It's the morning of the exhibition, and today turned out to be a rainy morning. Yusuke doesn't seem to care about the weather. He was so excited and ecstatic that his hands started trembling, itching the desire to grab a brush or a pencil to create the masterpiece of his dreams. He didn't have time for breakfast, considering he slept in this morning after staying up late to draw several practice sketches of Akiko.
Considering yesterday's encounter, Madarame doesn't like Yusuke's choice of model after assuming that foreign girl with the blonde hair to be the one his pupil had been pursuing.
"So, your newest model is going to be that black-haired girl?" The old man had questioned, not long after his pupil had given those tickets to his muse.
"Ah. That is correct." Yusuke looks proud of himself.
Madarame's short smile shifts to seriousness. "Are you quite sure she's the one? She doesn't appear to be attractive."
"I am. I have observed her for those last few days ever since I first laid eyes on her, and I could feel it in my heart that Amamiya-san is the woman I've been searching for. She ignites a passion in me unlike anything I've never felt before!" There is so a strong conviction in Yusuke's voice which he determines to win what he suspects to be his teacher's opposing his choice of model. "Please, you know me well, Sensei. I will make... no, I will create her into a living art piece for which the world has yet to see!"
But, after a moment of eerie silence, Madarame burst out laughing. "You speak as if you're smitten with her."
Flustered shock ran through Yusuke's body. "I-I-It's nothing like that, S-Sensei! I-I was merely speculating-" And he could've sworn he felt his pale cheeks display a warmth he hadn't felt in a while.
"It's only a joke, my boy." Madarame gave him a short frown when that 'kindhearted old man' smile faded, before sighing. "There is some aesthetic sense in following your passion when it comes to whoever catches your eye... but, I hope this will make a fine masterpiece when you have that girl pose nude. We haven't gotten any other female models to do so, no thanks to your persistent stubbornness."
It's only fair for his teacher to lecture him in his refusal of rebuffing those haughty girls, but all they cared about is either hooking up or sleeping with Yusuke himself. If he hadn't encountered Akiko, his guardian would most likely choose the model for him, and Yusuke would've found himself trapped in a femme fatale's coils like a boa constrictor. Hopefully, his mentor will come to appreciate and admire Akiko's beauty just as much as he does.
"I apologize, Sensei. And I will do this masterpiece justice," the bluenette promised.
"Make sure you do."
After all, Madarame's pupil is the most talented artist under his tutelage and Yusuke can transform anyone or anything into something so captivating when he brings it to life on a canvas.
On to the present day, Yusuke doesn't concern himself with breakfast. There will be a cafeteria at the exhibit. Speaking of which, his mind drifts to the one hope he will be clinging onto for the whole day.
Akiko Amamiya.
He hurriedly brushed his teeth, fixed his hair in its usual style, and puts on his exhibition attire to look equally fancy as the visitors attending this special occasion; a pair of slim black pants, black loafers, a grey blazer, and a pink and white shirt underneath. Good thing the clothes had been dry cleaned yesterday. It's ready for display.
Madarame is waiting for him in the car, and Yusuke wastes no time in getting in. The interior of the limousine is chilly due to the weather and the young artist shivers as the vehicle drives through the wet and mucky streets, despite the driver leaving the heat on didn't seem to cure the coldness. Along the way, Madarame instructs on the usual key points for interacting with the public, and Yusuke just nods in confirmation. He has done this many times in the past, so he's quite familiar with social skills, or so he thinks.
Here at last. The exhibition awaits.
Madarame introduces Yusuke to some of their guests having come from wealthy families and to some exhibition faculty, both of which luckily requires very little conversation on Yusuke's part. No sooner had Madarame been taken aside to talk privately with some millionaire, Yusuke loiters around the area. The exhibition grows busy really fast, taking up almost the entire room.
His painting is here among many others, and the emotions he had displayed when he created that piece are as infuriating as the warm colors he chose for the composition. The joy of seeing it framed and for the public to acknowledge burns by the sight of his master's name on the plaque beneath it. Yusuke doesn't even want to look at it. It makes him feel nauseous. But if his work is to be sacrificed for his mentor's art block, it's only fair.
The knowledge of his muse's arrival comes quicker than he anticipated.
Yusuke's heart fluttered at the sight of his bespectacled, dark-haired beauty entering the exhibit, accompanied by her two companions. "She made it," he breathed in a soothing whisper, and the young artist is already pushing himself through the crowd until he reaches her. "Amamiya-san! You came!"
Akiko swallows nervously at the exposed skin of his throat and collarbone. She smiled shyly at his approach. "Umm... Hi, Kitagawa-kun."
"Yeah, we decided it would be fun to check it out!" Ann chimed in excitedly.
Out of the corner of his eye, Yusuke slid his gaze over to the blonde delinquent and his friendly smile vanished instantly. He's so underdressed in such a ridiculous attire. Then again, Ann and Akiko aren't wearing clothes super fancy either. It doesn't matter. "You really came," he droned.
"What'd you expect when you left us those tickets?" The hooligan retorted, irritated.
Yusuke sighs coolly. "Make sure that you don't get in the way of the other visitors."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure Ryuji behaves himself," Ann assured him. It earned her the boy's ire, aiming a hard look in her direction.
"Thank you." Yusuke really appreciated her cooperation.
"Ann, would you mind holding my bag whilst I go with Kitagawa-kun?" Akiko asked her friend, who slides her bag uncomfortably off her shoulder. She glances at the bag for a second, then back at Akiko, and then realization crosses her features.
"Oh, yeah! No problem. I'll make sure he-ugh, it stays safe." Nodding, Ann secures his muse's bag.
With that taken care of, Yusuke offered his arm theatrically to his muse. "Come now. I'll show you around. I'd like to speak more about the picture I'd like to draw too."
"Okay..." Akiko accepted his arm reluctantly. He figured the girl must be shy when it comes to receiving the offer of a lifetime. No worries, she will thank him for this someday. "Alright, I'll see you guys later." She was able to say this before he dragged her off to the crowded exhibit.
After squeezing through numerous guests to reach the gallery, Yusuke begins his tour. He stops at every piece to examine it, explaining the names and inspired influences listed on the plaques. He described each piece with a genuine passion in his voice. Akiko is quiet while they stroll around the exhibition. He isn't sure whether to tell if her silence meant boredom, interest or shyness. Perhaps a mixture of the three. Her widened eyes at every different painting give away the fact she is intrigued, though not making any comments.
A queer commotion happens just behind them. A horde of admirers are rushing in to see Madarame up close and in person. The elderly artist just stands there as if he's used to this sort of thing. Yusuke would've felt proud had it not been for his art piece a part of his mentor's accomplishments hanging on the wall. He put it off as he brought Akiko to admire a small portrait of a black cat.
"I had no idea there were so many different types of Japanese art," Akiko marveled.
"Usually, one concentrates on their own style," Yusuke explained admiringly. "However, Sensei created all this by himself. He's special."
Despite her amazement, Akiko stares at several other paintings thoughtfully as if she's searching for something. Something about the seriousness in her eyes makes Yusuke slightly on edge. "To be honest, I feel as though I'm at a museum looking at the work of various different artists."
An alarm bell goes off in Yusuke's brain. He glances instinctively over his shoulder to find his Sensei isn't nearby, thank goodness, and then over at the corner where his own work is on display. It feels like she's looking right through the paintings to locate secrets from them, but that isn't true at all. "Sensei is often praised for having a unique talent to paint a variety of different styles."
Akiko doesn't respond to his words. Instead, she keeps training her eyes on each painting. For a second, she reminded him of that famous high school detective who often appears on TV. Kogoro or... Goro, was it? Because of that, it's as though she attempts to memorize the aesthetic details for comparison. Nothing malice on her part, but it's certainly intense.
While she leans forward a bit to get a closer look, Yusuke began to see more of a stealth predator in front of him. Akiko's features and her body language vaguely resembled a wild cat in the jungle or in the African savannah, stalking her prey or ready to pounce any second now. He put his fingers together in order to frame that pose. What if he painted her nude as a wild child joined by a group of lions... no, a tiger or two... Neither of that works. The color of her hair and the black cat in the painting reminded him of a black panther or a black jaguar. Akiko appears to be more of a jaguar, one who hunts the jungle flora, alone and confidant. A beautiful creature, yet incredibly dangerous if one provokes her.
He had been so preoccupied by his staring at his muse when Akiko had finally caught notice of his intense gaze. "Umm, Kitagawa-kun? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Yusuke's body posture stiffens and his hands drop, like a child caught with a hand in the cookie jar. "Ah! I was merely studying-"
"There you are, Yusuke." Madarame's voice interrupts the explanation Yusuke is readied to give as the old man approaches them.
"Sensei!" The young artist bows respectfully.
"Ah, the girl from yesterday. Are you enjoying the exhibit?"
Akiko's body language shifts uncomfortably. She smiles politely, nodding. "You've inherited a great gift to paint all of these. I've never seen anything so fascinating in my life." Her voice sounds too forced to act polite, like she's scared of him and doing her best to not mess up her first meeting with a celebrity.
"You're sensing something from the artwork..." Madarame appreciates the compliment, either ignorant or disregarding her reaction. "That alone is enough to give us artists satisfaction." He looks back to his pupil. "I hope this becomes a wonderful piece, Yusuke."
Yusuke nods obediently.
"Well then, if you'll excuse me." Madarame took his leave to visit the rest of the exhibition.
"You know, I originally believed that artists would be difficult to approach... but he seems like a nice guy." Akiko grinned, twirling the end of her ponytail.
"Indeed." Yusuke is inclined to agree.
Just then, Ann walks by. Eyes glued to the long line of paintings, marveling in awe. She happened to notice them and came over for a quick chat with his muse. "Oh, hey there. How's the tour going?"
"It's great!" Akiko's smile broadens happily. "Uh, what happened to Ryuji?"
"We got separated in the ruckus back there. But he left me a text saying that he's going to wait for me by the..." the blonde girl's tone trails off when a particular painting caught her eyes, and she eagerly walks up to it. "Oh, this is it - the painting I wanted to see in person!" Those bright blue eyes illuminate a sense of joy and excitement.
"...This one?" Yusuke's body language grows tense. He stares at Ann with uncertainty that she would want to see HIS painting up close. Does that mean she recognized it as one of his own? The answer came for him sooner.
"I guess it's the painter's anger? I'm not sure, but I sense this..." Ann rambles on nonstop, amazed by the painting's colors and describing the negative emotions brilliantly, "strong frustration from it. To think such a cheerful and gentlemanly person could make such a piece..."
Yusuke clutched his chest. Even though he tried to avert his gaze, a hint of pain morphed on his lips. That girl is praising his masterpiece, under the belief it had come from Madarame. He wanted to be happy that his work is helping his master, but the growing discomfort in his stomach lurches on strongly. The young artist wanted to say something, except he was forced to bite his tongue. For a second, he could imagine his guardian's stern gaze upon him to remind him that he was standing somewhere close.
The only person who cared enough to notice his negative aura was his muse. "Is there something wrong?" Akiko reached a hand forward, inclined to touch his own.
His fists clenched tightly and quivered, careful to keep his emotions in check as he withdraws his hand from hers. "Don't mind me." Yusuke is determined to continue with the tour and abandon all agony. "There are better pieces than... this one." He smiles like nothing is wrong. "Come now, this way!" Placing a gentle hand on his muse's back, Yusuke softly yet firmly directs Akiko to next part of the exhibit.
"H-Hey...!" Ann tried to stop them, but a silent head shake from Akiko forbids her from pursuing them.
The young artist resumes the tour with his muse for about ten minutes before an odd rumble in his stomach ruins the end of the tour. It is by now Yusuke has remembered he never ate breakfast before coming here. He lowers his gaze, embarrassed.
Akiko forces him to make eye contact by tapping his shoulder, and there's something in her gaze which seems tender. "You hungry? Why don't we get some brunch before we part ways?"
Yusuke is quite taken aback by her kind offer. He originally planned to get some food during the exhibit by himself. However, now with that brought up, he checked his wallet and... no money left. He had spent it on his art supplies in the past few days. "That is very kind of you, Amamiya-san. Unfortunately, I'm out of money."
"Don't worry. I've got enough for both of us, since I work a part time job at a floral shop and at the café I'm living in."
A café? And at a floral shop? How intriguing. His muse is a hard-working girl with two jobs, so she must have plenty of money to buy enough food for more than one. Of course, Yusuke has the urge to never resist the offer of free food, so he's accepting her offer without hesitation. "You have my thanks."
The two of them stroll towards the cafeteria within a quick ride down the elevator. Yusuke is secretly grateful to this girl for her kindness. He's terribly close to being out of money, feeling like a fool for not checking his wallet sooner before leaving home. The cafeteria is a bit crowded, but Akiko still picks a table for them to sit. She leaves for a moment to go order them food and returns with their delicious meals on trays.
During lunch, they had a lively conversation about the complicated workings of the fine arts and school life. Yusuke found himself enjoying the time he spent with Akiko. Just to observe her beauty, internal and external. No judgement to be used against such a kind soul. He wondered if this is a normal way for people to do, eat together and talk without making plans? It's not important. He wants to relish in the moment far longer than ever.
Sadly, spending time with his muse cannot last forever.
After finishing their meal, Akiko checked her phone and her eyes widened to shock when the text message she received almost made her drop the phone. He would've liked to question what concerns her when she cut him off quick. "Sorry, but I have to take my leave. My friends are waiting for me. Would you like to exchange contact information before I go?"
"Oh, yes. Absolutely!" Yusuke fishes his cell phone out of his pocket.
He has never exchanged email addresses or numbers to another person in his life. Activating that takes a while since Yusuke is very new to this, but Akiko patiently instructs him with the process. Once they've got each other's contact info safely secured, Yusuke texts Akiko the address to Madarame's atelier.
"You can call or text me when you've reached your decision on the modeling proposition," he advised.
"I will." Akiko nodded vigorously. "And thank you for the tour. Honestly, I had a good time coming here." She truly meant it. That captivating smile is enough to speak the truth.
"Your welcome. I'm pleased that you have enjoyed yourself." Yusuke reaches for her hand to raise beneath his face and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "Fare thee well, Amamiya-san."
Akiko's face reddens and she breaks eye contact, flustered. "Eh, yeah... you too, Kitagawa-kun." She waves goodbye as she departed, leaving behind a young artist who finds himself at peace. Today had definitely been a good day. And he looked forward to painting that lovely smile of hers on a canvas when the time comes.