Life slowly started becoming a little busier for Aiko.
After the competition, more people had begun noticing her artwork. Sometimes she received small messages from art pages or local galleries appreciating her style.
Even though it was not something huge yet, it still made her happy.
One afternoon, Aiko and Mika were sitting together at a small café near their old college.
Mika looked unusually excited.
Mika: "Have you heard about the new rising group?"
Aiko looked up from her phone.
Aiko: "What group?"
Mika leaned forward with interest.
Mika: "There's a music group that's becoming really popular these days. Everyone is talking about them."
Aiko smiled slightly but didn't seem very interested.
Aiko: "You know I don't really follow idols or music groups that much."
Mika laughed.
Mika: "I know. You only care about your paintings."
Aiko shrugged playfully.
Aiko: "That's because painting is my world."
Mika shook her head with a smile.
Mika: "Still, you should at least check them out someday. People say they're going to become really famous."
Aiko didn't think much about it.
For her, the only thing that mattered right now was improving her art and moving one step closer to her dream.
But sometimes, life has its own plans.
And even the smallest conversations can become important later.
To be continued…