I continued to paint for a while under Rosmiel-san’s guidance, and eventually, I finished a single piece. Naturally, if I had been obsessing over every detail like a true professional, it wouldn't have been finished in just a day, but...
When I looked at the result, it actually wasn't half bad. I wasn't going to claim it was a masterpiece, but I felt like I had done much better than I’d expected.
It wasn't that I possessed some hidden artistic talent; rather, it was all thanks to Rosmiel-san, who had given me precise advice and even taken my hand to guide my brush at times.
Then there was the other factor. Perhaps the desperate effort I’d put into focusing on the canvas—solely to keep from being too conscious of the sensation of her leaning against my back—had inadvertently pushed my concentration to its limit.
"...W-Well, how do you think it turned out?"
An amateur like me might think it looked good, but the discerning Rosmiel-san might see it differently. She wasn't the type to criticize an amateur’s work... but just in case, I decided to keep my Sympathy Magic off. If I realized she was just flattering me, it would be pretty painful.
"Yes. I think you painted it beautifully. Being able to do this on your very first try is quite impressive."
"Hahaha, well, it’s only because you helped me out so much, Rosmiel-san."
"No, that's not true. While I gave you advice and helped with the technique, the expression in this painting comes from your own sensibilities, Kaito-kun. For example, I think the way you used these lighter shades for the flowers is wonderful. It gives the whole piece a soft atmosphere."
Rosmiel-san praised me with a bright smile. I could tell from the look in her eyes that she wasn't just being polite—she meant it from the bottom of her heart. It made me feel a little tickled.
"Landscapes tend to reflect the artist’s state of mind quite clearly. For instance, the brushwork is a bit heavy-handed here, which gives off an impression of tension or hesitation. Since it was your first time using a canvas, I imagine you were probably stiff at the start. I see a lot of nervous strokes in this area."
"...I was definitely a bit fearful and timid at first."
"That can't be helped when it's your first time. You drew things a bit small here because of that tension, though I think they would have looked even better if you’d been bolder."
"I see..."
"But your use of color is excellent. I think you have a real sense for it, Kaito-kun."
To be perfectly honest, that stiffness she mentioned was likely because I’d been tensing up, trying my hardest to ignore the sensation of her breasts pressing against my back.
Still, I had been nervous and flustered, so her reading of my mental state was spot on. Rosmiel-san was a talented teacher; she seemed like the type who encouraged her students to grow through praise. She kept a bright smile on her face, mixing in advice with her compliments, which actually made the process of painting feel fun.
If she weren't so pathologically shy, she would be perfect for teaching... Truly, if only she weren't so shy.
"This part you painted in the middle is much better. You were relaxed and painting more freely. The way you handled this gentle slope is particularly good. I feel like it’s packed with your charm, Kaito-kun."
"My charm?"
"Yes. Just by looking at the strokes and colors, I can tell how gentle your personality is. I really love this soft style of yours."
"A-Ah, thank you."
Perhaps her spirits were just high, but Rosmiel-san’s smile was almost dazzling. Being stared at so directly made me feel incredibly self-conscious. After praising my painting for a while longer, Rosmiel-san seemed to have a sudden thought.
"...Oh! If it’s alright with you, Kaito-kun, would you mind if I displayed this painting?"
"Eh? My painting?"
"Yes. My home isn't exactly a museum; I just display the things I personally like. Besides, very few people ever come here to see them. Is that a no?"
"Oh, no, it's fine. If you don't have a problem with it, Rosmiel-san, then I don't mind..."
I felt a bit out of place knowing it would be hanging alongside genuine masterpieces, but Rosmiel-san looked so happy. And since she’d mentioned that only a handful of people were ever invited to her home, it wasn't like it would be on public display anyway. In that case, it shouldn't be a problem. It wasn't a total disaster like my previous modeling attempt. In fact, if I do say so myself, I thought I’d done a pretty good job.
"Thank you, Kaito-kun!"
"I-It’s nothing. I was using your canvas and paints to begin with... Uh... U-Um, Rosmiel-san? Your face is a bit close."
"Awawawa! S-S-Sorry!?"
She had been holding my hands in her excitement, but her face had ended up inches from mine. Rosmiel-san was an undeniable beauty, so having her that close made my heart race uncontrollably.
It clearly wasn't intentional on her part. When I pointed it out, her face turned bright red and she began apologizing in a frantic panic. Seeing her like that made me give a wry smile. It might have been an impolite way to describe someone older than me, but I couldn't help but feel that her every reaction was just adorable.
Serious-senpai: "...It’s over, right? This is a clean break, isn't it? Surely there aren't any more events after this!!"
???: "...Why would you go and raise such a Massive Flag? Now it's definitely not going to end..."