Eve's P.O.V.

"Misaki Kamikita, the unsung poet and hero of the Second World War." I spoke, "Her story and her life not only told tales of passionate activism, fine arts, and history unfolding-"

"They also express the modern day fight between those better off than others and the ones being harmed in the process. Our prejudices, our morals, our resilience," [First Name] continued.

We looked at each other and nodded. "Thank you for listening," we bowed. The presentation was over.

~~~

We walked down the hallways after the last bell, admiring the campus. I did originally think that rich kids were snakes, but I met a few that contradicted my view. Kamikita grew on me, as she spoke out against our prejudices, internalized or not. The only prejudice I have now is which brand of paint is more superior than the other. 

She stopped in front of a bare cherry blossom tree, flowers only disappeared two months ago. 

"Hey [First Name]."

"Yes?" She said sweetly.

"Remember those things I said to you? Insulting you and saying threatening things I should never say to a girl. Calling you and your friends snobs... and," I shrugged, embarrassed. "Those things. I'm sorry. I meant them before, but now I can't tolerate things like that." 

She pouted. "Apology accepted. You know, I noticed growth from both you and me ever since we met. I am really glad that we did this project together."

"Me too."

"But I would also like to apologize," She stood up straight and looked me into the eyes, sternly. "I never knew the desperation you and your family and with your background went through. The fact that I called your mom disgusting despite her earning most the money in your household and calling poor people rats. I express remorse."

I run my hand through her head. "You know you can speak in informal tongue to me, correct?"

She shakes her head and chuckles. "My bad. I was taught say sorry in very professional ways. I guess it's because I'm raised around people who are expected to do so... You know, you can act like a rich person."

I throw my head back in laughter. "You really think so?"

"Uh, yeah? Duh. What was that back there?" She pointed at me and mocks, "'You know you can speak in informal tongue to me.' Ooh."

~~~

We agreed to meet up later tonight for dinner- I also slipped her a note. I hope she reads it. I was really excited because we've never actually dated seriously. Well, If one doesn't count the library trips and house visits for study, though.

For now, I had time for myself, and I decided to pay the boys a visit. Soraru kept his promise and found a place for the Outsiders to hang out, finish our art, and legally showcase it. The place was already old and abandoned and the police could care less about it. It was also next to the railroad. Sometimes, dirt and trash would come and scrape the paint. But it was no big deal. Fixing things were easy, maybe the scrapes can make the mural better. 

Mafumafu and Amatsuki were working on the newest piece I sketched a couple weeks ago- after I was released from... I hate to say it. Jail? I guess?

A girl, surrounded by desolation, but her figure surrounded by light. My Raison D'etre. 

The two had already gotten her outline and upper bust in shape, checking and double checking my sketch to see if they had gotten it accurate. I joined them, naturally.

I started to fill in the clothes with the base color. "Sorry I'm late, again."

"Rich people school love letting their kids out later, huh?" Amatsuki asks.

We laugh in unison. "That sounds about right."

Sou emerges from inside the building holding a plastic bag filled with new paint. "So he did come!" He says while walking towards us casually.

Mafumafu stood up from his crouched position. "Hey, don't you need to pick up Ten?"

I shook my head. "Not today. My mom decided to take a break and stay home for a while," I pause, then continue. "At least I get to stay out later because I have a date-"

The boys cheered for me, high fiving and slapping shoulders. 

Your P.O.V.

I stopped just outside of Tokyo Suburbs to open the note Eve slipped in my hand before he dropped me off at the train station. 

"Darling, Darling, love me like I love you.

Ever since that moment, we've been accomplices.

Don't stand there waiting for someone to lead your life.

Let's try to make this the best chapter.

This exciting exhilarating  new day.

We'll see the sun rise over the horizon.

Knowing we're still underground-

Waiting for our time to emerge."

- Eve (いぶ)

My eyes teared up. How did he learn to write poetry so well?

Aw, of course. He hides his talents and refuses to share them with the world. But... I might just prefer it like that because only I can bask in his hidden art.

I wonder if he can sing?

Shaking my head and smiling at myself at the thought, I continued on, approaching the clean swept streets I'm so used to. I started to miss the mysteriousness of Tokyo Ghetto, but I could live without the smell and the lurkers.

I approached my gate and opened it. Miss Hanabusa was standing at the door- seemingly waiting for me, so I rushed up to her.

"Is there anything wrong Miss Hanabusa?"

She hugged me. "Oh! You're safe! Why didn't you ride home with Soraru? Or even wait for your mother to come for you?"

"Soraru came by?"

The housekeeper shook her head. "No, I saw his car pass through. I called him to see if he was with you and he said no! He said you were going to take the train... alone!"

I wave my hands in protest. "Oh no, I was safe, I promise! The trip was actually very nice. It's an alternate way to get to and from school without passing through Tokyo Ghetto for too long."

"At least you're safe." She sighs in relief.

"Oh yeah, I have a date with someone later. Can you inform mom and dad when they get home for me please?"

I rushed up the stairs before I can hear her protest. She sounded shocked. I know.

~~~

I was able to meet with Eve in the city, the lights were blinding, a scene I can never get used to. The bustling night life made things more exciting. I don't know why. Maybe it was the feeling of adventure, wondering where these people went and what they were going to do next. We were now those people. Not a poor boy and not a rich girl. We were wanderers. 

I know I act like I've never seen the outside- I have- but never with someone else other than those in my close circle. Mother, father, brother, Miss Hanabusa, Kaname, Gabriel, Soraru...

I was with Eve. Finally... just us. No school. No law. No third party.

I clutched onto his arm as we walked through the busy streets, my mouth agape at the sights. I knew this place. But it felt new.

"I know a place where some students from my old school go for nights out. The food is amazing and they give outstanding servings if you're into that."

I giggle. "You're the boss, I'm paying anyway."

He looks down at me. "I thought I was."

"You ask me out, I pay."

~~~

Dinner was delicious, and Eve never looked more free ever since I met him. He cracked jokes, told stories, and I couldn't help but listen and sink further into my feelings. 

I regret assuming things about him- and others like him.

We walked out the restaurant after he gave up trying to pay for the food. The waitress laughed at the fight, in which I came out triumphant. 

The cool air hit our faces as we breathe the night air once more.

Eve and I wandered down the streets, looking at the shops and small businesses, gawking at small trinkets and window shopping. 

I point at a backpack on a mannequin that had the shape of an orange bear with a horn and a star on its belly. It was funny looking yet cute at the same time. "Look, it's you!"

"Um. Excuse me?" He squinted at the bag. "In what way is this me?"

"Cute and funny-looking."

He put his arm over my head and held it close to his chest as he ruffled my hair. "Take that back."

I jokingly try to pat him off. "Never!"

He lets me go, we were laughing hysterically.

"Hey. If you don't mind, may I take you somewhere?"

I was confused at first, but I nodded. "Sure."

He takes me down a series of paths that eventually led to Tokyo Ghetto. I held him close- yes I know I said that I was starting to like the place but it was still creepy at night. 

We took a turn and I saw train tracks. Wait, this was the place Soraru talked about- the art wall, building, ruin, giant canvas. They cleaned up the place of most of its trash and started to doodle on the concrete panels. 

He abruptly stopped walking and pulled me closer to him, chest to chest.

My heart pounded, thinking we were in danger.

Eve cups my face in his hands.

Next thing I knew his warm lips were on mine. 

My heartbeat accelerated, more than when I thought there was an intruder. 

We kissed for a moment- and he pulled away. 

His eyes twinkled in the stray lights that loomed from above the tracks. I can barely see his face, but he was there. It was him. Eve started kissing me again.

This time, I threw my arms around him as he pushed me against the wall. I was lucky to be someone to bask in his art. 

We slowly let go of each other, trying to catch our breaths. 

"Turn around," he says, as he steps away.

Reluctantly, I did. I look up at the sight. The riot of dim colors on the wall. A girl standing in a dynamic pose, seemingly ascending through a ruin, glowing amidst the gloom around her. I smile. It was beautiful- but the light was so scarce, I couldn't see it in all its glory.

I could hear a train coming in the distance as I tried to make out the form. The mural was unfinished, but the product had already taken its scene.

The train getting closer and the bright headlights shone on the wall, illuminating the piece.

I gasp.

Was that... me?