It was finally done.
My most ambitious project had been completed.
I could not help but wipe away the perspiration on my forehead and smile triumphantly at my desktop monitor. At the same time leaning back against my chair to stretch the back of my body, which was cramping up from both the lack of movement and the cold of the impending winter. Drying my palm on a handkerchief, I then focused my gaze unto the screen. I simply could not resist admiring every aspect of my newly completed art piece.
The picture consisted of all the creations huddled together, smiling as though they were getting their photo taken.
I knew from the bottom of my heart that it was abysmal compared to the drawings of the other illustrators I have met during the course of the Chamber Elimination Festival.
Eh, but what the heck.
Take some pride in my work Souta!
My drawing ability has came a long way.
I stared at the picture for a long time, how their cheery faces reminded me of all the fun times both creators and creations spent together, how we fought against near impossible odds, and how we were able to pull the miracle of victory from the jaws of defeat.
Together.
It has been a few weeks since, and everyone has gone their separate ways. Life has resumed being uneventful, slow and mundane. Furthermore, with the amount of homework piling in during the course of the Elimination Chamber Festival, I was beyond fortunate to find the time to satisfy some of my creative endeavors.
With this recent completion, it was suppose to be really satisfying.
But all I felt was an empty sense of satisfaction.
Perhaps I have not really accepted the fact that the creations; the people that brought colour to my life to be gone that quickly.
I slumped back into my chair and let my mind wonder into a temporary state of depression.
If only...
If...
...
BZZZZZZ
The sudden vibration of my phone abruptly shook me from my stupor. I sluggishly scoped my phone to check the contents of the incoming message.
It's been a while.
Meteora.
Thats right, she did not return to her original world. Unlike the others, she chose to stay here because she "loved this world."
Also, partly because the principles of her magic did not allow her to return.
This world was a boring place compared to the world of anime and manga. People lead predictable, mundane lives. And yet for her, she felt that it was beautiful.
She is so strange sometimes it is almost scary.
I smiled to myself, flicked through the message contents.
Its starting to get cold these days.
How are you?
Things started to settle down after I moved out of Marine's house.
I am almost done with my novel.
I am planning to submit it to the New Writer Award at Denko Publishing.
But I am having a hard time coming up with the title.
...
...
...
Would you mind it I have a look at it first? I think i can come up with a decent title if I were to look through the context of your novel :).
...
Sure thing. Why not you come over to my place? It has been a while since we last met, and I would like to hear your upfront opinion after reading my novel.
...
Wow that's nice of you. I would be curious to see how your new house looks like too ^^. Time and place?
...
...
Needless to say, I finally have something to look forward to asides from homework and chores.
I decided to take the cab all the way to Meteora's house. Expensive as it was, I wasn't particularly fond of walking on the streets during wintertime. After all, the temperatures for today were significantly lower than the ones on the forecast.
Unlike busy suburban streets of Tokyo, Meteora has chosen to reside at the more tranquil countryside. Given her newly found profession as a writer, the peaceful and quiet surroundings allowed her to fully focus on her writing. Noise and traffic at the expense of convenience was a sacrifice she was willing to make. That was how much thought was put into consideration when choosing her place to stay...
Upon arrival, I paid the driver and left. I scurried along the pavement until I found the house I was looking for. Taking a look around, the streets were void of people, the roads were frozen and pavements were blanketed with thick layers of snow. Above, ominous skies approaches, signalling an oncoming snowstorm leaving the streets empty in the first place.
The winter this year is definitely intense.
I approached Meteora's house and pressed the doorbell. Instantly recognising the doorbell tone as the opening theme of AVALKEN. Feeling rather amused, I found myself smiling like an idiot.
Not realising the door was already open for me.
And there Meteora was.
Standing in front.
Probably wondering why I was stupidly smiling to myself like that.
Good afternoon Souta, please come in.
Snapping out of my stupor, I instantly refocused my gaze on her and regained my usual composure.
Hi Meteora, it has been a while!
I took notice of how she looked. Wearing a white cardigan with a gray inner T shirt, followed by pair of dark blue shorts that reached the middle of her thighs. I could not help but gulp in an attempt to dissipate and block off my immediate thoughts about her.
She looks quite attractive today.
Taking our seats on the sofa, I immediately inquired about the novel that Meteora had wanted me to vet.
Also partially to break the awkward silence which ensued after the initial greetings.
"About the novel, I really look forward to reading it."
...
"Ah yes the novel."
...
Walking over the her work desk, she reached under and took hold of a small stack of printed pages secured together with a metal clip. After handing them over to me, she took her seat beside me.
...
"Wow, you managed to come up with all these in such a short span of time. Thats pretty amazing!"
I was genuinely impressed.
...
"Oh it is nothing compared to what the other authors can create. I just wrote a story similar to the adventures I had since appearing in this world."
She brushed her snow white hair aside and looked away.
Was she hiding her blush.
I shook that thought out of my head.
Meteora-san is naturally unbreakable, she would not compromise her emotions that easily.
...
"...If you look even closer, you might say I might have been copying the plot."
She refocused her gaze on me and gave a nervous smile.
...
"No way, it might have been inspired from real life events. But the fact is that you translated such events into words. It is your original work Meteora!"
Perhaps I said it a little too loud.
She looked away again. This time maintaining her usual straight faces, almost as though in a trance.
This habit was all too common for her.
"Why not you read it and tell me."
...
"Sure thing."
...
After snuggling myself into a comfortable position. I flipped through the pages and slowly found myself becoming more absorbed into the story. It would only be fair to say that Meteora's writing style was nothing short of incredible. Despite how she always converses in an alarmingly straightforward, tone-deaf way, many might consider that she has no talent for literature at all. Evidently, this was not the case.
To put it shortly, Meteora is a talented writer.
Reading her novel allowed me to relive the experiences that changed my life forever.
...
The Initial battle against Altair alongside Selesia during our first encounters that night.
...
The time at which she consoled me about the death of Setsuna.
...
The Chamber Elimination Festival.
...
Even though the names of the characters have been changed, the plot has largely remained the same.
I could feel parts of the paper getting moist.
Am I tearing up.
I guess the nostalgia was too much an emotional ride for me to handle.
Closing my eyes and taking deep breaths, I placed the stack of pages back on the table.
Only to notice that the right side of my shoulder was strangely feeling heavier than before.
Turning around I could not believe what I was experiencing.
...
I think I didn't move for at least a good five minutes
After all, this was not a situation I am used too.
Meteora was fast asleep while leaning against me, using my shoulder blade as support for her head.
A girl being so close to a guy.
I have not felt like this since my interactions with Shimazaki.
I was literally close enough to take in her scent.
Wildflowers, I thought but slapped myself mentally afterwards.
Stop being a pervert Souta.
As much as I wanted to move away, I cannot help but stay in such an awkward position.
I mean it would not have been nice to move away like that, she was sleeping so soundly.
Subconsciously, I was also starting to take in minute and totally unnecessary details about her.
Despite how much a glutton she was, she is still able to maintain such a slim and petite figure.
How her skin was so fair and clean of features.
How her facial features were so soft.
...
I swear it was all unintentional, I will explain it all when I wake up.
Provided if I have too.
...
And I had forgotten that she was a character from an animated game. The thought of it was slightly disturbing.
Why did I have to remember that fact at the last possible second?!
...
"Souta-kun?"
...
While being distracted from my own guilt, I failed to notice that Meteora has woken up. Perhaps from the irregular shifting of my body. Glancing back at her Cerulean blue eyes, I held that gaze for what seemed like eternity before regaining my composure. I ultimately managed to put some distance between her and myself.
"Its getting late, I should get going."
I said my words too soon, because I only took notice of the snowstorm happening outside.
It probably started while I was reading.
From the vibrations of the window panes, it was getting increasingly violent.
...
"Souta Kun, the storm is getting quite heavy. I think you should stay here for the night."
...
I looked at her dumbfounded; Not knowing what to reply. Spending a night with a girl was just too much for me to handle. As much as how good a friend she is, wouldn't it be too awkward...
She gave me a reassuring smile, signalling that everything will be all right.
"It's okay, I think I will just..."
...
"If you are feeling uncomfortable sleeping with me, you can always sleep on the couch."
...
Is she even serious at this point? I couldn't even tell from the usual bland tone of her voice nor her poker face.
Leave it to Meteora to be so insensitive about these things.
Looking back out the window again, I knew I had no choice.
It's not like I had the intention to do any ecchi stuff anyways.
I hated early mornings.
Early Mornings meant waking up for work.
Waking up for school.
Early mornings usually signifies the start of a busy day ahead.
...
Ugh... leave me alone.
...
I tossed and turn, trying to shake away the voice in my head.
...
Souta get up, It's time for class. You don't want to be late.
...
Mom, five more minutes!
In the end I couldn't take the voice anymore. My eyelids fluttered open. Only to slam back down as the couch was directly facing the morning sun.
God dammit.
I sat up and turned my head, catching sight of a blurry female figure donning a pink apron...
That voice must be mom.
...
Good morning sleepy head.
...
Wait that voice sounded different from before.
Rubbing my eyes, I refocused my gaze onto the figure.
Oh it's Meteora...
...And I could tell she was really trying her hardest to control her laughter.
"I guess you like complain to yourself so much while you slept. Well, I made breakfast, please come to the kitchen."
...
"In a little bit, let we wash up a little first."
...
"Toilet is at the left end of the corridor."
...
First thing to do of the day was to clean myself up. Facing myself towards the mirror, I thoroughly checked for any traces of dirt, at the same time rinsed my face with ice cold water in an attempt to revitalise my sleep deprived body.
... As well as mentally slapped myself a few times in the process.
Meteora laughing at how I have a habit of sleep talking. Who knows what other embarrassing secrets I might have compromised.
So much for putting up a mature front.
Palming cold water unto my face in a desperate attempt to shake away this morning's events. I made my way into the kitchen to join Meteora for breakfast.
What I saw next got me quite surprised.
She had prepared quite a meal for me. It was an intercontinental breakfast plate consisting of charred bacon, grilled chicken sausages, soft fluffy scrambled eggs and toasts accompanied with a mug of hot roast coffee. All of which were masterfully prepared.
Well, having an ability to cook well greatly compliments her voracious appetite.
Breakfast was largely quiet, though we did occasionally discuss about our current routines; I would ask her about how life has been since moving here. It was largely mundane topics brought up just for the sake of conversation.
Well, most of the conversation anyways.
"Life has been pretty boring for you Souta?"
...
She can read people's emotions really well.
...
"Yeah it kind of has, I really miss everyone."
...
I am still here, if you need someone to talk to then...
...
Nah it's alright, I can handle it.
He looked at each other for awhile before turning our gazes away. Her eyes looked sad and apologetic. Like as though she wanted to help but couldn't.
I knew those eyes.
I had those eyes before.
...
"I will get over this one way or another."
I said smiling and reassuring her.
The weather has brighten up for the better. The heavy snowstorm has finally subsided, leaving behind only sunshine. The town was once again populated with people. Children playing with the snow mounds left behind by the snowstorm, adults busily shovelling up the thick blankets of snow left behind on the sidewalk. The streets were lit, vibrant and full of energy...
...
"Souta kun, you are strong. Much stronger than me. You will eventually be able to overcome this on your own. However if need be, I will be there to help you any way I can."
Meteora rarely smiles, but whenever she does. I always feel a strange feeling swell inside me. I am not certain what feeling it was, but it was a really good feeling nonetheless.
"Thank you Meteora for everything, I will be on my way now."
...
...
...
"Oh wait I forgot"
...
I opened up my bag and meticulously took out an printout.
It was a printout of the drawing I completed earlier yesterday.
"Meteora, I made this to remember all the fun times we spent together. Please have this as a token of thanks, for everything."
Meteora inspected the printout I made. Her blue eyes danced around the picture,while becoming a little blurry.
...
"Its really beautiful."
She spoke, barely audible while holding the print close to her chest.
...
She was tearing up a little.
It was the first time I saw her like this.
...
"Thank you Souta Kun."
...
I smiled at her, trying to cheer her up with whatever charisma i can squeeze out.
"No problem! Hope you like it, I will be on my way!"
...
"Wait Souta."
"If my novel ever gets published, would you be my illustrator? "
...
Without even giving a second thought, I turned my head around and gave a her a thumbs up sign.
What else could I have said anyways?
After all.
Whenever I felt helpless, she was always there for me.
Whenever I felt useless, she was always giving me ways to improve.
Whenever I felt lonely, she was always the first one there for me to confide in.
Now.
It's my turn to help her.
For all she is worth.