[Interlude: Part 1] Kirifuji Nagisa: The Painter in the Rain

"Rain...?"

While in the middle of a sketch, Kayama Esumi found her focus broken by a rhythmic, staccato rattling against the window. She uttered the thought to no one in particular, setting her sharp pencil down on the desk before approaching the glass with a frown.

(Good grief... it looks dreadful out there.)

Peering out from her atelier window, she saw a massive shroud of rain clouds enveloping the entirety of the Trinity District. Just as she suspected, the tapping against the glass was the rain beginning to pour from the heavens. However, the weather had not yet turned truly foul; if she hurried, she could likely make it home without an umbrella before getting too soaked.

(I'll find a stopping point for this sketch before I head back.)

Though she intended to move her base of operations entirely to Trinity Integrated Academy in a few months when she became a second-year, Esumi was still making use of this atelier for now. Since she had rented a property that allowed her to stay overnight for a few days at a time, she didn't strictly need to return home if the situation didn't permit it.

Furthermore, she was currently in the midst of a new work. Rather than cutting her creative momentum short, she decided she would finish it to a satisfactory level before worrying about what came next. Esumi turned her gaze away from the window and returned to her workspace.

1-2

Approximately four hours after the rain began to fall over Trinity.

What had initially been a light drizzle had transformed into a torrential downpour. News reports across the district were flashing with heavy rain warnings. Fortunately, because there were no rivers running through the Trinity District, the risk of flooding was non-existent. Additionally, the nearby mountains had been thoroughly reinforced against landslides, meaning there was little need to fear a natural disaster.

Nevertheless, this was the kind of severe weather that only occurred once or twice a year in Trinity, and the residents could not hide their unease.

"What a terrible storm..."

There was another soul harboring anxiety over the weather.

Kirifuji Nagisa, a third-year in the middle school division, was staring blankly at the storm from inside the car her family had sent to pick her up after she had been out on personal business. Though she had recently celebrated her birthday, she was still only a girl in her early teens, and such violent weather was entirely unfamiliar to her. It was, in a sense, a first. Whether born of curiosity or a sliver of fear, the way she peered tentatively out the window was quite endearing.

She felt safe enough inside the car, but the world outside had changed to the point where walking was nearly impossible. Even with the wipers operating at full speed to maintain visibility, large droplets of rain slammed incessantly against the windshield. Naturally, she had no desire for an accident and intended to return home safely, but given how few other vehicles were on the road, she almost wished the law would allow them to speed. There was no thunder, so a bit of aggressive driving would surely get them home much faster.

Still, Nagisa was scheduled to enter Trinity Integrated Academy in a few months. She could not afford to have her admission revoked due to an unfortunate accident, so she had explicitly instructed her driver to prioritize safety.

(Once I return home, I should contact Mika-san and Esumi-san. I am worried for their safety.)

As she gazed vaguely outside, Nagisa found herself thinking of her two close friends.

Well, perhaps it was more accurate to say "one friend and one acquaintance." While she had been close with the innocently playful Misono Mika since childhood, Esumi stubbornly refused to acknowledge their friendship. Nagisa felt their bond was more than enough to be called a friendship, but because the other girl refused to validate the relationship, it remained unrequited.

Despite the fact that they would be attending the same academy as classmates in a few months, Esumi remained obsessed with labeling them as mere acquaintances. It was clear she preferred to keep those around her at arm's length, but her reluctance to engage was a bit excessive.

(Why does Esumi-san refuse to have friends...?)

Though they had only known each other for a few years, Esumi’s character was nothing short of wonderful. She was an eccentric artist who devoted her love to her craft with a passion bordering on madness, but aside from that, she was a kind person who viewed the world with a mature, philosophical perspective. Adults and elders often relied on her, and she commanded far more respect from those around her than she realized.

Furthermore, despite being a child, she handled adults with remarkable grace. Even though she continued to reject constant offers of patronage and invitations to various factions, the interest in her showed no signs of waning. Such was the magnitude of her charm, both as a painter and as a young girl.

Rumor had it she had received marriage proposals from famous, wealthy families, and that Wild Hunt Academy of the Arts had even made back-channel inquiries about her transferring there. However, since Kayama Esumi was a celebrity in Trinity, most of these rumors lacked a definitive source. Half of them were likely fabrications. Yet, considering her artistic talent, her popularity, and a beauty that left everyone spellbound, any of them could easily be true.

Nagisa felt a sudden urge to boast to the world that she had been the first to recognize Esumi’s talent, perhaps even as a way to warn others off, but she knew Esumi would not appreciate such a thing. Once she entered the high school division, Nagisa decided she must obtain the status and power necessary to stand by Esumi’s side without being questioned by others.

If possible, she wanted to be Esumi’s "first friend." If she were to wish for even more, she wanted to be "special." With those thoughts, Nagisa continued to watch the window, despite there being nothing interesting to see beyond the vibration of the car.

"Wait... what?"

Perhaps her diligence had paid off, or perhaps the heavens had decided to play a prank by showing her something interesting. A figure appeared clearly in her vision. Coincidentally, it was the very person she had been thinking of so intensely.

(E-Esumi-san?!)

Despite the deafening roar of the rain and visibility so poor one could hardly see a kilometer ahead, Nagisa’s eyes had undeniably caught sight of Kayama Esumi.

"I am sorry. Please pull over to the curb immediately. I have spotted someone I know."

Why? Why was Esumi outside alone in this downpour? Surprise and anxiety surged through her simultaneously. As soon as the car came to a stop, Nagisa grabbed an umbrella and leaped out. Before she left, she managed to tell the driver to prepare a towel.

She acted with such urgency because the girl she was about to meet was standing in the middle of the road, staring blankly into space while being hammered by the rain.

"Esumi-san!"

Nagisa opened her expensive, sturdy umbrella and shouted with all her might. The rain hitting the ground and the umbrella created such a high-pitched din that a normal voice would never reach her, yet Esumi gave no reaction. They were only twenty or thirty meters apart—a distance where a voice would easily carry in clear weather. However, Esumi remained with her back turned, showing no sign of looking around.

"Oh, for heaven's sake! Esumi-san! Kayama Esumi-san! Can you hear me?!"

Nagisa rarely raised her voice, but this time she shouted her name over and over, prepared to strain her throat to beat back the sound of the rain.

"Esumi-san! What in the world are you doing, standing in a place like this?!"

Finally reaching her side, Nagisa held the umbrella over Esumi, whose hair and clothes were completely drenched. She peered into the girl's face, fearing she might be injured. But despite being soaked, her captivating beauty was unchanged, and there wasn't a scratch on her skin. Nagisa checked her posture, but she didn't seem dizzy or ill.

(Why is Esumi-san here?)

The surrounding area consisted only of wealthy residential homes; there were no shops or convenience stores. Nagisa speculated that she had been caught in the rain on her way home and found nowhere to hide, but that didn't explain why she was just standing there. The Kayama Esumi she knew was not the type to engage in such inexplicable behavior, which only added to Nagisa's confusion. What had happened to her?

(Never mind that! I have to get her out of here first!)

Before worrying about the mystery, the priority was getting her out of the storm. Nagisa reached out and gently took hold of Esumi’s right hand—the one she knew was impaired from a story she had heard at Esumi's exhibition—and started to lead her toward the car. In that moment, Esumi’s body gave a small twitch.

"Kirifuji...?"

"Esumi-san! You finally noticed me!"

Like a robot being rebooted, she finally became aware of Nagisa’s presence. Her voice and gaze seemed to ask, "Why are you here?" Nagisa immediately responded.

"Esumi-san, why were you standing in this rain without even an umbrella?! You already have a condition in your right hand... please, take better care of yourself!"

"Rain... umbrella... Ah... right. Sorry. I think I was trapped in an old memory..."

"An old memory?"

The rain was still deafening, but strangely, Nagisa could hear Esumi’s words with perfect clarity. She wasn't sure if it was because their faces were so close they were almost touching, or because her own anxiety and excitement had heightened her focus. Regardless, she frowned at the phrase.

"What do you mean? What happened in your past, Esumi-san?"

"Don't worry about it. I just don't have very many good memories associated with heavy rain..."

Was she harboring some kind of trauma? Esumi managed a smile as if to say there was no need for concern, but it wasn't her usual charming, magnetic smile. It was a forced expression that only made Nagisa more uneasy. It was honestly surprising; Nagisa had never once seen Esumi show such an obvious sign of weakness.

"This rain did...?"

Nagisa shifted her gaze to the sky. The dark, heavy clouds were still there, mercilessly pouring down water that created a sickeningly loud noise. Had this rain left a scar on Esumi’s heart?

As Nagisa pondered this, Esumi looked up at the umbrella being held over her and seemed to finally grasp the situation. She spoke with an apologetic tone.

"Kirifuji... did you come here because you were worried about me?"

"Yes... I was on my way home in the car, but I happened to see you standing here, so I jumped out."

"I see... I'm sorry for causing trouble. Er... well, I'll be going now—"

"What?! Wait, Esumi-san! Are you planning to walk home like this?!"

The absolute fool. How could she think of just walking away? Nagisa had no idea how long she had been standing in the rain, but she wasn't about to let a soaking wet Esumi go home on foot. If she didn't get dried off immediately, she would certainly fall ill. Nagisa tightened her grip on Esumi’s right hand and pulled her toward the car. Esumi resisted with surprising persistence, muttering that she didn't want to get the seats wet.

"Do not worry about the car! It would hurt my heart far more to let you walk away like this! If you continue to resist, I will knock you unconscious and carry you myself!"

"Isn't that just kidnapping?"

Still, Esumi decided she would rather not be knocked out, so she reluctantly followed. In truth, she likely lacked the strength to resist after being drained by the long exposure to the rain. Esumi looked as though she might collapse at any moment, but the car—already prepared with water-resistant seat covers and towels—was not far. Nagisa moved with absolute focus, her hand firmly gripping Esumi's, stepping strongly through the puddles as if refusing to lose to the weather.

1-3

Among the wealthy estates of the Trinity District, the Kirifuji home was particularly grand and luxurious.

Decades ago, it was said that an artist who graduated at the top of their class from Wild Hunt Academy had designed the home’s layout and exterior. Thanks to that, while it functioned perfectly as a residence, it was spacious and opulent enough to host Kirifuji-sponsored parties or display curated art collections. In a way, it was a symbol of the Kirifuji family's authority and power.

The car arrived at this building—which inspired awe even in the neighboring wealthy residents—carrying Nagisa and Esumi, whom Nagisa had miraculously rescued from the storm.

"We are here. This is my family home. Now, please watch your step and follow me, Esumi-san."

"This is... quite something."

"Most guests say the same, but hearing it from you makes me very happy."

"...?"

For Nagisa, who had been born and raised there, it was a familiar sight. But for Esumi, visiting for the first time, it was only natural to let out a gasp of admiration for the architecture. Nagisa was tired of the diplomatic pleasantries of most visitors, so Esumi’s genuine, guileless words touched her deeply.

"Esumi-san, first you must take a shower. Your body is cold from the rain, and even with the heat on, we cannot risk you falling ill. Please give your wet clothes to the staff. They will have them cleaned and returned to you in perfect condition by tomorrow afternoon."

"You've thought of everything... thank you. I'll have to repay you eventually."

"Hehe, then may we sign a patronage contract right now?"

"Unfortunately, that's a no."

Nagisa had slipped that in as a joke, and she was smiling as she said it. Esumi seemed to be regaining her composure; though she shot down the suggestion coolly, there was a faint smile on her face. Her mental state had recovered enough to handle a joke. Relieved, Nagisa led her further into the house.

"Please feel free to use anything in the bathroom. Usually, it is only myself or Mika-san who stays over, so the brands are a bit biased, but there is a wide variety. I hope there is a brand you like..."

"I don't know much about cosmetics or shampoos. Since we're here, I'll just use whatever you recommend, Kirifuji."

"Really?!"

Did that mean what she thought it meant? If she recommended the brand she used every day, Esumi would carry her scent for the rest of the day. It was almost too perfect.

"Oh... sorry."

It was a completely unexpected situation, but Nagisa tried to stay calm. Ignoring Esumi’s suspicious look, she clearly explained which brands she used and where they were kept, eventually seeing her into the bathroom while feeling quite giddy.

"I will go prepare the bedroom. Will you be having dinner tonight, Esumi-san? If you have no appetite, I shall tell them to cancel it..."

"I... think I have an appetite, if that's alright?"

"Yes, of course! Then I shall show you to the dining room once you have finished your shower. Oh, please leave your clothes there. I will have someone bring you a change of clothes, so please take your time. I will take my leave for now."

"Truly... thank you for everything."

"There is no need for thanks. I will see you shortly, Esumi-san."

Nagisa had a small, secret desire to shower with her. After all, they had showered together once before when she stayed at Esumi's house, and Nagisa had gotten a very good look at her beautiful figure. She had almost had a nosebleed in the bathroom back then, but she kept that a secret.

(I have to make sure the bedroom is perfect! Esumi-san will be in my bed!)

For some reason, Nagisa had no intention of preparing a guest room; she was fully planning on having Esumi sleep in her own bed.

1-4

"This is the worst..."

While the owner of the house was heading to the bedroom in high spirits, Esumi was standing completely naked under a hot shower, muttering a curse that she intended for no one to hear.

(Of all things... to remember how I died in my previous life...)

Yes, that was it. There was a very specific reason why Esumi had been standing paralyzed in the middle of the road during the storm.

It was due to her past life.

Specifically, the cause of Kayama Esumi’s death in her previous life was drowning. He—or rather, she—had lost her life in a water-related disaster.

To be honest, she didn't remember the exact details of her final moments. She wasn't sure exactly what had led to her drowning. However, the fact that it was a day of terrible rain like today, and that there was something like a river or the sea nearby, were the only pieces of information she remembered. It was a lingering, inescapable fear of death.

However, the Trinity District rarely had such foul weather, and it was a place where one didn't have to worry about water damage. Perhaps because of that, Esumi had managed to forget the trauma while living here. That was why she had prioritized her work despite the weather, making the foolish mistake of thinking she could walk home in the rain.

The result was exactly as seen. Experiencing the intensifying rain on her way home had suddenly revived the trauma of her past death, binding her body with terror and causing her mind to shut down.

(Water is fine... the shower is fine... but rain... when it's heavy like today, I feel like my body is suddenly paralyzed...)

Once the fear of death has been resurrected, it is almost impossible to put it back in its coffin.

She was safe now that she was indoors, but even while in the car, the sound of the rain had echoed in her mind, making her feel miserable. Nagisa’s constant support had kept things from getting worse, but she knew she would never be able to walk alone in a storm again.

"If... Nagisa hadn't come... what would have happened to me?"

The water from the shower continued to pour over Esumi's head. It felt like some kind of ascetic training. Her hair, which had been short when she started school, now reached her shoulders. She watched the droplets fall from the ends of her hair, let out a deep sigh, and leaned against the wall.

"Saved by Nagisa... again."

Nagisa was the one who had recognized her talent and helped her every step of the way toward her success as a painter. Without her, the painter known as Kayama Esumi might never have existed.

And this time, Nagisa had saved her life in both a physical and mental sense. To put it bluntly... Nagisa was her savior. She didn't want to admit it, but she could feel that Kirifuji Nagisa was becoming a special existence within her.

"But I can't fall for her... definitely not."

Esumi whispered the words, her face turning bright red. Her flushed face probably wasn't just from the heat of the shower, but there was no one in the bathroom to point that out.

1-5

"Esumi-san, please use this pillow and this half of the bed. I shall use the remaining space."

"I... see."

"There are two blankets, as you can see, but feel free to remove one if you feel too warm. I have placed several bottles of water in the drawer by the bed. Please help yourself if you are thirsty."

"Thank you... but, um... Kirifuji?"

"Yes? Do you have a question?"

"I do... are we actually sleeping together?"

"We slept together when I stayed at your house, did we not?"

"We... did, didn't we."

It was only natural for Esumi to be stunned.

An hour had passed since she finished her shower and enjoyed the dinner Nagisa had provided. To rest her body after its exposure to the elements, she had followed Nagisa’s suggestion to go to bed early... but for some reason, she found herself sharing Nagisa’s own bed.

With all due respect, Nagisa’s house had plenty of unused rooms. There was no way a house like this didn't have a guest room or two for visitors to stay in. Yet, here she was. She had been given a set of pajamas identical to Nagisa’s, invited into her private bedroom, and was now sitting on her bed. Nagisa had also finished her shower and was wearing the same pajamas, so there was no doubt she intended for them to sleep together.

The weather outside was still rough, but Esumi was not a child; she was perfectly capable of sleeping alone. She couldn't tell if this was an act of kindness or born of Nagisa's own desires.

(Well... I suppose I'll accept her invitation this time.)

After all, she was a guest who had been showered and fed. She knew she had caused Nagisa a lot of worry, so as a way to make amends, she decided to go along with it.

"Don't do anything strange, okay?"

"I-I won't!"

"Hehe, I'm joking... well, let's sleep."

Though she was well aware it was Nagisa’s bed, Esumi lay down first and patted the empty space beside her. "Come here," she said softly.

"This is the second time we've slept together. I honestly didn't think I'd be sharing a bed with the same person again."

"Personally, I hope to sleep with you many more times in the future."

"That's basically just living together."

Exchanging light banter, Nagisa slid into the bed. Esumi turned off the light and turned to face her. Nagisa did the same. They were so close that their foreheads would touch if they moved even an inch.

"Is it a nuisance being this close?"

"Not at all... I am very happy to see your beautiful face so close."

"I see. That's a good line... even if it doesn't work on me."

"Then I shall continue to use it until the day it does."

"I wonder which of us will get bored first."

They both giggled, and then Esumi slowly reached out her right hand.

"Will you... hold my hand?"

"Are you sure? Your right hand is..."

"It's fine. I know you won't crush it. I just... want someone to hold it today. Besides, it doesn't hurt at all right now."

"Then, excuse me."

Nagisa wrapped both of her hands securely around Esumi's right hand. Her hands were very warm, perhaps from the bath or perhaps from nerves. That warmth gradually seeped into Esumi's hand, and she naturally closed her eyes.

"Your hands are like a healing balm... I feel like my hand might actually get better."

"I am afraid I do not have any actual healing powers... I suspect it is merely a comfort."

"It's more than that. Just having you touch it so gently makes me happy... Oh, right."

Esumi seemed to remember something and closed the distance between them even further. As she did, their joined hands became sandwiched between their chests. Nagisa’s face turned bright red from the shock, but Esumi spoke with perfect calm.

"I know this might lead to a misunderstanding, but... let me hear your heartbeat for a moment."

"I-I don't mind that, but... this position is a bit...!"

"Kirifuji... your heart is beating very fast."

"Of course it is! I should be asking why yours is so steady!"

Indeed, the heartbeat Nagisa felt through the hand buried against Esumi’s much larger chest was remarkably calm. In contrast, Nagisa's heart was racing, which was only natural.

Because Esumi had moved closer, their faces were only centimeters apart. A single movement would bring their skin, or even their lips, together. Nagisa had complimented her face earlier, but seeing Esumi's beauty at such a range was nerve-wracking. She thought she was used to her face after a year, but the closer they got, the more potent her charm became. Combined with the sensation of her chest, Nagisa’s heart was pounding.

(How can Esumi-san be so calm?! Is she not embarrassed?!)

Normally, anyone in this situation would be unable to remain composed. Nagisa's reaction was perfectly normal; it was Esumi who was strange. Yet the girl remained calm, even adding, "The bed, the pillow, the pajamas... everything smells like you, Kirifuji. It's very relaxing." It was a comment practically designed to provoke.

(Wait! Could this be the 'Ecchi Mode' Mika-san mentioned?!)

"Ecchi Mode." A term coined by Nagisa's childhood friend, Misono Mika, to describe a specific "runaway state" of Kayama Esumi. It apparently referred to a dangerous way of behaving that made people feel suggestive things, though the name itself was quite crude.

Mika had come up with the name after she had hugged Esumi while sleeping and had her heart thrown into disarray by Esumi’s unusual behavior. Mika had explained it to Nagisa while blushing furiously. At the time, Nagisa had been too jealous to care, but now she understood perfectly.

(She is certainly saying and doing things that test my self-control... but I cannot allow myself to deepen our bond this way!)

If she followed her own base desires, she wanted to pin Esumi down right then and there. But she couldn't. They weren't lovers, or even officially friends yet.

Thus, Nagisa suppressed her desires and chose the only remaining course of action: she closed her eyes to sleep. It was, in essence, an escape from reality.

"Goodnight, Kirifuji."

Seeing Nagisa close her eyes and stop moving, Esumi assumed she had fallen asleep. She shifted slightly... and gently kissed Nagisa on the forehead.

(Wha-wha-wha-wha-wha?!)

"Thank you. Truly..."

Nagisa understood what she was being thanked for, but the shock of the gesture made her feel like her heart might explode. Fortunately, her heart did not burst, and by the time she could no longer maintain the pretense of sleep due to the excitement, Esumi was already breathing softly in deep slumber.

"That... is unfair of you."

Nagisa watched her face, her breathing still a bit ragged.

(This is not... something a mere business partner does...)

It was too early to put a name to the feelings she had. First, she had to become someone Esumi could rely on. She didn't want to help her by accident; she wanted to be a strong, trustworthy person that Esumi would actively seek out for help. She didn't yet have the power to be truly necessary to her.

"Goodnight, Esumi-san."

That was why this was a rehearsal. Wishing for the day when this would be a normal occurrence, Nagisa gave Esumi a firm kiss on the neck. She was careful not to leave a mark, but she felt as though she were leaving a sign of her ownership, and her heart began to race with a desire for more. She suppressed it, stopping at just one.

"Sweet dreams... I will stay by your side."

Perhaps catching the exhaustion of the day, Nagisa closed her eyes and was soon breathing softly in sleep herself.

Eventually, her heartbeat returned to its steady, calm rhythm.