nazunyan427

Izumi 3* - From the Flower Capital

Izumi:

(Hmm…I may have overestimated how long it would take to reach town from my place. It’s so early that the streets are practically empty. Looks like I’m going to arrive way ahead of schedule.)

Izumi:

(Oh well. I can easily kill time by messing around on my phone for a bit.)

Izumi:

(Arranging to meet up with someone in Florence, and in town on top of that, is a first for me. I’m really not used to it…)

Izumi:

(Though I definitely appreciate arranging things beforehand like this. It’s a real 180° from Leo-kun showing up on my doorstep—completely unannounced— and parading around like he owns the place.)

Izumi:

(...Hm? Did someone call out to me just now? ...Ah, it’s one of the waiters at that cafe I visit a lot.)

Izumi:

Ciao!

Izumi:

(I do like the view from the terrace. But it looks like it’s still packed with tourists, so I’ll drop by a little later instead.)

Izumi:

(Let’s see, should be just around the corner here—oh?)

Izumi:

Itsuki, you’re early. Mademoiselle not with you today?

Shuu:

Yes, she is acting as custodian to our Parisian abode during my absence. I simply couldn’t ask her to accompany me to such an unfamiliar land, lest I lose sight of her. Perish the thought!

Shuu:

Pardon my—rather sudden— - insistence that you chaperone my Florencian excursion, but I truly do appreciate how you’ve so kindly agreed to show me around.

Shuu:

There is something that I simply must procure here in Florence—but I’m afraid I haven’t the slightest clue where this craftsman’s atelier might be, let alone how to get there.

Izumi:

You’re welcome. Luckily for you the forecast is good today.

Izumi:

You seriously owe me one, ya hear? It was a real pain trying to find the place you’re looking for.

Izumi:

Even the locals raised their eyebrows when I inquired about it. ‘Someone’s done their research’, like it was some big deal I’d even heard of it.

Shuu:

Is that so? I suppose it’s rather unsurprising, considering the craftsman goes by the name “The Hidden Master”, and yet—

Shuu:

—it’s a truly tragic state of affairs when an artisan capable of producing such magnificent works of art can’t even catch the attention of the locals.

Izumi:

That’s all there is around here though—you can find just about every kind of artist under the sun. You’ve gotta really be something to get noticed around here; otherwise you’ll just get lost among the crowd.

Shuu:

And yet, here you are, you and that “Hidden Master” both, determined to stand out among that very sea of artistes. Alas, I cannot say I do not understand, having experienced something similar myself back in Paris.

Shuu:

I believe you wished to make a name for yourself as a model, if I am not mistaken? Pray tell, how have things been going since then?

Izumi:

Mmm, well...

Izumi:

I guess the biggest thing that’s happened is Leo-kun crashing back into my life. That idiot needs, like, constant supervision.

Izumi:

Someone’s gotta be around to make sure he doesn’t go off chasing whatever job piques his fancy without so much as a second thought. I’m making sure he stays here with me, as far away from Japan as possible, after all that’s happened.

Shuu:

Oho. So you two are living together? I hadn’t realized you were betrothed as such.

Izumi:

We are NOT. We just happen to live under the same roof. Although it’s honestly more like disciplining a pet than having a roommate...

Izumi:

The second I take my eyes off that guy, he makes a break for Japan, or goes gallivanting off to whatever random country’s caught his eye—you have no idea how stressful it is.

Izumi:

That said...I have got Leo-kun to thank for a couple of work-related things. I suppose we’re mutually beneficial to each other.

Izumi:

Work’s going fairly well. I’ve realized I don’t HAVE to become a global sensation overnight, and I’m not putting as much pressure on myself to do so.

Izumi:

I know where I stand. And I won’t be afraid to take advantage of whatever I can to advance my career, whether it’s through Leo-kun’s connections or whatever else comes my way.

Shuu:

Hoho.

Izumi:

Why are you looking at me like some kind of proud parent?

Izumi:

Whatever. What about you, Itsuki? I was gracious enough to get you up to speed with my life, so now it’s your turn to speak up.

Itsuki:

Me? In fact, I myself have recently become a member of a Parisian salon for artists.

Izumi:

A salon? That’s like, the circles they have over at ES, right?

Shuu:

Indeed, your general understanding would be correct, yes. It’s a collective--a société if you will--joined by a great love of art to allow correspondence with like-minded individuals.

Shuu:

In fact, the reason I find myself here in Florence is mainly by virtue of an invitation extended to me by members of that very salon. I shall have the pleasure of attending both an exhibit and afterparty hosted by my fellow artists.

Izumi:

Oh? It’s not like you to hang out with other people of your own free will. I wonder what brought on this change of heart, hm?

Shuu:

I myself have not changed in the slightest. Rather, I’ve simply never had any interest in mingling with others just for the sake of it.

Shuu:

However, intermingling with those who possess an equally sophisticated and deep artistic sensibility as myself? Now that, my friend, is worthwhile. The inspiration to create true masterpieces abounds when one is surrounded by those on a similar path.

Shuu:

Not that I intend to critique how you go about your own business. Still, if you ask me, when one lives overseas, one must endeavor to immerse oneself in the local community.

Shuu:

I shan’t blame you should you wish to take a leaf from my book, guhahaha!

Izumi:

Ugh, you’re sooo annoying. That’s real rich coming from someone with barely any friends.

Izumi:

Whatever, I happen to be doing just fine as I am right now. I’m surrounded by competition, so my first priority is looking out for number one.

Izumi:

Even if I had the time to make some ‘friends’, I’d rather use it to polish myself as a model - that sounds a lot more worthwhile to me.

Izumi:

Though I suppose if I happened to run into some like-minded people, it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to keep in contact...

Izumi:

Immerse oneself in the local community, huh… Never mind your salon, I should really start taking advantage of living in Europe.

Izumi:

I get the feeling it’d be a waste to limit myself to Florence.

Izumi:

I want to visit places I’ve never been before, experience new cultures...If anything, that’s gonna be what helps me grow as a person.

Izumi:

My first destination would be Paris, of course. Since I’m so graciously playing chaperone for you today, you better offer me a place to stay when I visit Paris. Since we’re friends and all.

Shuu:

But of course! There just happens to be a museum in Paris chronicling the history and culture of fashion.

Shuu:

I daresay it should be particularly beneficial to you as a model. Do let me know when you plan to visit Paris - I shall accompany you there myself.

Izumi:

Thanks. I’ll definitely take you up on your word.

Izumi:

(My first trip to Paris may just be to sight-see, but I’d love to stand on a runway in Paris someday.)

Izumi:

(No, I’ll definitely make it happen. I’ll take everything I’ve learned, including the mistakes I’ve made, and push myself as far as I can possibly go.)