleepily with a smiling face as Yui dragged her towards the kitchen.

“Look at her, just keep on sleeping without a care,” commented Sora.

“Said somebody who can still sleep even if the sun turns her into a toast.”

"Come on, nee-chan. Don't bring that up, it’s embarrassing."

“Toast with butter is the best…” Nitori giggled happily while still hibernating.

"I still remember that one time So-chan went swimming with everyone and then fell asleep floating in the pond like a starfish," Himari said.

“AHHHHH!!! Please stop, I don't want to hear it."

“Pancake, pancake~♫” Yui sang cheerfully while helping Himari prepare food for everyone.

“Thank you, Yui. Let's all have breakfast together."

"Senpai, that's not the dining table," Himari called out to me while I took my drink to the sofa and readied to sleep again.

The rest was speechless.

*Tweet tweet*

“Thank you for the breakfast,” I put the dishes in the sink and got ready to leave.

"Where are you going, onii-chan?" Yui was curious.

“Ah, I have to go to uni today.”

"Huh, didn’t big bro already have a job?"

"I still have to study, you know."

“Heh? Are you still really going to school?"

"Sora, he's only in his sophomore year in college," Nitori explained.

"Eh?"

“Don't tell me you didn't know he was still in college all this time,” Mio doubted.

“But brother is always working, like he's always at home…I thought he was done with school stuff…” Sora faltered.

“Sora, are you really a 2nd year high school student?” I teased her.

“He actually still attends uni like me. It's just that his schedule usually starts later than mine. It’s no different from you girls, we also have our summer break after the previous semester. Usually we'll start a new semester again a week or two later. You perhaps must be surprised,” Himari explained.

Sora’s face turned red like a beetroot.

"Indeed I was very much surprised by her intelligence," Mio said calmly.

"Shut up nee-chan."

And just like that, we started our day full of laughter.

“Will you be back soon? I want to show you how to fish.”

"Of course. I'll be back this afternoon,” I smiled while patting Yui’s soft head.

"Okie."

“Don't be sad, Yui. It’s no fun playing with him. Playing with us is much more fun,” Sora declared.

"Ho, you’re a bit overconfident when you say that, Sora dear.”

"The truth hurts, doesn't it? I understand ya."

“You think you can make Yui happier than me? You might be a professional comedian."

"I'm sure no one will think they're not related," said Nitori.

“They really are a vibrant duo.”

Nitori, Mio and Himari smiled and silently enjoyed themselves.

“Stay home well,” I greeted Yui in her funny way.

"Roger. Goodbye, onii-chan."

I waved goodbye to everyone and started driving to school.

“Okay, time for us to infiltrate the enemy headquarters to find the treasure.”

"So-chan, it's not a good idea to invade other people's rooms," Himari advised.

"Obey. I will prepare the tools.”

“Yui, your onii-chan will be sad if you do so.”

"I wonder what kind of secret will we find," Nitori started to laugh like a maniac.

"Then may I join the operation?" Himari changed her mind.

"Himari-chan, which team are you on afterall?" Mio was speechless.

"Okay, let's roll, gang!” Nitori initiated the operation.

“OK!!!”

“Wait…” Mio was helpless.

"Mio," Himari turned around, "I'm going to have a class to attend as well. Please look after them for me."

"Yes."

~

“Hahaha,” laughter rumbled around my pool.

“There is fruit on the table, feel free to eat it,” said Mio.

"Hear hear."

“Remember to get out early. It's not good to swim in this sunny hour for too long."

"Ok."

Sitting down to do homework, Mio sometimes gazed outside. She saw the three of them running around everywhere. A familiar scene reminded her of her fun days in the fields.

"These girls, they sure don't know what tiredness is," she smiled.

Continuing observing, Mio soon was lost in her own thoughts. How long has it been since the last time she saw such a nostalgic sight. When thinking back on such a nostalgic time, everything seemed like it was just yesterday. Good things came and went away, only the memories of them stayed. Closing her books, she decided to listen to her emotions.

“Hey girls, I’m joining in.”

Mio soon regretted her decision of jumping in the pool after she remembered she still had her phone in her pocket.

*sizzle*, Mio carefully fried the eggs. She rubbed her forehead to wipe away the sweat.

“Mio-nee, is water like this okay?”

"That’s perfect. Good job, Yui."

“I have finished cutting the vegetables. Shall I put it in the pot?"

"Um, Mind you help me with the soup, Nitori."

"No problem."

“Why does everything in life have to be so bitter,” Sora complained as she sobbed while chopping onions.

"Sora, you silly, don't rub your eyes with your hands."

“I know, but you're gonna use fire to fight fire, right?”

“You want me to plug chili into your eyes that much huh?”

“Tomato would be fine,” Nitori suggested.

“Oi oi, relax, relax. I was joking.”

The four of them continued to prepare lunch together.

““Bon appétit!,” everyone said in unison.

"So delicious," Yui shouted in excitement.

“If only Sora had inherited a little bit of Mio’s cooking talent, she could have cooked eggs.”

"Just because I couldn’t make sunny-side-up doesn’t mean I’m that useless."

"Come on, it’s easy. All you need to do is fry an egg."

Sora went to the kitchen to grab a frying pan.

“Which shape do you want your face to transform into?”

“You’re too violent Sora, that’s why all the eggs you cooked couldn’t turn out right because they were scared of you.”

“Have eggs gotten into your head?”

“No, Nitori is right. To cook is to put in all the love, if you scare the food, they won’t turn out good.”

“There is no way that’s real. I’m not that dumb. You’re just teasing me, right guys? Guys?”

“No,” Yui said.

“No way, have I taken the wrong path all this time? This dark path that I walked. I’m sorry eggs, I won’t scare you next time. I promise I will love you with all I have.”

‘Ah, she is stupid,’ the three of them thought.

As soon as lunch was finished, laughter and summer warmth continued to fill the atmosphere as the golden glow of sun rays bathed the flowers in my garden.

“Gwaaa, here comes the shark.”

“We must retreat, return to the boat and prepare our weapons.”

While everyone was having fun, Mio was reading a book on the sofa.

“Nee-chan, join us. Don’t you get bored reading all the time?"

“I’ll pass. Besides, I don't think I can run around like you guys right after I just finished eating."

“You sounded out of breath. Are you sure you're not getting old too fast?"

Mio gently closed the book. She turned to Sora with a smile, and waved her hand to call her sister closer.

“You've been a bit bold these days,” Mio pinched Sora's cheek.

"That hurt, onee-chan.."

"It's already 1pm, I think you guys should rest."

"But we're not sleepy," Sora rubbed her cheek.

"I'll want to wait for onii-chan to come back," Yui said excitedly.

“But…” Mio said.

"You don't have to worry, Mio," Nitori said, "I'll continue to watch over the two of them from here, you can rest now. I will continue your legacy.”

“Woah,” Yui and Sora clapped their hands.

"But I’m still alive..."

“I'll make sure Sora finishes her homework too, you won't have to bear the wrath of your parents anymore. Somehow."

“You really need to be firm with your own decision.”

“We'll pay tribute too,” Sora said and together with Yui handed her homework and a pen to Mio.

“Do your homework yourself, don't ask me,” Mio sighed, “Seriously. You better finish your summer homework.”

"Yes. Excuse us then.”

"Aright, let’s continue."

Back to where she left off, Mio silently watched everyone with a gentle smile.

‘Come to think of it, I don’t dislike these sounds after all.’

~

'I wonder if the girls are okay at home.' - I texted Himari.

'They'll be fine, don't worry.' – Himari.

'I want to go back home early to see how they are doing.'

‘Jezz, mind your own business, senpai. They are fine by themselves. Though, I’m sure they'll be happy to know that you care for them that much.'

I stared at the sky in silence during recess.

Transition scene:

Sora sent me a photo.

'We found your childhood album. If the fridge doesn't keep filling up with ice cream, we'll blackmail you.'

And so I felt my soul slowly leaving my body.

End.

*Scratch, scratch*

*The sound of pen writing on paper.

Himari put the pen aside and checked the time on her phone.

"That's enough for today," standing up to stretch after doing her homework, she closed her book and turned off the desk lamp. “Hmmm, there is pudding in the fridge if I remember correctly.”

Himari looked around as she quietly walked out of the room.

“Everyone is already asleep. This is a golden opportunity to grab some pudding,” she chuckled.

"Ah, Himari-nee, you also came down to grab some pudding, right?" Downstairs Nitori and Mio were eating pudding at the dining table.

"Eh..."

'I guess I'm not the only one with that idea,' Himari thought.

At night, the moonlight illuminated the backyard, the cozy orange light shimmering on the dining table created a feeling of a real campfire. Sitting and chatting with each other, the three of them shared pudding together.

"It's kinda fun to secretly eat at night like this." ///Mio

“Yes, everything feels different. Even the taste of the food is so much better.” ///Nitori

"If I remember correctly, the last time we ate like that was last year New Year's Eve," Himari said.

“It was still snowing outside at that time, and I still vividly recall the indescribable feeling that night.” ///Nito

“It is true that nothing can compare to just simply relaxing while enjoying the beautiful scenery.” ///Mio

“The starry sky today is just amazing and pleasant as well.”

“Then why don't we try going outside?” Mio suggested.

Opening the kitchen glass door overlooking the pool, they immediately closed the door when they took freezing status effect from the night breeze.

“I think we can enjoy the view indoors,” said Mio.

"Agreed," Nitori and Himari said in unison.

The three of them went back to the living room area.

“Uwahh, so warm. I didn't know there was a heating system around the sofa area." ///Mio

“Hehe, once you know how comfortable this position feels, you won't ever want to leave,” plopped around the sofa, Nitori entered relaxation mode.

“I also forgot that he has a heating system installed here. It's just like we're going camping." ///Hima

“Camping must be fun. If it’s as relaxing as this, I want to try camping too.” ///Mio

They lied down and imagined they were camping.

"I think we should sleep here."

"Yes, that's a good idea, Himari-nee."

The three of them continued to melt like pudding as they sat calmly with satisfied faces.

“Hey~, why are you two still awake? Is there anything you want to share with me?"

"Himari, how did you grow such beautiful flowers?" ///Mio

“That secret ingredient is love. Love will give you the strength to do extraordinary things.”

"Gosh, you're so cheesy." ///Nito

"She must be drunk from eating pudding." ///Mio

“Haha. Prepare yourself, Mio. If you want to study, you will have to write down a lot of things.”

“No problem,” Mio smiled and accepted Himari’s challenge.

“You will need at least 50 notebooks just to note the method of growing a flower.”

“…” Mio stopped moving.

“Ah, she turned into a statue.” ///Nito

"I’m just teasing you, Mi-chan."

“Himari, you really are a meanie.” ///Mio

Their gentle laughter broke the quiet and lonely atmosphere of the night. They fell asleep shortly afterward.

“Hey guys, wake up. The sun is out."

They slowly woke up.

"What smells so good." ///Hima

“It’s breakfast.” ///Niko

“Hmmmm,” Himari looked at me with a sleepy expression, “senpai gets up early, he also makes breakfast. I must have not awakened yet.”

"Himari, you're not dreaming."

"I can't believe you three, eating pudding without anyone asking me to join," Sora complained.

The three of them looked towards the kitchen and saw Sora preparing breakfast.

“Yep, we are still dreaming,” said Mio.

"Agree."

“Hey, I know how to cook basic stuff.” ///Sora

"Do you want to go out to eat something, Nitori?" ///Mio

"Yes."

Sora was speechless looking at the two of them as she couldn’t believe what she had just heard.

“Why are you up so early, senpai? You don't have to go to study today."

"I too wish I was still sleeping."

“Onii-chan, let's continue playing games today," Yui told me eagerly.

“Okay, okay,” I said.

"I see now," Himari smiled when she saw Yui clinging to me.

“Report to the two of you, the 'flying torpedo' technique was a complete success. He couldn’t defend,” Sora said.

"That's great. So what attack moves are we going to try tomorrow to wake him up?" //Nito

“I want to try the ‘bomber’,” said Yui.

“Looks like the dining table has become their sand table. Good luck senpai.”

Now I finally understood why Yui had been waking me up with different 'techniques' for the past 2 days. Little did I know Himari was also a member of the wake-me-up team.

///<Himari has a small arrow pointing at her with the words: also a part of them>

~

*Splatters*

The rain fell softly.

“It's raining. Let’s go back, Mi-chan.”

“Himari, should I be worried when it rains?”

“No Mio, but you have to make sure the flower pot has a good drainage hole and you should always check for flowers that are easily affected by the amount of water.”

"Understood."

In the backyard, Yui ran and jumped under the rain with Sora.

"Wahaha."

"They look happy," Himari said, drinking a glass of water.

"They sure do." ///Niko

“I feel so freezing just by looking at them. How can those two be able to roam around in such cold weather,” Mio curled up in a blanket and read her favorite book in the front yard.

“But there is still one person missing.” ///Hima

"Nitori seems to be busy with her own business," I said.

Himari and I looked towards Nitori in the sofa area.

“She looks a bit distracted.” ///Hima

“She has been like this since this morning. I wonder if she's okay."

“Ehehe…pudding,” Nitori wobbled and then fell asleep face flat on the table.

"Maybe she's just sleepy." ///Niko

"By the way, why don't you go out there and play with them."

“Too cold. I don’t think I can bear it."

“Come on, you used to love bathing under the rain.”

“Hmmm, then if you go out there too, I'll reconsider.”

"I can't trust you with that. What if you don't join in?"

“How long are you two going to chit chat? I'm reading a book over here." ///Mio

“Or we can roll Mio up like a sushi roll and turn her into an umbrella.” ///Niko

“That's a good idea, senpai.”

”Don’t team up against me, you two. Hearing what you said doesn't make any sense either, how does turning me into a sushi roll help you with the rain?" Mio said.

"We'll hold you straight up like a pillar while you hold the umbrella." ///Niko

“Then what do you need me for? You two can just hold your own umbrella.” ///Mio

"It's more fun to have a talking umbrella though." ///Hima

"I'm a person, not an umbrella." ///Mio

“Hahaha. Aright, alright, I'm sorry. We won’t tease you anymore." ///Niko

It was quite a long and pleasant summer rain. The rain itself could be said to bring the same refreshing feeling as the cool wind blew. A chilly rain made for a chilling day. None of us would want to do anything after lunch but to sit around chit chatting afterward. Small waves formed on the water surface of my garden mini pond from the dancing rain droplets. Soft sounding thunder flashed the sky in a drumming kind of beat flustered our hearts. As the living room light slowly dimmed, I and Himari quietly went back to work after the girls soundly slept.

~

*Click. Click*

I stopped for a moment to adjust my shoulder after long hours of work. As I looked outside through the windows, the rain seemed to have somewhat ended.

“Boo!”

“EEEK!”

“Haha. Sorry for scaring you, Nito-chan."

"Himari-nee?!"

“Are you going to sleep late today too? It's not good to stay up so late all the time."

"But it's only…," Nitori looked at the clock on the wall.

The clock displayed 1 AM.

“I refuse to understand. I just watched the rain for a bit.”

“Nitori, you've been very distracted these past two days. Is there something bothering you?"

"No. It's just that I don't have many drawing ideas no matter how hard I try."

“No wonder, that explains the blank papers on the table. I see now, it must be what has distracted you.”

“Himari, you used to write diary books, right? How do you come up with ideas to write every day?”

“Eh? I just write about everyday events.”

“Eh? Aren't you a book author?"

“Nito-chan, I think you are a bit confused here. Writing a diary doesn't mean I’m a writer. Those are two completely different things.”

Nitori just looked at Himari innocently and smiled. She slowly covered her face with her hands and turned away.

"Please don't tell anyone about this. I will die from embarrassment."

"Sure…"

Himari continued the conversation.

“Anyway, you need inspiration, right? Let’s see, you can try going to the park. I'm sure the natural scenery and atmosphere there will inspire artist Nitori here."

“Ehehe, it's embarrassing to hear you call me an artist. Would you mind showing me the way to the park then?"

“Okay, so shall we go on tomorrow morning?”

"Yes."

When the mini glowing lamp on my bookshelf slowly lit up, only the sound of the clock remained. And as the lamp’s light faded, the morning dew covering the leaves glittered when it received sunlight. All together created a comfy atmosphere which made us hardly want to leave our beds.

"Nitori, the sun is up."

"Just a little more," she smiled brightly and reentered her sleeping phase on the sofa.

"Park," Himari whispered to Nitori.

"I'm awake," she woke up instantly.

Upstairs, Nitori excitedly invited everyone to go to the park with her.

"Going to the park?" ///Mio

“Ummmm.”

“I’ll stay at home and play some games. You guys have a good time.” ///Sora

“Come on Sora, come with us. Don't stay at home." ///Nito

"Sora-nee, come hang out with us." ///Yui

"Soraaaaaa." ///Nito

“Sora-neeeeeee.”

“Okay, alright, stop playing tug of war with my shirt. It’ll tear apart."

Sora then went knocking at my room to call me.

“Oi, brother, wake up. We have a park to burn.”

*Clack*

She was shocked to see my lack-of-sleep appearance.

“Ok,” I spoke with the speed of a sloth, “I’ll give you guys a drive.”

“Nope, go to sleep you idiot, don’t even think about driving. I still have a lot to do in life,” without hesitation, she kicked me back to my bed.

They went out together and had breakfast in a lovely coffee shop near our place.

“Delicious, absolutely delicious. Why is the food in the city always this good.”

“This is really the best. Eating delicious food while enjoying the beautiful view in the morning, I can't wait to go to the city to study,” Mio enjoyed her juice.

“I want to eat more,” Yui said happily.

“Me too,” Sora said.

"Okay, feel free to order whatever you like," Hima replied with a smile.

“YAY!”

“Oh, I thought you didn't like going out, Sora. You look so happy," Nitori poked fun at her friend.

"If you don’t try at least one, you’re not going to know if something is worth trying or not."

“Woah, well said.”

They then went for a leisurely walk and enjoyed the surroundings in the morning on their way to the park.

"Can't you join us, Himari-nee?" Nitori asked.

“Sorry guys. I have to go to uni this morning, so I can only show you the way to the park. I'll go with you guys another day."

"Take care.”

“Have a good time, guys. Remember to go back early for lunch. If you have any problems, please contact me or senpai. See you."

They waved goodbye to each other.

“Woah. This place is too big. Just like the fields back home,” Sora praised.

"Look, there's an ocean here." ///Yui

“It’s a river, Yui. But yeah, that’s cool.”

“Ahh~ the sound of running water is so soothing and refreshing,” Nitori melted.

"It's like being in the countryside," so was Mio.

The four of them relaxed together and listened to the tones of the rivers and the whispering wind of the tree branches resonated with the sounds of birds tweeting.

"This way, everyone."

Nitori quickly started a conversation with the people around, she and Yui hopping around while Sora and Mio casually strolled along with them. The hyper-energetic duo curiously asked people about feeding the ducks, they happily watched the pets in strollers and soon joined other kids playing around.

Sitting under a nearby Sakura tree, Mio read a book in the shade while everyone kept on playing around nonstop. From afar, Sora slowly approached Mio. She sat down and took a sip of water.

“Ahhh, so refreshing,” Sora looked at Mio reading a book, “Are you reading a book again, what's so fun about it?”

"Mind your own business."

"If you're always bland like this, you won’t get yourself a boyfriend, you know."

“As if you’re any better. Also, can you sit a little bit away from me? You stink."

“What did you say? I couldn’t hear you, can you speak louder please?" Sora deliberately moved closer to Mio.

*Stoop*, Mio closed the book after she had enough.

Sora automatically sat away as if an automatic escalator pushed her along at the speed of a bullet train. Mio then reopened the book while looking at Sora with killer eyes.

“Seriously, this is why even if I challenge you to a duel, I will beat you anyway. You’re too slow nee-chan.”

"Are you done tsundere-ing?"

Sora then stood up and stretched.

“Hey sis, did you know my pudding magically disappeared the other day?”

“Did it?” Mio pretended to look away.

“So strange huh? It even reappeared later next to the book you’re reading too.”

“That’s very strange,” Mio tried to play along.

Sora readied herself to a jog, “Though you are not the only one who knows about magic. Let me show you what real magic is. SORA’S JET!!!!" she shouted.

“Sora’s jet?”

Sora quickly "dropped the bomb" and leapt forward.

An invisible magic attack inflicted poison damage to Mio.

“Agrhh, come back here you idiot. How dare you farted on me!" Mio dropped her book and chased after the attacker.

“Everybody run! The book monster has awakened,” Sora called out to the kids to run.

As she looked back to taunt her sister, Sora was horrified as Mio was running fast in a scary way approaching her.

“Aghhhhh!” She screamed in terror and ran like hell.

Nitori and Yui prayed for Sora and went back to their own business.

Transition scene:

“Tell the new generation that I fought bravely.”

Sora spoke to Nitori and Yui as she was lying face flat on the ground and on her way to isekai.

End.

Later that night, the sand table was as dynamic and lively as ever.

“Watching you read a book is so relaxing, I think tomorrow I will try to draw under the tree with you, Mio-nee,” Nitori said.

“So what should we make tomorrow morning?” Mio asked.

“I want to eat bread,” Yui shrieked energetically.

“Shall we make a sandwich, then?” Mio suggested.

“Ok.”

“Onee-chan, do you still have some sunscreen left? Leave me some tomorrow,” Sora spoke while lying down on the table.

“That's odd, normally you refuse to use it. Aren't you always smug about your skin being more beautiful and smoother than me?"

"Alright, alright, I won’t be complacent anymore. I got sunburned today."

"Hahaha."

Himari and I drank tea while listening to their stories.

"Ah Yui, have you come up with a new attack move to wake up big bro?" ///Sora

"Yes, I call it the “Greatest finishing ultimate final ending with a bang which makes sure onii-chan even wakes up in another dimension” move."

"Very good. We'll practice with pillowcases upstairs." ///sora

“Yosh, I’ll make sure to wholeheartedly aid in designing every movement in order to optimize the damage,” said Nitori, the team engineer.

I almost spilled the tea cup in my hand.

As a new habit, the four of them always got up early to prepare their trip to the park.

“Off we go. Bye bye Niko-nii, Himari-nee."

"You guys be safe."

"It's nice seeing them having fun," I said.

"Um."

*Thump* The sound of the ball got kicked flying high up in the sky.

“Yui, defense,” Sora shouted.

“I’m on it. Heeya.”

*Thump*, Yui defended successfully.

"Nice job."

“Big sister, please teach us that move.”

"I want to know too."

Sora was surrounded by children.

"Okay, let’s take a break and then I’ll show you every trick that I have." /Sora

"Yay!"

"Nitori, aren't you joining us today?" Sora called her friend from afar.

“I will join later. I'm busy drawing right now."

"Ok then, happy drawing."

“Sora sure is always full of energy, huh.”

“Yeah,” Mio looked the other way with a disbelieving expression. "By the way, you look like you've been troubled all this time, is there something wrong?" Mio is curious.

“I still can’t come up with any idea what to draw at all.”

“You don't need to push yourself too hard. Maybe you should take a break, or take a walk around the park. That might help you clear your mind.”

"Yes. I’ll be going then."

While taking a promenade, Nitori observed her surroundings. The park scenery was as beautiful as the comic books she read. Everything just felt so surreal. She began to imagine how beautiful the autumn scenery would be here, what color would the city be covered in. So much fun stuff to do, she thought to herself. Since the unknown had always piqued her curiosity, it was almost impossible for her to wait for the day when she would move to the city to study.

As Nitori was about to burst out dancing, she had to keep her excitement down when she remembered the embarrassing moment where people saw her vibing in the shopping center elevator not long ago.

She was soon attracted to someone drawing in the distance. She curiously approached there slowly to see what the person was drawing. She hid behind a tree and watched over the person painting.

'Beautiful,' she thought as she looked at their watercolor painting of the park’s surroundings.

Nitori couldn’t stop being fascinated by their skills. Their hand moved so elegantly, each new detail added was colorful and vibrant as if it came out of a photo editing app on a phone. They went on and on and on. She felt as if the person had endless ideas.

“Amazing. You draw so well,” she unintentionally said out loud.

The girl was startled and fell off her mini camping chair.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you,” Nitori helped her up.

“It…It's okay.”

“Your painting of nature are so beautiful. It looks so lovely.”

“Thank you for the compliment. I still have a lot to learn.”

"Really? I think it’s just too perfect. From your color scheme to your brushstrokes.”

"Thank you. So you also like to draw as well?”

"Of course. Let me show you some of my drawings,” Nitori took out her phone and opened up pictures of her works.

“Outstanding, you are really incredibly talented. I have a long way to go if I want to be as good as you.”

“You flatter me, thank you so much.”

“Ah, I'm Nadeshiko. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Nitori."

They happily chatted with each other under the greenery of the park. Time passed as the sun shined warmer and brighter above the cloudy blue sky.

“That's so cool, so you really started drawing when you were 5 years old?”

“Um, you were so passionate as well. I supposed you must have started to draw even sooner than me,”

“Nah, I used to hate drawing so badly because I was forced to study it every day. To have the love of drawing came naturally to you, it must feel so great. I'm really jealous of you, Nitori."

"Hehe, I'm glad you still love drawing no matter what."

“Life in the countryside sure is pleasant. I would love to visit your hometown one day. It's boring here in this city."

“I find it very fun and lively here. Not to mention there are tall buildings, beautiful night lights just like in comic books.”

“That’s right, you haven't been here for a long time, have you? Then if you don’t mind, let’s hang out sometime. I'll show some cool places around. I can guarantee there is endless fun here just like you imagine."

“Let’s. I also look forward to the day when I can show you my hometown.”

*Bzzz*

Nitori checked her phone.

“My friends are calling me. I have to come back now.”

“Ahh, me too. It's already noon."

"Nadeshiko, I almost forgot. Here, this is my contact phone number. Nice to meet you.”

“Good call, I didn’t remember that either. Here is mine. Anyway, I'm glad you talked to me. I'll text you when I get back."

“Ok. See you tomorrow.”

"Goodbye."

~

"Nitori, the food is going to be cold if you don’t eat,” I reminded her as she was texting non stop.

"Ever since she made new friends, she hasn't left the phone,” said Sora.

“I see, glad to hear that.”

"Nitori, if you don't focus on eating, I'll tell senpai to change the wifi password."

"I'm done. Please don't change the wifi password," Nitori put down her phone after Himari threatened to take extreme measures.

"I can't believe it, ever since coming to the city, she's been glued to her phone just like big bro."

“And you’ve always played video games whenever you have a chance. Don't act disciplined,” Mio poked Sora's cheek.

That night, Himari knocked on my door and entered my office. It was already quite late, she must have something to say.

“Senpai, can I talk to you for a bit?”

“Sure thing. I’m listening.”

“The girls will have to go back home soon. Even though we have had good days, you and I haven't been spending much time with them lately. I feel that everything is still not enough. So I wish to spend more time with them together with you. Please tell me what you need, I will do my best to help."

“Himari, you've already helped me a lot so please don’t mind it. You know, I worry about that too. I was planning to talk to you about this after work as well, but it seems you have beaten me again, hehe,” I said, “Also check this out, my schedule is going to be empty soon,” I handed Himari her phone.

“That’s incredible, it’s really amazing how you always meet deadlines by yourself. Now I understand why you've been busier than usual these past few days,” she grabbed the phone and looked at it.

"So…we're going to continue with the plan as before, right?"

Himari's eyes widened when she heard me say that. Her smile was as bright as a flower in full bloom.

"Yes. What do you think about going camping?”

"Not bad."

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS CHAPTER.