The art show in the student center was the very kind of experience that Akihiro would have scorned, a chilly entranceway filled with abstract pieces, with the people in it trying to convey the air of reflective learning.
However, this evening, with Yui, the space took the seriousness of a sacred arena.
I felt the sartorial decision I had made in extremely sharp relief. The clothing used by Akari seemed carefully chosen to highlight all the feminine lines at the same time giving an air of near lightness. The fabric passed through with lightness which defied my inner preference towards hard working, pragmatic clothes. Instead of a determined, goal oriented object, I became like a transparent display.
This is called Resignation, said Yui in a low voice, as he stood before a canvas that was full of violent and yet restrained colour, red and black. It is interesting to note that the artist restrains such a dynamic chromatic force in strict geometries.
There was a sharp, instant recognition on my part. This contrast between the word containment and eruption appealed to me as a person. Therefore, I perceived the reflection of myself in the intentional restraint of chaos in the beautiful limits on the side of the artist.
It is painful, I said, in a hopeless tone.
Yui gave some thoughtful look, with her dark eyes dwelling upon thought. She noted that pain is often the most true impulse to the creative. It is the honest expression of experience in such instances that is left.
The depth of her words resonated with the reality, which was frightening and liberating at the same time. Assuming that I could no longer express the true distress of Akihiro, I should perhaps now seek to express the distress of Akari in whichever way it may be.
As we proceeded through the silent crowd I became aware that my position was changing. I was no longer to foster the romantic interest of Yui; I was to watch her cool, self possessed approach to artists, that was, in its sincere praise, full of tactful evasion of the familiarity of the olderpupils.
Then the unavoidable took place.
"Akari chan? Is that really you? a tall, excellently dressed young man joined our group, man whose hard lines and arrogance gave an air of absolute entitlement. His presence in general cut me in half with Yui. Immediately, the name Kenji, a notable, wealthy fourth year in the business faculty, with his insistent hunt, rose to my newly created storehouse of associations.
Kenji did not even treat Yui with politeness, but turned his look, with the jealous inquisitiveness which I detested, upon my person.
I have dialed your contact number 5 times yesterday, he said, his voice rather interrogative than pleasant. I would like to ask you to come to this gala this weekend. Why did you not reply?
The trade broke out in a blatant and a more open manner. Avihiro could have replied with a firm rejection but Akari was supposed to play a more subtle game of subtle rejection.
I sniffed, and manifested the habitual hoaxing plan. "I apologize, Kenji. I have been awash with my Sociology dissertation.
The laugh made by Kenji was derisory. "Sociology? Come forth. Throw her adolescent chastisement aside and go out with me one evening. My family ties will come in handy to your
I believe Akari-chan has her major sufficiently sufficient, Kenji, Yui interjected smoothly and without any disturbance of voice, moving forward to reestablish her locus next to me. The attitude of her face showed admiration and not anger, and her apathy at length suffused the atmosphere. And she has hinted that she is too busy. Some people are more concerned with academic studies, as opposed to social jostling.
His smile weakened, and was succeeded by irritation. He looked at Yui as an irrelevant impediment and turned his gaze to my own.
Very well, he lastly confessed. Akari, where to find me after you have understood where you really have to have your priorities. He gave me a parting, explicit glance and left.
I took a breath that I had not noticed before, and learned that this was, actually, a time of danger not of my identity as a woman, but of my efficiency in this new female social context.
"Wow," I whispered to Yui. "Thanks for that. I am more inclined to turn paralyzed when faced with such people.
Yui gave me a weak, sympathetic look. Akari-chan, he did not chase you. He was taking your limitations into consideration. The majority of males in his situation would assume a maiden being aesthetically seducing to be empty. She laid a hand on my arm a hand of mere chamberlainly, soothing. Do not use another to tell you what to give priority to as especially one who reeks of panic and costly perfumes.
The feeling of true friendship prevailed; this was pure friendship, which was supported by protection and mutual respect.
Looking at the form of Yui, silhouetted by the gallery light in the background, I felt the guardian spirit of Akihiro restoring. I hope I have the wish of wrapping around her the embrace, to protect her against the "Kenjis" that fill the world. But I was Akari, and I was to be guarded.
I determined to be courageous in her behalf. To learn the ways of Akari, almost to gain her fraternity and protect her against annoyances such as Kenji. The struggle had now moved beyond a struggle of survival to an enacted praxis in order to forge association.