37. Friday Type of Plan

Somin and Junu

Somin found herself an hour early in the drawing room. She reveled in the silence of the school this early in the morning, but this morning a familiar face greeted her with a smile, and she was happy not to be alone.

Looks like I'll never be here first.

"Are you looking forward to it? At least it's Friday, right?" Somin started with smalltalk.

"Fridays do not mean much for me," Junu answered.

"Why?" Somin let out and then corrected herself.

"Oh, you don't have to answer if you feel uncomfortable," she added warmly.

"I have a rather strict schedule at home," he said quietly.

"I'm sorry," Somin didn't know what else to say.

"Do not be. I am used to it. So the concept of Friday seems funny to me," the shy boy answered.

"If you want to, we can make up some Friday type of plan. I don't have anything important to do anyway," Somin offered.

Junu quickly counted the time he could have if he lied to his chauffeur. His pink-haired friend stood there and observed the shuffling of the puzzle pieces in real life. The barefoot boy sent a text excusing himself, making a false claim about today's special schedule, and pleading for understanding.

Mr. Chu: Alright, Mr. Jeon. I will pick you up at 20:00 sharp.

Thetext answered his question.

"What would you want to do, Somin?" Junu asked, smiling at the thought that he'd get a bit of time for himself.

Of course, he couldn't pull this stunt often as his mother wouldn't excuse it.

"No, what do YOU want to do?" she retorted, adamant to make him lead.

"What if we go and see my uncle's studio?" Junu said.

He didn't know if Somin had already guessed his background, but he wanted to be honest if they were to be friends.

"Wouldn't your uncle be bothered if you drag me there?" Somin's mind worked hard.

Somin already had a suspicion about the young boy's lineage being somehow tied to the famous painter. His surname and immense talent wouldn't let her sleep, her thoughts kept swirling, supporting her hypothesis.

"I have never brought a friend with me and I have not seen him in the longest time," Junu explained, being vague enough.

"If you're alright with me being awkward as hell there, count me in," Somin ended, sensing it was somehow important to him to go there.

Maybe he's afraid to go by himself? His family seemed very demanding. She empathized with him.

The young artist smiled and crafted another message to the number, which his mother prohibited him from contacting. Doing something unthinkable now, when it looked like more things were going his way.

He had managed to make a friend, something he had only ever dreamt of. He had made his own style come to life, not being policed by his parents all day while in school. The young boy felt daring. Things were going his way.

Junu: Hello uncle Jun, this is Junu.

He started, feeling silly.

Junu: Can I stop by your studio today after school with my friend?

His heart pounded.

Junu: I have not seen you for so long.

The boy held his breath. Somin came closer to hold his hand, sensing something was up.

Do I dare to say? Junu typed the much-needed sentence.

Junu: I miss you.

He added and sent the text message with a "swoosh" sound away.

...

The young artist checked his phone regularly like he could make the message arrive quicker. In the middle of the drawing session finally came a reply.

"Soft vibration"

Uncle Jun: Junu-ssi, I'm so sorry, I'm out of town. But if you wanna get inspiration with your friend, it can be managed. Do you want to?

Junu: I really wanted to see you. Please do not tell mum. Can we go anyway?

The young boy pleaded.

Uncle Jun: Of course. When you arrive there, text my PA and she'll generate a random code for you. I'm sorry buddy, I'd love to see you too. Enjoy time with your "friend", I won't tell mum.

His uncle replied, getting his request wrong, more along the lines of a secret date.

Junu: Thank you. Please let me know if you want to meet someday. I do not want to bother you of course, but it would surely make me happy.

Junu gently let him in on his thoughts.

Uncle Jun: I promise I'll let you know as soon as I have this new exhibition off my back pal.

Uncle Jun: And don't worry I won't tell anybody about today. Your secret is safe with me.

Uncle Jun teased.

...

😳 Author's corner 😊

Do you have a family member which you can see for some reason?

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