All Beautiful Girls Want to Stick with Me

When they arrived at the art clubroom, they found that Hibiki Naegi had already arrived and set up her painting tools.

"Afternoon, you two! I didn't expect you to get here so quickly," Hibiki said with a smile, setting her paintbrush aside as she greeted Kotomi and Mashiro Shiina.

"Good afternoon, Naegi-senpai," Kotomi replied.

"Afternoon," Mashiro echoed, mimicking Kotomi's tone before heading straight to her easel. She silently adjusted her tools and quickly entered a state of intense focus, completely absorbed in her work.

"Every time I see Mashiro get into this state so effortlessly, shutting out the world and focusing solely on her painting, I can't help but feel envious—and a little inadequate," Hibiki remarked, sighing lightly. "Honestly, Mashiro's ability to concentrate and adjust so quickly puts me to shame as the art club president. I might as well hand the presidency over to her next year!"

"Art club president?" Mashiro tilted her head slightly before refusing without hesitation, "That sounds troublesome. I don't want to do it."

"Ah... Mashiro, are you someone who dislikes trouble?" Hibiki sighed again, this time more dejectedly.

Kotomi also let out a small sigh. Hibiki had previously mentioned wanting her to take over as the next president of the art club. But Kotomi wasn't interested either. She'd just thought that if Hibiki decided to pass the baton to Mashiro instead, she could finally relax and not worry about being "forced" into the role during her second year.

But it turned out Mashiro, like herself, had no ambition to become the art club president and wasn't keen on taking the position either.

"Ah... If Mashiro won't do it, and Kotomi doesn't want to either, does this mean the art club presidency will meet its end during my term? How will I face the spirits of all the past art club presidents?" Hibiki lamented dramatically, tilting her head toward the ceiling.

"Um... even the very first art club president probably isn't old enough to be deceased yet, right? Why are you talking about them as if they're spirits now?" Kotomi retorted, her voice tinged with helplessness.

If any of the previous art club presidents overheard Hibiki's comment, they would probably turn pale with anger. Suddenly being called "spirits" for no reason would definitely rub them the wrong way. Kotomi couldn't help but chuckle to herself at the thought.

As much as she wanted to point this out, the world they lived in didn't have Fate or FGO, so the joke would've flown over Hibiki's head anyway.

That said, speaking of FGO, Kotomi was already planning to develop it as a flagship project once her envisioned game company, Type-Moon Boundary, became a reality. However, at this point, Type-Moon Boundary was still just a dream. At the very least, she didn't yet have sufficient funds to make it happen.

Startup capital wasn't just about opening the company; it also needed to sustain the business through a period of operating expenses with no incoming revenue, all the way until the first game release.

Even without meticulously breaking down the costs, Kotomi could already feel the overwhelming pressure of needing money. It was a daunting challenge.

You've got this, Kotomi! The road to founding your game company is still long, but you'll get there.

Gulp gulp gulp—

Mashiro's hand paused for a moment, lifting her water bottle to her lips as she drank with a serene rhythm. Meanwhile, Kotomi found herself staring at the paper she'd been absentmindedly doodling on, lost in thoughts of her ambitious future.

The air in the art clubroom was filled with the faint scent of paint and the quiet scratch of Hibiki's brush against her canvas. The occasional sound of pages turning or tools being adjusted punctuated the tranquil scene.

Kotomi glanced at the flyer again, her thoughts shifting back to the upcoming Kyoto exhibition. The realization of how close the event was sent a mixture of excitement and nervousness coursing through her. But one thing was clear—this was another small step toward achieving her dreams. She clenched her fist slightly in resolve, the soundless gesture going unnoticed by the others.

I'll prove myself, she thought, glancing at Mashiro, who was utterly engrossed in her work. A small smile crept onto her face. And maybe along the way, I'll make sure we both leave a mark on this world.

Kotomi finished off her can of Pepsi in one go, then returned to her easel to adjust her painting tools.

"By the way, did Hiratsuka-sensei tell you that the first phase of the exhibition will be held at the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto?" Hibiki Naegi asked.

"She did, and she gave us the announcement forms too," Kotomi replied.

Mashiro remained fully focused on her painting, as she rarely spoke to others unless Kotomi initiated the conversation.

"I heard that if your artwork gets selected for the first exhibition, you can enjoy a free three-day, two-night trip to Kyoto! The University of Tokyo will cover the round-trip tickets and hotel accommodations for the entire duration," Hibiki said excitedly.

This was news to both Kotomi and Mashiro—even Hiratsuka-sensei hadn't mentioned it.

"Really? If that's true, Tokyo University and Kyoto University are being incredibly generous," Kotomi exclaimed in surprise.

Although Mashiro didn't say anything, her painting hand slowed slightly, her ears clearly attuned to the conversation.

"Absolutely. Any student whose work is chosen for the exhibition—whether for the upcoming first phase or any subsequent phases—will be invited to the museum's location.

"Travel expenses and hotel costs are fully covered. Once there, students are free to explore the museum or visit local attractions. The only requirements are attending roll calls in the hotel lobby every morning and evening. Other than that, it's entirely up to you how you spend your time."

Hibiki explained, her joy evident. After all, if her work were selected, she could look forward to an exciting trip to Kyoto.

The mere thought of the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, the scenic Okazaki Park, the iconic cherry blossoms, and the majestic Okazaki Castle filled Hibiki's face with anticipation.

"Well, Naegi-senpai, if you're thinking of seeing the cherry blossoms in Okazaki Park, I'd advise against it," Kotomi interjected. "Even if we're invited to Kyoto, it'll be in October. And even if the exhibition is pushed back a month or two, it'll already be winter. Do you really think there'll be cherry blossoms in winter?"

Kotomi's remark was like a bucket of cold water thrown onto Hibiki's enthusiasm, nearly making her shiver.

"How did you know I was thinking about the cherry blossoms in Okazaki Park?"

"Because your expression practically screamed, 'I can't wait to see the cherry blossoms at Okazaki Park!'" Kotomi teased.

"Ugh, I've never been to Kyoto before, and I've only ever imagined the cherry blossom night views of Okazaki Park through manga and dramas. Now that there's finally a chance to go to Kyoto and it's so close to Okazaki Park, even if I know there won't be cherry blossoms in winter, can't I at least dream a little?" Hibiki pouted.

"Alright, alright, keep dreaming. Want me to wear a cherry blossom dress when we're in Kyoto?" Kotomi joked playfully.

To her surprise, Hibiki responded seriously, "That's a no-go. If Seiko found out, she'd be upset."

Realizing the implications of her words, Hibiki quickly waved her hands in a fluster, adding, "Haha, I'm just kidding! Don't take it seriously. Anyway, less chatting and more painting. We only have two hours, and we shouldn't waste it. Besides, who knows if our works will even make it into the first exhibition? Stay focused, or we might not even get selected."

"Got it~" Kotomi replied.

She squinted slightly, observing Hibiki as she hurriedly picked up her paintbrush. From their many absences due to so-called "insomnia," Kotomi had long suspected that Hibiki and Kirigiri Seiko's relationship wasn't as simple as it appeared.

There was something off—just a subtle feeling that their relationship wasn't as straightforward as it seemed. But while the suspicion lingered, Kotomi couldn't quite put her finger on it.

Deciding it wasn't worth delving into for now, she pushed the thought aside and focused fully on her painting.

The two hours flew by in an instant.

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