Chapter Text
The room was dimly lit, the soft yellow glow coming from the several lamps provided just enough light to see the surrounding details. A dark brownish wood made up the walls and floors of the room, with several tables, stools, easels and drawers filling the space. Splatters of paint stained the floors, with scraps of papers and canvas also littering the ground.
It was both familiar yet new, to Shinonome Ena, the space she found herself in. For one it was reminiscent of her room in the Sekai, appearing as a painting studio. Though the space was much larger than the one she was used to, and as she explored the place she found paintings that she did not create mixed in with ones she did. Many of which seemed more akin to memories than painting pieces, ranging from happy and cheerful memories to ones that held a bit of sorrow and negativity. But all of them were of pivotal and important moments in her life.
She continued to move along, deeper into what seemed to be the never ending studio space. Each step she took sent a slight echo throughout the space. If it wasn’t for the fact that she wasn’t chilly or cold, she would’ve been more afraid of delving deeper into the space. If anything, it was a bit warm, inviting even. Like a kotatsu in the middle of a freezing winter night.
Eventually the never ending hall finally seemed to come to an end, reaching a wall with an easel positioned right in front of it. A plain, white, empty canvas sat on the easel. And with that, the urge to paint ran through Ena, if only she had the brushes and paint to do so… Still she reached her hand out to the canvas.
“You’ve made your choice right?” A voice, so clearly familiar to her, came from behind Ena, stopping her hand in its tracks. Instead she turned to see who or where the voice was coming.
A young woman, well at least younger than Ena herself, was sat in a chair, one leg over the other, her arms crossed. Her brunette bangs covered her eyes, not letting Ena see the exact expression on the woman’s face, but judging from the way her lips pursed, the girl seemed almost judgemental of her.
“I have…” Ena nodded, now facing the girl, who seemed to be the spitting image of a younger version of herself.
“I’m surprised. You seem much calmer than I would’ve expected considering the major decision you’re about to make.”
“I’ve matured. Isn’t that what you wanted as the more ‘perfect’ version of myself? Be less rash, less abrasive, less immature.”
“Mm… sure. But I think you’re just lying to yourself,” The girl’s lips broke into a smirk, “Afterall, that canvas is still blank. Meaning that whatever decision you think you’re going to make, you haven’t committed to it yet.”
“It’ll be painted soon. I just haven’t gotten to it yet.”
“Sure. Keep telling yourself that.” The girl got up from her chair, and turned the other direction, her back now facing Ena. With a step forward, she turned back for a moment, giving her an almost devilish grin. “Whatever your final decision you make, I sure hope you can live with it.”
And with that, the girl kept walking down the hall, further and further until she seemed to disappear all together. Ena turned back to face the empty, blank canvas. The pure solid white of it almost felt like a mirror, capable of reflecting her own appearance on it. She almost didn’t want to ruin it, but she had to.
Her hands were a bit shaky, uncertain of what to do next. What to paint next of that pristine blank canvas. It wasn’t the first time she had felt this hesitance, this uncertainty before. It was familiar, as much as she hated to admit that fact. But even with this familiarity, Ena felt that this time the feeling was much stronger, more overwhelming than any other time she had felt it.
Though, despite this almost crippling, overwhelming hesitance that threatened to drown her psyche she knew she had to move forward. To put paint on canvas even if she wasn’t sure that she had chosen the right colors or brushes for the job. Even if she wasn’t sure that she had picked the right image or scene to paint. She had to paint what she picked.
But still there was that thought echoing in the back of her mind. The voice of doubt asking just one thing; This… this is the best choice right?
No… it didn’t matter if this was the best choice or not. It was the only choice if she wanted to move forward.
—
Ena’s eyes fluttered open, still adjusting to the gentle light that leaked past the curtains. Rubbing her eyes with one arm to wipe the grogginess away, she sat up in her bed reaching for her phone that sat on a nightstand.
The time read eleven in the morning, which was actually a bit earlier than Ena was used to. But she’d been making the effort to wake up at a more socially acceptable time, and she was making progress even if the process was miserable. And below the time, was a message that caused her to roll her eyes a bit.
Idiot (Amia) <3: Good morning (well noon ig when ur reading this) Enanan~ Ur coming over later tonight right???
Even now, somehow Mizuki never ceased to find a way to annoy or tease Ena. Though, it’s not that she hated it. The last couple months since they had started dating were at the very least, not boring in the slightest. Mizuki would always pester her about going places, like to shopping malls or cafes around Tokyo. And recently, Mizuki had saved up enough for a car, even outside of the city.
Every weekend it was as if Ena found themselves in a new store or cafe, which was a pretty stark difference to how she was living beforehand, spending most of her freetime in the studio or at home. Despite being dragged around from place to place, by that idiot, she enjoyed it.
Mizuki made every moment with her not boring. That’s just how she was, energetic, fun, and cute of course. Infuriatingly cute really. And she was also surprisingly thoughtful, well when she wasn’t constantly teasing and annoying her. But hey, that was a part of the Akiyama Mizuki package.
Anyways, it looks like the message was sent a couple of hours ago while she was still asleep. Well jokes on her, she managed to wake up before noon today!
Ena: HAH I woke up before noon, so eat your words! And yeah, I’ll see you later.
Ok with that out of the way, Ena slipped the phone into the pocket of her shorts and pulled herself out of bed. Sure she would’ve loved to stay in bed for another ten-twenty-forty minutes but it was probably a good idea to do something productive before work. Like tidying up the place.
Looking around, her room was a bit of a mess, with partially packed moving boxes and personal belongings sort of left everywhere. Sure Ena wasn’t the most organized person, at least compared to some of the people she knew, but even this was pretty bad for her standards. But considering how she’s been splitting her time here at Akito’s apartment and Mizuki’s apartment, it was a bit more reasonable as to how unorganized everything was.
She had been set to move in with Mizuki a couple of weeks ago, but Akito and his music group, Vivid Bad Squad, had a tour overseas. And so, she had to pivot her plans to effectively housesit and maintain her little brother’s apartment. She also decided to take some shifts at Weekend Garage to help since Akito and An were going to be gone for a while. That was the primary reason for her making the effort to wake up earlier.
At this point she had a bit of a morning routine when she was over at Akito’s. Wake up, make some breakfast, usually pancakes, make sure the living room, bathroom, and Akito’s room were tidy enough, then attempt to organize the mess of her own room. The latter part would honestly not be so difficult she could just move most, or even half of her stuff to Mizuki’s place, but seeing as she still spent most of the week at Akito’s it just didn’t make sense logistically.
The moment he got back from overseas, Ena was planning on immediately moving. Well, maybe not immediately but pretty damn close to that. She just had to wait around two more months until then.
Ena checked the time one more time to check how much time she had until her shift at Weekend Garage. Just around two hours until she needed to be there. Cooking pancakes would take just about twenty or so minutes, and getting ready around thirty, and the commute about fifteen. So that leaves her about fifty minutes to do some organizing.
Alright, with that plan set, Ena stepped out of the room to get the day started.
—
Working at Weekend Garage really gave Ena a new respect for baristas and people who work at cafes. They had to juggle making the drinks quickly without compromising quality. It took a couple of shifts for her to do so efficiently, thankfully Ken was pretty patient with her. Also the little cheat sheet that An had created for all of the drinks on the menu and the usual orders of the regulars was extremely helpful too.
At this point, she was basically a pro at this whole barista thing. Maybe she could make this a more permanent thing even after An got back from their tour. Ena loved the smell of coffee, the cafe itself was nice and comfy, and the usual customers were all also extremely kind too since most of them were people either familiar or a part of Vivid Street.
Today’s shift wasn’t all too busy or hectic, it was actually a relatively slow day. Pretty chill and relaxing. From the stories she heard from An and Akito, working during a rush hour, or rush day, seemed like hell. Thankfully, she hasn’t had to work during one of those rushes yet, but she dreaded the day she would.
With the day winding down, approaching sunset, and the closing hour of the cafe, Ena was making sure everything was clean and tidy. The mugs, cups, and mixers were washed and cleaned. The baked goods were all stored away for the next day. She had already wiped down the counters and tables, so all that was left was to sweep the floor. No problem at all.
She stepped into the backroom for a moment to grab a broom and dustpan, and while she was back there, there was a bell chime. Stepping outside, Ena was greeted with who would probably be the final customer for the day.
“Wow, a rare sight. Shinonome Ena cleaning.”
“Oi, fuck off we’re closed,” Ena said, as she began to sweep the area, not even nothering to look at the other woman who had just entered.
“Man, is that what you call customer service? For someone like me, I expect top notch quality.” There was a smugness in the woman’s voice that caused Ena to roll her eyes.
“I don’t give a shit if you’re an idol, Airi, we’re closed. No special privileges”
“Fine, fine, you’re no fun… I wasn’t planning on ordering anything anyways.” Airi walked over to a table and took a seat.
Ena perked her head up, “Ok then why’re you here?”
“Wow, what’s wrong with a girl just wanting to see her best friend?” The idol pouted, “Oh wait. Don’t tell me you replaced me with Mizuki! Damn Ena, that’s cold even for you.”
“Oh shut up, I didn’t replace anyone.” Ena set the broom down, leaning against the counter before walking over to Airi’s table, taking a seat across from her. “And for your information, Mizuki is in her own separate category.”
“Oh I know,” A devilish smile appeared on her face, one that Ena recognized as dangerous from experience. “I bet you two get up to some crazy shit huh? I knew it, she seemed like the type.”
“Huh?! What no!” Ena immediately retaliated.
“What? No judgement. We both know I can’t say shit, otherwise I’d be a hypocrite.” She raised her hands shaking her head.
“God yeah I know. And I wish I didn’t.” Ena pinched the bridge of her nose with a slight grimace. “There are some things that I think even best friends shouldn’t know about each other, Airi.
“Hey, I’ve no shame. There’s weirder and crazier shit on the internet, you should know as an artist.”
“Ugh… yeah…” Ena shuddered, “You know, sometimes I think it’s a miracle you’re still an idol.”
“Eh, it’s all about knowing how to play the game of publicity and media. And I so happen to be a master at it,” She shrugged.
“Right…” Ena sighs, “Anyways, Airi. I’ll have you know, Mizuki and I have a nice, wholesome relationship.”
“You know saying that makes you sound even more sus right?”
“Shut the fuck up! Just so you know, we don’t even sleep in the same bed.”
That caused the idol to raise a brow, “You two have been dating for almost five months and… wait you said she as a one bedroom apartment, how the fuck does that work out when you sleep overnight there?”
“She got a separate futon that she sleeps on, and she lets me use her bed.” Ena states plainly.
“Why?”
“It’s… it’s complicated and kind of personal, but basically we’ve been taking it slow with stuff…” Yeah that was probably the best way to explain it without telling her the full story of Mizuki’s past. Thanks to that trauma she experienced, she had always been hesitant with intimacy. Though, she’s been getting a lot better recently, which was good for her.
“Ok. I won’t press, and respect it.”
“Thanks. But yeah, that’s also kind of the reason why I haven’t fully moved in yet either.”
“But ya’ll are looking for a new place right?”
“Yup… well we’re trying to save up the money first and then get a new place. Hopefully somewhere that isn’t too far.”
“Awww, is that because you’d miss me?”
“No,” Ena deadpanned. “It’s because Mizuki is thinking on continuing to work with Phoenix Wonderlands and the WonderStage as a costume designer.”
“Wait, what about her sister’s company? Are you saying she’s gonna be working two major jobs like that?”
“She’s a workaholic.”
“So, opposite of you?”
“You bitch.” She said under her breath.
“Well good luck to her on that. You better support her.” The idol pointed a finger gun at her with an overly forced grave look. “Or else…”
“What do you take me for? Of course I will, dumbass.”
“Good, good…” Airi lowered her hand, placing it on the table. Her fingers rhythmically tapping the wood. “Oh actually on the topic of work, how’s it going on your side of things?”
“My side? Well, I mean I’ve been working here at Weekend Garage.”
“You know that’s not what I meant you ass. I mean how’s the art stuff going?”
Ah… right…
That question stunned Ena for a moment. She wasn’t entirely sure how to answer that question without causing Airi to freak out and start spiraling in worry like she normally did. Choosing to dodge it could only make things worse if she found out another way. But straight up telling her was also likely to get a volatile reaction out of her too.
It was a dilemma she sort of hoped she wouldn’t have to face, or at least not this soon. But somehow, Airi always had the worst timing for stuff like this. It almost seemed like a superpower that she had to sense when Ena had something major on her mind like this.
After some more thought that felt like hours, which was probably just a couple of seconds in real time, Ena landed on what to do. Honesty here was probably best. Like ripping off a bandage quickly and in one swift go.
“Hello Ena???” Airi was now waving her hand in her face as she snapped out of her internal debate.
“Sorry, just thinking.”
“Ok and thinking about what? My question? Girl, it’s not that hard of a thing to answer.”
“It kind of is, I think, given the circumstances.”
“Uhuh? And how is that so?” Airi crossed her arms and sat back in her chair. Brows raised, her eyes eager to and expecting for some explanation.
Ena took a breath, closing her eyes for a moment. A millisecond of reflection occurring at the same time. This was the right choice right? Yeah, it was the only choice she could make to move forward with her life.
“I’m quitting art.”