The morning sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, casting a soft glow over the neatly arranged desks. Today’s schedule included a new subject—art class.
“Good morning, everyone!” The art teacher entered the classroom, pushing a cart filled with painting supplies and colors, smiling warmly. “For our first art lesson this semester, I want you all to draw your favorite scenery or something you love.”
Excited chatter filled the room, but Zero Two sat quietly at her desk, looking down at the blank sheet of paper, lost in thought.
“Zero Two, what are you going to draw?” Misaki, who sat beside her, asked curiously.
“Hmm…” Zero Two tilted her head, then turned to look at Hiro with a bright smile. “Darling, what should I draw?”
Hiro thought for a moment and smiled. “Why don’t you draw your most important memory?”
Zero Two blinked in surprise. A distant image surfaced in her mind—the vast blue sky, floating white clouds, a field of blooming Strelitzia flowers, and two figures standing side by side. A soft smile curved her lips as she picked up her brush and began to recreate the scene she could never forget.
Zero Two’s Astonishing Skills
Inside the classroom, the soft strokes of brushes glided across paper, blending colors into beautiful compositions. Hiro glanced at Zero Two’s work and immediately widened his eyes in shock.
“Whoa… this is amazing…”
Her painting depicted an endless sky, with a massive aircraft faintly visible among the clouds. In the field below, Strelitzia flowers swayed in the wind, and two familiar figures stood amidst the blossoms, gazing at the sky. The brushwork was intricate, the colors rich and layered—it looked like a professional illustration.
The surrounding classmates, noticing Hiro’s reaction, gathered around. A chorus of astonished voices followed.
“Zero Two, how are you so good at this?!”
“This isn’t just good, it’s master-level!”
One student pointed at the two figures in the painting and asked, “Wait… isn’t this you and Hiro?”
The moment those words were spoken, all eyes turned to Hiro and Zero Two. Hiro instantly blushed and awkwardly looked away, while Zero Two smirked proudly and tilted her head playfully. “Hehe, you noticed? This is an important memory for me.”
Even the art teacher was drawn to the scene and stared at the painting in surprise. “Zero Two, have you taken any art classes before?”
Zero Two blinked, thought for a moment, then shook her head. “Nope! I just… painted the images that have always been in my head.”
“The composition and lighting in your work are far beyond beginner level…” The teacher marveled. “If you’re interested, you should consider pursuing art in the future!”
Hearing the compliment, Zero Two grinned. “Hehe, does that mean I’m really talented?”
“Not just talented—you’re a genius!” Kenta said enviously. “I can’t even draw a cat properly…”
“Why don’t you teach us how to draw?” Misaki suggested, and the other classmates eagerly agreed.
So, Zero Two started guiding them on how to use smooth strokes and simple lines to shape their drawings. Though teaching wasn’t her strong suit, with Hiro’s help, she gradually found her rhythm.
Hiro and Zero Two’s Interaction
“Darling, your drawing skills are still as clumsy as ever,” Zero Two teased, a mischievous grin on her face.
Hiro sighed. “Drawing has never been my strength…”
Zero Two leaned closer, taking his hand in hers. “Here, let me help. You should draw it like this.”
Hiro felt the warmth of her fingertips, and his ears instantly turned red. “I-I can do it myself…!”
“No need to be shy, I just want to help you improve!” Zero Two giggled, whispering playfully near his ear.
Misaki and Kenta happened to see this and immediately started teasing.
“Whoa, you two are way too sweet!”
“N-No, we’re not!” Hiro panicked, pulling his hand away, his voice flustered. “Don’t say weird things!”
“But Hiro, your ears are turning red~,” Misaki pointed out with a giggle.
“Yeah, and what’s with this ‘Darling’ thing?” Kenta mimicked Zero Two’s tone, making the other students join in on the fun.
“I-It’s just…” Hiro’s face turned even redder as he struggled to explain.
Zero Two, on the other hand, smirked mischievously. “Hehe, it’s a special nickname just for us.”
“Aww, so jealous!”
Hiro covered his face in exasperation, realizing he had no way to win against Zero Two’s antics, while she simply laughed, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
The End of Art Class
As the class ended, the teacher asked everyone to submit their work for display. When Zero Two’s painting was pinned to the board, another wave of admiration swept through the classroom.
“This looks like a photograph!”
“Zero Two, you’re seriously amazing!”
The art teacher nodded in satisfaction. “Zero Two, this painting is truly remarkable. Would you be interested in letting me submit it for the school’s art competition?”
Zero Two turned to Hiro and blinked. “Darling, what do you think?”
Hiro smiled and nodded. “I think it’s a great opportunity. You should go for it.”
“Alright then, I’ll leave it to you, Sensei!” Zero Two agreed enthusiastically, ready to take on this new challenge.
After School
As they left the classroom, the warm glow of the setting sun stretched their shadows across the pavement.
“Darling, today was so much fun! School is really interesting!” Zero Two beamed, swinging Hiro’s hand back and forth.
Hiro couldn’t help but smile as well. He gently placed an arm around her shoulders. “This is just the beginning. There will be even more exciting days ahead.”
“Of course! But—” Zero Two puffed out her chest, “I wish we had art class every day!”
Just then, Misaki and Kenta ran up to them. “Let’s play together tomorrow!”
“Sounds great!” Zero Two readily agreed, waving goodbye to her friends.
Under the golden hues of the evening sky, Hiro and Zero Two walked hand in hand, stepping into the unknown future together. Their new life had just begun, and there were many more adventures waiting for them.
To be continued…
