Settling into Kosei High as an exchange student had been difficult.

Leaving your old friends behind and transferring school wasn't an easy task. It was basically like starting from scratch. Trying to find people that would like you.

Maybe that would come in due course, you thought. There was no rushing after all. It was the start of the new year back then. Cherry Blossoms marking the season, their petals falling. The warm breeze that swept through the homeroom classroom. The first day you remembered vividly. Introducing yourself in front of the class. The very same class he was in. And it was that moment that marked the beginning of your friendship with him. A moment you had been grateful for.

Since then, he had been at your side. Helping you settle in, advising where he could, showing you to your dorm room, touring the school. Talking to him... it helped you to see what kind of person he was. Your connection grew. Late night talks about... well, mostly art. And you listened. You found that his eyes shone brighter when he spoke of his interests. A contrast to the look you saw when he was in classes.

Before you knew, winter had arrived. The change in weather, thick coats and scarves. Oh, and gloves. For those with cold hands.

You accompanied Yusuke to an art supply store in Shibuya. He told you he needed to "restock and refresh". Some of his paintbrushes were well loved, worn, and he needed new ones. And paint as well, but that was at least an hour ago— and he was still perusing the very same shelf of paints.

These paints would all seem the same to the untrained eye. Yusuke, however, he studied them. Two different shades of blue; one in each hand. The other shoppers that browsed would cast a glance his way, making a hushed comment about a strange boy debating paint tubes.

He was oblivious, in his own little world.

"This one sings of serenity, yet the other... evokes melancholy."

The slight shifting of your feet brings his attention back to you.

"My dear friend, please, perhaps you could lend me your insight."

He made a gesture, holding the two paint tubes up.

"Two hues, both shades of blue. They both convey a different message. But I only need one to be the main star of my next venture, my next masterpiece."

There was that gleam in his eyes again. That quiet yet passionate fire that shone whenever he spoke to you about his art endeavours.