Author's Note: Here's a new chapter and Happy Easter everybody:)
"Rise and shine, my sleeping beauty!" Yusuke's baritone voice on the phone is loud enough to raise the dead. Or most likely, Akiko who grumbles as she stirs upon receiving a rude wakeup call so early in the morning.
"Ugh... morning, Yusuke..." she responds, half irked.
"My apologies for waking you this early, darling. But I bring you good news. The painting is officially finished!"
"Eh, what painting?"
"Remember our last visit to Mementos a few days ago? It's where I drew a rough sketch of my own interpretation of humanity's inner desires. I have successfully applied the finishing touches to create a magnificent masterpiece."
Akiko's eyes widened, suddenly remembering the events of their last trip to that dreaded underground subway of humanity's palace. She had assumed her boyfriend would be busy for more than three days, quite surprised to learn he had completed his artwork. "Yes, I remember now. How did it come out?"
"It came out beautifully. Thank you again for your assistance. Without your help, I could not have finished my newest piece. Ha! For the first time in a long while, my brush has danced again! Wait for me at Leblanc. I will bring the painting over there. Farewell." He hung up as quickly as he had called. no doubt eager to show off his special work to his girlfriend.
No longer half asleep, Akiko wastes no time removing herself from the bed, brushing her teeth and putting on what Ann calls them, summer's newest fashion edition to make one look cute. Short-sleeved cherry red shirt, a white skirt and white sandals. Ann wanted to make Akiko look very cute and lovely in order to impress Yusuke, so the blonde had invited the ravenette to go shopping with her after school yesterday. After numerous choices of previous outfits ended in failure because none of them seemed to suit Akiko better, she had chosen these clothes to look simple and cute.
Ann also suggested that she remove the glasses and change her hair style to match her new appearance. Akiko never needed glasses from the beginning, her vision was just fine. Only forced to wear them in order to appear normal after she got placed on probation. She left the glasses on the workbench, then got to brushing her hair and fixed them in a pair of low braided pigtails.
Just in time. The door downstairs in the cafe is thrown open and the bell jingles. Yusuke, wearingly his casual summer attire, hurriedly rushed to the bedchamber of his girlfriend, where he stares fixated upon a wonderful sight. Grey eyes trail up and down, taking in the sight of this enchanting girl in front of him. The way she looked was too overwhelming for him, she's more gorgeous as always, and when she gazed that innocent, charming smile at him, Yusuke felt his heart explode with passion.
"Magnificent..." was all Yusuke managed to say, but honestly, he grunted at himself for not finding the right words to compliment her.
Luckily, Akiko got the message and blushed. "Thank you. Ann wanted me to wear something cute to surprise you."
"And I'm glad she has." He grew briefly startled when he heard a strange growl coming from Akiko's stomach. "Darling, have you eaten yet?"
Truthfully, Akiko didn't actually make or eat breakfast yet, because she wanted to wait until Yusuke comes so she can make food and share it with him. Knowing Yusuke, he probably hasn't eaten anything as a result of his pushing himself to remain focused in his work. He never spends money on food, usually doing it for random objects that capture his interest. That thought alone concerned Akiko. If he keeps this up, he'll probably faint one of these days due to lack of food. He expected her to answer, so she did. "No, I haven't. I wanted to wait for you. That way, I can make breakfast for both of us."
Momentarily stunned, Yusuke smiles at her affectionately. Touched by her compassion and kind heart. "How sweet of you. Truly, your kindness knows no bounds. Anyway, I wanted to show you the painting I've finished." The blue-haired painter unwraps a huge, square-shaped object concealed by a white sheet. He wanted to see her reaction upon witnessing his soon-to-be popular masterpiece.
A completed artwork of his rough draft from yesterday; a swirling mass of a vivid black and red twister designed to be in the canvas' center. Multiple splashes of red completed the black gusts of wind, as though it's a malicious-looking vortex. If this is how Yusuke views Mementos, Akiko wasn't entirely sure what to think as she stares in stunned silence. Either way, it is pretty impressive. He had put his heart and soul into creating such a piece, and she had to give him credit for all his hard work.
"This is the completed form of my draft from our last visit to Mementos," Yusuke boasts with pride. "I would like your honest opinion, my love... if you would." He aims an expectant grin in her direction, waiting to hear what she has to say. He hopes she likes it.
"It's uh..." Akiko hesitated, concerned if she said one wrong word and her boyfriend will become disappointed. She needed to give him a good answer. "...breathtakingly enigmatic." Mentally, she slapped herself for a stupid choice of words.
To her surprise and relief, Yusuke chuckled. "Hm, just as I had hoped. But is that truly all you have to say about it? I would like something more concrete." Of course, some people would find it puzzling upon first sight. Nonetheless, the public will soon realize the true meaning of this painting depicts and start showering his work with marvelous praises. "A four hundred word review should serve that purpose nicely. Regardless, this is how I choose to interpret the idea of 'desire.' It is the foul charm held deep within the abyss of the heart."
"To be honest, I think you've captured mankind's desire so elegantly. It kind of reminds me of a swirling storm of humanity's darkest desires."
"Thank you, darling. I intend on submitting this piece to an upcoming public art exhibition that's happening today. I expect you to accompany me for the moment it is finally revealed to the general public." Yusuke has no doubt this painting will become the most sensational experience for those who opt to undergo it. Nobody has ever seen the abyss of the heart in such a raw manner before. To gaze upon the unbridled look into the depths of the human psyche. And he was able to bring it to life, all thanks to his beloved girlfriend's assistance.
"I look forward to it, Yusuke." Though she was glad to accompany him to the exhibit, Akiko felt that deep down, her boyfriend's artwork might not receive the glowing praise he longed to hear. The painting is nice enough to at, but a swirling massive vortex of darkness isn't exactly something to become super popular in just one day.
After sharing a cooked, delicious breakfast of pancakes (Yusuke had suggested she'd make them to celebrate his success, and Akiko complied as she hasn't eaten pancakes in a long time), the young couple worked together in wrapping the canvas in the same white cloak that Yusuke used earlier. The rendezvous to the public exhibition proved to be slightly difficult when it comes to carrying it down the escalator stairs and keeping a firm on something so large inside the train.
Nonetheless, they successfully reached the exhibition without hinderance. Yusuke's painting was accepted into the exhibit and placed on an empty venue with several other paintings or sculptures put on display for everyone to see.
Yusuke could hardly contain his excitement. His piece truly stands out among the sea of art. And yet, nobody has come to get a closer look. Maybe the public is so afraid of the truth held within that they dare not take a closer look upon Desire, tis the name of the piece Yusuke had called it.
"Desire doesn't seem to be super popular with everyone at present," Akiko spoke at last, glancing at her surroundings with slight worry.
Not super popular? Preposterous! Yusuke frowned, confidant that his artwork is so impressively marvelous. The general public must be too preoccupied in admiring other artists' beautifying works of art to take notice. "Hmph! I did not paint it on a level that could be understood in a glance."
Just then, a middle-aged couple just happened to saunter toward their direction and a frown made its way onto the man's face as he studies the painting. "What is this supposed to be...?"
"There's a dark, almost sinister aura emanating from it." The woman, probably his wife, didn't appear to like it.
"Ah, I understand now. This area is for students. The artist likely decided to paint this on a whim."
A whim? How dare he say something so apathetic! Akiko's scowl swiftly makes its way on her face. "That's a bit harsh of you to say about my boyfriend's work." Icy words left her mouth before she realized what she said as the couple shift their gazes directly at her. "From what I can see, he gave it his all to create something so mysterious and incredible to amaze people. If neither of you are appreciative of his work, why don't you leave."
The man and the woman glare in offense at her bitter words, the former scoffing before leaving with the latter with no remorse for what they said.
Akiko watches them depart, her scowl eventually left her face, satisfied at telling them off. She turns to her boyfriend, who remained silent with a distressed frown. "You okay?" she asked.
"There is no need to worry, my love. I'm not bothered in the slightest. That was nothing more than the drivel of unrefined commoners. I needn't pay any mind to them. As long as those who are in the know understand my work, I will be happy." Yusuke was quite upset by those rude commoners and their insults, but grateful to have a significant other who stands up for him. "Thank you for what you did, though. It's nice to have someone like you who understands the fine arts."
It wasn't long before an old gentleman in a business suit walked up to Yusuke's masterpiece. He wasn't alone, accompanied by a younger man whose height made him stand a little taller than him. The old gentleman examines and analyzes Desire closely.
"Look! A knowledgeable patron has arrived!" Yusuke gasped, excitedly. The gentleman must've heard him as he looked over to him. "I would like your opinion sir. What are your thoughts on this piece?"
The old gentleman shifts his gaze back to the painting, but he voices his thoughts aloud, "I can see quite clearly why it was accepted into the exhibition. The technique is excellent. However... the composition as a whole is mediocre at best."
Shocked, Yusuke didn't take kindly to that and glared furiously at the old man. "How dare you!"
"Ah, are you the artist? The title is listed as Desire... but the idea is quite overused. Some may even call it stale. If you want to paint an abstract work with such an old theme, you must inject some individuality into it." The gentleman continues on, his eyes narrowed. "Take another look. Try to remove yourself from the artist's bias. These brush strokes are splendid given your age... but does this painting really tell you anything? It is empty, devoid of meaning. I suggest you take a more critical eye to your work in the future if you truly want to progress as an artist." And with that, he left with his assistant in tow.
"My work is... empty?" Yusuke allows the words to reply inside his head, a small gasp of defeat escaping his lips. Hands tighten into fits as he lowers his distressed gaze to the floor.
This can't be happening. He had poured his heart and soul into this piece, capturing the very essence of desire and supposed to lay bare the reality of the world. People are supposed to praise or admire his masterpiece. But the indifferent reaction from the middle-aged couple and that gentleman's criticism spoke the harsh truth.
His art is empty... No emotion... No elegance... Nothing at all. The gentleman was correct, his work is empty. The colors... the brush strokes... none of them spoke the truth of mankind's dark desires, just a biased and misguided conception of it. Yusuke hadn't captured desire. In fact, it was the opposite - desire has captured him.
It was emotionally painful enough to shatter his pride. His strength was lost as Yusuke's knees shook before he collapsed to the ground, able to keep himself up with his hands. "That gentleman's keen eye and criticism were correct. My work doesn't convey the true meaning of desire... only my conception of it." He wallowed in agonized despair, uncaring if his suffering attracts unwanted attention. "How could I have fooled myself into believing otherwise? It's as though I have been forsaken by the gods of art! This grave mistake shall be the end of me!"
This is way too dramatic for her boyfriend to react like this, even in public. Akiko feels her heart break for the poor boy's misery, but this isn't the time to feel sorry for oneself. "Stop exaggerating! Don't let what he said get to you."
"This is no exaggeration! I am well and truly finished! What is going to happen to me now? Without art, what will remain of my being?"
"This isn't like you, Yusuke. You're so passionate about art! Are you seriously just giving up like that?" Eyes hardening in determination, Akiko gets down on bended knees to his eye level. "Please stand up, Yusuke! Stop beating yourself up about it! The first time we met, you never gave up pursuing me until you caught and convinced me to be your model. So why give up now when you've hit a roadblock? You asked me to help you, and I have every intention of doing so - as your partner and your girlfriend!" She leans in to plant a soft, tender kiss on his lips.
It's as though her kiss rejuvenated Yusuke's broken spirit. An explosion of warmth sears his chest, emotionally healing him. He leans in further to return the kiss, slowly sliding his arms round her waist. Except she didn't want the kiss to stay long as both are still on the floor. Akiko broke the kiss, her pretty face filled with determination and tenderness.
She was right. This is not the time to give up now. That pep talk is exactly what Yusuke wants. "You are correct. Surrendering myself to fate after only one failure would be very unlike me." He stood up and gave his every loyal girlfriend a loving embrace when she got back up. "Still, being criticized by someone with a keen eye is truly painful. But that is all the more reason I must break out of my slump. I must prove my ability to him!"
"That's the spirit!" Akiko cheered at her lover's newfound determination.
Yusuke smiled sincerely at her as he placed a kiss on her forehead. "I will start by painting. After that, I will paint, beyond which I shall paint even more. That is the only way I will learn to capture the essence of emotion. After all, you can only accomplish so much in using logic to analyze the contents of the heart. I hope you allow me to continue my skill card services as well, my love." He was officially motivated to keep on going, passion gleaming in his eyes. "I shall conquer this!"
They had been so enraptured in their moment that neither of them noticed the old gentleman had returned, this time with a more friendly, humble and apologetic expression on his wrinkled face. "Excuse me?" he spoke, gaining their attention. The young couple froze, clearly not expecting to see him again.
Akiko is the first to break the silence, protectively standing between her boyfriend, the growls slightly resembling a jaguar. "What do you want? What's your motive?"
"Calm down, my dear. I wanted to apologize to your boyfriend for being so harsh. It truly is nice to meet you, Yusuke Kitagawa."
Stunned, Yusuke wondered how on earth did this gentleman know his name and what he wanted. He wasn't expecting an apology either. "How do you know my name?" he cautiously steps forward, giving his girlfriend a brief look of assurance.
"I know a great deal about you, Kitagawa-kun. You've made a name for yourself by patterning your work after the beautifully detailed Sayuri. But this painting here was... quite different from that. Have you begun trying out new styles other than Desire? You seem as though you could use a helping hand right now."
"I... Who are you?" Yusuke asked.
"Perhaps this would explain it best." He pulls a small card from his pocket and gave it to the boy. "I've made a living investing in promising young artists like yourself, Kitagawa-kun."
Yusuke read the contents of the card aloud, identifying the old gentleman. "'Director of the Japanese Art Support Foundation - Akio Kawanabe.'" This left him speechless, not expecting a famous art direction would express interest in his work. Why would he choose him after he criticized his work so harshly? Did he truly see he has talent in the fine arts?
"Do you have a moment to spare?" Kawanabe asked. "Why don't we discuss this more at lunch?"
Yusuke shares an uneasy look with his girlfriend. Akiko says nothing, although her expression says they should at least here what this art director has to say.
Kawanabe brought them to a sushi bar nearby, where Kawanabe paid for the expensive meal when he took their orders. Yusuke sat speechlessly at the delicious food in front of him.
In the back of his mind, Yusuke found it suspicious that a famous art director would take an interest in a mere high school student like himself. The bluenette was grateful for the offer, but he was secretly unsure of what to do. Nonetheless, he must cling onto any semblance of hope he can find in this world. He was most grateful to have Akiko there to ease his societal discomfort, along with diffusing the temptation of money. He trusted Akiko more than anyone else, her composure will allow her to tell if Kawanabe is truly attempting to scam him. There's no way he'd have another Madarame repeat.
"Please, help yourself to anything!" Kawanabe offered, smiling pleasantly. "And don't concern yourself with the price."
"Before that... there is something I would like to ask," Yusuke questions with a small trace of caution in his eyes. "Just who are you?"
"Hm... An interesting question. My work involves gallery management, but my hobbies are diverse. The foundation is but one of those hobbies. Broadly speaking, we're responsible for scouting and nurturing talented youth involved in the art world. We offer free scholarships, mediate study abroad programs, and we also connect young artists to customers. At a time, even Madarame participated in our organization."
Yusuke's eyes widen. His former sensei used to be involved?
"A good many benefited from his time working with us," Kawanabe continued, frowning almost sadly upon mentioning Yusuke's ex-mentor. "We were aware of the dark rumors about him, but we could never have seen his confession coming. I suppose it's likely he was deceiving us that whole time."
A twinge of pain grasps at Yusuke's heart. His former idol had not only deceived and took advantage of him, but has done the same to countless others. "Madarame... To think I once relied on his teachings, called him my mentor!" He was the main cause of his slump. "It is his fault I can no longer view paintings with a pure heart." He noticed Kawanabe staring at him, confused. "In the past, simply the desire to paint led me to seek beauty. But now, I find myself constantly weighed down by the search for awards or the praise of others. An ugly attachment has fastened itself upon my work..." that ugliness was fastened upon his failed work, Desire, as a start, "I can no longer paint how I used to. My art is... tainted."
Akiko sat in attentive silence, fixating a sympathetic gaze toward her lover. She reached forward to place a comforting hand on Yusuke's shoulder. The presence of his beloved was enough to ease Yusuke's melancholy mood for a moment.
"I see..." Kawanabe's confused frown shifts to a look of half sorrow and half sympathy. "However, it would be wasteful to let your talent dry up. Our foundation would gladly support you. Not only a former student of the infamous Madarame, but someone with those looks. There is definitely a market for you. We'll sell you as the 'tragic, handsome artist.'"
Hearing this, Akiko levels a puzzled expression at him. "What do you mean by that, sir?"
Yusuke's eyes dilated slightly when he heard what she said. Plus, the idea of using him as a former student of Madarame as a tragic, handsome artist doesn't suit right.
Unaware of his words worrying the young couple, Kawanabe continues on as if not the least guilty for what he says next, "Exactly as it sounds. Having your ideas stolen by Madarame, losing a place to sleep, hungry for food. That unstable air about you makes for the perfect tragedy. A story like yours will sell even to those who don't understand art."
"A story...?" Yusuke began to feel something repulsive churn in his stomach.
"If you don't have one in the modern climate, nobody will even mention your name. Don't worry, we'll handle the details. But in return, you must sell your work through my gallery. We will take a mediation fee, but you'll be granted steady revenue and a nice customer base as well."
It's just as Yusuke suspected. This man only wants to use him for money. Use his dark, troubled past and attractive appearance for a sob story? How pathetic, it sounds laughable. He was viewed as nothing more than a petty sellout, a slave to the power of money. Money is exactly what drove Madarame to greed, power and to abuse the art world. "Do not mock me..." he stood up and fixated an angry scowl at the old man, "Tragedy? Looks? Story? Those have nothing to do with art! In the end, this is only about money! That which taints pure beauty!"
The pleasantness on Kawanabe's face melts to sheer annoyance. "How immature... It seems you haven't learned anything after all. You're not looking at reality objectively. Is wealth really that horrible? And beyond that, how long will you continue to chase those illusions of yours? Purity... Art..."
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH! I REJECT YOUR OFFER!" Yusuke's baritone voice grows louder, meant to intimidate and refuse the offer.
Akiko witnessed the sudden heated exchange between them, growing more concerned by the second. If her lover continues causing a scene like this, he might get himself into serious trouble. Swiftly, the ravenette stood up and clutched his arm. He aims an irked frown in her direction, probably upset that she had to step in. "Don't make it worse, Yusuke!"
Kawanabe scowls, disappointment clearly radiating on his form. "Hmph... I thought you of all people would have the resolve to use art to make a living."
"I have that resolve! However, I also believe such a life should only come via proper assessment!"
"Hm?" The old man frowns for a moment, then smirks challengingly. "In that case, I have an opportunity for you. My foundation will soon be holding a competition for young artists from around the nation. The prize shall be our support. We'll bring customers from around Japan to see the next great talent. There will be a great deal of pressure on you, should you enter. Or perhaps..." he further taunts, "are you too afraid?"
"What did you say!?" Yusuke came close to blowing his top off.
"I wonder if you have what it takes to withstand a skill-based assessment of that magnitude. I look forward to finding out." Satisfied with what he'd done, Kawanabe stands up and ready to take his leave. His subordinate follows close behind, but not before aiming a harsh scowl directly at Yusuke. "Now then, it seems there's no use in any further discussion." One his way out, he turns to address the chef behind the bar. "You can have them send the bill to my office."
Once that vulgar fool had left the restaurant, Yusuke sat back down in his seat, still fuming at how someone so repulsive stomping on his pride. "That avaricious bastard! Why is it that all artists talk about money!? Has the meaning of art been lost!?"
"The truth is because you don't want to be used by someone whom you suspect could become another Madarame," Akiko further empathized, as if she had read his mind to why he rejected the offer. However, she knew Kawanabe was right on one thing. "But still, without money you would starve to death. You wouldn't be able to afford money to buy food, right?"
Her words left a shocking revelation on Yusuke. "I know... Passion alone may fill my heart, but it cannot fill my stomach..." he sighs, distressed. "What a troublesome predicament." He shifts his chair closer to her. If not for Akiko's presence, he might have bit off his tongue in anger had it only been him alone. "Anyhow, I am glad that you chose to accompany me here. In other words, you are a soothing force in my life, my love."
Akiko blushed at his thoughtful words. "So, what are you going to do? Will you participate in the competition?"
Yusuke's eyes hardened fiercely, almost resembling storm clouds. To publish his artwork that will be on display for the general public to admire had been a dream of his for a long time. It had been infuriating whenever Madarame plagiarized his work and stole all the credit from him, keeping his isolated pupil in the shadows with no chance of recognition. It seems impossible to do, but Kawanabe's taunts fuel Yusuke's determination. "I will take part in Kawanabe's exhibition. I'm going to display my ability and prove him wrong."
Though surprised by his choice, Akiko smiles proudly. "Excellent! I'll lend you all the support you need."
"Thank you, my angel." He wanted to go home and cool down for a bit, except the smell of sushi was tempting him. "Well, we should eat before departing. The sushi has done nothing wrong, after all."
"Um, yeah..." Akiko wasn't too concerned about the food. Although, it's rare to eat something this good and expensive. So they should eat to their hearts' content.