Chapter 58

The art gallery was white. Sitting in the indoor café and looking around, people passed by, obscuring the white walls. It was as though they had coordinated their nearly identical, neatly pressed outfits.

For some reason, the large ribbon my mom had tied in my hair made me feel unnecessarily embarrassed. Every time I glanced around, I could spot people who seemed to be talking about me.

“They call it a personality point, but this is just a broad provocation.”

My mom advised me that if I dressed plainly, I’d stand out even more. Though it was far-fetched advice, she was the expert, so I thought this gallery might be different. But it seems I was tricked. Even though people said it suited me, there was still a problem…

I considered untying the ribbon, but that felt even more embarrassing, especially since I had passed so many people upon entering with mom. If they assumed I untied the ribbon out of embarrassment, I’d rather walk confidently. It’s better to seem quirky than merely shy.

Mom was busy with the curator on some business matter since this place was partly owned by our foundation. Normally, the management handles these things, but occasionally the decision-maker must step in personally. She told me to look around at the artwork, but her giggling while saying it suggested she wasn’t very serious about it.

Feeling a bit dejected, I lowered my head, and the ribbon fluttered slightly. I should’ve just stayed home. It’s too much.

As my cappuccino was ready, a security guard brought over the cup. The dusting of cinnamon powder looked good despite the otherwise awkward situation, and it seemed drinkable. Too much cinnamon might have complicated things. The soft creaminess of the milk foam mixed with the bitterness of coffee spread in my mouth. “Life sure is bitter, huh.”

Resting my chin on my hand, I swirled the coffee with a spoon, creating ripples, when Yumina called.

—”Are you sitting on the sofa or lying in bed?”

She presumed I was home, as always.

“Someone hearing that might think I’m always at home.”

—”Not true?”

“I regretfully say that I’m actually out today, visiting an art gallery.”

Technically, I’m inside the café, but no need to nitpick about it.

—”An art gallery? That’s unexpected.”

“Yeah? Maybe it’s not a place that suits me?”

Well, it’s just this ribbon that throws it off. If you ignore that, I look fine.

—”Maybe on the outside, but not inside.”

“I don’t think many people have an inner self as colorful and delicate as mine.”

—”But that’s not the real issue. I was going to ask about our date.”

Ouch, I’ve been dismissed, and it hurts. My inner self is wounded.

“Did you resolve your busy schedule?”

—”Partially, but lately Laplace has been making a lot of mistakes so cleaning up after her has been more troublesome. She doesn’t even tell me if she’s feeling unwell.”

“Wow, self-management is also part of her job. Too much stress is counterproductive. If it’s busy, it’s fine to push it to later. It’s not an urgent matter anyway, plus it was my request.”

Yumina paused, and our conversation was briefly silence-filled. I swirled the cappuccino aimlessly. Something sweet would’ve been nice right now. I should’ve ordered a cake.

—”I originally intended to postpone, but my mind changed. Let’s go ahead and do it.”

“There’s no need to rush.”

—”Even if I’m busy, it’s not like it’s impossible. Frankly, it’s just hanging out.”

“Hmm, that’s true. If you really want to go ahead, it’s up to you. If you don’t send me the budget details, I’ll prepare cash.”

—”It won’t be complex enough to need a budget anyway. My plan is to meet, have dinner, watch a movie, and then head to a café.”

Classic. The classics are classic for a reason. Not a bad decision at all. But something feels off. Hmm… While tapping the spoon against the coffee cup, an idea came to mind.

“By the way.”

—”Yeah.”

“Haven’t friends also done things like going out to eat, watching a movie, and visiting a café? Does that make it hanging out with a friend, then?”

—”That’s right!”

“And what happens if you reply ‘yes’?”

—”It kind of matches comments I’ve often made. Do you finally understand my point of view?”

“I don’t. Isn’t there anything different or special?”

—”Dating is usually nothing special.”

While true, doesn’t that just make it like hanging out with friends?

“Should I confess before asking you out for a date?”

—”No. If I got rejected after confessing and the date was denied, even I would cry.”

“So?”

—”Let’s just hang out, have dinner, watch a movie.”

“That’s practically the same, isn’t it?”

—”It’s the heart that matters. If you love, even playing as friends can feel like a date.”

“But our friendship is all on the surface.”

—”Why are you so picky?”

With growing thoughts to counter her, I let out a sigh and let it slide. Since I was the one who asked, there’s little room to complain.

—”By the way, what are you doing at the art gallery?”

“Hmm?”

Her comment drew my eyes downward to the coffee cup.

“Drink your coffee.”

—”Are you finished viewing the galleries?”

“Just drinking coffee.”

—”What exactly is that?”

“I might order a cake too.”

—”It seems like you’re just idling around, as usual.”

That’s a bit harsh to say.

“Hmm.”

But it’s the truth.

—”I see! Which art gallery is it?”

“A place I mentioned twenty-one months and four days ago.”

—”Aha! I don’t remember at all.”

Yumina is smart but her memory seems selective—it appears she only recalls things of interest. I gave her the location. As she asked about the location, she must be considering a visit. I wasn’t abandoned by mom but was just a little bored, so this would be great.

“If you’re coming, hurry. I’ve got plenty of time.”

—”I don’t have plans to come.”

Why even ask then?

After exchanging a bit of sour dialogue, we hung up. Ugh, I didn’t think Yumina would reject me.

I downed the slightly cooled cappuccino in one go. Ordered another cup and a cake, then gripped my phone. Time to play a game.

It’s a gacha game. I made a pre-register based on some trending IP that caught my attention before completely forgetting about it. Not very interesting.

A typical gacha game, but one could say it successfully mixes game quality with the IP’s profitability. Though I don’t recognize the IP, so the satisfaction is minimal. I dipped into some microtransactions to start, but now there’s nothing to see. Only the coliseum remains, but it’s a common competitive element, leaving little excitement despite the upcoming update promising a boss raid. Hmm.

Maybe it’s time to switch games. Are there any open pre-registrations? It would be nice to involve IPs I like. Though I continue playing the coliseum, the auto-battle feature keeps my time occupied. It’s a great way to pass the time, regardless.

I slowly enjoyed the cake, killing time, when someone approached. Looking up from my phone with peripheral vision, the figure seemed oddly familiar.

It was Doyugeon. Why? My flustered state was evident, and he offered an explanation.

“Yumina said you’d be here.”

Yumina.

“…Yeah, I’m here.”

For a moment, I instinctively reached to touch my ribbon but pulled back, wary of revealing self-consciousness. My hand hovered awkwardly but went unnoticed.

“So, you came by.”

“Hmm, glad you are here.”

I scrutinized his reaction to the large ribbon in my hair but found none. Strange. Was it so natural he didn’t notice?

After waiting a bit longer, I felt no further change in his behavior. Hmm. Alright, if so, then I have no reason to feel inferior. Standing up, I spoke.

“Good you came. Now that you’re here, let me show you around the gallery.”

“My wallet is a little light right now…”

“Anyway, since it’s our foundation’s, the entrance fee is free for you. Don’t reject it.”

I led him in. The attention drawn by my ribbon made my face feel hot, but I convinced myself it was just a physiological reaction. It suits me well, after all.

I fanned myself lightly. What a strange warmth—must be the heating.

“What kind of painting is that?”

Looking at the pointed image, it contained no standout content but had broad swathes of oil paint on a canvas. Hmm. Umm… Ah.

I don’t know what kind of painting it is. Maybe there’s something profound, but I lack artistic depth.

“Art is about interpreting it yourself. The essential part matters less than the viewer’s impression.”

After speaking, it sounded like a decent response. Good improvisation.

“Ah, indeed. But after self-reflection, shouldn’t we focus on certain aspects and viewpoints to fully grasp the artwork?”

Caught off guard.

At that moment, the sound of approaching heels signaled a gallery employee.

“Would you like me to explain this, Miss?”

Great timing.

“You’re right. In such cases, it’s best to hear from an expert. Please, go ahead.”

“This is called monochrome painting.”

Under the employee’s guidance, we enjoyed the exhibit. Technically, Doyugeon enjoyed it while I just listened vaguely. Art is just not to my taste.

Afterward, we left the gallery. My mom had already gone home. She’s the worst.

“Besides the paintings, is there anything else about the museum you’re curious about? I may not know much but I’ve heard some things.”

He pondered while sipping a warm canned drink.

“I have one question, though I’m not sure if it’s related.”

“Sure? What is it?”

“What’s the ribbon in your hair all about?”

I should’ve responded coolly, but I failed. My face flared, and my thoughts tangled.

“T-this is fashion.”

“Ah, I see. It really suits you.”

He’s complimenting me, but why does it feel more embarrassing?

“It’s fashion, I said.”

“Alright, it really suits you.”

“I know. I’m tired, let’s go home.”

I rushed home.

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