Carlo's friends, Honey, Evie, and Max, burst confetti in the laboratory, congratulating him on his new job. Excitement filled the air as they cheered, while Edward sulked in the corner, feeling left out and unfairly treated.
The laboratory was adorned with colorful paper decorations, and a banner handmade by Honey and Evie proudly proclaimed "Congratulations, Carlo!" They all gathered around the table, with Carlo beaming at the center.
"Thank you," Carlo expressed his gratitude with a smile. Evie and Honey continued to cheer, and Max popped open an expensive bottle of beer, causing the liquid to burst out in celebration. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the four friends eagerly embraced the moment, but Edward remained sulking, feeling excluded.
"Why didn't you have a party for me, but we're celebrating Carlo's new job?" Edward grumbled, his annoyance evident. Evie, growing impatient with Edward's attitude, retorted, "Stop being such a kid and don't complain!"
Carlo, trying to bridge the gap, turned to Edward with a warm smile and said, "Edward, welcome back!" He meant it as an invitation to join the celebration.
Edward, overcome by frustration, stood up from his seat and approached Carlo, crossing his arms and gripping Carlo's shoulder with annoyance. He snapped, "Stop being so happy just 'cause you got a job, asshole!"
Carlo struggled to catch his breath, resisting Edward's grip. "Knock it off, dude!" he exclaimed, while Max intervened with a stern tone, "Come on, guys, let's eat."
Edward released his grip and both of them returned to their seats. The table was adorned with a delightful spread of dishes, including buttered drumsticks, pasta noodles, a steaming hotpot, and a celebratory cake.
Concerned, Carlo asked, "Is it alright for us to have a party?"
Honey reassured him, passing the spoon and fork, "Of course. It's been ages since we've had a party."
Carlo expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you," and they all dug into the delicious feast before them. Laughter and conversation filled the room as the dual celebration continued. Carlo couldn't help but notice the genuine smiles on his friends' faces, and a sense of reassurance washed over him.
In that moment, Carlo reflected to himself, "I chose this job amidst a sea of confusion and uncertainty. But when I see their smiling faces, I feel that I've made the right choice."
The celebration carried on, with congratulations and well wishes pouring in for Carlo. After the party, Carlo couldn't hold back his excitement and shared the news with Stephen. Both of them were overcome with happiness, and tears of joy streamed down their faces. It was a moment of validation for Carlo and a milestone in his journey to adulthood.
☘
Honey entered Edward's studio room and was immediately captivated by a majestic sculpture of Edward, painted in a mesmerizing ocean blue color. Edward, entering his studio and noticing Honey's presence, placed his towel on a chair and grabbed his mallet from the table.
"That's the piece that couldn't even get past the preliminary round in the contest that you got first place in," Edward remarked, a tinge of bitterness in his voice.
Honey turned her gaze to the sculpture once again, her eyes filled with a mix of admiration and something else. She looked down and softly said, "I... lost."
Edward's eyes widened in surprise as he asked, "What?"
Looking back at the sculpture, Honey continued, "Amongst all of your artwork, this is my favorite." She gazed at Edward, her smile shining brightly.
Edward felt a sense of confusion washing over him. Honey had won first place in the contest, so why was she smiling at him like the sun? He couldn't help but chuckle, feeling a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.
Honey turned to leave the room, and Edward instinctively called out, "Where are you going?"
Stopping in her tracks, Honey looked back at Edward, her smile unwavering. "While I was looking at it, I felt disappointed, so I want to paint some more," she replied.
Edward's eyes softened, and a warm smile spread across his face. "Why don't you paint here?" he suggested.
Honey's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? Is it okay?" she asked.
Edward nodded, his smile growing wider. "Yeah. It's okay."
The two of them continued their artistic pursuits side by side in the studio. Honey painted with joy and enthusiasm, her brush strokes revealing her innermost emotions on the canvas. Edward, equally immersed in his craft, expertly carved the wood, shaping it into a magnificent sculpture.
As they worked, their talents intertwined, creating an aura of creativity and inspiration within the studio. Honey couldn't help but steal glances at Edward, captivated by his skill and the way he brought his vision to life. Edward, in turn, found himself in awe of Honey's dedication and the vibrant energy she brought to her artwork.
Time seemed to stand still as they delved deeper into their creative realms, channeling their passion into their respective pieces. The studio became a haven of artistic expression, a space where their talents flourished and merged.
Edward couldn't help but feel a sense of wonderment as he observed Honey painting. Her every brushstroke seemed to breathe life into the canvas, and he couldn't help but smile with admiration. They continued to work side by side, sharing their artistry and creating a bond forged through their shared passion.
☘
In the afternoon, Arthur and Rika found themselves once again hanging out inside Arthur's laboratory, much like they had done before. As Rika gazed at the surroundings, her eyes fell upon a picture of the three of them, capturing a cherished memory. Her curiosity piqued, she couldn't help but wonder aloud, "Didn't the three of us go out to eat after we took this picture that day?"
Arthur, sitting comfortably on his couch, pondered for a moment before responding, "Hm? Did we? I don't really remember."
The sound of the ticking clock reverberated through the laboratory, filling the room with a momentary silence. Rika's voice broke the stillness, her thoughts drifting into deeper contemplation. "I wonder why we forget. Even the things we don't want to forget, even the things we want to hold onto forever, they all disappear with time, don't they? Even the memories with him," she mused.
Arthur let out a sigh, placing his cigarette into the ashtray. He realized that Rika was struggling to move on from the loss of her husband, who had also been a dear friend to Arthur. Her words resonated with the weight of her grief.
Rika, her smile bittersweet, continued, "It feels like they're slowly disappearing. It feels like the number of things I am forgetting about is increasing."
Arthur, feeling the weight of her words, empathetically confronted her. "Don't blame yourself like that, Rika," he said gently. "You shouldn't feel guilty because of that."
Rika met Arthur's gaze, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. Her voice carried a tinge of longing as she responded, "If I forget, he will slowly start to disappear. I need to remember everything about him, or he will truly be gone."
Arthur's thoughts swirled as he contemplated Rika's profound words. He understood the depth of her attachment to the memories of her late husband, and the profound fear of losing him entirely. In that moment, he realized the importance of supporting Rika in her journey to preserve the memories that held so much significance for her.
☘
The night is young and Evie finds herself in her pottery room, retrieving the newly molded cups from the oven. With the batch complete, she carefully placed them on the table, ready for delivery to the office. As she finished her task, something caught her eye on the desk—a shopping bag and a letter.
Curiosity piqued, Evie picked up the letter and saw it was from Max. The words on the paper read, "The Bean Paste was just made. Too bad." A smile adorned Evie's face as she felt touched by the unexpected gift from Max. However, she also noticed Max's brown jacket left behind on the chair, indicating his forgetfulness.
Evie firmly grasped the jacket in her hands and held it close, hugging it gently. Closing her eyes, she breathed in deeply, cherishing the scent of Max that lingered on the fabric. Embracing the jacket, she felt a mixture of warmth and sadness, knowing that she had made the decision to forget about him. Yet, she questioned her ability to truly let go.
In that tender moment, Nathan entered the room, breaking the solitude. "Good evening. Are you done?" he greeted, unaware of the emotions that had just overwhelmed Evie.
Quickly wiping away her tears, Evie composed herself and replied, "Yeah."
Nathan's eyes fell upon the table filled with the newly crafted cups, and a smile formed on his lips. He couldn't believe how efficiently Evie had completed the task in such a short period of time. Chuckling, he said, "What's so funny?"
Evie, still visibly affected by her earlier emotions, asked, her tone laced with a hint of annoyance, "It's nothing."
Changing the subject, Nathan suggested, "Are you hungry? Let's go eat ramen. I know a good place."
Feigning indifference, Evie replied, her voice tinged with a touch of anger, "It's okay. I'm not hungry." However, her stomach betrayed her by growling loudly, catching both of them by surprise.
A blush crept onto Evie's cheeks as she felt a wave of embarrassment. Nathan's smile widened, finding her reaction endearing.
Nathan drove Evie to the ramen place he had suggested, a secluded spot far from the city. As they entered the cozy restaurant, they ordered the most delicious ramen on the menu. Evie eagerly dug into her bowl, savoring the flavors and textures, while Nathan observed her intently.
"How is it?" Nathan asked, his gaze fixed on Evie as if he were watching a captivating television show. Evie, caught off guard by the deliciousness of the ramen and unable to find the right words, stammered, "I-It's delicious. This is the first time I've eaten ramen that is this good." She still seemed hesitant, denying her enjoyment.
Nathan clarified, "No, that's not what I meant." Evie paused, her chopsticks hovering in the air, waiting for his explanation. Nathan continued, "I'm asking if you're still going to eat more."
Embarrassment flushed through Evie as she realized she had already consumed ten bowls of ramen. She blushed and nodded, acknowledging her affinity for indulgence, and resumed eating.
After their satisfying meal, Nathan drove Evie back to the shopping street where she lived. As she stepped out of the car, she thanked him for the meal and the ride home. Nathan smiled and replied, "Thanks for the cups." Their smiles mirrored each other, a shared warmth between them.
Nathan continued, breaking the silence, "Seriously, teach me about ceramics sometime." Evie, feeling daring, responded, "I teach pretty strictly." Nathan shrugged and confidently said, "That's okay, I'll be prepared." Evie burst into laughter, touched by his willingness to embrace her quirks. Smiling, she bid him goodnight and began walking away.
However, before she could get far, Nathan called out, "Hey, Evelyn." Startled, Evie turned around to face him. Nathan's next words made her heart skip a beat. "Should I give that coat back to him?"
Shock registered on Evie's face as she realized that Nathan had noticed the coat she was wearing was not hers. Nathan maintained his smile and casually mentioned, "Isn't that Max's?" Evie remained silent, desperately trying to hide her lingering feelings for Max from Nathan. Sensing her inner turmoil, Nathan's tone grew serious as he asked, "Does it have to be him?"
The weight of Nathan's question hung heavily in the air as the two of them stood in silence, the night enveloping them with its stillness.
☘
In the morning, Carlo stood before the shiny silver bike, a wide smile adorning his face. He was dressed in a black tuxedo with a white polo shirt underneath, paired with black pants and a black tie.
Arthur, observing Carlo's excitement, smiled and said, "This is a present from me, celebrating your new job." Carlo's happiness overflowed as he asked, "Is it really okay?" Arthur reassured him, "You'll be able to go to Chris' office by bicycle."
Carlo held a shopping bag containing a gift for his new boss and exclaimed, "That's perfect! I was planning to greet him today." Arthur smiled and said, "Tell him I said hi." Carlo nodded enthusiastically, promising to convey the message.
With joy in his heart, Carlo placed his gift in the basket of the bike and set off to the furniture shop, riding his new bicycle with a sense of freedom and anticipation.
Edward, witnessing Carlo's departure on the bike, couldn't help but feel happy for him. He noticed Professor Baldy standing under a nearby tree and walked over to join him. Edward initiated a conversation, eager to seek the professor's insights.
"Professor, let's say you went to a ramen shop, and there was a beautiful woman who served delicious ramen there. Do you think there's a chance that you'd fall in love with that person just by eating their ramen?" Edward asked, his curiosity evident.
Professor Baldy contemplated Edward's question and inquired, "Are you asking if I'd want to marry a woman who can cook?" Edward took a breath, wanting to clarify his thoughts, and replied, "I'm asking if it's possible to fall in love with someone solely based on their talent."
Professor Baldy pondered deeply and responded, "I think you can. Whether it's food, art, or ceramics, the essence of the person is always embedded within their creation. If you genuinely appreciate what they make, doesn't that mean you already appreciate a part of who they are?"
Edward listened intently, his gaze fixed on the professor, as if searching for answers within himself. He questioned further, "Is that really true?" Professor Baldy affirmed, "Even with the ramen you always enjoy, the taste carries the essence of the person who made it."
Edward contemplated the professor's words, realizing that perhaps there was more to his connection with the things he loved than he had previously considered.
☘
Carlo pedaled his bike towards the office, a wide smile on his face as he felt the wind against his skin. It was a happiness he had never experienced before, a sense of liberation and joy. Life seemed full of possibilities as he rode through the streets.
But suddenly, his world came crashing down when he found himself inside the shop, with Chris, the shop owner, kneeling before him in sincere apology. Chris spoke with a heavy heart, "I'm very sorry, Carlo. One of our biggest clients just went bankrupt, and all the expected profits have disappeared. It will be incredibly difficult to hire you now."
Carlo's eyes widened in disbelief, never expecting life to be so unfair. He stood there, staring into the abyss, feeling a paralysis grip his body and mind. The weight of disappointment settled heavily upon him, and he struggled to find words or even feel anything at that moment. The same feeling resonated with Honey, who found herself in a similar state of shock and immobility.
Later that night, Ms. Donna handed a form for the upcoming Lieden exhibition to Honey, her tone firm and strict. She said, "Enter the Lieden exhibition." Honey hesitated, unable to reach out and take the form from Ms. Donna's hand. She responded softly, "I have to ask Arthur about this..."
Ms. Donna's voice hardened as she snapped, frustration lacing her words. "Decide with your own will. If you win the grand prize, you'll definitely pass the judging, and you'll have the opportunity to go to Italy." Honey's voice trembled as she replied, "I... don't want to go overseas. I'm fine as long as I can paint in this city."
Ms. Donna's anger flared, her words sharp. "Why are you being so independent? You were someone who was chosen! Everyone is working with all their might, but most of them never get the chance and disappear. For someone with talent, it is required of them to continue producing artwork. Even for the sake of those who follow, you must try your hardest. Do you understand?!"
Honey was left bewildered, not fully comprehending the weight of Ms. Donna's words or the reasons behind the insistence to give her all. She struggled to reconcile the idea of trying her hardest with her simple desire to paint.
Ms. Donna continued, her tone softer but tinged with concern, "You don't know what Professor Beaumont is really thinking, do you?" The words hung in the air, leaving Honey to ponder the true depths of her father's thoughts and intentions.
As Honey absorbed Ms. Donna's words, a realization began to dawn on her. She understood that she had never truly considered Arthur's feelings, nor the burden she may have unknowingly placed on him. The realization struck her with a mix of guilt and a newfound understanding of her role in Arthur's life.
A realization also washed over Edward like a wave crashing upon the shore. He understood what it meant to truly like someone, to feel a deep admiration and resonance with their essence. It wasn't just Honey's artistic talent that captivated him; it was the way her paintings seemed to breathe life, the way they conveyed emotions and stories that resonated with his own experiences.
But it wasn't just her art that enamored Edward. It was also the way Honey smiled at him when their eyes met, a genuine warmth that made him feel seen and understood. Her smile radiated a contagious joy that stirred something within him, a longing to be closer to her, to unravel the mystery behind her creations and the person she was.
Meanwhile, as Carlo walked aimlessly through the streets with his bike by his side, the weight of the earlier incident pressed upon him. He felt a deep sense of depression and solitude enveloping him in the cold night air. His thoughts churned, and he found himself reflecting on the paths that life had unexpectedly taken him on.
In a whisper, he mused to himself, "When humans stand at a crossroad in life, I wonder how they see the right path to take. I wonder if you'll realize it if you continue to search. I felt as though I found the path to follow, but that disappeared without a trace. I wonder if a chance like this would ever... cross my path again."
Lost in his contemplation, Carlo reached an intersection, where a bridge spanned above him. From there, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. It was Edward, standing on the bridge and waving excitedly. Carlo looked up, his surprise evident as he called out Edward's name.
Edward took a deep breath, his expression serious, and made a startling revelation. "Hey Carlo, I've realized something amazing." Carlo's heart skipped a beat, his curiosity piqued as he waited for Edward to continue.
With a mix of vulnerability and determination, Edward confessed, "I like Honeylyn Beaumont." Carlo stood there, stunned, as the weight of Edward's words settled upon him. Unexpectedly, a flood of conflicting emotions surged within him, as the realization of his own feelings for Honey began to intertwine with Edward's confession.
Carlo's mind raced, torn between his happiness for Edward's honesty and the guilt that gnawed at him, knowing that his own heart may be entangled in a similar web of emotions. The complexities of their friendship and the uncertain paths that lay before them weighed heavily on his mind.
As they stood there, caught between the darkness of the night and the tangled threads of their hearts, the streets whispered with the secrets of their unspoken desires and uncharted possibilities. The dawn of a new day held the promise of clarity and the choices that would unfold their intertwined destinies.