Work Text:
It all started in summer.
Ayaka was forced to attend a summer camp which was sponsored by her family. Camps aren't her thing. She prefers to be alone and spend her time reading and painting.
Her parents are already proud of her. Despite being 7, she already upheld the name of her family, a Kamisato who is gifted with talents in art and knowledge. For them, they want their youngest child to experience youth and free from the pressure. But, Ayaka doesn't mind it at all.
For her, every time she hears her name, bringing her parents on stage, it is the happiest time of her life.
Ayaka has no other choice but to listen to her parents' demand to attend the summer camp.
The camp is filled with aspiring kids who want to pursue their interest with arts, music and dancing. Ayaka is in bliss. She thought it was something that she'll not be able to look forward to but she's wrong. For her, surrounded by everyone who has the same interest as her, she wants to be friends with each and everyone of them.
On the other hand, there is a kid who keeps watching Ayaka's action. He keeps following her for one reason, he wanted to be friends with her and get to know her better. He knows Ayaka's existence because he lost in an art competition to her. He wants to know what her insight is about art.
"You are Ayaka, right?"
Ayaka looks at the source of the voice. It seems familiar to her and she heard it somewhere but she can’t remember.
She can’t find anyone around her, until a young boy suddenly shows up in front of her.
"I am right. You are Ayaka. My name is Kazuha and I was one of the contestants of the art competition you've won last month. Congrats to you, by the way."
The guy smiles as he sits next to her. Ayaka didn't hinch to blink in a second. She doesn't know how to react.
"Hello, Earth to Miss Ayaka? You're spacing out." Kazuha waves his hand, trying to get the girl's attention, startling Ayaka.
"I'm sorry." She says, shyly. She puts her hands together looking down at her feet which are currently shaking.
"I actually don't like it when someone knows me because of that competition. But anyways, you said you are one of the contestants right? May I know the title of your artwork?" She tries her best to look directly at him.
Kazuha notices Ayaka’s uneasiness from her gestures.
He stood up to expand the gaps between them.
"I think this is much better for you. I am the one who created the Inkling. I presume you know that artwork right?" Kazuha explains, reminiscing Ayaka's reaction when she saw his work for the first time after the announcement.
Amusement is the best word that best describes Ayaka's reaction. She actually didn't expect that she'll meet the artist of the artwork she adores so much during the competition.
She stands up and extends her hand unto him. A wide smile plastered on her face. Finally, she meets one of the artists she’s looking for.
"Nice to meet you, Kazuha. I am looking forward to seeing more of your work throughout this camp."
—
The whole week was a blast for the both of them. They were inseparable. They spent their time together, playing around with colors and thoughts towards art. Ayaka's parents have witnessed the interaction between the kids.
Fun, warmth and happiness—those were the three words that best described them. They were relieved to see their child acting like a real kid.
Only a week left before the camp would finally end.
Kazuha was invited by Ayaka to join them for dinner. He initially refused it but Ayaka's parents are persuasive that's why he ended up joining them.
"Kazuha, my daughter said that she liked your work. She mentioned you were one of the contestants in last month's kindergarten art contest. The 'inkling' that's the name, right? Honestly, your artwork piqued my interest. No wonder Ayaka almost didn't want to leave after seeing your work. She actually pleaded to the organizers to give your artwork an acknowledgement because she thought she snatched the recognition for you."
Light laughter filled their table as they saw Ayaka hugged her mother's arm trying to hide her face.
"Dad, I said don't mention it." Ayaka pouted. Kazuha was staring at them full of amusement, he didn't know Kamisato's light aura could help him fill with joy.
"I actually didn't know that you did that, Aya. I am grateful for the acknowledgement you gave Mr. Kamisato. Painting has been my hobby since my mother died. She was the one who taught me and actually she is the inspiration why 'inkling' was created."
Kazuha almost cried in front of them. He still remembered the time he heard that word.
'Inkling'.
A vague idea.
It has been his concept since his mother died. Abstracts were definitely one of his fortes and truthfully, Ayaka was envious of it.
Ayaka envisioned art as conceptual with calculated forms of shapes and colors. Her work was most likely calculated while for Kazuha, it was free. Just like how carefree he was.
Kazuha felt a warm embrace. It was Ayaka hugging him without realizing his tears were already flowing down from his eyes.
"You did great as your mother's son, Kazuha. I know your mom is proud of you as much as I am proud of you after seeing your work."
A peaceful and wonderful dinner has already ended.
Ayaka, Kazuha and Ayaka's parents were in great ease of satisfaction and happiness.
Ayaka never looked down on Kazuha and she never thought of him as her rival. She was glad to claim that he was her friend.
—
It was already the last day of their summer camp.
For both Kazuha and Ayaka, they were not yet ready to say goodbye.
Two weeks of shared knowledge, stories and fun. It was deeply magical.
Kazuha knew that this would be the last time they'll meet. He knew he would no longer stay in Inazuma after the camp. It was his last request for his father to join the camp before they leave.
Goodbyes for every good moment are hard.
"Aya. Today's the last day right? It's really pleasant to meet you." Kazuha said as he looked at the sky, it was bright, full of light and peace.
"Yes. I hope this won't be the last time we'll meet each other." It was Ayaka's only wish by the end of this camp, to meet Kazuha outside as time went by.
Kazuha held Ayaka's hand. She felt something cold, between the gap of their hands.
A sad smile showed on Kazuha's face. He didn’t know how to say goodbye.
"Keep that. I'm not sure if we will meet again. But I promise I will look for you when we get older, and if it doesn't happen, I will look for you until our next lives. Wear it as you please since it will be the item I'll keep forever in my mind that you and I have met."
Tears formed towards the latter's eyes. Kazuha was her first ever friend. She knew that there was a high chance they might not meet again.
Ayaka rushed towards him and embraced him in a tight hug. Kazuha felt his shoulders getting wet, but he didn't mind. He felt her whispering in his ears.
"This is your mom's ring, right? Why do you say things that made me feel that we will not meet again. But please, make sure to keep your promise or else, I'll be the one who'll look for you."
Both of them cried to each other. In between those cries, laughter was also visible. They wanted every last moment to be vivid deep in their memories.
The event has already ended. Ayaka, together with her parents, waved goodbye to Kazuha, who was together with his father.
"It seems this will be the end.
Farewell, Kazu."
"Farewell, Aya."