A Thousand Cranes for a Wish (USHIJIMA X OC)

Better than Roses

Umeko awkwardly stood in place making no move to push for a conversation, Ushijima managed to kill that possibility immediately much to her internal delight. As petty as it was, Umeko did feel a sense of gratification upon seeing Mitsuki's dumbfounded expression.

"Well, hm. It's going to be voting time soon so I was wondering if you four would like to see my art piece before then." Mitsuki pressed on, undeterred by her audience's lack of interest. "It'd make me really happy. Is it alright, Umeko?"

Umeko plastered on her best smile and pushed down her disagreements. If she was being completely honest with herself, she would rather not go see what Mitsuki had created. In fact, if she had it her way Umeko wouldn't have even spoken to Mitsuki. Unfortunately, she couldn't exactly refuse when Mitsuki put her on the spot. Umeko didn't want to come off as rude in front of the people who were actually her friends. Umeko bit back her complaints "Of course, it's alright."

Mitsuki led the group over to the opposite side of the room, she had created a large abstract piece called 'From Within'. The strokes of blacks, blues and greys filled the canvas with the exception of what seemed to look speckles of silver and gold. The stark contrast between the two extremes was divided in the center with a single jagged strip of white paint. The division was relatively thin but expanded once it reached the center. It was an interesting piece to say the least.

"Wow. It's a lot." Umeko was not one to find beauty in abstract art and she feared she may never fully understand why people liked it so much, but she would at least appreciate the effort of the critics who went out of their way to appreciate the style.

Mitsuki scoffed and stood with a smug look on her face. "I am a genius after all." Mitsuki handed three unfilled ballots to Umeko's friends -presumably to vote with- before she began gesturing to certain areas of her painting. "Do you see right here it is depicting the darkness, the pure misfortune one would have to encounter and these speckles here are the perfect representation of hope itself. With the thickening of the white paint in the center it shows the perseverance and inner strength that is within every single one of us."

Umeko wasn't sure if Mitsuki was just making this up as she went along or if she actually meant every word. Perhaps it was both. Either way it was clear to Umeko that Mitsuki was very proud of what she had accomplished.

"And when the whole piece is complete it creates just a beautiful symphony of despair, hope and tenacity." Mitsuki sighed then turned to face the group once more. "You all agree, right?"

"Hm?! Oh, yes totally. One hundred and ten percent." Tendou snapped out of his wandering thoughts. He -like Umeko- had no idea what the heck Mitsuki was going on about. Somewhere in the middle of her little spiel Tendou's thoughts went elsewhere.

"I'm glad you all understand my greatness. I thank you all in advance for the vote." Mitsuki giggled with a wink.

Thankfully, before anyone could respond, the announcer began talking through the intercom. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is time for us to collect the ballots. In an orderly manner please place your votes in the box. We will announce the results of the competition shortly. Thank you for your patience!"

- ----TWENTY MINUTES LATER-----

As promised, not too long after the announcement, the participants and their guests were ushered into a larger hall for the results. There was a stage in the front where the announcer and three seasoned judges stood. Assuming the event was going to be the same as the year prior, the winners would be brought on stage to receive their reward before taking their spot on the podium.

"Finally, it's what you have all been waiting for!" The announcer's actions remained as exaggerated as ever as he waved to the audience. He cleared his throat before he pulled out a single white envelope from the inside pocket of his suit. "Without further ado, let's get started." The announcer opened the envelope.