It was a slow morning as the ship drifted across the ocean. You were going to spend the rest of your summer on Tsubakizaka Island, staying in a dormitory for the time being. There were many things you could do during your stay, yet one particular plan lingered in your mind as you remained inside your cabin, still hazy from rest before preparing to step outside.

Right… it would not feel like a vacation without something you truly wanted to accomplish.

The moment you stepped out, a bright light greeted you as passengers leaned along the railings. In the distance, the silhouette of the island slowly revealed itself beneath the early morning sky. The journey had been long, but as you reached the deck, a faint glimmer caught your attention. It might have only been the ocean’s reflection, yet your gaze settled on a canvas painting nearby.

"Oh... I don't have any colors left to use... I should've brought more. I'll try mixing some once I get to my dormitory..."

Her expression shifted into a slight frown as she studied her painting of the early sunset. It seemed she had been working on it for hours to capture this moment. Her attention soon shifted as well when the island’s silhouette became clearer, prompting her to lean slightly against the railing for a better view as the ship approached the port.

Not long after, the ship docked.

You disembarked at the port, where the island itself appeared vast. The dormitory you were assigned to was located near the town. Exploring could wait, however, as hunger quickly became your main concern. Yet as you reached the dormitory entrance, you found yourself stopping once again upon a familiar sight.

The two of you paused at the doorstep, recognizing each other.

“Ah… I, um… I think I saw you on the ferry earlier, didn’t I? I didn’t really expect that we’d end up staying in the same dormitory too. It’s a bit surprising, honestly… but I hope we can get along.”

Her expression shifted slightly as recognition settled in, and a small, tentative smile formed while she held onto her luggage with care. There were still quite a few things left to do for the day, like unpacking her necessities and getting used to the dorm, and the thought of it all lingered quietly in her mind.

What will you do now?