[Art Exhibition Stage, 8:00 P.M., Friday ]
Announcer: The winner of this year's GCU Spring Art Exhibition... Gale Silva!
*Gale stands there in disbelief as he registers the fact that Takumi put all his effort into something other than winning the bet he's made against him. Michi stands there as well, biting her lip, her eyes hidden under her hair. She shakes Gale's hand, looks to the crowd, and bows before stepping back. Only the cheers of the audience can be heard as Michi looks to Takumi, who also goes to shake Gale's hand. As the two shake hands, they lock eyes, both still not realizing what the results truly mean just yet. Takumi smiles to the audience before taking a last look at his painting of Michi and quietly walking away. Takumi passes by Michi, who finally looks up to watch him as he begins to exit the stage. Her eyes quickly snap to the seat her father had VIP reservations for, only to find it empty. Michi quickly scans the audience in search of her missing father. Kirumi concerningly watches Michi, who is turning her head in every direction in search of her father before finally giving up to pursue Takumi to the backroom in a rushed walk. Kirumi turns to Ella and nods in acknowledgment as the two stand up from their seats and quickly exit their row.*
Danny: Well this got interesting...
Joey: I'll be damned...
*Joey and Danny begin to clap with the audience.*
Gale: Wait, no, how!? *While the announcer crowns him, he looks towards Takumi.* Why, you! Taku-!
Announcer: A few words from the winner?
*Gale is handed a microphone, stopping him before he tries to chase Takumi. Gale turns forward to face the crowd as he puts on a facade. Gale acts happy while giving a half-hearted speech about how important this is to him while Danny and Joey clap with discontent faces.*
Gale: Well, I'd like to start by thanking all of you for attending this prestigious event- *His gaze wanders to Michi's back as she slowly pursues Takumi off to the right hand of the large stage. At the sight, he begins to speak a quicker.* and I couldn't have done it without the help of my amazing supporting studio and the art director Donny Telanova, again thank you. *He hastily hands the microphone over and begins speed walking towards the two leaving.*
Takumi: It reached her, I'm sure of it. But I guess this is the end, huh? *Remembering his wager with Gale.* I guess I'll have to try again next year if that's even possible.
Michi: *As she rushes off stage in hot pursuit of Takumi.* Where did father go?! Why did Takumi decide to paint that?!
[Backstage, 8:05 P.M., Friday]
Michi: Takumi! *Squeezing past multiple stagehands* Hey, wait! *Her past words come to her head, messing with her senses.*
Michi: *Her own surreal voice in her head.* I think what we need right now is some time apart.
*As this voice in her head recalls her words, the physical distance seems to grow between her and Takumi.*
Michi: *In her head* It's the best for both of us. I'm sorry, I'll be going now. *She slows down to a halt, while Takumi is called by a louder voice.*
Gale: TAKUMI! *Steamrolling past Michi and bumping into multiple people who try to step aside.*
*Michi stops and watches Gale as he flies by. He catches up to Takumi and grabs him by the collar. He proceeds to sling a fury of questions at his rival, who looks at him calmly, further enraging.*
Gale: What the hell was that, man!
Takumi: *Looking to the side, he tries avoiding eye contact.* I submitted my art piece, and you won fair and square. Now, can you let go of me? I have my side of the bet to tend to. You won't see me aga-
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Our Canvas
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...
