𝙏𝙊𝙐𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙎 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙏𝙀𝘼𝙎𝙀𝙎 (𝙄𝙒𝘼𝙄𝙕𝙐𝙈𝙄 𝙓 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍) 18+

Chapter 33

It has been a week since your return to Japan, and so far, you're enjoying every moment.

The days have flown by in a blur of reunions, reconnecting with old friends, and spending time with family. But today is different. After a whirlwind of events, you finally have some time to yourself. It's the perfect opportunity to start the painting you've been thinking about—a meaningful gift for your friends before you leave again.

You carefully set up your space, organizing your brushes, paints, and canvas with meticulous attention. The process is oddly calming, grounding you in the moment. The last touch is turning up your music, letting it fill the room and push away the silence as you place your canvas on the easel and begin sketching.

Today just feels like a good day.

Hours slip by unnoticed as you become completely absorbed in your work. The outside world fades, leaving only the canvas, the brush, and your thoughts. But the spell is broken when your phone rings, pulling you back into reality. You search for the device, answer it after a few rings, and balance it between your shoulder and ear so you can continue working.

"Hello?" you greet absentmindedly, your eyes still focused on the canvas.

"Hey, it's Matsukawa," the familiar voice on the other end says.

"Oh, hey Matsun!" you respond, still not fully paying attention as you erase a mistake. "What's up?"

"Not much, you busy?" he asks casually.

You frown, trying to correct the error on your canvas. "Yeah, sure... wait, what did you say?"

Matsukawa chuckles on the other end, clearly amused. "I think that answers my question."

"Sorry, sorry! Just caught up in this silly drawing. I'm not really busy," you admit, attempting to refocus on the conversation. "What did you say again?"

Before he can respond, the doorbell rings. You glance toward your room door, feeling the pressure of multitasking, torn between the conversation, the unexpected visitor, and your canvas. "Hold on a sec, Matsun," you say quickly, heading downstairs.

As you reach the door, Matsukawa's voice fades into the background. Your attention shifts to the figure you recognize through the glass, and a smile spreads across your face. When you open the door, you're greeted by Iwaizumi, his gentle smile mirroring yours. His eyes flick to your phone, and he gives you a silent, questioning look.

You suddenly remember Matsukawa is still on the line. "Oh, Matsun! Sorry, I'm here."

"Still busy?" he teases, amusement evident in his voice.

"Nope, fully present," you assure him.

"So, is everything fine then?" he asks one more time.

"Yeah, that's no problem. Don't worry," you respond, eager to focus on what's in front of you.

"Good. See you then!" Matsukawa says, and you hear the click as he hangs up. His words catch you off guard.

"See you—what do you—hello?" You quickly reply, but he's already hung up. You finally turn your attention to Iwaizumi, who raises an eyebrow at you.

"Everything okay there?" he asks, clearly amused by your distracted state.

"Y-Yeah, just trying to juggle too many things at once," you reply with a small laugh. Then, eager to change the subject, you ask, "So, what's up?" The playful 'p' at the end adds a lighthearted touch.

He smiles, matching your energy. "I actually think I forgot my watch here again from last time," he jokes as he steps inside. You laugh, closing the door behind him and leaning against it.