Part 1

(What should I do today? Maybe I should think of an idea for a frame of happine—)

Nagi, stop.

Oh.

(Ah, there’s a gold coloured pencil on the floor. It’s really short, too.)

Sorry. I accidentally dropped it. I’m glad you didn’t step on it and fall.

…Here you go. Yukikaze-san, were you drawing something? From what I saw, it looked like a shachihoko¹.

Close. But in terms of golden ornamentation, you’re pretty much right.

...Can I ask what you were actually drawing?

The Chinatown gate—a landmark of HAMA. If you’re interested, I could show you more.

Yes please.

Here…

Whoa…

(If I had to describe it in one word, it’d be 'magnificent'. A powerful style, with innovative usage of colour. Just looking at it would make anyone’s heart skip a beat.)

(To think Yukikaze-san would have a talent for this on top of skating… He really was blessed with two gifts from the heavens.)

This one is Chinatown at sunset. I happened to pass by the other day, and was captivated by how the gate shone in the setting sun.

I see.

(This wiggly gold bit is the gate’s ornamentation. And those little details scattered around look like Chinatown specialties.)

I’m personally happy with it, but I was just wondering if I might’ve gotten a bit too carried away.

Eh… I think it’s wonderful.

! ...Really?

Mhm. Even if there were a thousand of me, I couldn’t imitate this kind of catchy, conceptual expression.

There’s no need to imitate it. I’m sure there’s something only you can express, Nagi.

Something only I can express…

If you’d like, how about we draw together? Feel free to use these coloured pencils too.

What a straightforward gaze… The coloured pencil you're holding out is starting to look like a hero’s sword or something.

Well then, I’ll accept your kind offer.

…I’m done.

Is this colourful sphere some kind of ball? The expressions of the people drawn around it are conveyed well too, it’s almost like I’m actually there myself.

I tried painting the frame from when I was delivering flowers, and suddenly got showered from head-to-toe in colourful balls.

Actually, I’m not sure if this counts as something only I can express…

(Or rather, it might be way too specific.Yukikaze-san’s probably not sure how to respond—)

…This is just my humble opinion, but…

Your drawing has a warmth to it, Nagi. This is, without a doubt, the unique characteristic of your art. I think that’s something to be proud of.

A ‘warmth’… Th-Thank you.

There’s no hesitation in your strokes… You’re really good at drawing.

I’m just used to drawing, I think. I’ve been making my own card games and stuff, and I draw the art for them myself, so…

! You make card games!? That’s impressive.

As a card game fan, I’d love to give it a try. If you have a starter deck, please let me buy it next time. And if there are any expansion decks, I’d like to get those too—

That’s way more enthusiasm than I expected. It’s an incredibly big order, too. Your request has been received.

Thanks, I’m counting on you.

That said, drawing together with someone and sharing our work is really fun. I want to deepen my connection with you even more through art.