“Our paths are long and winding roads. There is not a need to be impatient or rush things. Eventually, we will reach what we had imagined ourselves to be.”

▪ ▪ ▪

So…

Is this the first time that I’m going to be in charge of the narration? I didn’t realize that this is very nerve-wracking.

“You’re just spineless!”

Shut up!

That was Nagi shouting on the distance.

Oh, by the way, this is Jean Ando. I think the author decided to give at least one chapter revolving around me. Thanks for that, Author-san.

But I guess this chapter is quite fitting for me since I’m in a predicament that may widely affect my life in this decision that I will make.

Wait, does Gin have a spare mic for him?

“I always bring one with me whenever I go. I don’t want you to take over this chapter. I’m the MC after all.

But I’ll probably just narrate for the small things. I’ll let you handle the majority.”

Thanks for the heads up, Gin.

▪ ▪ ▪

Again, we are at the usual place at the school rooftop eating our lunch in the middle of December. Just a few counted days, we will take our first exam for the second semester and head right to the winter break.

“So Ken is not dead…”

“Then who’s inside the coffin?”

“It’s a no one, Shiro. It’s quite amazing that a 3D printer can reproduce a very identical copy of him.

But the only part printed was the head. The majority was just a mannequin.”

“That’s well played.”

“I really got surprised when I saw he suddenly appeared. I got extremely confused when the thought came as to who was in the coffin.”

“So you and Ringo are together… Wait, did the two of you come to the funeral?”

“Oh, yeah… I didn’t see you there.”

“We were just up on the hill at that time. And I’m also talking to the doctor that conducted the surgery.”

“Rishou Kagetora was there, right? Was that a coincidence that you were both test subjects of him?"

“That’s not the case. Gin is the one that recommended him to do the operation.”

"But still. To find out that that outstanding doctor was behind the death of many children… Hoohhh. I don't want to imagine that.”

“Ken won’t be coming back in Blue Ink anymore. Right now, he has no name here at the surface so he’s underground right now.”

“Underground? To where exactly?”

“Akira, I recently announced to all of you that I’m now an Exile, right? I took him as a hostage and sent him to the base that you don’t need to know where it is.”

“Hostage…”

“That means that he’s also an Exile now.”

“Woah, Ringo can definitely keep up with Gin’s ways of explaining now.”

“That’s because of ‘Ginfluence,’ Nacchi.”

…

For exactly 17 seconds, no one in the rooftop ever made a sound and I blame Akira for that.

“Are you sure you’re not Akira Bentley anymore?”

“Rin, can you please punch Akira?”

“On it.”

“Jean, Nagi. Grab his arms so he won’t escape.”

“No… please, no! I don’t know how strong her punch is!

Jean?”

“Oi, Jean~”

As if he didn't hear being called, he remained sat in a daze.

“Huh? Nacchi?”

“Why does it look like you’re the confused one here? You’ve been awfully quiet since we went up, you know.

What are you spacing out for?”

“Oh… I’m just having a lot of thoughts recently. But it’s not to be of your concern, really.”

“Let me guess, Jean. You’re still not decided if you’re going to join the art competition?”

“…!

Now that Gin put it that way, you’ve hit the bullseye.”

“It’s still eight days until that. You know, Jean, you can pass it on to us. I know we always decline and you always ended up joining, but if something is bothering you, we can swap places with you.”

“Guys…”

“Alright! Rock-paper-scissors it is!”

Without much thought, they went for one round right after getting surprised.

“Gin?!”

“Rock!”

“Paper!”

“Scissors!”

In that one game, Akira lost so he will be taking Jean’s place. It’s not our fault that he lost, if only he didn’t make that joke.

This is Gin, by the way.

“Thanks, and sorry for putting the pressure on you, Akira.”

“There’s nothing to apologize. I’ll do my best in the competition!”

“You better not slack off. Or Rin will punch you on the cheekbone, for real.”

“Y-yes… I’ll definitely do my best…”

At least that’s one burden removed in my shoulder. But there are still a lot of things that I need to think about.

It’s almost January… so I really need to make up my mind soon.

But it’s easier said than done.

▪ ▪ ▪

The day before the exams.

“Good morning, Class.”

“Good morning, Sir.”

“Alright, please seat. To those who didn’t bring or forgot their materials, please step out of the classroom and you may start cleaning the restrooms.”

“Yes, sir.”

Six students left the classroom and it was very surprising to see Ryuuya-san leaving the classroom. But his friends are laughing at him as he walks out…

Poor guy.

“Man, you’re really strict, Mato-sen.”

“Just doing the teacher’s job. But they sure went out quickly with just one word. They weren’t like that before the big issue.

You really did some great feat, Gin.”

“It’s all about the impact, nothing more than that.”

“But it’s quite weird how they made such change.”

Since this is the Art Class, I should set aside my heavy thoughts temporarily. I can easily focus on still life. Good thing it is the demonstration today.

“Group yourselves now. You do know that we don’t have a lot of source materials, so circle your chairs in your designated groups.”

If we have demonstrations that needs grouping, it’s not a big problem for Gin since we, the Art Club always flock together and take over Akira’s corner.

On the other side, the Japanese students are all in one group every time.

“Hahaha… What’s Mato-sen up to, I wonder. Making us draw…

Goku’s head from the figure.”

“I think he’s still binge watching Drag*n Ball Super. I bet he’s probably making fan arts.”

“I’m episode 76 now.”

“See?”

“Jean, do you have blue 0.5 lead? Mind if I nab one?”

“Sure, Gin. No one’s on my seat right now. The lead is inside my drawer. Please just get one.”

“Lead… Lead… Lead… Oh?”

Gin crouched down and apart from seeing the container of the lead inside the drawer, he saw a few books.

“A book about visual arts and… ‘Culinary and Business: Running a Restaurant.' ‘Study Edition of Arts and Design.'

Jean... so that’s how it is.”

Oh… shoot. I forgot that my reference books were inside my drawer. Knowing Gin, he probably got an idea of what’s going on with me.

“Thanks for the lead, Jean.”

“Sure…”

~ ~ ~

Class dismissal.

I guess there’s no point in keeping quiet about it.

“Ringo, can I borrow Gin for a second?”

“Jean?”

“You can go home first, Rin." Coincidentally, Gin's sister was about to come towards them. "Good timing, here’s Anna.”

“Okay, see you later.”

“I’ll help with dinner later.”

Seriously, those two are too close to each other.

Having stopped him from going home, we sat under the olden tree and I began the conversation.

“I suppose you’ve already seen what’s inside my drawer, Gin.”

“If you’re talking about the books, yes.”

“What answer did you come up just by seeing those?”

“If I am to break it down piece by piece, when Akira took your place to the art competition, I still felt that there is still something bothering you. And when I went to your desk, I indeed saw those reference books in your drawer.

Based on my assumption, you‘re having a big problem that has been bugging you for some time now.

So what I can hypothesize is that you still don’t have a solid choice of what academic track you will be choosing when we become seniors. I guess you’re really pressured that the submission of that is January, which is the next month.”

“You got that right, Gin.

I’m really confused as to what I really want to do. Currently, I’ve been greatly improving in arts, but I can’t see myself taking that career in the future.

Recently, I have become widely interested in cooking and I don't really have any problems with business maths. But there lies the problem that I’m not confident in my skills.

Then I always end up thinking that I am not fit in those two worlds. Sometimes, I even experience mental block because I’m being slowly destroyed of the fact that I can’t choose in those two. Every time I think about it, hopelessness gets the better of me.”

“This is a really bad situation for Jean…”

“Have you talked it through one of the teachers?”

“Yes.”

“Then let’s have an illustration.

I’ll base an example character to myself. Imagine a student that is talented in art, and he’s above average in almost everything and wealthy.

But I’m broke. So I ain't lumping myself to bourgeois.

Let’s also say that he is doing pretty good in his part-time job. And then one student discovered those things.

A lot of people judge others without giving it a thought. That’s just how the reality works.

He or she will probably say: ‘Good for him to be so talented in everything. He even had all the money he needs. He's just showing off even with all those stash he has.’

Then they will add: ‘I bet he likes to look down on other people because of how good he is in everything.’

…

That is the reason why I am keeping my work as a secret. I know that there are people that judge others without basis.

In your case, the decision still lies within you, and yours only. The teacher you talked to probably told you to take your time.”

“Yeah, he did.”

“To be honest, you’re being a bit impatient. Take it slowly.

I suggest that you should think what is really fun for you. Look, you can work with great efficiency if you really like and enjoy what you are doing. In your actions, observe where you do have more fun.

Also, don’t think too much about the outcome of it. Because if you do, you will envision failure. You think you’re lacking the skill; that’s one effect of overthinking. In the present, do what you can do and slowly improve yourself.

When I was inside the Void, I didn’t just cry and did nothing. I worked hard to widen my knowledge about things. Honestly, I had little experience in cooking before I left fort time, I always eat some nasty things that were seemingly cooked in a brewing pot for potions.

Well, I can cook basic or staple dishes, but I was too ambitious.

But as time goes by, one will get better and better in one thing just like how one wanted to get better in a game he likes when they devoted time to it.”

“…

Let me be blunt, Gin. I definitely need you help right now.”

“So this is where we’re going, huh.

If you definitely need my help… Even though I told you to slow down, here I am saying this. Good grief.

I’m giving you a deadline until the dismissal of the last day of exams. If you really need my help, find your answer in your own ways and come back to me with your head still attached to your body.

And pass the exams while you're at it. I won't go easy on you.”

“The decision will only come within myself, and mine only…

Alright, see you in two days, Gin! Thanks for cheering me up!”

“That’s good then. I hope to see you run like a headless chicken in two days!”

Immediately, Jean ran with his bag and went home.

…

In the same day, I told my parents that I will be on a journey to find what I really wanted to do. With their blessing, I immediately started to creatively think what I can do to gain a step forward.

▪ ▪ ▪

Finally, the first day of exam is finished. Right after the exams that day, I had to excuse myself early with the plan I had brainstormed.

What I had planned was to do as much demonstrations that I can perform for twelve hours starting from 12pm to 12am. In my case, I alternately worked in drawing and trying my best to cook.

I drew, I cooked, I drew, and I cooked until the day ended.

And I ran through my allowance buying ingredients.

Needless to say, I observe hardly any improvements in those two things. But gradually, in one of those things, I felt that I was having fun, and having so much fun doing that.

Now it came to the day where I am to face Gin and surprise him with something.

▪ ▪ ▪

“Oh? Look at this. You didn’t grow wings and lost your head…"

Jean proudly stood with his head high. It was a relieving look… apart from the gray bags under his eyes.

"…But it certainly looks like you didn’t even sleep.”

“My eyebags are unreal…”

“So, seeing that you’re not beheaded, I would assume that you came to an answer now.”

“Yeah, I did.

I found the enjoyment in the business of culinary the most.”

“Ohh~ Congrats for that.”

“Then, why don’t you go with me in the HE (Home Economics) Room?”

“Going to demonstrate, huh. You better serve something good.”

~ ~ ~

“I’m quite impressed.

For you to make a katsudon, that was a nice dish to present.”

“Haha. Thanks.”

“But you really made some risky moves in that dish. I’ve never thought of using the flavor of ginger both in the meat and the rice itself. But you still pulled it off.

…

Though I am sure I’m getting a hint of your intentions…”

“You’re right about that. But what do you think it is?”

“The only thing I can think of is you need a helping hand to improve your skills, and I am the helping hand.”

“Yeah… but you’re half right.”

“So I missed something…”

“Gin… I ask of you…

Since tomorrow is the start of the winter break-“

"Hold it right there… You want to crash in my house and make you my student?" Gin's left eye twitched in shock of his own assumption.

"Uhh… That was accurately guessed… but for two weeks, just to add."

"Dude…"

"Please…!"

It’s really embarrassing to bow that low, but that’s the only way I can think of asking him.

And while he was still sitting in front of me, he clasped both of his hands and rested his chin on it. His eyes suddenly lit up to the point that it’s almost blinding.

You know… like the memes…

▪ ▪ ▪

The following day.

Indeed, Jean came to Gin's house. But for some reason, he is sat on his knees, in seiza, while Gin is stood with an expression of a strict man staring down at him.

“Alright, listen up you damn student of mine! I’ll tell you the house rules now!

First, we will be alternating days where we will be in charge of the chores. Since you crashed in to my house today, you will be in charge of the chores for the day!

Second, we will wash our own clothes!

Third, every Wednesday, my family and Rin’s get together for dinner. Next week, our family is in charge for dinner so you better help me and my parents for the preparation of a feast!”

“Wednesday?”

“Yes, because my extremely energetic uncle in the name of Shuu Akanami always shouts: ‘IT IS WEDNESDAY MY DUDES!!!!!!!!!’ until my ears bleed out.

Fourth, you’re fortunate enough to use the guest room, so you better clean it everyday!”

*The guest room is located opposite of Gin's room*

“Umm… question.

Do you always wear a shirt with a print of a cat and shorts in winter?”

“Yeah, this is how I always dress up when there are no visitors.

And don’t judge my tastes or Haku will make a scratch board out of you.

Fifth, use the gas stove instead of the electric one. I have monthly bills to pay!

Lastly, enjoy your stay!”

“Another question… Why do you always end your sentences with exclamation points?”

“That’s because I want to look like I’m not an easy-going teacher and I want to look like I’m going to torture you for 14 days.”

“You can get really creepy sometimes…

But I’m wondering since I got here… I know that you two are neighbors, but why is Ringo here?"

Surprise…! Rin is actually there all along!

“Hi! Rin is here~”

“She always hangs out here everyday to play games and fool Haku with a catnip. She’s just going to spectate so don’t bother her while you’re here.”

“Final and serious question.

Are you two married already?”

“I have no reason to tell you the answer.”

Whaa… They both spoke the same words in the same time… I’ll never mess with them again.

But they both answered seriously in that question.

I guess I'll go look if Gin is hiding a ring somewhere.

▪ ▪ ▪

Gin’s house is a decent size but doing the chores there is quite the challenge, especially when the annoying couple eats pizza in Gin’s room while playing on the console.

“The console was left by the former owner of the house, by the way.”

I’m doing the narration and he suddenly butted.

For seven alternating days, I cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner without miss. I also made test dishes that were judged by the owners of the house. Doing shopping is also quite the adventure since I got to fights with the vendor in the wet market just to get Gin’s list all checked.

And when he’s at work, I practiced, practiced and practiced. I also studied different styles of using the knife and things that I didn’t even know existed. When I have free time, I get to read books about businesses and accountancy, and I sometimes get to draw.

I noticed that Gin’s way of teaching is by watching him cook but sometimes he nags about what I did wrong and make me do it until I perfected one thing.

I even got my hands full of bandages because of how sharp his knives were. I didn’t know that knives can be sharpened to that extent. But what really got me was my left hand got showered with boiling water.

There’s one day when Ringo and I had a cook-off that fortunately was fairly judged by Gin. I still ended up losing, though. Ringo is also a great cook.

I thought he was going to be biased because it was the girlfriend against me.

But what highlighted the experience was when I had the day to be a waiter in Giotto’s and I unfortunately got the day where it’s the busiest. The air in kitchen suddenly changed after the restaurant opened. Even in the busiest, their spirits are still high. I made a lot of mistakes and I can’t keep up with the sudden waves of the customers. It’s as if you’re fighting in a battlefield.

But in spite of everything, I successfully worded my intentions. My heart finally became whole and I bravely accepted the heavy responsibility that I’m about to take grasp.

“Now, what do you intend to do from now on, Jean?”

“I will aim to be a chef and probably run a restaurant.

I want to make people happy with the dishes I make.”

“Now that’s the resolve. Don’t ever lose that heart. One last advice before you leave:

'Meet a woman that you definitely want to give the food you want to make for her.'”

“Wow… That’s some words coming from your mouth, Gin."

"Credit goes to Joichiro."

"Well, thank you for taking me in and teaching me a lot of things for a little bit of time. I will definitely apply what I’ve learned from the two of you and make sure not to fail you in the future.”

“Now you sound more like an apprentice.”

“It’s been a very fun experience, Gin.

I will be going now.”

“You better not lose your head, you chicken.”

I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I was introduced to a very vast field of knowledge. After all I’ve gone through, I will never let it go to waste.

▪ ▪ ▪

At one point, in Gin's household, the ringing of his phone interrupted him from cleaning the house, as Jean just left.

"Hello, Dad? Is something up right now?"

"Nothing really. Are you busy? Okā and I will be visiting your uncle's grave. Can you come with us?"

"Ahhh… Sorry, Dad. I'm doing a large cleanup here right now. I'm always busy when you go visit.

I'll try coming by myself."

"Alright. Your uncle will appreciate it if you visit at some point.

Later then."

*beep*

"Eh. He hung up already.

I said all that… but I actually don't even know my uncle's name.

Wait, did I actually meet him when I was a child?"

▪ ▪ ▪

It’s already a new year before we even notice. It was quite an experience to teach and guide someone to his path. I really admire how his will got strong in that short time.

“It’s rare for you to be late, Gin.”

“Sorry about that Sean, I just had some things to do.”

“Now that you’re here, go change and help Hiro with the preparations.”

“You’re finally here, Gin.”

“Yo, Hiro. I got late because I’m slapping my pupil’s butt.”

“Pupil?”

“I got a student of my own now, and let me tell you…

He’s got a good chance of surpassing the two of you in the future.”

▪ ▪ ▪

And now, it is the thirteenth day of the two thousand and eighteenth year. The night is quiet and peaceful. And I found myself opening the window in my room, waiting for the other side to open.

At last, I see a silhouette of someone, and the window opened as my vision cleared out seeing a maiden on the other window with an indescribable face she is wearing.

She finally spoke with a weak and sorrowful voice.

“Gin…

Let’s break up.”