*Sigh*
I'm so exhausted...
It's been a long time since I last moved a bunch of heavy paintings around.
Also...
(I really had no idea...
I mean, he used to be an actual starving artist. Him.)
(No one ever told me...
But...)
That was when I finally realized...
I can't escape it.
I can't live without art in my life.
He can't live without art in his life...
I have to keep drawing! I have to keep drawing! If I keep drawing, then even I could...
I mean, look at me... I don't have anything...
No talent... Nothing... Not like you...
I'll try drawing something. I don't know if it'll be any good, but I'll try.
Yeah...
(The same thing happened to me.
No matter how much pain I suffered as my art when unnoticed...)
(I couldn't give up on it.)
(Which is why...)
I'm ready to commit now...
I can't go back on my word after telling him, too.
Alright.
I'll start by doing a sketch. Then, I'll get to work on my stuff for N25. There's still some time until 25:00, so I'll log in first and—
A message? From who...?
Mizuki...?
Ena, over here!
You were already here, Mizuki?
I did ask you to pop over.
Plus, I have a feeling you'd get mad if I made you wait.
Huh? Why would I get mad?
Anyway, why'd you want to meet here?
Oh, right. There's actually something I wanna give you!
Give me?
Yeah! One sec...
Ta-daa!
I got this cake just for you♪
Huh? A cake? Why...?
You went over to help with your dad's exhibit today, right?
So, I decided to get you a present since I thought you deserved a little reward!
A present...? Wait, hang on!
This is from that shop I said I wanted to go to the other day!
You went and got this just for me...?
Hehe. Not only that, but it's your favorite baked cheesecake!
What's more, I even brought you a fork.
So, bon appetit!
Th-Thanks...
No, wait. What's really going on here?
This is a little suspicious.
Huh? What are you talking about?
All I'm trying to do is congratulate you on a job well done.
Yeah, I get that...
But I feel like you're going kinda overboard with this...
Lemme guess. You're gonna want me to return the favor twofold later, aren't you?
Wait, is that how you view me?
If you don't want it, then I can take it back.
No, I want it! I'll have it now!
(Something still feels off...
But I'm not about to say no to this since I've been wanting to try it forever.)
Alright, let's have a taste...
Great, enjoy♪
Mmm! So good...!
It's so rich with cheese...
The jam even adds a nice bit of sourness!
And it all goes perfectly with this crust...
No wonder everyone's been talking about it...!
Hehe. I'm glad you like it so much!
Thanks.
*Sigh*
Why is it that sweets taste so good when you're tired?
Did you have a pretty long day...?
It wasn't bad or anything...
But a lot did happen.
Still, it ended up being a good learning experience. Plus, it was the first time in a while that I looked at his paintings.
So, all in all, I'm glad I went.
Okay.
I'm glad for you, Ena.
(Wait a second... Was Mizuki worried about me going to the exhibit...?)
(Is that what this cake is for...?)
(I didn't realize just how much worry I caused...)
Mizuki?
Hm?
Thanks. For this cake, and everything else...
Hehe. You're welcome...!