The Art of Being Unique
By Takoyaki-sama
Concept by 4LS

I never really thought much of him at first. Actually, he was really annoying. He got in the way of my drawing. I guess it was my fault for eating in the art room when he came in. I never knew that I would love him as much as I would. Well, to be honest I didn't think I'd love anything besides art. However, this man who called himself Hisao was a different color than any of the pallets I'm used to. He did things that were unnecessary like get me involved with art professionally. However, through thick and thin, he stuck with me. He loved me. It was a strange feeling, love. Uncomfortable but warm. Annoying but happy. He didn't mind that I spoke out my mind. He didn't care that I didn't care. Now, he stays with me when I draw. What I used to think of as annoying, I now can't be without.

"Rin," He said with Emi behind him. "Let's go to class."

"Yes." I would say in acknowledgement.

"So, how's it been going between you two? Quite the odd couple aren't you?" Emi teased.

"I... guess you could say that." Hisao laughed.

"How about you, Rin? What do you think?" Emi asked.

"About what?"

"About the two of you?"

"I think that I'm happy, probably."

"Come on, you can do better than that!" Emi said, desperate to hear me say a sentence that sounded stupid.

"I like him." I said, not giving into her trick.

"There we go!" Damn. She wanted me to say that.

We approached the classrooms and Emi would say goodbye and Hisao would kiss me goodbye. It's annoying how I can't get him out of my mind. Kissing me just makes it that much harder to not think about him. After class, Hisao would always be there to pick me up. I would say the same for Emi, but she has her occasional track meet to go to.

"How was class?" Hisao asked.

"Good." I said.

"That's good. Any trouble with anything?"

"No."

"Ah... I see." As much as it pained me to give him one word answers, I couldn't find any other words to say. He would drop me off and the only word I could find myself saying is "Bye."

"Y-yeah, bye..." Hisao would try to give me a hug. I know that's not what he wanted. I wanted him to kiss me, too. I just didn't know how to tel him to do so.

"I love you." I found myself saying.

"Hisao stood there silent. It's reasons like this that I hate expressing myself. Awkward moments like this. I walked into my room, kicking the door behind me shut. Awkward moment like this make me want to shut out the whole world, or at least shut myself in my art. Hisao always took the initiative first, however. He said he loved me first, and I just stood there doing nothing. All I said was "Thanks."

I love him. I can't do anything, but tell him. Even so, it's hard to express my love to him. I've never done it before. It felt unnatural. I got up from my bed in the middle of the night. I knew what I had to do. I went over to the boys dormitory after curfew without getting caught. Says something about the security around here. I remember his room. I hit my head softly on the door. I bet I looked foolish doing this. Nothing came from inside. I hit it harder. This is starting to hurt. This time, I heard the squeaking of springs from the mattress. The door opened and I saw Hisao still in his uniform.

"Rin? What's up?" He asked.

"I love you." I stared at him.

"I... What?" He was obviously confused.

"Hm. Maybe that wasn't enough." I got on my tiptoes and kissed him. I never really understood why people kissed to show affection, but I guess this is a better way than any. I stayed in the same position for a few seconds before my toes started to hurt. I stopped kissing him.

"What's with this sudden lovey-dovey attitude you're having?"

"I don't know."

He sighed a deep sigh. "What am I gonna do with you?" He hugged my head. I felt safe. Warm. Maybe one day I'll find a way to express myself. On that day, Hisao will truly know how much I love him.