30. I Keep My Promises

I'm searching for your real intention

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September week 4

Somin, Mia and Teho

Somin opened the door with a smug frown on her face after being disturbed by an obnoxious knocking marathon.

"Do you really have to be here every day?" she asked, hiding her attraction with pretend annoyance.

"I always keep my promises," the gorgeous photographer leaned against the door frame.

His striped scarf dangled near his knees and his navy jacket complimented a burgundy shirt, the first few buttons undone.

Somin buckled her delicate blue shoes.

"Don't trip over that thing," she nodded in the direction of his long scarf and he smirked.

"Aren't you all dolled up today?" Teho changed the subject after seeing Mia waving at him in the background as she put on earrings and gestured to wait.

"Save it," Somin said.

"Date?" he asked.

"Mind your own business," she scoffed.

"I can't when you look like that." That comment struck Somin as she put on her coat.

"Like what?" she barked, but her heart lept a little.

Do I look pretty? Somin blushed.

"Like a different person," he said seriously and Mia danced up to the pair with a smile, having a full look at him.

"Doesn't she look pretty?" Mia sang.

"Stop it." Somin felt awkward being the center of unwanted attention.

"Oh, I'm gonna match you with somebody so hard!" Mia smiled and took Teho's arm, finally signaling it was alright to move things further.

"Is it a date?" Teho was still confused.

"With myself," Somin said, "And no matchmaking," she emphasized.

"I was afraid you'd already found your Jeff," Teho murmured, shocked at how pretty and rested Somin looked.

"What did you just say?" Somin went white.

"Nothing, " Teho smiled mysteriously.

"Alright, I definitely won't look for a match for you," Mia finished and winked very noticeably at her.

"Miaaa, no!" Somin waved her hands in sharp denial.

...

The day was unexpectedly good for a Monday. Somin was finally able to focus fully on the classes which had made her spiral into anxiety last week. Her notepad was heavy with notes she'd written, the spark of love for art history made her excited again.

"Beep"

Mia: We're going for wine, wanna join us?

Mia texted her at the end of the day.

Somin: You're kind, but no.

Somin maintained her boundaries. I've just started to feel better.

She prodded at the hole in her heart. Dark and gaping. I'd better work.

Mia: I'll probably sleep out tonight, the girls have a slumber party planned.

Somin: I'll manage, don't worry.

"You seem better," Junu said, collecting his pencils from the desk, "Although you're still so sad."

"Thank you?" Somin raised her brow.

Was that a compliment?

"Would you care for a walk?" she let out suddenly and he shifted in place.

"I don't wanna push it onto you, but we could sketch together if you want to," she offered, contemplating making one more friend.

That I can manage. She hoped, already relishing in the classmates' quietness.

"I guess," he answered hesitantly, though deciding more quickly than usual.

...

"Do you know where to go?" Junu asked Somin once they were outside the building. He was dressed in a loose, dark green outfit, his hair wildly curling around his neck.

"No, not really," Somin admitted but gently tugged on his sweater to get him moving.

The pink-haired girl led them on to a spot further from the school, which lay on her usual route, but she made them turn a corner earlier than normal. They ended up in what seemed like a park with a view of the river by the cycling path. The area was small but had a nice little bench and the whole periphery of the city was within their reach.

I love these small hilly places.

She reveled in the small moments of scarce happiness.

Somin celebrated the fact that the city had its internal politics focused on greenery and both its historic and modern buildings all coexisted on the uneven terrain. It all made the place more magical.

"I like that you are willing to be together in silence," Junu half whispered.

"Everything seems so loud and for some reason, I think people are almost insulted by quietness itself," he smiled warmly.

"I don't mind talking, but I prefer to do it with people I know. Which isn't many," Somin let the young boy in on her thoughts.

"I do not have anybody to talk to." He looked at his feet sadly, but he was happy he had stepped out of his comfort zone and the much-hated routine.

"I'm here whenever you need," Somin said and he eased the tension in his shoulders, relaxing and resting his back against the bench.

"Shared theme?" Junu asked, pointing at the trees in the forefront.

"Why not, but I was thinking more about the panorama," Somin answered.

"Afterward?" he asked and Somin nodded.

"How come you have energy left?" Somin asked, feeling exhausted herself.

"I am working in power-saving mode most of the time," he shared his sad truth, "but I am truly curious about how you would render these," he added.

"Don't make me feel embarrassed, we all know you're the best," she retorted, but she was flattered.

"I like your style," Junu said seriously.

"And I'm blushing because of you," she smiled, a bit reddened by his words.

Does he really mean it? Somin wondered.

"There is comforting solitude in your landscapes. They have a very appealing color palette and I feel you truly meant your words because I see with how much love you have to paint them," he gave his genuine review.

"Stop it, now my heart aches," she said, her eyes glassy.

"Do not sell yourself so short," he offered finally and fell into a creative silence.

...

😳 Author's corner 😊

Have you ever draw/paint/create in plein-air?

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🎨Illustrations of each chapter are available on my Wattpad acc, AO3 acc -klubickoArt🎨