Hurray another side chapter! I'm getting fond of these behind the scenes bits so there will be more or less of them in future chapters. Just a heads up!

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– 2nd Year –

It was the last day before school started up again and Tadashi was currently stuck at his dad's art exhibition.

Tadashi politely smiles at the funders of his family's business with his dad, shaking their hands and getting through all the pleasantries. As years went by, Tadashi's dad became more adamant about him tagging along for these types of networking. His family was quite talented in scouting out starting artists and showcasing their works in their exhibit. Unfortunately, Tadashi wanted more than to just show art, he wanted to make his own works.

His dad let him do as he wished, although he said that he wouldn't be able to show his works in their exhibit if he wished to follow through with it. Tadashi agreed with his condition, vowing to find his own way of making a statement with his work.

But that was where the problem lies. Tadashi was surrounded in different styles of art all day that he found it difficult to find his own style. His train of thought was cut off once an art patron called for his attention.

"Oh, Kouta-kun! I heard that you were making your way into the art world!" The patron shakes his hands with Tadashi, their gaze interested. "I would love to see your work!"

Tadashi lets out a small laugh and pairs it off with a soft smile. "Thank you for your interest. What would be a reasonable time to show you my portfolio?"

The art patron looked delighted at Tadashi's response and pulls out a business card from their pocket. "Anytime you're able to pull your portfolio together! I understand you recently just started so I don't want to rush you. Give me a call when the time comes so I know you're dropping by!" They end it off with a smile before they excuse themselves. "Pleasure doing business with the Tadashi family!"

Tadashi stares at the patrons retreating back before staring at the card in his hand, dumbstruck. "Hey dad, I still don't feel right about this..." He clenches the card in his hand. "I feel like I got a chance before I even showed any work."

Tadashi's dad gives him a light pat on the back. "Well, I guess you'll have to make sure that chance stays there when you show them your work." He gives Tadashi a reassuring smile. "You've networked enough that most of the patrons here are familiar with you and how well you treat everyone." He nudges Tadashi, making him stumble forward and turn back to his dad with a questioning glance. "There's just a little bit left to do here but I can do that myself. I'm sure there is somewhere else you'd rather be right now?" His dad gives him a knowing smile.

Tadashi nods at his dad gratefully. "Yeah, thanks." He steps out of the exhibit and walks to his house a few blocks away.

He quickly opens the door of his home and runs up to his room, changing out of his stuffy formal outfit and into more comfortable clothes. Looking up at the time, he speeds up even more and swiftly packs his art supplies into his bag before rushing out the door.

It was almost sunset and he always managed to miss it with all the art exhibitions his dad wanted him to attend.

Just a few steps away from his favorite spot to see the sunset, he spots someone else occupying the space. His steps slow down but the noise was still enough to attract the person and turn their gaze to him. His breath caught in his throat.

You turned to Tadashi, your pencil hovering over your sketchbook. You didn't say anything, and you didn't really have to since Tadashi quickly broke the ice as he walked closer to you.

"Ah, I guess someone else found this spot pretty great too." Tadashi rubs the back of his neck in an almost shy manner, glancing at you with kind eyes.

You blinked at him before you shifted in your seat, opening up a space for Tadashi to sit. "There's room for one more if you like." You lightly pat the empty space once before you point at his bag. "You wanted to draw here too right?"

Tadashi chuckles at your friendly manner and takes up your offer, sitting beside you. He pulls out his sketchbook and opens to a fresh page. Tadashi readies himself to start sketching until he notices you staring at him curiously. "Is there something wrong?" He turns to you, giving you his full attention.

You snap your head back forward, embarrassed but speak anyway. "Oh! I was just wondering what kind of things you found interesting."

Tadashi gives you a confused stare. "How would you find that in my sketchbook?"

You stare at him blankly for a moment before looking up in thought. "Well...my sketchbook holds stuff I find interesting like flowers I come across or a scene I don't want to forget. So I was just wondering about yours." You let out a small laugh at Tadashi's expression. "Sorry, I get a little curious for my own good."

He waves his hands, as if to dismiss your apology. "That's an interesting take on it." He voices out the thoughts that had been drilling his mind for ages. "I thought it was to draw things that others found beautiful..."

You scrunch your brows at his comment, making him laugh. "Was I off?"

Shaking your head slightly, you let out a thoughtful hum. "You're not off..." You glance at the sunset before the both of you. "Take the sunset for example. I would draw how beautiful I think it is in my own eyes rather than making sure it matches the beauty other people may see." You give him a shrug. "At the end of the day, the sunset is still beautiful."

Tadashi was silent, pondering your words. It felt like things suddenly made sense and he wondered how he never understood it in the first place. He smiles at you softly before he picks up his pencil again, ready to make some art.

You return his smile and do the same, picking up your pencil and focusing back on the sunset.

Unknown to you, Tadashi's eyes travelled to you and the sunset, his hand sketching out to what he can proudly call his own style.

His first work would be called Sunset Muse.

~~

The first day of second year had finally begun, Tadashi blending in effortlessly with his old friends from last year as they talked about what they did for the break. As the rowdy group of boys entered their new classroom for the year, Tadashi's breath once again got caught in his throat.

There you were, sitting with some of the other girls in class, possibly also talking about how their break was.

Tadashi didn't even notice he stopped walking until one of his friends nudged his shoulder. "Oh~? Did someone catch your eye already?" His friend eyed him teasingly.

Tadashi let out a laugh to dismiss any suspicion and brought the question back to his friend. "I'm sure someone already caught your eye I presume?"

His friend took the bait quickly and put a friendly arm around his shoulder, talking animatedly about the cute girls this class seemed to have. Tadashi couldn't help but nod at his friend's comment, his gaze turning to you every so often. Cute girls indeed. He agreed in his thoughts.

~~

Weeks passed and the school finally announced club activities for the year. Once he heard the words 'Art club', he took a small glance at you and noticed that your head jerked up from your desk.

Although you and Tadashi greeted each other that first day back at school, he couldn't help but be disappointed that your relationship had not progressed past classmates. Tadashi was a friendly guy and everyone seemed to be comfortable around him, which had its downsides when he just wanted some space. The one person he wouldn't mind being around him all the time seemed to be the only one who was mindful of his space.

His mind sparked a new idea as he recalled the memory of your blatant interest in the art club. If he could be classmates and clubmates with you, maybe you could even be friends.

That very same day, he walked up to the art clubroom door and glanced at the sign-up sheet. Unsurprisingly, your name was written there already. He takes out a pen and writes his name on the sheet as well.

He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and placed his pen back in its case and walked off to his locker.

– 3rd Year –

Currently, Tadashi's brain was most likely out of order. He had finally mustered enough courage just to spend some time with you and work on some art like the day you guys met.

He had known you to be a strong willed type of person but there was always something that seemed to be bothering you. Tadashi noticed though that once you came in contact with the school's superstar volleyball player, Oikawa Tōru, the restraints that seemed to be binding you in your second year was slowly but surely breaking away. Although he felt a little lonely, the stronger feeling he felt for your development was happiness since you looked so comfortable in your own skin—more so in this year.

His paintbrush halted as he stared at the point it hovered on at his canvas. Clearing his throat, he successfully got your attention. "Hey...I'm having a bit of a problem here." He points to an area on his canvas. "Doesn't look right to me. Any ideas?"

You look at his work thoughtfully and share some pointers. The moment you lean in to pinpoint the area you were referring to, his mind went blank until you looked at him for confirmation. As Tadashi finally acknowledges that he knew what you were talking about, you lean back in your seat and he proceeds to pick up his paintbrush.

As soon as his paintbrush touches the canvas, a loud bang from the sliding door caused him to jump, unfortunately making his paintbrush swivel off track. Tadashi didn't even have time to glance over at the cause of the ruckus since you quickly turned your attention to him and gave him tips to cover up the slip up.

When you finished, you called over the culprit of the loud noise, unsurprisingly seeing Oikawa by the door. It was no news to anyone that Oikawa and you visited each other's respective clubs from time to time. What was more surprising was that you guys seemed to be just friends as opposed to Oikawa's long streak of dating girls he came in contact with.

Another surprise for Tadashi was that Oikawa seemed to be quite hostile towards him, his stare speaking more than his voice. It was only natural for Tadashi to be uncomfortable being stared at in such a way, especially since he had no idea what made Oikawa upset with him in the first place. Luckily, you divert the attention away from him and ask Oikawa about his practice, leaving Tadashi to work on his canvas peacefully.

The peaceful ambience doesn't last when he heard Oikawa pestering you and then hearing a camera shutter. He looks up and sees you, the tip of your nose painted bright red, staring blankly at Oikawa. He observes the interaction between you two, his stomach clenching painfully. He doesn't have much time to look into that feeling when Oikawa urges Tadashi to look at the picture he took on his phone. As soon as Tadashi commented on the origin of the nickname, you shoot up from your seat and declare that you're going to wash it off.

Right when you exit the room, Oikawa turns his full attention towards Tadashi, a mischievous smile present. Tadashi blinks before it clicks in his head that Oikawa probably did that to get you out of the room. Why he did that Tadashi had no idea. He places his paintbrush down and also gives Oikawa his full attention.

Well, he was going to find out.

"Hm~ How did you meet Rudolph?" Oikawa hums, leaning back on his seat nonchalantly.

Tadashi observed Oikawa's unreadable expression before answering. "I met her last year when we coincidentally planned to draw in the same area....How about you?"

"She had paint on her nose on the train and I graciously told her about it." He gives Tadashi a hard stare, now leaning forward in his seat. "Now the real question, what is she to you?"

Tadashi stares at Oikawa's hard gaze in surprise, partly from the intensity of his gaze and partly from the question itself. After a moment, he loosens up under his stare and laughs. "The same way she is to you."

Oikawa hums again, his mouth opening to speak more but the door of the classroom had opened again, you telling the boys that the time was up...in more ways than one.

~~

The moment Tadashi mentioned the art exhibit to you and you grabbed his hands in excitement, he couldn't help feel elated that he was finally the one that brought a smile to your face. He discussed the details with you, not pointing out the guy who seemed to have draped his arms around you as you guys talked.

As everyone finally reached the entrance of the school, Tadashi gave you a soft smile and turned to Oikawa. His stare was strong, just like Oikawa's as he felt his first sense of rivalry but also camaraderie. They shared the same thoughts and because of that they understood how the other felt very well. "Nice to officially meet you, Oikawa!" He then starts walking off, knowing very well that the outcome was decided a long time ago.

But he felt that even so, he did not lose anything from it. Rather, he gained so much. You showed him what it means to share the beauty from his own perspective and let him experience his first love.

And for that, he was so thankful to you.