Of Yokai and Hopeless Romantics

Chapter 9

The next day Benihime was heading towards the dining hall with Yayaka, she had a bento filled with rice balls for later in the day when they were sitting for their painting. Benihime looked around dining hall and did not see Shige, she guessed that he was skipping meals once again.

" I'm sorry for yesterday," Yayaka said once they sat down to eat lunch. " I thought that getting you and Shige-kun together outside of school was a good idea, but I didn't know Mari-chan would push Inna-chan's buttons like that."

" You don't have to apologize, I guess the thought of me leaving really affected you," Benihime said.

" How couldn't it, your my best friend," Yayaka said.

" I would still be in touch and I would still visit," Benihime said.

" But you would have to give up on your dreams. You and me, we're going to conquer this world, you with your cooking, me with my acting. We started this journey together and we need to keep going on it together," Yayaka said.

It was true, ever since they had met in middle school the two had been friends. Maybe Benihime really was giving into her parent's demands too quickly. Yes, her romantic life had been a disaster, but the other aspects of her life were going great. Sure Benihime had plans for her romantic life, she viewed it as an important part of her life, but her friendship with Yayaka was just as important. Could she sacrifice one for the other? Was she being immature in wanting both? " I can assure you that I am weighing both staying and going seriously. It might seem like it should be a simple decision for me, but my parents have correctly pointed out one of my shortcomings. They also care as much about my happiness as you do."

" I know you put a lot of pressure on yourself, I don't want to add more," Yayaka said relenting a little.

The two finished lunch and headed to the Arts Studio. When they arrived at the painting studio, Shige was already there working. He seemed to have been working for quite some time and didn't even notice when Benihime and Yayaka entered. Benihime was once again surprised by Shige's dedication, his concentration should have easily been broken by Yayaka's mere presence.

" Hello Shige-kun," Benihime said taking his concentration away from his painting.

" Oh, hello Benihime-san, Yayaka-chan," Shigue said standing up and bowing. He looked awful, the bags under his eyes were even darker, his hair was disheveled, and his skin was pallid.

" Hello Shige-kun, have you been taking care of yourself?" Yayaka asked eyeing him.

" It's been a long week, I had to study hard for the math test and work on this painting," Shige said.

" You could have put aside the painting, we are not asking you to put your health on the line to have it done," Benihime said.

" I'm actually fine, I just want to make sure I have the best possible painting for the auction," Shige said.

Benihime wondered why Shige was so focused on the auction. Was he that attracted to the prospect of making money? From what she knew of Inna, it did not seem that her family was poor or in need of money, perhaps that was not the case for Shige? Though Benihime thought that Inna's family owned a textile business. Once again Benihime was left wondering what everyone saw in Shige, while she could admire passion and ambition, she did not admire greed. Benihime tried not to judge Shige harshly, she was jumping to conclusion without having the facts, perhaps it was truly just an artistic passion that drove him. " Have you at least eaten?"

" I had some curry bread, I'm good," Shige said.

Benihime opened the bento with the rice balls and placed them next to Shige's easel. " These are for you, feel free to eat them whenever you want."