Chapter 118: We Can Do Anything!

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Translator: Soafp

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It was 5 p.m., and after a full day of studying, Ginji and ever-attentive Sora had decided to leave the rest of their homework for tomorrow. Now, they were talking about their plans for summer vacation.

“By the way, got any art projects lined up?”

“Hmm, not sure. The painting I did as Aika-chan's work back in spring is going to be displayed in a summer art exhibition, but…”

National-level art contests usually required submissions by spring, with judging completed and exhibitions held during summer break. Since Sora had spent that time working on pieces under Aika's name, she didn't have anything submitted under her own.

“I heard Shiki's entering a summer competition again”

The wind chime jingled softly. Sora fell quiet, thinking.

“The big national contest Aika-chan was going to enter already filled its district slots. She said she'll be entering a general competition instead. And she'll probably be busy with social events over the break. So I thought I'd study the basics—like sketching and oil painting—stuff I never had time to do before. As for competitions… I'll aim for next year.”

“I see. Well, no need to go head-to-head with Shiki anyway. But still, wouldn't it be fun to try something this summer?”

“Yeah… maybe we should look something up.”

The two of them pulled out their phones and began tapping away. After a few minutes, they looked up at the same time.

“This one!”

They said in unison.

They each held up their screens to reveal the same site—an arts festival jointly held with the neighboring prefecture. While some professional artists from the area would be participating, the event mainly encouraged submissions from locals and was meant to be casual and fun.

“Looks like it's the first time they're doing this. More of a laid-back event than a real competition.”

“Apparently, anyone can join just by signing up. There are different categories too—including painting, I think. And the deadline's just barely doable. It's not super formal, but it sounds like fun just to go see it.”

“I don't think I'll have enough time for an oil painting… but other types of work, maybe. But I also wanna hang out with you. Ever since second year of middle school, I've only ever spent summer helping Aika-chan. I've always dreamed of doing summer-y things… But I also wanna make my own art. Ugh, what do I do…”

Sora flopped down on the sofa with a groan, cradling her head. Ginji sat down beside her, amused.

“In that case, do it all—dates, studying, art. I'm hopeless at drawing, but if it's a no-pressure event anyone can join, I'll try my hand at art too. Let's enter together. That way it's basically like a date. We'll go to the beach, the summer festival, fireworks, even a haunted house. We'll do it all. We've got a whole month—why not do everything?”

“With you… sounds fun… Will you really do it with me?”

Sora scooted over like a little caterpillar and rested her head on Ginji's thigh.

“Hey, I suggested it, didn't I?”

“In that case… there's something I've always wanted to try. Um… a collaboration. How about it?”

“A collab?”

“Yeah. I've always drawn alone, so I don't really know how it would work, but… it'd be my first time doing something… together…”

Her voice trailed off into mumbles. Ginji gently pulled her up by the shoulders and held out his fist.

“This is gonna be fun.”

Sora lit up with a bright smile and bumped her fist to his.

“Yeah! Let's do it!”

The two of them immediately grabbed a notebook and started packing their summer full of plans.