Chase more sunsets with you

Chapter 3

Carl's POV

The next day, as I walked toward the Sunken Garden, the familiar rhythm of the campus buzzed around me. The sun was still high, but the promise of another evening in the garden with Haruki made the heat seem less oppressive. I carried a small bag with a few painting supplies, something I thought might add a new dimension to our time together.

The campus was alive with students going about their day, chatting, studying, and enjoying the brief respite from their academic responsibilities. As I approached the garden, I saw Haruki already waiting under the same large tree where we had met the day before. He was seated on the grass, looking up at the sky with a contemplative expression.

I waved as I neared, and his face brightened when he saw me. "Carl! You're early today."

"Yeah, I thought I'd get a head start," I said, smiling. I sat down beside him, setting the bag of supplies on the grass. "I brought some things with me today. Thought it might be fun to try something different."

Haruki's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What did you bring?"

I opened the bag to reveal a few sketchbooks, colored pencils, and watercolors. "Just some basic art supplies. I figured since we're here in such a beautiful spot, why not try to capture it?"

Haruki's eyes widened in genuine interest. "That sounds wonderful. I've always wanted to try painting, but I never really had the chance."

"Well, today might be your lucky day," I said, handing him a sketchbook and a few pencils. "I'm no expert, but I can give you a few pointers if you want."

He took the sketchbook with a smile. "I'd love that. I'm excited to see what I can come up with."

We settled down under the tree, the sun casting dappled shadows around us. Haruki seemed eager to get started, his hands moving carefully as he sketched the landscape. I watched him for a moment, feeling a sense of satisfaction at seeing him so engaged.

"So," I began, trying to ease into our conversation, "how's your experience in the Philippines been so far? Any surprises or challenges?"

Haruki paused his sketching, looking thoughtful. "It's been a mix of both. The people here are incredibly friendly, but I've struggled a bit with feeling out of place. It's different from what I'm used to, and sometimes that's overwhelming."

I nodded, understanding his feelings. "I get that. Moving to a new place can be tough. It's like you're trying to fit into a new puzzle, and sometimes the pieces just don't seem to align."

"Exactly," he said, his eyes meeting mine. "But moments like these make it easier. Being here with you, talking and doing something creative—it helps."

I felt a warm glow at his words. "I'm glad to hear that. I was actually hoping to talk more about what you've been through, if you're comfortable sharing."

Haruki seemed to appreciate the openness. "Sure. I think it's important to talk about these things."

As he spoke, the conversation turned more introspective. Haruki shared his experiences growing up in Japan, the expectations his parents had for him, and the internal struggle he faced with those expectations. It became clear that, despite his outward calm, there was a lot of uncertainty about his future.

"My parents sent me here to help me become more independent," he explained. "They think it will make me more capable and prepared for whatever comes next. But sometimes, I wonder if I'm just running away from what I'm really meant to do."

I listened intently, feeling a deep sense of empathy. "It sounds like you're in a tough spot, caught between what you want and what others expect of you. That's never easy."

Haruki nodded. "Yes, and it's difficult to know what direction to take when you feel pulled in different ways. I admire your clarity about your passion for art. It seems like you know what you want."

I smiled, though it was bittersweet. "It's been a journey to get here. Art has always been a part of me, something that helps me understand the world and myself. But it hasn't always been easy. There are days when I doubt whether I'm on the right path."

We fell into a comfortable silence as we continued to sketch, the sound of our pencils moving across paper mingling with the ambient sounds of the garden. The light was gradually softening, casting a gentle glow over the landscape. Haruki's sketch was taking shape, capturing the essence of the garden in a way that was both detailed and expressive.

"Do you have any favorite artists or styles?" he asked, glancing up from his work.

I thought for a moment before answering. "I've always been drawn to impressionism. There's something about the way it captures fleeting moments, the play of light and color. It feels alive, in a way."

Haruki's eyes brightened. "I've read a bit about impressionism. It's fascinating how it can convey so much with so little."

"Exactly," I said, nodding. "It's about capturing the feeling of a moment, not just the physical details. I think that's what I love most about it."

We continued to talk about art, our conversation flowing naturally as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Haruki's sketch began to take on a life of its own, and I could see the enthusiasm in his work. It was clear that he had a natural talent, and I felt a growing sense of admiration for him.

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with shades of orange and pink, I decided it was time to add a little something to our session. I reached into my bag and pulled out a few watercolors. "I thought it might be nice to add a splash of color to our sketches."

Haruki's eyes lit up. "That sounds fantastic. I've never used watercolors before."

I handed him a set of paints and a brush. "It's really fun to experiment with. Just go with the flow, and don't worry too much about making it perfect."

He took the materials with a look of excitement and curiosity. "I'll give it a try."

We spent the next hour painting together, the garden bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Haruki's strokes were tentative at first, but soon he found his rhythm. We shared tips and encouraged each other, our laughter and light-hearted banter blending with the sounds of the garden.

"This is amazing," Haruki said, his face glowing with the satisfaction of creating something. "I never imagined I'd be doing something like this."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," I said, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "There's something special about creating art in a place like this."

As the final light of the day faded, we packed up our supplies, our sketches and paintings tucked carefully into our bags. Haruki looked at his work with a mixture of pride and wonder.

"I didn't expect to enjoy this so much," he admitted. "Thank you for introducing me to it."

I smiled, feeling a warmth in my chest. "You're welcome. I'm glad we could share this experience."

We stood up and began to leave the garden, the sky now a deep blue dotted with stars. The evening air was cooler, and the sounds of the city began to filter back in as we made our way toward the campus.

"I'm looking forward to our next meeting," Haruki said, his eyes reflecting the light of the stars.

"Me too," I replied, feeling a sense of anticipation. "We'll have to find new places to explore and new things to try."

As we walked together, I felt a growing sense of connection with Haruki. Our conversations, our shared interests, and our creative endeavors had brought us closer, and I couldn't help but look forward to the many more moments we'd share in the days ahead.