Chapter 6 : Everyone's Masterpiece

(Before Aoi took Yuki out for a walk, Misaki was still working on the mural. Kaito, the lazy genius, meets Misaki on the way before Yuki.)

"It's not enough... I'm running out of time, and it still doesn't feel like me. Or us."

Tired and overwhelmed, she grabs her paintbrush but hesitates before making another stroke. The exhaustion from balancing her responsibilities and her own emotional turmoil has caught up with her. She feels a sense of pressure—not just from the approaching deadline but from the expectations of others, including herself.

Just then, Kaito, on the way to meet Yuki before her grand performance, strolls around where Misaki was working on her Mural.

"Still staring at that thing, huh? Looks good to me." mumbled Kaito.

Misaki, sighing, "It's... not finished. I don't know what it's missing, but I feel like I can't put my heart into it."

"Maybe you're overthinking it. You're so good at this, Misaki. Maybe you need to let it be. Art doesn't always have to be perfect, right?"

"It's not about perfection, Kaito. It's about meaning. I want this mural to be more than just art—it needs to say something, to feel like it represents all of us."

Kaito goes quiet, which surprises Misaki. He's rarely this serious.

After some time, when Haruto was going to meet Yuki before her performance, he observed Misaki, rolling the paintbrush around the wall. He knows she's been working herself to the bone for the mural, and he can see the tiredness in her eyes. He's always admired Misaki's dedication, but lately, he's worried she's pushing herself too hard.

"Misaki, are you sure you don't want help? I mean, I know I'm not an artist, but I can run errands, get supplies, whatever you need." Haruto adviced.

Misaki (smiling weakly) said, "Thanks, Haruto. But I need to figure this out myself."

"You're trying to say something with this mural, right? Something about us, about the group. Maybe we can help you find what's missing."

There's a pause as Misaki considers his words. She's so used to handling things on her own, but she realizes that maybe Haruto is right—maybe the heart of the mural isn't something she can create alone.

"Thanks for your concern, Haruto. But, maybe... I have figured it out. Yes, I'm an artist."

With the mindset she had, Haruto thought that it would be best to do what she wants.

Although by the time of cultural events started, she somehow managed to complete the mural, but still, had doubts about it. But little did she know that, her friends were planning a surprise for her.

It was Haruto's idea. To Yuki, Aoi and Kaito, Haruto said,  "What if we each add something? Just a small part of ourselves. It could be a color, a shape, anything that reminds us of our time together." There's a silence as everyone processes his suggestion. Then, one by one, they all agree. They each take a paintbrush and contribute something to the mural.

Haruto adds bold, sweeping strokes of red—representing his strength and passion.

Aoi paints delicate, interconnected lines, symbolizing the way their lives have become intertwined.

Yuki, with trembling hands, paints soft or light blue, reflecting the vulnerability and quiet strength she's learned to embrace.

Kaito, filled with laziness, adds a splash of unexpected color—vibrant, chaotic, yet somehow fitting perfectly.

As Yuki's performance was nearing, as soon as the people and students came to the school, Misaki's mural was already the hot spot of the event. Every person around her mural, even Misaki realized why it became a hot spot. The uniqueness of that mural was about the color strokes the 4 of them added, representing themselves. Realizing this, Misaki, cutting through the crowd, took the paintbrush and adds the last stroke, bringing everyone together.

Just a few moments after this, while everyone was settling in the auditorium, Yuki's friends wished her the best one last time before her performance. The group gathers in the auditorium to support Yuki, whose musical performance has become another highlight of the festival. She's nervous, but Misaki's mural, and the support of her friends, has given her strength. As Yuki takes the stage, she glances back at Misaki, Aoi, Haruto, and Kaito, who offer her a reassuring nod and a thumbs up.

Yuki begins her performance, her voice trembling at first but gaining confidence with each note. As the music fills the room, the 4 of them closed their eyes, letting the melody wash over them. At that moment, they realize something important about the mural's heart.

The mural, just like Yuki's music, isn't a static work. It's alive, filled with the emotions, dreams, and growth of everyone involved. It reflects the way they've all changed, and the way they'll keep changing as they move forward.

As Yuki's song reaches its final note, the audience bursts into applause. Yuki beams, her face flushed with a mixture of pride and relief. She runs offstage, and the group surrounds her with cheers and congratulations.

Misaki (grinning): "You were amazing, Yuki!"

Haruto (clapping her on the back): "Told you you'd be great."

Aoi (smiling softly): "I knew you had it in you."

Kaito (with a carefree smile): "Looks like there was no need to distract the audience."

Everyone burst into laughter listening to this.

Yuki (smiling): "Your mural... it gave me strength. Knowing that we're all in this together."

As the first day winds down, in the evening, the group lingers in the yard one last time, standing in front of the mural. The light from the setting sun casts a warm glow over the artwork, making the colors seem to glitter. Kaito, yawning, "So... what's next? Another mural? A sculpture? Maybe we'll all get famous together."

Everyone laughs, but there's an undercurrent of truth to Kaito's question. Their hurdles may be over, but their journey isn't. The mural might be finished, Yuki might have overcome her stage fear, but their story is far from complete.

"Whatever happens next, we'll figure it out together." stated Haruto.

Everyone nods, feeling the weight of those words. They know there will be more challenges ahead, and more uncertainty. But for now, in this moment, they feel a deep sense of peace. All of them looked at the mural one last time, seeing the contributions of everyone around. It's imperfect, and messy, but beautiful at the same time, just like their lives.

While still people were leaving the school, some visitors came again to see the mural.

Visitor 1: "Look at how the colors blend together. It's like it's telling a story, but you can't quite pin down what it is."

"Visitor 2 (nodding): "I think that's the point. It's supposed to be different for everyone. Like... we all see it through our own experiences."

Haruto, standing next to Misaki, nudges her gently. "You hear that? It's a hit."

Misaki smiles. "It's strange... hearing people talk about it. I didn't think I'd feel so exposed."

"You poured your heart into this. Of course, it feels personal. But that's what makes it special." Haruto says it with a gentle and kind smile.

Kaito teases Misaki, "See? You're basically famous now. Better start practicing your autograph."

Misaki rolls her eyes but can't help laughing. The tension she's been carrying for weeks finally starts to melt away, replaced by a sense of fulfillment.

The cultural festival stretches over 3 days.

With nothing to do on the second day, the 5 of them decided to hang out together during the festival.

The next day...

"Whaaaaaaaattt?????? Aoiii.... you are an anonymous author who writes stories online?"

"Yeah...", revealed Aoi.

To be continued....