Chapter 5

Spring Painting

“I hate to burst your bubble but…I have to remind you that we still need to find an Artist. That Minho guy was really good, but we need someone who would commit with us.” Said Key

Though it gives Sulli headache, she knows Key is right. She promised she’ll only borrow Minho…

“We should probably hold an audition.” Said Sulli

“Between the Art’s club and Luceat, if you’re an artist, which will you choose?” said Luna “They have lessons for their potential members. They take really good care of them. They even have activities and competitions to enhance their craft. They give assistance on choices for College…what can Luceat offer an Artist…nothing!”

Luna is right…They will definitely not get any Artist if the Artist Club offers all those things…so what made Taemin choose Luceat?

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After a few days news spread in the school that any Artist who becomes Luceat’s will get a College Scholarship in an exclusive and expensive Art’s school  abroad. Sulli was expecting Artists to flood the doors of Luceat…but she only got 6 Artists..and they are all lame!!!

“But why?! Isn’t an international scholarship supposed to be a big thing?!” said Sulli

“Umm..If I can just speak out….” Said one of the Artists. “I don’t think you’ll get any of their attention. The better Artists in the club are all busy right now. They are all preparing for the competition next week. It’s a national competition. Foreign Artists are going to view that competition. Many of them are expecting Apprenticeship programs from leading Artists.”

“When you say better Artists, what do you mean?” asked Sulli

“People like the officers…all of them are busy preparing…They are the 4 best Artists this University has.” Said another  “Others just a bit below their caliber are also preparing”.

Key can’t help but analyze the situation. At Sulli’s standard, it’s probable that only one of the officers will pass…But nobody will be willing to be Luceat’s artist.

“Taemin…you know him…” said Sulli

“Ahh yeah…He was one of the gifted ones…He was suppose to replace the Arts club president once all the 4 officer graduate next year.” Said the Artist

“You mean..Taemin’s ability is…” Luna said

“Close to the 4’s caliber.” Said the other. “He might be as good as Hara or Lee Joon.”

“And how about L and Minho?” asked Sulli

“Oh…those 2 are monsters…they’re artists to the CORE. They’re the best of the best.” Said one of them “That’s why they are the President and Vice President.”

“Sulli..it means if you want someone who’s as good as Taemin and Minho…you might need to get Lee Joon, Hara or L…unless Minho changes his mind…” said Luna

Sulli feels the stress right now…

Hara…is totally not going to get into Luceat…L is the Art’s club’s President…unlikely to leave the club…it’s Lee Joon and Minho then. Minho had already said No… Lee Joon! She needs to convince Lee Joon!

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Lee Joon went out of the Art’s club office but stopped when he saw Sulli outside.

“If you’re looking for Minho he’s not here.” said Lee Joon

“I know.” Said Sulli

“Ok…if it’s L he just left a minute ago.” Said Lee Joon

“No..and don’t mistake me for looking for that Hara girl…I’m here because of you.” Said Sulli

“Me?” Oh no…Lee Joon feels trouble is coming… “Why would you look for me?”

“I’ll go straight to the point Lee Joon…I want to see your works…I want to know if you have the heart.” Said Sulli

“Oh…yeah…I don’t have the heart for arts…I mean I love Art…but Art doesn’t like me.” Said Lee Joon

“Liar.” Said Sulli

That made Lee Joon gulp.

“Many people are saying you’re one of the best.” Said Sulli

That would normally flatter Lee Joon…but not in this particular instance.

“That’s really good to hear…but that’s just heresay.” Said Lee Joon laughing nervously

Sulli is impatient…Lee Joon is trying to avoid her.

“You will be Luceat’s Artist.” Said Sulli

That made Lee Joon shut up

“Are you…going though us one by one? First Minho and then me?” asked Lee Joon

“No…I am looking for a permanent Artist for Luceat…not a temporary one. And if you have the heart of an Artist, which I will know for sure within the day, you will be that Luceat’s Artist.” Said Sulli

“By now you already know what I can do… so better be ready to face your fate.” Said Sulli

Noooooooooooo…..Lee Joon feels like the world is falling apart!

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Sulli saw L that afternoon.

“I need to see your gallery.” said Sulli

“Hmm…still searching for an Artists, Miss Editor in Chief?” asked L

“You didn’t give me Minho. So I still need an Artist.” Said Sulli

L just nodded and led Sulli to the room inside the Art’s club Office.

“Wow…this is a lot….” Said Sulli mesmerized by all the Art works. It’s almost like a museum.

“This includes works from older generations.” Said L

“You should probably ask help from the Alumni office. They should help out in maintaining these.” Said Sulli

“I tried that already. The old people do not listen to me.” Said L

“I can help you with that.” Said Sulli

“That would be appreciated.” Said L

“Which one is Lee Joon’s?” asked Sulli

“Ahh…so it’s Lee Joon this time? She can’t get Minho so she’s going to try and get Lee Joon?” thought L

“That unfinished painting on that side is his.” Said L

Now it’s time to really see if she has the eyes for Art.

Sulli looked at the painting. It’s a painting of a couple walking in the field of flowers…the sun is up high and they seem to be having a good time…spring..it feels like spring…Spring painting...it feels vibrant and lovely while looking at the painting…Lee Joon sure has a different style from Minho.

“He’s good…” said Sulli…. “I think the painting is as good as it is already…I can feel the youth and the joy in this painting.”

“Ah…she knows how to appreciate Art then.” Thought L.

“I like Lee Joon’s work…” said Sulli… It might not have that lingering haunting feeling the way Minho’s painting affects her…but Lee Joon is pretty talented.

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“Minho….Minho-yah…..You’re there right? Can you go down here please…Please do this for a friend in need.”

Minho can hear Lee Joon’s voice from his room at the top floor of the science building. Why is he bugging him again?

Minho went to the stairs where Lee Joon is waiting for him.

“What are you dong here?” asked Minho irritated

Lee Joon looks devastated. He is  leaning against the wall as if his soul was driven out of his body.

“Minho….my friend…I think my dreams of becoming a national Artist is now evaporating…I need to bid it goodbye…” said Lee Joon

“What’s gotten into you? We just had the talk the other day how each of us has to focus on reaching our goals.” Said Minho

“You don’t understand…She will leave me no choice…she will surely destroy my dream if I don’t follow her.” said Lee Joon

“She?” as