As I've said, this poem is based off of the characters Honami and Kanade from the video game Project Sekai, also known as Colorful Stage. If you have played it, you'll be familiar with the characters and the poem will make sense, but if you haven't here is an explanation of sorts.
In short, Kanade's father was hospitalized by her music- it sounds weird, but it makes sense. Her father was also a musician, and he made music for clients. Her father overexerted himself trying to create music similar to Kanade's unique, popular style after hers became successful and people requested more. He did this to support his family and avoid taking advantage of his daughter's talent or forcing Kanade to make music for him while claiming it was his, but the immense stress caused him to be very mentally and physically ill. Though it wasn't her fault, Kanade heavily blamed herself for his hospitalization.
Kanade's mother had died when she was around 10 years old, so after her dad had to move to the hospital she didn't have a guardian- but she wasn't allowed to just live by herself, so she got a housekeeper around her age to help her out. That housekeeper was Honami.
Honami was always very kind to people in middle school, but people misinterpreted her kindness as her being two-faced or faking it. Because of this, she pushed away and distanced herself from all of her friends out of fear that they would view her that way too. Her kindness is also expressed through her actions to Kanade. She was hired by Kanade's grandmother, and she always tries her best to help Kanade and stop her from overworking and neglecting herself.
I wanted my poems about them to show the sweet and tender sides of their relationship. They're a quite cute pairing, and while only being friends in the actual game, this set depicts them as having a romantic relationship. Though I did make it wholesome, I also wanted to make it quite bittersweet as the two both have a lot of depressing scenarios surrounding them. I aminly wanted to depict Honami's kindness and love to Kanade, and how Kanade relies on her for help and support while Honami is always willing to return that.
Quotes from the game which inspired these poems
Kanade: "A connection with others..."
Honami: "You mentioned the other day that there's someone that's been concerning you. That you'd like to know what they're feeling."
Kanade: "...I can't believe you put so much thought into this just for me... I don't know what to say. I didn't mean to make you do all this."
Honami: "No, I did this because I wanted to. All I did was ask an old friend for some advice, so it was no trouble for me, really."
- "Flowerbed of Memories" second side story
Honami: "I have it [Kanade's bouquet] set on my desk. It's so beautiful, and... I catch myself staring at it without realizing."
Miku: "I see. That must be because it's filled with this her feelings."
Honami: "Right... Looking at the flowers, I can tell she thought about me a lot when picking them out... And I feel this warmth build up in my chest."
- "To You, My Caring Companion" After Live
"Um, hello? I think it's recording... Honami, thank you for always opening up to me and letting me do the same. I'm very indebted to your kindness, and I hope you have a wonderful year."
- Kanade's birthday message for Honami in her 2022 birthday event second side story.
"When I first came here, I had such a hard time talking to her... But I'm really glad that we've become so close like this."
- Honami's monologue in "Figuring Out What I Can Do" second side story
I also took some inspiration from this official art.
