As I Know Anything About You, I'll Be The One To Your Girlfriend, Aren't I? - Volume 1 Chapter 1.5

Why Is It Bright Red? 5

The paintings I work on are often commissions from others.

My clients include kindergartens, nurseries, community centers, hospitals, and child welfare institutions.

I’ve completed dozens of such projects.

It all started when a doctor friend of mine shared his concern: “It would be nice to have something that can reassure my patients…”

Wondering what I could do, I came up with the concept of healing paintings that could calm viewers, and donated a piece that was well-received.

The painting, displayed in the waiting room, was highly praised by patients for its calming effect, seemingly working wonders.

From there, word of mouth led to requests from various facilities that cater to people prone to anxiety, and I’ve been asked to create more paintings ever since.

“Putting the competition piece aside, pushing through even when you’re feeling unwell… You’ve always been that kind of person.”

“…I understand a bit of the loneliness of not having parents and the pain of being sick. If I can be of help, I want to be.”

“That’s very admirable. There’s no painting that touches people’s hearts as much as yours.”

As we spoke, we passed through the school gate and walked down the gentle slope.

“I’m not exaggerating. Many people, including myself, have been saved by your work. And there will be more in the future. The paintings you’ve donated surely bring peace to many.”

But.

Inserting those words, Suika said quietly, very seriously.

“That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice yourself for it. Absolutely not. Please, take care of yourself.”

“…Thank you. I’ll try to be more careful.”

“Please do!”

Truly, I think… If it weren’t for me, it might have been a problem.

Anyone would misunderstand if they received such kindness.

Suika is caring towards everyone, but she offers a special kind of attention to me, distinct from others.

One might normally think, given all her kindness, that she harbors romantic feelings…

But I’m certain that the feelings Suika harbors for me are not of romantic love.

I quickly concentrate and “see” Suika. The haze emanating from her is a deep green.

Yes, it’s always been this color.

—My eyes can “see” human emotions as colors.

More precisely, I can recognize the feelings a person has towards someone else as colors.

For example, green for friendship, purple for hostility, blue for dislike. And red for love.

I can understand who thinks what about whom.

This isn’t some kind of psychic ability but rather a kind of synesthesia born from observational skills, I believe.

From gestures, expressions, tones of voice, and more, I unconsciously gauge people’s feelings, which my brain then recognizes as colors.

I’m confident in my observational skills, and it makes sense to me that I perceive the results as colors. After all, I’m a painter.

I dedicate my life to observing the world and recreating it in colors.

“Kuuya? What’s wrong? …Ah, are you cold? Don’t tell me you’re feeling unwell…”

“No, I’m fine, really fine. Sorry, just lost in thought for a moment.”

“Is that so?”

Suika sighs in relief.

The green emanating from her signifies friendship, and its deep intensity shows the strength of her feelings.

Suika has, without ever wavering, continued to direct unwavering friendship towards me.

Despite often being misunderstood by those around us, the possibility of Suika harboring romantic love or affection for me, as far as the colors I “see” are concerned, is virtually nonexistent.

And that’s something I’m grateful for.

Not because it would be a nuisance if Suika felt that way about me. It’s not about Suika at all, but rather…

I’m frightened of love itself.

It’s a terrifying, monstrous thing that once took my parents away from me.

…But if that’s the case.

“Kuuya?”

Having Kujo-san by my side is dangerous for me… No, but Kujo-san being red, that must surely be some kind of mistake, right?

“Kuuya, what’s wrong?”

Doubting the colors I see is something I find inherently difficult… But surely, that must be an exception.

No, however, but… Hmm…

“Kuuya!”

“Oops, ah, my bad my bad.”

“Really, you’ve been acting strange since a while ago. That’s worrying!”

“Fair point. But it would be rude to call it a worry.”

“Rude? So, it’s about someone then.”

Suika can be shockingly sharp sometimes, it makes me jump.

“Who is it? …I won’t force you to tell me, though.”

“Ah, yeah, well, I have my own stuff going on. Don’t worry, it’s not trouble or anything.”

“If you say so… Kuuya.”

Suika smiles brightly.

“I’m always on your side, you know.”

“Yeah, I’ve been saved by you since way back.”

“It makes me happy to hear you say that. So, …if something happens, make sure I’m the first one you talk to, okay!”

Truly, Suika is reliable and incredibly kind.

She’s a very good friend who cares deeply about her friends. That’s something I believe without a doubt.