[Balcony of Cerise Manor, 9:05 P.M., Tuesday]
*Takumi watches as Michi walks up to the edge of the balcony and peers over. Takumi, taking in the comforting presence of Michi for just a moment, decides to join her. As the two look up to the stars, Takumi steals a couple of glances at Michi. Just below them in the backyard, more party guests mingle about as more and more people gather around a group of boys fiddling around with fireworks.
Takumi: *While still looking up.* Hey, Michi.
Michi: *Leaning on the railing.* Yeah?
Takumi: I think I need to say this, and I don't really know how to go about it- but I think I really see you as, as a-
Michi: A replacement? *She turns around to look at him.*
Takumi: *Caught by surprise, he steps back.* No, wait- How did you-
Michi: I overheard you on the phone. I'm sorry, I hid the fact to try and enjoy the party. I didn't want to ruin the mood... *She turns to Takumi and pauses.* Is it true?
Takumi: *He recalls the moment he saw Michi as Hanako during his performance, and he clenches his fists.* I... No...
*Fireworks begin to launch to the side of the mansion as various colors shine on their silhouettes.*
Michi: You see Hanako in me, right? *Her grip tightens on the railing.*
Takumi: No! I mean... It did happen, but you're you!
Michi: Takumi, I know we've grown kind of close lately but I thought I'd be more to you than just something to fill the hole she left. *Her hands begin to tremble.* It's been tearing me apart ever since I heard you say it. Are we really that similar? Is that why you opened up to me? *She looks at Takumi with a sad expression.* I thought you were genuinely interested... Hearing that hurt, but... *Her hands loosen on the railing.* something makes me want to continue to come back to you. I've never felt like this with a guy before, I guess this is what it's like...
Takumi: *In his head, the phrase "come back to you" echoes in his head. He turns to look at Michi, and sees Hanako again for a brief moment.* *out loud* Han- Michi! *He corrects himself too late.*
*Michi's eyes dim at the mistake, and she turns away to look once more at the fireworks bursting in the sky.*
Michi: Colorless...
Takumi: You're not her! Michi, you can't replace her, I-
*Takumi is cut off by yelling from below as the fireworks continue to sound off. Takumi quickly flicks his eyes over for a moment before spotting Joey confronting a couple of suspicious-looking people dressed in black hoodies further down the street.*
Takumi: J-Joey? I'm sorry Michi, I... I have to go!
Michi: Wait!
*Michi attempts to reach out for Takumi as he begins to run off but just barely misses his arm. Confused, Michi goes over to the edge and looks down to find what he saw, but behind Joey is Kirumi as well. Michi begins to chase after Takumi as the two run through the building. Takumi is slowed by the bustling crows of partygoers. As he rushes down a flight of stairs, he spots both Cara and Ashlyn.*
Cara: *Trying to grab Ashlyn.* H-but Babyyy, Cmun jusht wun more! Wer mishing the firewurks!
Ashlyn: *Holding a plastic red cup, trying to keep it out of Cara's hands.* No! Stop it! That's like the tenth one in the past 30 minutes you idiot! Let's go!
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RomanceTakumi Seifude has been considered Vermillia's biggest upcoming art prodigy all of his youth. That is, until his first romantic tragedy leads to a downward spiral of lackluster work. Now entering his second semester at the lively Golden Coast Univer...
