On Friday Night

We departed the South with this huge gap of information inside my head. I'm sure that place holds a secret. Whatever it is, I will find ways to search for it someday. Right now, we're inside a taxi and traveling back to the north.

"How's your stay? Have you had fun?" Sai asked.

"It was fun." I had a good time overthinking every night.

"Me too! Although there were nerve-wracking situations. By the way, what did Yuji tell you when you met him that night? I forgot to ask because of my excitement," she said while looking at the window.

"He already informed you about this. He just told me he wanted to be a painter and not an animator," I said.

"I'm sure my aunt will support him. If not, Dad will," she laughed.

"Ara told me she would support Yuji," I said.

"That's great to hear! I'm excited for Yuji's journey." She smiled widely. "What are your plans for the next few days?"

"I'll most likely visit galleries that I haven't been to. How about you?"

"Well, I'll probably catch up with Dad and then look after his gallery again. I'm free on Fridays if you need company."

I nodded my head.

"Thanks for accompanying me, Sai," I told her before exiting the taxi. She just smiled and waved her hand. I watched the taxi leave before heading upstairs.

At last, I'm here at my apartment again. I took care of my things first, such as organizing my laundry, then placing some things that I bought, like this stupid mug. I dozed back to sleep after fixing my bed.

The next morning, I decided to go for a walk. I jogged towards the park nearby; the sun was already rising. There were people here with their canvases, I think they're painting the sunrise. I sat on a bench and rested my head.

I glanced at La vendemmia, wondering if they were open right now. I decided to take a look since their door was open and there were no customers in line yet.

"Good morning! I'm sorry, but the shop's closed. We're doing some maintenance right now," a lady in her uniform said.

"Oh, I see. When will this shop open?" I asked.

"This will open in two days since we have to restock tomorrow. Thanks for the visit though; do you live here?"

I shook my head. "I'm just here for vacation."

"Oh! Then you should visit here soon; there are great pieces. People like to buy here before leaving the island." She smiled at me.

"I see. I'll try to go next time."

"Alright! The shop opens at seven o'clock in the morning, see you again soon!" she excused herself and went inside the store.

I guess I'll try to come back here after two days. It looks like this shop is really famous because of what she said.

It's a good thing I brought my wallet with me; I walked towards the mall to buy some groceries since I'm all out of stock.

I was about to go outside the store with the products that I bought when I saw a familiar man at the exit.

"Rocco, good morning." I smiled and waved at him.

He seemed surprised to see me. "Yohan, how's it going? I haven't seen you in a while."

"I went to the South. It's great to see you. Thank you again for your kindness."

He tapped my shoulder. "Don't mention it. Oh, and by the way, I've got some great news for you!"

My eyebrows rose. "What news?"

"You see, I'm actually good friends with noble artists here, and they saw your painting. They wanted me to invite you for dinner with them!"

What? Did I hear that right? I felt my heart beating faster than usual.

"Are you serious?"

"Of course! It will be held on Friday night. I can fetch you at your place. Wear something formal since noble artists will be there."

"W-wait, this is... what?" I can't believe it!

"I know, I know, I apologize for saying these suddenly. I've been meaning to tell you this but you weren't around."

This man is full of surprises!

"Geez, thank you, Rocco. I don't even know if I deserve something like that."

"You're a very talented painter, Yohan. You deserve it! It's also a great opportunity to meet the owners of the galleries here. What do you think?"

I nodded my head. "Alright, I'll go there with you."

"Great! Just message me if you have questions. I'll go ahead, now." He tapped my shoulders again and went inside the store.

I walked through the exit, and I jumped on my feet. My groceries almost fell!

Holy cow! I've been invited by noble artists. I feel like luck is on my side; I'm so happy!

Friday is two days from now, and I need to prepare a freaking suit. I didn't bring any formal attire with me, so I need to search for a shop here.

I knocked on Luke's door when I returned to the apartment. He immediately opened his door with a cup of coffee.

"Good morning. Am I disturbing you?" I smiled awkwardly.

"Not at all. I'm just drinking coffee. Do you need something?" he asked.

"Uh, you see... I've been invited to dinner and I need a formal suit. Is there a place here where I could rent one?" I asked.

"Oh, you can borrow from me, dude! I think we have the same size. Come." He opened his door, and I went inside.

His place looked neat and organized. Luke's kitchen caught my attention; he has so many utensils and equipment for cooking.

"W-wait, is it okay? I can really just rent a suit; I just don't know where to find one," I said, trying to stop him. But he had already gone into his room.

"I've got plenty of formal attire. I use them whenever there are events at the restaurant. You can choose here." I looked inside his room, and he showed me his set of tuxedos.

I hesitated at first, but I ended up choosing one. "I think this will do."

"This will look good on you, for sure."

I tried Luke's clothes when I returned to my apartment. I'm standing in front of a mirror with a smile that I can't remove from my face.

You just received a once-in-a lifetime experience as a painter, Yohan!