Sunset Gates

    Before we start, I want to personally congratulate Anne-san. She has given all she had for this shop.

Everything here is built in the memory of her daughter, Rosalia, and every year when this contest starts, I would be reminded of her…

So congratulations, and thank you, Momma. Happy fifth anniversary, sis!

I don’t know what to say… His words slipped and loosen the knot inside my heart. Even Miyazaki-san is standing on the edge of her feet.

“Is my body trembling or is the building shaking?”

As quickly as he wipes his tears, the crowd transforms from a peaceful herd on the sideline to cheering and applauding that resonates throughout the building.

Now then, for the last surprise! No official appraiser has volunteered this year….

How can that be, right? Why have a contest when there are no judges?

Well, it’s no coincidence because we have decided that this year’s judges will be you guys! Yeah, that’s right.

Can’t say I expected that... Everyone seems to have the same looks on their faces as well, but it all melts away in an instant because, like them, I jump at the thought of being able to analyze and cast my own judgment.

“Mhm, Mhm. I can’t wait— um… why is Miyazaki-san holding her head down like that?” I asked as the thought circles my head. I’ll ask her later.

Now, the rule is simple. Once the folds are revealed, you all have 10 minutes to decide who you’ll choose.

Afterward, please write down your reason and name on a card that is being handed out now. When you’ve done that, put it in the boxes of your chosen participant.

Hmm, I see. It is as he said, quite straightforward. I’d say they made the right choice of having separate boxes, unlike my school's student council voting system. I swear, they had one box, and it took the committee two days to sort out which is which…

All right, everyone! I won’t take any more of your time, so let’s raise the covers!

“Good luck, Miyazaki-san!” I shouted as she waves back at me. I can’t wait to see what she’s got, and at the same time, I wonder what everyone has. There are 5 in total after al-

“………”

I want to say something. Everyone... everything around me drowns in silence despite the gasps and the woah.

Mi..yazaki-san… It’s…beautiful…why?

My worldview is completely white, with only her and the canvas in sight. Is she… waving at me? I can’t read her lips, but she looks funny with the hand signs. And pops!

“What is that,” I said with a giggling noise.

The world regains its voice, and the white background finally fades. Miyazaki-san has that worried look on her face again… “Jeez, everything’s alright,” as I wave a smile at her.

Still…I can’t believe my eyes. It’s been a long time since I feel like this. When… ah…right. Mid-April, the second year of Junior high—

Pink petals had sprinkled on top of the bicycle racks, and some ended up aloft in the clear puddle from yesterday’s rain. The chill air of April pressed up against my neck as I continued to wait under the blooming Sakura.

“It’s going to take a while,” I told myself in a quiet tone. There were few bikes on the racks, and baseball helmets placed on the bench along with bats— and gloves in a worn box.

The gym doors were shut, and only sunlight seeped through the windows. The more I looked at it, the harder the ball bounced off the rim in my ears.

“I hope they don’t kick me out,” I said while sitting by the side of the school gates. Then she came, someone, I used to know.

“Akio! You’re still here?! Are you waiting for your dad?” 

“Senpai, what do you think I’m doing? And why are you still here?” I told her in a tone I regretted.

“You know why, Akio.” She said as she held onto my shoulder.

“Hmm. You must be hungry, Akio. Let’s go to the restaurant over there, you can eat while you wait for your dad.”

“It’s all right, senpai. He’s close.”

She looked at me in silence. “I see. I also happened to be waiting for my boyfriend as well, so is that seat available?” she asked earnestly.

“Feel free, senpai,” I responded while my eyes were fixed on the street.

She didn’t have a boyfriend, and I knew. That day was the day she handed in her transfer letter; she thought I knew.

“Ryusei-san! Vote for us, okay?!” She shouted.

“Miyazaki-san….”

She’s here. Right, Miyazaki-san is still here. “Snap, Akio. It’s game time.” I told myself as a slap went across my face.

Everyone! It’s time to cast your vote! Please form unified lines, thank you!

“Paper, where did I put it?! Ah, found it.” I said while looking at the crumb-up card. I didn’t even look at the other pieces… how can I make an unbiased vote?!

After putting in all the votes, everyone including the participants returns to their seats filled with anticipation. Fiddling with my thumb, I hope Miyazaki-san wins. Even now, she’s fidgeting on the chair.

I’m sure everyone is holding onto the edge of their chair now. Let’s waste no time!

After counting all the votes, we were met with a surprising conclusion. Please come to the stage, winners!

                First place:

               Second place:

              And third:

The crowd cheers as my heart sank. I have to close my eyes for a bit to drown out all the noise. Oh no, Miyazaki-san! “She’s not there…” Where could she…..Okay, I think I know.

Slipping through the crowds, I hurry straight to the staff room, but she isn’t there as the door gently opens.

What should I do? If she’s not here, then I have no choice but to wait. “Haah, I just hope she’s alright,” I told myself.

Everyone is still clapping, and cheering, but it all seems so distant now. All I can focus on is my hand, and the painting even when the sound slowly fades along with the crowd.

“Hey, Ryusei-san.” Her voice appeared from behind.

“Miyazaki-san! Where were you? Are you al-”

When I turned to her, she has that calm smile on her face, but it was not the same.

“I’m fine. It’s a shame we didn’t win, but let’s cheer up”

Ah… Her nose is faintly red, and her eyes look puffy and slightly the same color as well... I’m sorry. I should’ve known.

“Let’s go for a walk, Miyazaki-san.”

“Um, I’m sorry, but I’ve got work-” she said as her smile goes away.

“I know. It won’t take long.”

“10 minutes, Ryusei-san. I’ll take a break.”

I don’t know how to handle this. No one’s talking. Trying to find the right word just to have them push back whenever it comes up. It’s alright. I think this is fine. We’re close, so it won’t be for much longer.

“Ryus-” She whispered.

“Please wait here, Miyazaki-san.”

Thank God I remembered this place… “Now then, let’s see. 250 yen for two... what a deal!” I yelled despite the looks.

“Thanks for waiting. Here, Miyazaki-san.”

“Sweet buns… But how?” She said with her eyes lit.

“Thank you, Miyazaki-san. I should’ve said it sooner. Oh, and the bun isn’t too sweet.”

“I don’t know what to say….”

“Don’t. And before you say anything else, the painting was beautiful, Miyazaki-san. You made it better.” I told her with the bun in my hand.

“…. But we lost, Ryusei-san. Now… now people won’t see your painting!”

Oh, that was what it was about.

“I don’t mind whether people see it or not, because the one it’s meant for has already seen it. Isn’t that right, Miyazaki-san?” 

“Miyazaki-san?” I said, leaning forward.

Hmm… what’s this?…what?! She turned away quickly, but her face… Strawberry pink tinted her cheeks. Even if you try to hide it with your hair, the sunlight peeking through the roof made it scarlet bright.

“Uh... Miyazaki-san?”

“I— I’m fine, Ryusei-san!” So she says while holding up the bag to cover her face.

“Haha. Breathe, Miyazaki-san. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

I don’t know why this is happening to her, but if it makes her feel better then I’m all for it.

“Thank you, Ryusei-san… I-”

“Miyazaki-san, you don’t have to say anything now. Why don’t we go to Gramp’s place after your shift? It seems like you’ve got a lot you want to say. We can talk about everything there.”

“I’d like that, Ryusei-san, but where will you stay?” She asked.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll sit here if nowhere else.”

“In that case, come back with me, you can eat while you wait.”

Those words…I never thought I’d hear them again. It’s as if I’m sitting by the gate next to her, waiting as the silence passes by. Senpai, I hope you’re doing well. I was mad that you left, but now I wish to see you again.

I regretted never telling you— Thank you for everything.

“I’d like that too, Miyazaki-san.”