Second Lead Syndrome (1-187) | ✓

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She gasped, seeing the numerous drawing papers scattered across the floor. Shin was immersed in his painting, his eyes sunken from the lack of sleep but they were gleaming with determination.

The papers were already drawn on, and some of them were crushed into a ball. 

“Shin?” 

Shin did not stop his movements, he seemed to be applying some finishing touches on his painting. 

“Have you been painting the entire night?” Cecil questioned, walking over as she was careful not to step on the papers. “Isn’t this...the painting you drew the other day?” 

On the easel, it was the previous painting that Haru requested him to draw, the painting of the previous banquet with Veau in it. 

“I was thinking of a farewell gift.”

“...?!”

Cecil widened her eyes, snapping her head towards Shin. 

“This was the best one I could give.”

“Fa-farewell?” she stuttered out, incredulous. “Shin, you...are you planning to leave?” 

Shin continued looking at Cecil, despite how fatigued he looked, he was still alert. 

“You...weren’t there.”

Cecil blinked in confusion. “Wh-what?”

“In our past memories, you did not exist,” Shin smiled faintly, placing his paintbrush down. “But now, I am grateful for you appearing and existing, I am sure...he is too.” 

Cecil was still confused, not fully awake. 

Shin proceeded to reach into his kimono, taking out an envelope and placing it in front of the painting. Due to the lack of materials, Shin did not colour the painting, leaving it as black and white. 

However, like he said, this was the best gift he could leave for them. 

Inside the envelope, he had written his last message to them. 

“After this,” Shin reached out to grab Cecil’s wrist, pointing at the painting and the envelope. “Can you pass this to them?” 

“...”

Cecil was still trying to comprehend the situation. 

“I know you will,” Shin smiled, going down from the stool. “Come.” 

He started to pull her along towards the wooden sliding doors and Cecil followed him cluelessly, staring between Shin and the painting he left behind.
 
“I was thinking of a farewell gift.” 

Cecil was speechless. 

Is he...really serious about this? 

But...why? 

Cecil knew her questions would only be answered if she followed Shin, hence she allowed him to drag her along. 

***

They passed several rooms.

In the end, they ended in front of a room. Every room in this inn looked the same with similar wooden sliding doors, however, Cecil had been here for several days. 

She knew this room belonged to Xue. 

Just like Shin’s room, the lights were still on and leaking out of the translucent covers of the wooden sliding door. 

“It’s me.” 

“...come in.” Xue called out, his voice muffled. 

Shin slid the doors open, still dragging Cecil along with him.