Chapter 14: Photography

                                    

                                          
The waves sway back and forth on the shore, the peaceful sound of the water splashing against the rocks filling my ears as a cool breeze brushes through my hair. With the faint gale and the setting sun's bronzy rays mixing together it all feels soothing, calming even. The warmth of the light keeps me comfortable as the breeze chills me, though it's nothing overwhelming. It keeps my thoughts at bay which is nice. It's pleasant.
                          
A small smile lifts the corners of my lips as I pull my camera up to my eye and begin to snap away, taking photos of the scene before me. The scene of the sun diving into the ocean's horizon, that is. The giant orb of blazing gases burns and illuminates bronzy hues that paint the sky with tints of pink and purple, which reflects in the surface of the dancing water, adding a sense of magic to the chilly atmosphere.
                          
I click and snap away, awing at the marvelous view which is before me. Hiyori's statement from before is right. The sunset here is unreal. Unreal and totally out of this world. And I've seen many sunsets in my lifetime, so that's saying something. It's just so vivid and vibrant, the colors nearly packing a metaphorical punch against me. But it's a punch I don't mind. If anything, it's one I appreciate and need.
                          
I've taken about twenty pictures, but I still don't feel like stopping. After all, it's been so long since I've done this...since I've photographed something. In fact, I don't even remember the last time I photographed anything. How long has it been? A week? No. That's too short of a time ago. A month? No. Still not long enough. A year? Maybe. It seems more believable, but it still seems like that's not enough time. I feel more like it's been years...plural, not singular. Years. How many is beyond me.
                          
But that doesn't matter. I'm here...I'm doing it now. I'm reigniting that spark that had been smothered and nearly put out before. And it feels good. It feels good to be back at this. It's almost freeing and liberating in a way. I can't explain it fully, but it is such a good feeling.
                          
After a few moments of taking pictures, I stop and decide to take a look at what I've captured already. I smile to myself, pleased with the images. Even after all this time I still got it. Not that it's particularly difficult capturing sunsets, but still. That balance of light and darkness can be tricky sometimes and I'd like to think I accomplished just that.
                          
"Those are quite beautiful shots," a familiar voice compliments, grasping my attention.
                          
I glimpse to my side to see Mr. Sui. He stands tall in comparison to me, his frame towering over mine, though that's not surprising. Not in the slightest. However, what is surprising is me seeing him here. Not that there's anything wrong with him taking a walk along the beach. It's just, I've never even seen him cross the street to this direction. Every time he's visited Seven, he just stayed to that side of the road. But that was just my observation.
                          
"Mr. Sui," I say, clearing my throat. "Thank you, sir."
                          
"Y/N," he begins, turning to me. "I can call you that, correct? We have grown to know each other, and you are an employee and tenant after all. But it's still your call, Miss L/N."
                          
"Of course, you can," I nod. "No need to ask, Mr. Sui."
                          
I honestly don't care what Mr. Sui calls me. Y/N or Miss L/N, it doesn't matter to me, but I do understand the hierarchy here. Just because Mr. Sui refers to me as Y/N does not mean I should ask for his given name and then address him by it. He is not just my elder, but my landlord and boss, so that'd be unprofessional.
                          
"I appreciate that Miss L/N, but I will only call you what you approve of," he confirms, shoving his hands into his coat's pockets. "It is a rather chilly evening. Are you staying warm?"
                          
"Y/N is fine," I smile. "And yes, thank you. The cold doesn't bother me too much."
                          
"Well, that's good. If you were cold, I was going to offer you a coat from the boutique," he adds.
                          
I wave my hands dismissively, stammering, "Oh, n-no need to do that! T-thank you, though."
                          
"Relax, Y/N," he chuckles. "It was just an offer if you needed it, but you seem fine."
                          
"Right," I murmur.
                          
Even after all my time here, I still am a nervous wreck around Mr. Sui. And why wouldn't I be? He's an authoritative figure. As my landlord and boss, he is an intimidating man...but is he really? Ever since I met him, Mr. Sui has been nothing but kind. He's always friendly, always smiling, and always just a genuinely sweet guy. He makes all his employees feel comfortable and puts their needs before his and he's never raised his voice to anyone. He's just an overall great man. Still...that doesn't change how anxious I feel around him.
                          
"It's a very beautiful view, isn't it?" Mr. Sui suddenly presses, breaking the lingering silence.
                          
I swallow, nodding, "Yes, sir. It's very beautiful, indeed."
                          
"Y/N, please, no need to be too formal," he chuckles warmly. "None of this 'sir' business, alright?"
                          
"Okay si- er, I mean, Mr. Sui," I agree.
                          
"That's better," he beams, once again returning his dark gaze to the view. "So, is that a hobby of yours? Photography, I mean."
                          
"Oh, this?" I ask, briefly glancing at my camera.
                          
It's funny. I've always loved photography. Even as a child it was something I fancied, but I never considered it a hobby. At least, not after I moved to Osaka. I had no time for hobbies then. There was just studying and my lessons. My camera took the backburner. But maybe it is a hobby. It brings me joy and excitement. I always feel this wave of exhilaration whenever I capture a new picture. So...maybe?
                          
I shrug, "Yeah, I guess. I think it's relaxing if that means anything."
                          
"That'd be a hobby," he grimaces cheerfully. "How long have you done photography?"
                          
"Not long. At least, not seriously. I only took these little pictures with a toy camera when I was little," I giggle. "The quality was horrible, and you mainly could only see my fingers, but I guess that's kinda what sparked it all."
                          
"It's always a little spark that ignites a great flame," he chortles. "And sometimes that little spark manifests a larger flame than you could ever imagine. A flame you could light a whole village with."
                          
And now I'm lost. I furrow my brows in confusion and glimpse up at Mr. Sui. His stare is locked on the swaying waves. His chest rises and falls steadily, the corners of his lips drawn up into a gentle smile. He appears so at peace and drenched in contentment. Honestly, I'm a little jealous. If only I could have peace like that.
                          
"I'm sorry," I apologize, "but I'm afraid I don't understand."
                          
Mr. Sui brings his gaze to me, that smile still painted on his lips as he breathes, "Miss L/N, you have a gift. That little spark in your childhood of running around snapping photos of your thumb has blossomed into a beautiful blaze. A blaze that could ignite a whole village." He turns, resting a hand on my shoulder. "You could easily do something with your gift." He pauses briefly before adding, "Well, I hate to leave so abruptly, but I'm feeling chilled, so I'll leave you to it. Have a good night, Y/N."
                          
"Y-you too, Mr. Sui," I reply, blinking rapidly.
                          
I watch as he leaves, giving me a final wave before disappearing, leaving me baffled. I have no idea what he was talking about, but I know it was good. That much I could tell for sure. I'm almost certain he was complimenting me...right? That's what it feels like.
                          
I just shrug it off, turning back to the ocean. The sun has dipped lower into the sky, intensifying the purple in the welkin, capturing my attention. So, I hold my camera up and capture my inspiration.
                          


                          
**Ello lovelies! Looks like a small interaction with Mr. Sui. He seems to be applauding Y/N for her gift in photography. That said, do you all have any hobbies that have earned you a compliment before? For me I'd say (aside from writing) my own phonetography. Not quite photography, but I get compliments for some -not all- of my shots. Anyway, feel free to let me know! Thank you so much for everything! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**
                          
-Noel Ross