RED.

excitement, spontaneity, attention-getting, powerful

Kim Jisung remembered the time her mother fussed about her choice of clothing.

"Oh, darling!" She hushed as she neared the little girl. "Why would you pair up your bright green shirt with red! Now you look like a replica of our Christmas tree," Mother tutted as she ushered the five year-old back to her room.

Jisung didn't know what green nor red was. She glanced down at her long sleeved shirt and accompanying skirt. It did look like the Christmas tree though, she had thought as she subtly gazed at the object covered in small ornaments leaning against the wall opposite them. They had the same color, a dull gray. 

From a young age, Jisung had always been hearing the elders mention colors, as if there were more than the only ones she knew: black, white and a hint of gray. She preferred white. It gave her a sense of solitude. That the absence of any color was as beautiful as the ones covered in darker tones. That a girl as plain and average as her was as on equal footing as everyone else.

Jisung heaved in a deep breath as she walked in sync with the people drifting to and fro the streets. Her apartment had grown too stuffy from the endless hours she'd spent finishing her projects. School was nearing an end and Jisung couldn't wait for the winter break to come.

The shrill ring of her alarm tone called Jisung's attention. 

"Yes?" Jisung answered the call.

"Jisung, darling. When do you think you can find time to visit your old man? Your mother's grown too stubborn with each passing age and I need new youthful energy to survive more years," Dad cackled as a scolding voice replied with a soft "Sweetie!-"

Jisung smiled at their little banter and slid her free hand in her pocket, slowing down her pace against the current of people. "I think I can come down and transfer you some energy this Sunday. Just make sure to stay alive till then," she hummed.

"What a blessing you are-"

"Sunwoo! Keep your mouth shut and let me speak to my daughter."

There was a slight sound of feet shuffling and hands slapping before her mother's voice asked her gently, "Darling, are you having any problems? I heard you had trouble paying the rent for your place. Mother can give you the money-"

"Mom," Jisung drawled. "I've told you already, I can tak