Chapter 16: The day before the party part 2

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Translator: Soafp

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As Ginji stood quietly moved by the painting, Sora leaned in close to his face, wondering if he hadn't heard her.

“I can talk when it's with you, Ginji…”

“Maybe so. Hey, take care of this.”

But when he held out the painting, Sora didn't take it. Instead, she pushed it back toward him with her palm.

“I want you to have it. I mean, it's the piece that brought us together.”

She didn't meet his eyes, but her voice carried a firm sincerity.

“I actually really wanted it… Thanks, Sora.”

“I-it's nothing.”

Sora mimicked Ginji's usual way of speaking, and Ginji responded by roughly ruffling her hair.

“Alright then, I'll carry it home like it's treasure.”

“Ah—wait. Since you're already here… help me pack the other one. It's a pain to do it alone.”

She pointed off to the side. There stood a softly toned painting of the ocean.

“Ah… I see.”

It was the piece for tomorrow's party. The two of them packed it up together. When it was finally secured inside a cardboard box, Sora looked a bit troubled.

“What's wrong?”

“The delivery service I usually use is already closed… and tomorrow I have to go to Aika-chan's place for makeup. Carrying this would just get in the way…”

“…Hmmm.”

Ginji made a noise that suggested he had something in mind, and Sora tilted her head in confusion.

“What is it?”

“Then I'll take it to the venue for you. I just need to drop it off first thing in the morning, right?”

“Yeah, but it's in the city center—you'll have to take the train. And even if it's just A2 size (420mm x 594mm), it's still kind of bulky.”

“It's fine. It might be nice to hang out in the city for once. I'll take full responsibility.”

To be honest, Sora would rather Ginji take it than risk damage from a careless delivery company. It was a perfect solution.

“Alright then, I'll leave it to you. Um… here's the venue address and a pass you'll need to get in.”

“A pass? Don't you need one?”

“I'm going with Aika-chan, so I'll be fine. Anyway, I'm counting on you. Don't oversleep.”

“Got it. I'm great at waking up early. Alright, I'm heading out.”

“Yeah… w-wait!”

Once again, she grabbed the hem of his clothes to stop him.

“Again? What is it this time?”

“W-well… since you're here, how about tea or coffee… or maybe even dinner? I could cook.”

“Tetsuya's handling dinner tonight. And besides, are you okay with me going upstairs?”

At Ginji's question, Sora squeezed her eyes shut and seemed to think deeply.

“M-maybe not.”

“Yeah, eating in the studio isn't exactly ideal. That reminds me… I've been wondering—doesn't it smell like meat in here?”

Ginji sniffed the air. The studio was filled with many different scents, but one stood out—odd and out of place.

“Whoa, sharp nose you've got. Alright, let's make it a quiz! Can you guess what's causing the smell?”

Arms crossed proudly, Sora posed like she was issuing a challenge—and Ginji accepted.

“Sounds fun. I'm in. Let's see… I'm guessing it's over here…”

He followed the scent, sniffing along the way. Eventually, he reached the work desk. Underneath it was a jumpsuit shoved in awkwardly.

“Ah! No—wait!”

“A jumpsuit, huh… sniff sniff… smells like sweat. Guess this isn't it.”

“Myaaaaaaahhhhhh!”

With tears welling up in her eyes, Sora lunged and snatched the jumpsuit away, knocking Ginji over in the process.

“Guh!”

“You idiot, idiot, idiot! What are you doing—sniffing stuff like that?!”

Cradling the jumpsuit in her arms, Sora glared at him with teary eyes.

“Hey, you're the one who called it a quiz. Besides, we're both guys—sweat smell's not a big deal…”

“I do care! Ugh, I should've just thrown it in the laundry. Ginji, you dummy! I don't even want to talk to you anymore—just go home!”

“Huh? What about the quiz? What was the smell?”

“It was the oil! Drying oil in the drawer! And don't forget the painting!”

“R-right. Don't get so mad…”

“I dont know what you are talking about!”

With the painting shoved into his hands, Ginji was kicked out of the house. Standing outside the front door, he scratched his cheek.

“Sheesh… didn't think he'd get that upset… Well, I've got something to do tomorrow. Better head home.”

Ginji carefully cradled the painting and made his way home. Once there, he rummaged through his dad's closet and pulled out a suit.

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