Today's the exhibit event. It will last for three days. The theme is Passion and Emotion: An Artist's Being. Artists, aspiring artists, and ordinary people are free to come and see the different masterpieces displayed. People are having their pictures taken with the artworks. For an artist to see such joyous smiles on the face of viewers is such an overwhelming feeling, except with the person standing on the corner, admiring his own work. He cannot think of that right now. His eyes were serene yet there are many thoughts swarming up on his mind.
"Where is she?" Hotaru spoke, taking the space beside Natsume and crossing her arms.
Natsume looked at her questioningly.
"That model of yours. I've heard from Narumi. About time you got tamed, Hyuuga."
"That's none of your business, Imai."
"Of course, it is. I don't want my artists feeling uninspired. That would be a pain in the ass. Losing inspiration means losing money. If they lost their inspiration, the outcome would likely be unworthy to be displayed."
"Tch. Who cares about you losing money?"
"So you don't care if you lose her?"
"What crap are you saying?"
"Falling in love with that woman. Now, that's something."
He did not saw it coming. Her statement was so true that it made him still. Even he himself, did not expect to fall this hard for her—for Mikan.
"I can see so much passion and emotion in this paintings, hence the theme... Were you able to keep your hands to yourself?", Hotaru continued in a teasing tone. She really knows how push someone's buttons, especially Natsume's.
"Shut it."
"Suit yourself", Hotaru said, walking away with a playful smile.
•••
Mikan was strumming her guitar, practicing for her upcoming performance tomorrow. It has been a week since she last received a call from Narumi which is a good thing, for her. However, she received a text from him, inviting her again to see the exhibit event which she did not reply and deleted.
'I can do this.'
•••
"Leaving already? It's still too early", Narumi asked as he saw Natsume getting on the elevator.
"I'm not gonna say this again. Tell Imai...thanks", Natsume told reluctantly as the elevator door closed.
"Did he just?"
•••
Yesterday will be the last time Natsume will wait outside Le Arôme or so he thought. He has been doing it for days. The coffee shop crew must've familiarized themselves with Natsume with him always standing by the door, hoping Mikan will pass by.
The sun has already set and he is still there. He looked at his wristwatch. It's already 11 pm. 'That's the problem. I fucking care', Natsume thought as he placed his hands on his pockets and began walking to go home.