A Painters Fate- Otome Inspired Story

Susumu's Suprise

When I opened the door to the bar, the jingling sound of bells made everyone's heads turn up.

Co-workers: "Hey Nekko!"

Employee 2: "Looks like the queen has arrived!"

Waving I greeted everyone.

It's been about a week  since I started working at Tokyo Sakura and I've already made some friends.

I keep the secret of my real work to myself, as everyday I ask myself the same question:

What is missing from my art?

Making my way to the back of the bar I ran into Ryo.

Ryo: "Watch where your going, maid!"

Nekko: "You too! Pay attention when you walk!"

Ryo: "I should be talking to you! You the one that's always...!"

Ryo cut himself short when he looked at my bag.

I turned my head down to see what he was staring at.

Peeking through my bag was this weeks copy of "artists weekly"

Nekko: "Are you interested in art Ryo?"

Ryo stepped back with a shocked face.

Ryo: "No! No not at all!"

Then he shoved past me towards the kitchen, bumping a table along the way.

Ryo: "Dammit!"

Nekko: "Pfftt!"

Tall people must be really clumsy.

My new friend Amina came over to me.

She has been giving me pointers as a new worker.

Amina: "The King sure is a handful isn't he!"

I laughed.

Nekko: "He sure is. At least he does some of the cleaning now before the bar opens."

Amina: "Haha! You know Nekko, everyone's saying you have special powers! Nobody else could ever make the king step down from his throne."

Well all I had to do stand up and talk some sense into him. Sure. It was blackmail... still an accomplishment.

Amina: "Whatever the reason, your amazing Nekko! We don't feel as bossed around anymore! You really are fit to be queen!"

We both laughed again.

Then susumu walked in the room.

*clap! Clap! Clap!*

Susumu was getting our attention.

Susumu: "Ok my beloved employees ! I have an announcement!"

Everyone turned to face Susumu.

Ryo poked his head out of the kitchen.

Susumu: "My friend just gave me 3 tickets to Miki Takashi's painting exhibition  Saturday! Would anybody like to go?"

Whispers flooded the room.

Employee 3: "I have no interest in art..."

Employee 1:"What a random thing to give out."

Miki Takashi?! She paints with such calm and colorful work, and was one of my inspirations to continue painting when I was young!

Nekko: "Susumu I would love to go!"

Susumu: "Alright! Nekko! Who else?"

Then a shout echoed in the  the room.

Voice: "Me!"

All eyes turned towards the noise.

Ryo wants to go too?!

I though back to how Ryo was staring at my copy of artists weekly.

I knew he had an interest in art!

Susumu: "Ok Nekko, Ryo, and one more person! Sadly I cannot go."

His eyes fell on Amina as if planned.

Amina stepped forward.

Amina: "I don't know much about art but, I think it will be fun! Right Nekko?"

Nekko: "Yes!"

I smiled at Ryo teasingly and he turned his head away.

Don't try to hide the pink in your ears Ryo! I knew you were interested in art, This is going to be fun!

As much as I hate this guy, learning we have at least one thing in common makes my heart jump at the thought.

Nervous excitement of coarse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Who knew that Ryo actually liked art. Maybe this will change Nekko's perception of him?（＾∇＾）
Let's find out tomorrow.
-Hanny