Kayama Esumi: Ancient Library

"My, that's unusual for Esumi-san. Aren't you going to draw today like you usually do?"

This happened while she was quietly reading a book alone in Trinity General School’s ancient library.

Placing a book with at least a hundred, perhaps two hundred years of history on the table and handling it with the utmost care, Esumi's eyes lit up and she read cautiously every time she turned a page. A certain girl cheerfully called out to her back.

Esumi's gaze drifted away from the book toward the girl standing nearby.

"Urawa... You of all people, why are you in the ancient library?"

"Fufu. That's a secret."

The girl called Urawa—Hanako—swayed her hair slightly, pulled up a chair next to Esumi as if it were the most natural thing in the world, and sat down. With a smile on her face, she fixed an intense, burning gaze straight onto Esumi.

"...What?"

Frowning with a look of puzzlement, Esumi sent her gaze toward Hanako.

"No, no, nothing at all. Please don't mind me in the least and focus on the book in your hands."

"It's a bit much to tell me 'not to mind' while you're shooting me such a heated, meaningful gaze."

"You think so? This is a rare sight of Esumi-san—the art fiend whose head is normally filled with nothing but drawing—actually reading a book. If I get to witness that directly, I suppose it's only natural that I end up pouring such a heated gaze upon you. Speaking of which, if I were holding a brush and earnestly drawing a picture, wouldn't you end up stopping in your tracks to observe the sight closely, Esumi-san?"

"...Indeed. That is something I'd be awfully curious about."

The sight of Hanako making a serious face while desperately drawing a picture. That would be an interesting, genuinely fascinating spectacle.

To be honest, she wanted to hand her a canvas and brushes right this instant and make her paint, but unfortunately, a complete set of art supplies wasn't on hand. Besides, this was the ancient library. Unlike an ordinary library, it was a place where numerous precious books were strictly preserved. It could hardly be called a suitable spot for painting.

Be that as it may, figuring there was some truth to what Hanako just said, Esumi dropped her gaze back to the book in front of her, acting as though she had lost interest.

"By the way, what book is that?"

"This? This is... a precious collection compiled by an artist long ago summarizing the techniques of great painters. Well, that being said, it's been revised several times due to political circumstances of the era, so it doesn't contain every single technique. If I recall correctly, this is the second edition?"

"I see. To preserve such precious books as well—truly, as expected of the ancient library."

"You're completely right. For an artist, this place is literally a treasure trove. After all, the techniques and knowledge of our predecessors lie sleeping here."

Saying this happily, Esumi gently caressed the book with fingers clad in black leather gloves.

Continuing her speech, she began to explain the contents of the book with excitement and clarity, even though Hanako hadn't asked what was written, saying things like, "Look, this page has precious techniques regarding fresco painting..." or "What's written on this page is an interesting manufacturing method for egg tempera..." and so on.

Hanako simply watched her quietly, with a composed demeanor.

Of course, she occasionally nodded along to her explanations or gave a brief, interested reply or two.

But that was all. That was all it was.

Every word coming out of her mouth was purely reflexive, and her young-leaf-colored eyes had been fixed from the very beginning entirely on Esumi's face.

Gently tracing the pages with minimal force so as not to damage the precious book, explaining each written word and illustration with delight, and before she knew it, flushing with excitement and letting out a full smile—unlike her usual composed self, Esumi was showing a lovely, innocent side that anyone would adore, and she was showing it only to Hanako right here and now.

"...Truly... you're so beautiful."

Before she knew it, those words slipped out from Hanako, who had been staring at Esumi's face the whole time. But it must have been unconscious. The moment she realized what she had said, Hanako covered her mouth with her hand in a panic. It was an action overflowing with suspiciousness, but on the other hand, Esumi tilted her head and replied.

"Um, beautiful?... Ah, indeed, this illustration is lovely. This was produced using the grisaille technique. Simply put, this technique separates light and shadow from color, drawing the monochrome values like black and white first. After that, you color it using transparent paints to add hues. Doing that completes an illustration with a sense of depth, but if I had to name one drawback, it's that it takes quite a long time for the paint to dry. Since digital illustration is the mainstream era now, using blend layers can cut down the time somewhat, but when this book was published, there were no such convenient tools. When layering paints like this over and over, even a small painting takes about several months to complete. But precisely because of that, a painting finished with so much time and effort possesses a unique, captivating presence."

In contrast to Hanako, who kept her gaze fixed on Esumi's face, Esumi had kept her eyes lowered only on the book in front of her, so she seemed to misunderstand Hanako's earlier use of the word beautiful as praise for the illustration in the book.

Pointing at the picture, Esumi explained the technique called grisaille clearly and concisely. Even then, Esumi's eyes were shining brightly. She really, truly loved art.

Even so, the word beautiful that Hanako had uttered earlier wasn't directed at the picture at all.

"Ah, n-no... My words just now didn't mean it in that way... Sorry. Never mind, it's nothing after all."

Hanako intended to correct Esumi's misunderstanding, but doing so would mean confessing the fact that she hadn't cared about the book's explanation at all and had simply been gazing at Esumi's lovely face from the very beginning. After much deliberation, Hanako ultimately chose the option of complete silence.

Esumi asked with a worried look, "Are you really sure it's nothing?" but Hanako only shook her head and gave no reply.

As they remained silent like that for a few seconds, or perhaps tens of seconds.

Driven perhaps by a single-minded desire to break this awkward atmosphere somehow, Hanako abruptly asked about Esumi's physical condition: "By the way, Esumi-san, have you recovered well?"

"What do you mean, how is it... As you can see, I'm completely fine?"

"Th-That's right, of course. I'm... glad to hear it."

"???"

Several months had already passed since she left the hospital.

Having finished rehabilitation and living her everyday life without any restrictions, the current Esumi was literally in top shape. Of course, she still suffered from tactile hypersensitivity, so she couldn't exactly be called completely whole, but she certainly wasn't in such a dire state that people needed to worry about her.

Consequently, in a manner highly unusual for a brilliant student like Hanako, forcing a change of subject failed entirely to alter the atmosphere of the room; instead, Esumi's gaze grew even more intense.

"Urawa. Are you really alright? Somehow, you seem completely different from your usual self."

"I-Is that so... To think you can tell the difference between my usual self and how I am right now... Esumi-san, you actually watch me more closely in daily life than I thought, fufu."

"Of course. I watch over you just fine."

"...Eh?"

Hearing words she never expected, the normally unfazed Hanako showed a rare look of utter astonishment.

"Come on, is that really so surprising?"

"N-No... I just never imagined that Esumi-san would pay attention to me on a regular basis..."

"Ah, that. Well, it's not like I'm watching you every single day, you know? But when I walk around the academy to draw, I occasionally spot you, and besides, this isn't our first conversation ever. Whether the you talking to me right now is different from your everyday school life, whether your expression is bright or dark—even I can tell that much at a glance."

"............"

Hanako fell silent without saying a word. In response, Esumi propped her cheek on her hand and spoke with an air of curiosity.

"This is just my own guess, though... Urawa. Could it be that the Sisterhood has been aggressively scouting you again?"

"...What?!"

"That reaction. Sounds like I hit the nail on the head."

"...W-Why would you think that?"

"Well, I do intelligence broker work on the side, you know? I hear various interesting stories about you through rumors, and besides, since you became a second-year, you've started drawing attention in the academy again, right? Lately, quite a few students wanting to scout you have been coming to visit me asking, Do you have any good information?"

"And so... did you hand it over, Esumi-san? Information about me... to those people?"

Staring straight into Esumi's eyes, Hanako received a small, returning smile.

"If I had handed over all your information to them... by now, you wouldn't be sitting here."

"...Meaning?"

"Of course I didn't give them anything. Especially not information like how you sometimes use this ancient library because you prefer quietness and want to be alone as much as possible to escape politics and power struggles."

"...As expected of you, Esumi-san. You already knew..."

Looking exhausted, or perhaps resigned.

Wearing an expression that could be described as both, Hanako let out a small sigh.

"Just as Esumi-san says. Lately, recruitment attempts from the Sisterhood have become intense... When walking around the academy during the day, I've started getting approached once every two days. And it's not just the Sisterhood. The other day, the Tea Party was eagerly reaching out to me as well... So, to rest my tired heart, I came here to the ancient library of my own accord today."

"Because other students rarely use this place. I wouldn't go as far as to call it hiding, but there's no doubt it's an optimal spot if your goal is to avoid prying eyes. I used this ancient library often when I first enrolled, so I understand Urawa's feelings a little."

"Even Esumi-san back when she was a first-year?"

"That's right. Back then I wasn't doing intelligence work and was basically in the go-home club, and even if I wanted to shut myself away, I didn't have my own private art studio at the time. Whenever I walked around the academy, I'd get approached frequently just like Urawa is now, and I remember dealing with all sorts of troublesome entanglements... Fufu, ah, bringing back memories."

With a gentle snap, she closed the precious book carefully and tenderly.

Then she gazed at Hanako with eyes filled with warmth.

"So, if you're fine with me, I'll keep you company with your worries for today. The past me struggled just as much with not being able to have a satisfying school life. Besides, you're an exceptionally talented and kind-hearted student, so having your environment crush you at this stage would be a terrible shame. Yes, it would be a huge loss not just for Trinity, but for Kivotos as well. Ah, of course, for me too."

"...Esumi-san."

"Fortunately, right now, the only ones here are you and me. There is technically one student who practically lives in this ancient library in the far area, but I'm acquainted with her, so don't worry. Therefore, I'd say this situation is more than enough to vent all the stress you've built up. What do you say?"

"...Yes, indeed. Since the opportunity is here, I will gladly lean on you today, Esumi-san..."

Looking quite relieved—or rather, as if released from a heavy burden—Hanako let out a natural smile. Then, shifting her chair slightly, she closed the distance until she was pressed right up against Esumi.

Esumi's eyes blinked wide in surprise several times.

"...Why did you move closer?"

"This is the ancient library, you know. Just like the central library, talking aloud is strictly prohibited. To keep our conversation from being overheard by others, closing the distance and speaking in whispers is only natural, wouldn't you say? Or is it wrong?"

"Th-That might be... true. But there's no need to cling to me this closely. Whispering from our previous distance would have conveyed things just fine."

Now their arms were in direct contact, and moreover, Hanako was leaning her body forward slightly, resting against Esumi. Of course, she wasn't putting her full weight on her so Esumi wasn't uncomfortable at all, but between the pleasant scent Hanako always carried and her pretty face right in front of her, Esumi hadn't paid much attention to it before, and now her heart felt a little unsettled.

Meanwhile, watching her reaction from point-blank range, Hanako chuckled softly.

"Fufu. To think that Esumi-san, who was once literally stark naked and clinging to me, would get flustered just by closing the distance a little. It's quite amusing to watch."

"That was a mere accident... Besides, I wasn't clinging to you. Please stop fabricating memories."

"But it's true that Esumi-san pressed her magnificent chest directly against my body to seduce me, isn't it?"

"I didn't... No, alright, I might have pressed my chest against you, but it wasn't a seduction. Above all, at that time, there was literally nowhere to hide except behind that door, and you know very well I didn't have the luxury of putting on clothes, don't you, Urawa?"

"Yes, of course. But I was a brand-new first-year student back then. Esumi-san completely warped the sexual preferences of such an innocent, fragile girl, that much is certain."

"I didn't warp them, I didn't... Right...?"

"Well, who knows?"

Giggling, Hanako abruptly shifted the subject: "Now then, please listen to my concerns."

"You've got to be kidding me. You're changing the subject just like that in the middle of this?"

"It can't be helped. It seemed like a topic Esumi-san would rather not dwell on. Besides, you agreed to listen to my consultation this time, didn't you?"

"That's true, but... no, wait, about the fact that my actions allegedly warped your preferences, I'd like you to clarify that right now?"

"Fufu, no thank you. Once something is warped, it never returns to its original state. So, unfortunately, Esumi-san, you'll just have to give up."

Shooting an amused, smiling look, Hanako rested her head on Esumi's shoulder and narrowed her eyes.

"...Since you were the one who... changed me back then..."

And then, she muttered those words in a voice too quiet for even Esumi, sitting at close range, to fully catch.

"Now then, time is finite. I have a mountain of topics I want to consult Esumi-san about. By the time we leave the ancient library, I'd like to get through at least 40 percent of them."

"Just asking, but how much volume does that 40 percent entail?"

"Let's see. About five books worth of material, equivalent to the ones in Esumi's hands right now, I suppose."

"...Five books..."

Esumi dropped her gaze to the book in her hands with a speechless look. One book is one thing. But five books.

They were massive tomes comparable to dictionaries in thickness. Told that there were five of them, even Esumi was struck speechless in astonishment.

However, having declared that she would accompany Hanako's consultation today, there was no turning back. Esumi reopened the mouth she had closed in shock, and at the same time, gently placed her right hand on Hanako's head, beginning to stroke her hair softly.

"Understood... I'll stay with you all the way to the end today. But keep it as quiet as possible. I'll make sure to notify... what's her name, the master of the ancient library, Koseki, just in case later."

"Yes, please... Ah, by the way, Esumi-san. There is just one thing I desperately want to ask you first..."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Today's underwear of yours... is it color white, or color black?"

"...Urawa... I think I'll head home now, that's fine, right?"

What on earth is this girl asking, Esumi replied with an exasperated look.

Hanako shook her shoulders and laughed with satisfaction.

"Fufu, it's a joke. Please don't be so angry. Even I can tell that Esumi-san's underwear today is white."

"No, you're completely off. I don't even own white, and the color of the underwear I always wear is strictly black and—ah."

"Is that so. So Esumi-san's underwear is permanently black. Fufu, I've acquired some very good information."

"...I'm going home. No more. Let me go back... I've decided I'm not going to listen to your problems today after all..."

Though it was her own fault, Esumi's ears were faintly dyed red with embarrassment. To casually tell an underclassman about her underwear habits (and even the color) was indeed a humiliating thing to do.

Therefore, Esumi tried to stand up and leave her seat, but since Hanako had already wrapped her arms around Esumi's, she couldn't move an inch. Given how close they were to begin with, she couldn't even struggle to break free of the restraint. It was, in other words, checkmate.

Having sealed Esumi's movements, Hanako closed the distance further until their faces were less than ten centimeters apart. Esumi's pretty eyes widened in shock.

"Esumi-san, that won't do. You must keep your promise to me. Besides, you were the one who told me to be quiet in the ancient library, remember?"

"You... Are you teasing me just to vent your stress?"

"My, who can say."

Just how many times had she smiled today, I wonder.

Letting out a soundless laugh, Hanako shook her shoulders in genuine amusement. Seeing that, Esumi sighed as if she had given up and reluctantly yielded her body back to her.

When I visited the ancient library out of a desire to be alone and caught sight of that person for the first time in a while, I almost jumped for joy right there on the spot.

Kayama Esumi-san.

The quintessential artist displaying the finest artistic talent within Trinity General School (though she insists she's merely a painter).

An artist who normally shuts herself away in her private studio to paint continuously, and even when she goes outside, she carries a canvas and sketchbook to draw more—literally starving for art. The time she spends talking to others is minimal, and what she does outside of painting remains a complete mystery.

That she was reading books in the ancient library at the edge of the academy came as a surprise to me, honestly.

Of course, since she was constantly painting, she must have read specialized books and materials to study techniques. But I had recognized Esumi-san as a student so obsessed with painting that she would forget even such basic common sense.

And the place she was at was the ancient library.

Not the central library frequented by other students, but a weather-beaten library where old books and artifacts requiring careful handling sleep—that was the ancient library. It could hardly be called clean, so even during the day, regular students never used it. Not even Tea Party or Sisterhood students came near.

Therefore, seeking to avoid prying eyes as much as possible, I sometimes stepped into the ancient library like this to pick up old books and read, but I never dreamed I would run into Esumi-san there.

That reading posture of Esumi's, which I was seeing for the first time, could be summed up in a single word: beauty.

A beautifully proportioned face. A bun binding her pale blue hair. Emerald eyes. The wonderful proportions of her figure, which could never be guessed from her uniform.

All of it was beautiful, and her reading posture matched it marvelously. Confronted with scenery I wasn't used to, my eyes were probably scrambling to absorb more information than ever before. My eyes reflected nothing but Esumi-san reading her book.

Being captivated—that must be precisely what this feels like.

After that, spurred by a trivial curiosity, I called out to Esumi-san and sat beside her, and even while receiving explanations about the book in her hands, my eyes never left her face. To be honest, I feel deeply apologetic to Esumi-san, who passionately and seriously talked to me about the contents of the book, for failing to listen properly.

But she was beautiful. Truly, Esumi-san was beautiful at that moment.

The sight of her passionately talking to someone about her beloved art. Every time she moved her face, her pale blue hair and emerald eyes swaying slightly. Every time her soft lips moved, the words and voice emerging from them—everything.

She is a student and of the same sex, only two years older than me.

Yet, facing someone like that, my heart beat violently and passionately... I was literally about to fall in love. No, perhaps I had already fallen in a form close to it.

Is this truly romantic affection as the word implies? Or is it mere reverence for a senior in life? Even someone like me cannot give an immediate answer. It is a fact that I find a sense of comfort simply by being next to Esumi-san, but that didn't mean I felt any desire for exclusive possession.

However, whatever the case may be... I should leave behind the fact that I was drawn to the person named Kayama Esumi from the very beginning.

Really, Esumi-san is a wonderful person.

If there were more people like her—kind-hearted and capable of calming you just by being near—my school life here in Trinity might have been a little better.

But that's impossible. It's a shattered dream.

In another year, Esumi-san will graduate, and I will become a third-year. Seia-chan, who became my best friend triggered by our meeting in the library a short while ago, is also a third-year now and will graduate ahead of me, leaving me behind just like Esumi-san. Of course, since Esumi-san was held back due to circumstances, her remaining in the academy like this is originally a miracle, so perhaps my good fortune was destined to last only this single year from the start.

If possible, it would be nice if there were a student among my peers or underclassmen to whom I could bare my true self... But given that the current environment with Esumi-san and Seia-chan is already so blissful, wishing for more than that would surely be asking for too much.

I poured a little strength into the arm embracing Esumi, prioritizing feeling her body warmth to chase away the loneliness.

And then, days later.

Yurizono Seia-san, who should have been serving as a Tea Party host, suddenly went missing and stopped appearing on the public stage, while Nagisa-san, who had temporarily served as host in place of the sickly Seia-san, officially assumed the role of host substitute starting from this occasion. She stood at the de facto summit of Trinity General School.

Furthermore, Nagisa-san publicly declared her intent to once again realize the Eden Treaty—which had collapsed in mid-air and supposedly been scrapped due to the General Student Council President's disappearance. Suppressing opposing factions like the Pater faction through sheer force of will, she began moving toward realizing the treaty one after another.

With this, the atmosphere of Trinity General School changed in an instant.

The previous peace vanished in a flash, replaced by swirling suspicions and conspiracies among various organizations, and accordingly, the surrounding gazes directed at me grew increasingly harsh and intense. To resist this, I began intentionally giving wrong answers on tests so my grades would drop, and even started wandering the academy grounds naked in the dead of night, but to be honest, my heart had already reached its limit.

That was when it happened. Like a final blow to my heart, that tragic news flew down to me...

It was the news that Kayama Esumi, who had patiently listened to my concerns even after her close friend Yurizono Seia-san suddenly vanished, was abruptly and forcibly sent to study abroad at Wild Hunt Art Academy by the will of the Tea Party's... host substitute, Nagisa-san.

At that moment, robbed of my few remaining emotional pillars in an unexpected manner, I was left utterly dazed, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face...

What should I do from here on out?