The Writer Osamu FF

Chapter 38

Unfortunately, as always, the time with Dai had been far too short for Kaede. The couple only had a few hours to walk around the city and eat something before Dai had to get back on the train. Sometimes Kaede had the feeling that they were growing apart after seeing each other. Having a long-distance relationship was often exhausting in the long run, which was why she thought it was a miracle that they were still together anyway.

It was the beginning of the second year of high school and therefore the beginning of the second year of this long-distance relationship. It had been a little easier in middle school, as they had actually seen each other every day.

Dai was enrolled at Itachiyama High School, which was a private school in Tokyo Prefecture. A car ride took about seven hours, while the train ride took about five hours. This meant that Dai had to take the first train and almost the last train. Extremely exhausting when he had training at school again.

"How was the weekend with Dai?" Chika asked during the lunch break, which they were holding in the art club again today. Not because they all wanted to hide away, but because it was sometimes more pleasant to be among themselves. What's more, Kaede had a habit of sitting at the volleyball team's table. This always led to little quips and arguments with Atsumu.

"You can't really call it a weekend..." Kaede grumbled quietly to herself, resting her cheeks on her hands. "But we tried to enjoy the day despite everything."

"Sounds exhausting. I'm rather glad that I have some contact with Kenma while gambling." Chika admitted and finished her juice, which she had drawn from a vending machine. "As far as I know, Nekoma should also be taking part in the spring tournament. Maybe you'll see him there."

"I hadn't even thought of that!" the gray-haired woman said happily, her eyes shining and moist, which was more her luck. "But being a manager is really exhausting..."

"Then stop studying so much. As always, you put far too much pressure on yourself." Kaede reprimanded her best friend as usual. She had already tried to stop Chika from studying in her first year. Especially because she really did study every day and occasionally took the time to play games at home. A change of pace was really good for her. "I know..." Chika breathed out, because Kaede was right, as she often was.

"I'm done." Megumi intervened in the conversation, who had been busy drawing something in addition to eating. "Huh? With what?" Kaede asked, confused.

"With the cover for your novel." came a smile from the black-haired girl, who had somehow gained some confidence thanks to the volleyball team. There were still a few moments when she was really unsure, but she thought she was on the right track. As for the other students, however, that was another matter. Megumi still had a feeling about them that she couldn't quite describe.

It was as if she wasn't welcome and was a real outsider. If she didn't have Chika and Kaede by her side every day, she would probably be even more depressed and withdrawn than usual. But Atsumu also helped her, which was probably due to Kaede, who would otherwise throw something at him.

There were some students at secondary school who were very nice and helpful. At least if you didn't count the bullies, who also had Chika in their sights.

"What now?" Kaede asked, blinking, not sure if she had really understood the words. "You gave me a few excerpts and said that you wanted to address some topics. As I interpreted it, the cover is supposed to show something beautiful, but also mysterious." Megumi began to speak, completely forgetting her usual character trait.

Blinking briefly, Kaede and Chika looked at each other before looking back at Megumi, who was now totally in her own world. Almost as if Kaede was in hers.

"I don't know what topics you're all talking about. But many have something in common. You look for a place to retreat to. One that seems beautiful to everyone. A place where you can be happy, but also lonely. When I read the passages, I actually imagined such a place where I would like to retreat if someone were to get me down even more." Megumi explained further and pushed a piece of paper towards Kaede, who had her eyes fixed on it.

"Megumi this..." Kaede had no words for it. "It looks really nice!" said Chika, who had expressed her enthusiasm. "I'd buy your book in a heartbeat if I saw this cover on a bookshelf!" the girl grinned, while Kaede took the drawing in her hands and continued to look at it.