The Great Drawing Battle
The classroom was filled with excitement as the art teacher clapped her hands.
"Alright, class! Today, we're going to have a *very special* activity!" she announced.
The students murmured in curiosity. Kota leaned towards Ayumi. "What do you think it is?"
Ayumi shrugged. "No idea. But I hope it's fun."
The teacher smiled. "You'll be paired up, and each of you will *draw* your partner!"
A collective gasp spread across the classroom.
"Wait, what?!"
"Are we artists now?"
"Does stick-figure drawing count?"
The teacher laughed. "Don't worry, this isn't a test! The goal is to make you comfortable with your classmates and *get closer* to each other. And we'll be switching partners four times, so you'll get to know different people better."
The class buzzed with nervous excitement.
Kota sat back, relieved. "At least I won't be the only one drawing badly."
The teacher held up a list. "Now, for the first pairings…"
Kota leaned forward, hoping he'd be paired with Ayumi first.
"…Pair number one, Ayumi and Toru!"
Kota blinked.
Toru stiffened.
Ayumi smiled. "Oh, okay!"
Toru swallowed hard. *Stay calm. Don't mess this up. Don't be weird.*
—
### **Round 1: Ayumi & Toru**
Toru stared at his sketchpad. He had to make sure his drawing was *perfect.* He needed to impress Ayumi.
His hands trembled as he sketched. He stole a quick glance at Ayumi—only to find her drawing *with full concentration.*
She looked so serious, yet so graceful.
Toru quickly looked away. *Stay cool. Stay cool.*
Minutes passed, and finally, they were done.
"Let's show each other at the same time," Ayumi suggested.
Toru gulped. "O-Okay."
They flipped their sketchpads.
Toru's drawing of Ayumi was *decent.* He wasn't the best, but he had some skill, and it at least looked *human.*
Ayumi, on the other hand…
Toru's mouth fell open.
Her drawing of him was *amazing.* The details, the shading—he looked like a *prince in a fairy tale!*
His heart thumped wildly. *DON'T BLUSH. DON'T BLUSH.*
Ayumi tilted her head. "Toru? Are you okay?"
"I-I'M FINE!" Toru covered his mouth and forced a blank expression.
Ayumi giggled. "I really like your drawing."
Toru felt like he was floating.
But before he could say anything, the teacher clapped. "Switch partners!"
—
### **Round 2: Ayumi & Yuma**
Yuma straightened his back, determined.
This was *his* chance.
He adjusted his glasses and looked at Ayumi. "Ayumi, before we start, did you know that the ancient Romans used to carve their portraits into coins as a way to preserve their legacy?"
Ayumi blinked. "…That's cool?"
Yuma nodded. "Yes. And did you know that in classical calligraphy, the way you hold a pen can determine the quality of your strokes?"
"…That's interesting."
Yuma smiled. *Yes! She's engaged in the conversation!*
As they sketched, Yuma continued. "I read that drawing portraits was a common practice in the Renaissance era because people wanted to capture the beauty of their subjects."
Ayumi pretended to be deeply interested. "Wow, I totally didn't know that."
Yuma grinned. *She's into it! This is going great!*
They finished their drawings and revealed them.
Yuma's portrait of Ayumi was surprisingly *good.* His calligraphy skills gave him an advantage in smooth strokes.
Ayumi's drawing of Yuma was just as detailed, showing his sharp eyes and focused expression.
Yuma felt victorious.
But before he could say anything—
"Switch partners!"
—
### **Round 3: Ayumi & Yoshi**
Yoshi leaned back, giving Ayumi a lazy grin. "So, Ayumi… do you think I look better from the left or right?"
Ayumi blinked. "…What?"
"Well, you're drawing me, so I gotta make sure I look my best." He smirked. "I have *standards.*"
Ayumi rolled her eyes. "Just sit normally, Yoshi."
He laughed. "Alright, alright."
As they sketched, Yoshi casually leaned closer. "So, what do you think? Am I more handsome than Kota?"
Ayumi snorted. "Kota isn't even trying to be handsome."
Yoshi grinned. "True, but that's what makes him dangerous. Girls love the 'natural' look."
Ayumi just shook her head and kept drawing.
When they finished, Yoshi confidently flipped his sketchpad. His drawing of Ayumi was well-done—clean, stylish, and a little dramatic, like a magazine cover.
Ayumi revealed hers, and Yoshi whistled. "Whoa, I look *good.*"
Ayumi smirked. "Better than Kota?"
"…Don't push it."
"Switch partners!"
—
### **Final Round: Ayumi & Kota**
Kota stretched his arms. "Alright, let's get this over with."
Ayumi smirked. "What's with that attitude?"
"I've drawn so many people already. My hands hurt."
Ayumi giggled. "Well, just do your best."
As they started drawing, Ayumi stole a glance at Kota.
He was actually *serious* this time. His brows furrowed, his tongue slightly sticking out in concentration.
She smiled. *He looks kind of cute when he's focused.*
Suddenly, her face warmed. *Wait, what?*
She quickly hid behind her canvas and continued drawing.
—
Minutes later, it was time for the big reveal.
Kota smirked. "Get ready to be amazed."
He flipped his sketchpad.
Ayumi looked at it.
It was… a stick figure. With a bow and a skirt.
Ayumi stared at it for a second before giggling. "Wow, it looks just like me."
Kota nodded proudly. "I *told* you. Everyone was mesmerized by my art today."
Ayumi shook her head. "Sure, Kota. Sure."
Then she flipped *her* sketchpad.
Kota's jaw dropped.
It was *incredible.* The shading, the depth, the detail—it looked *professional.*
He gaped. "How does a kid even *draw* this well?"
Ayumi smirked. "So? What do you think?"
Kota folded his arms. "…It's alright."
Ayumi laughed. "*Admit it,* Kota."
"…It's cool."
Ayumi beamed.
—
Meanwhile, in the distance, three boys observed the scene.
Toru. Yuma. Yoshi.
Watching Kota and Ayumi.
Watching Ayumi's *bright* smile.
A different kind of smile.
*Not the polite one she gave them.*
Not the forced one.
A genuine, happy, radiant smile.
The three boys exchanged glances.
They understood one thing.
*They needed to do better.*
CHAPTER END