Plum Blossoms: Shion Mineyama - 3

[whisperscrawls]

Proofreading: Peace

Writer: Akira | Month: March | Location: Library

Shion: But, well, I was still able to read something wonderful, so I’d like to restate my thanks, Sasame-kun. It was extremely delicious ♪

Hiyono: Uhh, um... Thank you for enjoying my inexperienced cooking...?

Shion: Fufufu. It’s quite rare to be able to thank a writer for their work directly, so I’m glad that I could.

If the time comes again that you may need it, you are always welcome to ask me for proofreading assistance.

I’d love to become a regular at the Newspaper Club Bar ♪

Fumi: Don’t call us a bar.

Besides, you’re the type of customer to come in, eat and drink your fill, and then leave without paying, aren'tcha?

Are you trying to act like a food critic?

Well, if you have the time, we’ll be back to ask for your help again. If it’s to keep up the quality of our food and drinks, it’s a necessary expense, yeah?

Shion: That is wonderful to hear. Though, really, it did weigh quite heavily on my stomach...

Now, though it won’t cleanse my palate... I’d like to eat something sour ♪

Fumi: Something sour? What, you pregnant?

Shion: What absurd things your mouth is spouting...

Fumi: I have pickled plum-flavored lozenges, if that works. Want one?

Shion: I appreciate the gesture, but I must refuse. Eating is forbidden in the library.

If I may be upfront, I wish to read your writing, Midori-kun.

Your writing is deliciously sour... I’d like to taste it once more ♪

I know that you have already ceased to write, but... Right now seems like a good time...

I’m sure that by now, it’s gained a rich flavor, fermented like a pickled plum ♪

Fumi: Can you not liken people’s writing to pickled plums?

Hiyono: Umm... By the way, what kind of things did the Chief write about...?

Shion: Fufu. So you are curious.

I have committed each and every one of the few pieces Midori-kun has written to memory. Shall I recite them for you?

Fumi: C-Cut it out already! I’m begging you, forget about my writing!

Shion: My, what a dear old memory... Midori-kun’s writing was fresh and inexperienced, yet contained a hint of poison...

It had the flavor of plums; the taste of adolescence ♪

Midori-kun’s grandfather is an incredible writer...

And atop that wondrous tree grew a granddaughter akin to an unripe fruit.

And yet, despite all the potential that plum held within it, it was never harvested, and merely left to rot.

Aah, what a waste! Even though I’ve been eagerly waiting for the day that I would finally be able to taste it!

Fumi: S-Shut it! I don’t write articles of my own anymore!

When I was a kid, I just read whatever I could find since I looked up to my gramps so much... And all it did was give me a big head!

That’s why I understand where my strengths really lie... that my writing isn’t something people want to read!

It’s something that wouldn’t sell!

That's why I'm an editor!

Shion: Hmmm? Well, that’s your choice. Your life is solely yours to live.

But you’re too young to narrow your future into a single path like that, aren’t you?

Focusing on the future and heading straight for your goals is a good trait of yours, Midori-kun...

But sometimes, isn’t it nice to also take a moment to stop and look at what’s around you?

You might just find an unexpected treasure by your side.

Shion: Even now... Look outside; the plum blossoms are in full bloom... ♪

Flowers bloom to their full beauty in order to be loved. If you offer them not a single scrap of your attention, aren’t you being rude towards their efforts?

Though in this country, when one thinks of flowers that bloom in the spring, all that come to mind are cherry blossoms...

That does not mean that one should simply ignore the vivid crimson of plum blossoms scattered about among them.

Wouldn't it be best to follow their example and bloom to your fullest, regardless of the cherry blossoms surrounding you?

I am aaaaalways looking forward to the day that I may savor that rich, sweet and sour taste of your writing... ♪

Fumi: S-Shut uuuuup! I’m not just some meal for you to eat!

Bye, sorry we bugged you!

You were weird again, and it was annoying, but we’ve imposed enough, thanks!

Shion: My, you’re running away? Heh-heh-heh, it appears victory is mine to take today ♪

Well, I’ll let you go. Farewell for now, Midori-kun; my greatest enemy, and my dearest friend.

Come again to play another day. I’ll always be right here, in this library.

Fumi: Blehhh! (sticks out tongue) I won’t be coming back until you forget aaaaall about my writing!

...Aaargh, just cut it out! You’re so damn annoying, dredging up all this old nonsense!

Hiyono: Umm, Chieeeef?

I was there the whole time, but I still don’t understand anything, so...

What relationship do you have with Mineyama-san, exactly...?

I can’t figure out if you’re on good terms, or bad terms, or what...

Fumi: Mm... You’ll understand when you’re a bit older... just like I did.

Honestly... Time keeps passing, but you’re still the same brat you were when we first met.

Hiyono: H-Huh?

Fumi: I can’t really... describe me and Mineyama’s relationship.

There was a time when it resembled what you have with Hayate-chan.

...Whatever, let’s stop talking about me already.

More importantly, let’s do something about this proofread article! It’s marked in so much red it looks like a plum blossom.

Don’t just wait ‘till the deadline ticks past, let’s make a run for the clubroom!

There’s no time to just sit back and wallow in regret; train your eyes on the future and race forward as fast as you can!

<-- Chapter 2 ||