Taeyeon’s POV

 

My third customer of the day, just as dull and uninspiring as the last. She’s beautiful, I’ll give her that consolation, but my eyes, these cursed eyes, delve much too deep to allow me even the slightest interest in the woman. Her crooked smile , not mischievous, no, instead hinting at the pompous arrogance she thinks I won’t uncover.

Why do people always smile for pictures?

Show me your true character. It’s awfully tiring having to uncover this shameful façade dear.

The corner of twitches slightly, obviously growing impatient that a woman of her status would be kept waiting this long. I almost snap my brush out of irritation, the clacking of her heels on the pavement almost as infuriating as her smug smile.

I hate painting people like her. A heart can only handle so much reality before it crumbles, let alone use it as a creative outlet.

Her clothing is beyond luxurious and I can’t help my smile from creeping up as I exaggerate the grandeur of it. Fluffing the furs, deepening the rich colors, adding sparkle to the gaudy amount of jewelry she dawns.

Did you really get all dressed up for me dear?

That’s too bad because honestly, I’m not impressed.

People always dress like they have something to prove when they seek me out.

“Are you done yet?”

Lord, even her voice screams self-inflated sense of superiority.

“Almost,” a mere whisper but it seems to satisfy her.

My statement isn’t only to appease her though, I am just about done.

I always do the eyes last, even if it does go against all I’ve ever been taught.

How can that be Taeyeon when no one ever taught you anything?

Good point.

This is the moment when the true essence of the person is captured, gazing into the window many would like to draw the curtains over.

But I miss nothing, no matter how thick the curtain may be.

Greed, arrogance, superiority, and is that jealousy? Maybe even a tinge of sadness behind those shades of hazel.

Who are you jealous of madam?

Afraid the rich hubby might be fooling around?

The way you twist that wedding ring around your finger, a nervous habit I suppose, and those forlorn glances to the car ready and waiting at the entrance.

What’s wrong?

Hubby sent the small limo?

Maybe he’s losing interest.

But you can bet that fat ing wallet you’re clutching so tightly that this isn’t pity, only a mere observation.

You might think I hate rich people, the way I babble on and on about this woman, but that’s just too cliché. The poor painter in the park that despises the filthy rich woman merely because she appears to have it all while I have nothing. You couldn’t be further from the truth. Just yesterday the most kind old woman, much more than well off in her means, requested my services.

She was beyond charming, moving her hands animatedly as she regaled tales from her youth. Her eyes were soft and kind and even in her age still shone with some sense of wonder, as if there’s still so much more out there for her to try. She couldn’t have been more sweet, constantly admonishing herself for moving too much, “You should sit still for a painting after all,” she laughed.

Her laugh was light, none of the burdens of life able to weigh heavily on her strong spirit.

And to set the record straight, I’m not poor either. I may not be rich but I’m not begging for scraps on the streets of Hongdae either.

Don’t think so shallow of me, I’ve simply had enough experience to judge people by their character, however harsh it may seem.

I know them better than they will ever come to know themselves. I have these eyes to thank, and to curse as well.

It can be nice at times. I know the kind hearted stereotypical good guy apart from the conniving villain without so much as batting an eye. I can tell the hardships of one and the blissful ignorance that consumes another.

But much too often I see more than I care to. I’ve witnessed crushing depression from the absence of someone close, the loss of hope, even going so far as to delve into the minds of those pondering suicide. The images I watch behind those eyes, rolling like a scene on a movie screen. They come to me in dreams some nights, those awful nights. I stay dry eyed for the rest of those, drawing if only to let them bleed out in some way. Those go in my black book, the one even I don’t dare to thumb through.

“Could you hurry it along?”

How dare you abdicate me from my thoughts. Oh well, they’re gone now. Might as well give her what she wants.

“What is that?!” Her lips curve into a scowl, her eyes blazing as she scans across the image.

“It’s you, in every aspect and essence it perfectly resembles you.”

“Do you think this is some kind of joke?! This looks nothing like me!”

“I assure you madam, it looks exactly like you.”

“Are you kidding me? What kind of artist are you?!She abruptly rises from her seat, casting her dark shadow over me as she glares at her painting.

“A truthful one madam. I don’t believe in painting to satisfy your needs. This is you, whether you like it or not is your prerogative. If you don’t like what you see then maybe you should consider the problems residing in yourself.”

A little harsh there Tae.

No, she deserves it. No one insults my work so easily.

“Why you insolent little…”

She strikes at my chair, succeeding in tipping it back and onto the ground.

“!” I rub the back of my head, a small lump slowly arising on the back. Didn’t think the old broad had it in her.

Still slightly disoriented, I manage to catch sight of my brushes sprawled on the ground next to me.

That , this is expensive. When I get up I swear I’m going to…

“Hey!”

Whose voice is that? I don’t recognize it.

“Why did you do that?”

I can’t see much with these stars still spiraling around my head, but I do manage to catch a glimpse of blonde, a form standing protectively over me as I try to regain myself.

“But out brat. This is between me and this little nuisance.”

“What the Hell is your problem? She painted your picture just like you wanted.”

“This? This is not me,” she points to the canvas, an emanate scowl etched across her aging face.

“Look lady, I don’t know if you’ve gone blind in your old age, but that couldn’t look more like you if it was a ing picture. You’re starting to piss me off.”
“Piss you off?” She huffs.

“Yeah. And you know what? I’m going to give you two options. You either apologize, pay for the damages, and get out of here, or I’m calling the cops.”
“Well I never..”

“3… 2… 1…”

“Alright fine! Here,” she tosses an assortment of bills from her wallet. In an instant she tosses her stole over her shoulder, giving one last huff of annoyance before vacating the park.

“Hey! Get back here and apologize!”

“Ugh…” I can’t help but release a groan, my finger slightly gracing the forming bruise on the back of my head.

“Omo, are you alright miss… umm.”

“Taeyeon… Call me Taeyeon,” I finally lift my chin to her level, taking in the appearance of my savior.

Holy ! She’s ing gorgeous!

That golden blur from earlier suddenly crystalizes, forming slender streams of blonde that caress the curve of her neck and pour down over her shoulders. I imagine myself painting them, the brush swirling in and out as it attempts to compare itself to the beauty before me. She isn’t very tall but her presence is so domineering, it feels as if she would tower over me, devouring me in her aura.

How can someone with such a sweet smile appear so powerful?

Her smile, it conveys such warmth. I feel my heart beat increasing rapidly as my eyes linger on her lips.

So sweet, I bet those lips could give me diabetes.

Taeng, stop being such a dork.

I mentally slap myself for the ridiculous notions running through my head.
You just met the girl and you’re already being a huge ert.

“Hello Taeyeon-shi, I’m Kim Hyoyeon,” her smile broadens, a feat I hadn’t even thought possible.

She extends her hand to me, which I accept in a confused stupor.

Her hand, it’s covered in calluses. What could she use such delicate hands for?

Her hand pulls me up with an unforeseen amount of force, causing me to stumble and barrel into her arms.

What the hell? This girl’s got some muscle.

“Whoa there, are you okay? Did you hurt your ankle?”

She bends down, taking my ankle in her grip and turning it over with a strange fascination.

Omo, that look she’s giving me, such child-like curiosity.

I feel a smile spread over my own lips before I can form a coherent response, “No.. No miss Hyoyeon. You’re fine… I mean it’s fine! It’s fine.”

ing word vomit.

“You promise?”

Is she pouting? Oh my gosh that’s so cute.

“I promise,”  I place a hand over my mouth, stifling a laugh as if my fingers could cup the obnoxious sound escaping.

“Omo,” she takes my hand in hers, that same fascination spreading across her face.

“Appa..” I wince slightly, withdrawing my hand from her loose grip.

She frowns, holding out her hand for mine as if it wasn’t even a choice but to return it.

“Here,” I return my hand, a grimace overtaking my false smile as she turns my palm over in hers.

“You must’ve scraped it on the concrete.”

It isn’t a major injury, only a miniscule amount of blood escaping the tear in my flesh. But that look she’s giving me, you’d think it was a mortal wound or something.

“Come with me, I’ll clean you up.”
“No I couldn’t really…”

“Shush. You’re hurt and I’m going to help you.”

She doesn’t speak harshly, and yet I feel under her command. There’s no arguing with this girl, I can feel that much.

“Okay, but I have to pick up my stuff first.”

I bend to pick up the brushes but her hand on my chest stops me.

“You’re hurt, let me.”
“Hyoyeon-shi..”

“Just Hyoyeon,” she smiles. “Go rest on that bench while I clean this up.”
I feel like disputing her actions but I know it’s no use. Instead I follow her order and seat myself on the nearest bench.

Now that I’m at a distance I really take the chance to examine her. I was right about her being small, but far from fragile. She’s dense, her muscles boldly stating their presence as she bends to retrieve the fallen objects. A gust of wind betrays her and allows me a sliver of skin below her shirt.

Abs, she has abs. Dear lord, you’re in so much trouble Taeng.

I know. God, I can already feel myself drooling. I don’t know if I’ve stated this before, it should be quite obvious by now, but I can be a huge ert. I’ve always heard rumors that artists can be more ual than others, I can attest to the truth in that statement. She’s so beautiful, and I want her, but I don’t. She doesn’t seem like one who would succumb to a one night stand type of urge. She’s stable, real, I don’t need my eyes to see that. It pours from every inch of her, a surreal amount of hidden strength. She’s looking for love, and all the attachments that come with it.

Attachments… I haven’t thought about that in awhile.

I’m an artist, I don’t form attachments. No lasting friendships, seldom contact with my family, but I don’t mind. I like being alone. But this feeling… I don’t think I like being lonely.

“Ms. Taeyeon?”

“!”

Oh god, did I really just curse in front of her. Great, she’s going to think I’m unpolished.

I look up for a glance of disapproval but am only met with her curvaceous eyesmile.

Laughing, she’s actually laughing at me right now?

“Did I scare you?” She giggles.

“Of course not. My heart usually beats on the outside of my chest.”
She laughs even harder, clutching her belly as she fights back the tears forming in her soft, brown eyes.

“You’re funny,” she laughs.

“Really? Most people don’t appreciate my sarcasm.”

“Are you kidding? It’s hilarious,” she smiles, taking my hand and pulling me out of the park.

 

Hyoyeon’s Apartment

 

“Sit here,” she leads me to a white couch in the center of the living room.

After she disappears amongst a corridor of unfamiliar hallways I take the opportunity to observe more of her character. She was mostly silent the walk here and yet she kept eyeing me, only to turn away seconds later.

Someone who was willing to yell at that woman actually turns out to be shy.

I laugh to myself.

You’re curious Hyoyeon, very curious.

If I had to describe this apartment with one word it’d have to be comforting. It’s neatly furnished, every inch of the house giving off a slight sparkle.

How often does she clean this place?

I trace my finger along the table, not even a speck of dust clinging to it. Normally I’d find such a neat freak’s house to be unsettling, but like I said, it’s comforting somehow. The arrangement, the colors, the warmth, it all just makes me feel at peace.

I let loose a sigh, sliding back onto the couch and letting my head rest along the back cushion.

“Taeyeon-ah?”
Taeyeon-ah? Is she already that comfortable with me?

“Here,” she dips her hand in a pastel colored salve, spreading the mixture over my palm and the several contusions forming over various places on my head.

An exhilarating heat ensues over my skin. I bask in the soothing effect, my muscles relaxing as the pain dissipates.

“Better?”
“Mmhmm,” I breath. “It feels really nice.”

“That’s good. Now take off your shirt.”
I choke on my own saliva, coughing obnoxiously as the idea processes itself in my mind.

“What?!”

“You might have a cut on your back. I just want to make sure I don’t leave any of your wounds untreated.”

Oh, oh gosh what did I think she meant? I’m such a byun.

My face radiates warmth as I remove my top. I leave the cloth over my arms, prepared to immediately put it back on and save myself some embarrassment.

This is so embarrassing. I mean, those abs, and then there’s me. I mean I’m not fat, but.. I don’t know. This is just so weird.

I don’t quite understand myself right now. I’ve never had problems removing my clothes in front of women. Hell, I do it more often than most people.

Why am I suddenly so flustered?

She lets out a sigh, her cold fingers tracing the line of a cut.

“I should’ve called the cops on that woman,” she grunts, taking up more of the miracle salve and massaging it into the cuts. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Of course. It takes more than this to hurt me.”
“What was that woman’s problem anyway? That painting was gorgeous.”

“You umm… You thought it was gorgeous?” I rub my head in embarrassment, the blush once again painting my white cheeks in a shade of pastel rose.

“Of course. Who wouldn’t?”
“Her apparently?”
We both laugh, a sweet harmony to ears so used to silence.

Seconds away from clothing myself again she stops me once more.

“Hold on, I have to put a bandage on it.”
“Oh, okay.”

I wait patiently while she assembles the tools. She cuts small strips of the gauze, padding it with more of the medication before applying it to each mark.

“You’re an angel,” I whisper.

“What was that?”

“You’re being so nice to me, why? I mean, I haven’t done anything for you. Why did you stick up for me? Why did you yell at that woman and take me home just to bandage me up?”
It’s so confusing. People aren’t like this… Are they?

“Can’t someone just help because it’s the right thing to do?”
Our eyes meet for the first time, and for some reason, I can’t read her. It’s not that I’m unable, that’s impossible, but I don’t want to. For once, it feels like such a violation. I feel like a trespasser, unworthy of so easily uncovering her innermost secrets.

I quickly look away, not even giving myself the chance to accidentally notice something.

Her expression shifts at my sudden icy behavior but I reassure her with a smile.

“I don’t know, are people really like that?”

She stops for a moment. I can feel her eyes boring into me but I refuse to meet her glance.

She coughs, a low grunt before she continues, “I’d like to think so. People can lie and cheat and steal from you,” I nod in agreement but soon realize she hasn’t reached her point yet. “But, they can also be kind and compassionate and loving. I think sometimes people are just a little misunderstood. I hope for that. I hope that all people can be like that one day, that we can all somehow reach an understanding with one another.”

“Hyoyeon?”
“Yes?”
“As a return for your help today, I’d like to paint you.”
“Me?” The confusion on her face is baffling, like she doesn’t quite understand what my offer entails. “Oh no, you wouldn’t want to paint someone like me,” she laughs. “All your paintings are so beautiful, you have to have an equally beautiful muse,” she suddenly becomes nervous, her hands shaky as she begins repacking her first-aid kit.

I don’t quite know what is coming over me, but I feel a primal instinct overtake me. I stand in front of her, my own aura overtaking hers. Placing a hand below her chin I lift her face to meet mine. I know I said I wouldn’t delve, but I can’t resist.

Pain, so much hidden pain….

Why do I care?

Why do I feel the need to delve into those dark brown pools?

Drowning…

Deeper and deeper we go…

“Hyoyeon-shi, take the offer. I promise, I will paint you just as you are, nothing more, nothing less. If you don’t like it, you never have to speak to me again. But, if you love it, you must accompany me to dinner.”

yeah! Smooth Taeng is back!

“No really I…”

“I insist.”
“Umm,” she fidgets again, the gauze in her hand suddenly falling to the floor.

We both bend to retrieve it, our hands meeting for a brief moment. She immediately retracts it, allowing me to take up the soft bandage and return it into her shaking palm.

“Come by the park tomorrow, I’ll be there all day.”

“Alright, see you then,” she grins, her powerful aura returning to her.

“See you then, Hyoyeon-ah.”

 

This feeling… attachment…

 

The Next Day

 

Where is she?

I tap my foot on the dirt in anticipation, a miniscule cloud of dust raining over my beaten sneakers. Eyeing my watch for the 46^th time I breath a deep sigh.

My last appointment was hours ago. It was a young man, quite flirtatious. He was handsome, but Taeng don’t swing that way. You’d think the dark scowl I gave him would’ve sent the message quite clearly but obviously the kid’s as dense as his head is thick. I finished him quickly, unable to take his presence any longer than necessary. He tried to stick around and chat but I gave him the cold shoulder, assuring him that my next customer would arrive shortly and be needing his seat. Of course I had actually expected her any minute back then.

Where the Hell could she be?

“Taeyeon-ah!”

Speaking of the angel…

It’s amazing really. I hardly slept a wink last night, the blonde all but present in physical form in my room last night. I saw her in faces passing my studio apartment window, the curly wisps of my morning coffee feigning in comparison to those gorgeous locks, even the morning breeze trying to capture her laugh as I strolled into the park this morning. No one has ever done this to me. No one has ever been able to capture my attention for more than a night. And yet, she was still running through my mind as the sun sent its rays through my window this morning. The golden color only increasing my already wild dreaming.

Dreaming while I’m awake… such a strange thing.

“Day day daydreaming,” I hum the tune lightly, watching as the blonde picks up speed towards me.

“Taeyeon-ah!”

“Hyoyeon-ah!”

Did I really just do that?

She stops a near breath away from me, her ragged breathing rocking her form as she attempts to catch her runaway oxygen.

“You okay?” I pass her my water bottle and she immediately drains it.

Wow, look at you being considerate.

Oh shut up.

“Thanks Taengoo,” she pants.

She raises a hand to her brow, wiping away the beads of sweat that had grown increasingly heavy.

“Where did you come from? You look like Hell.”

We both laugh again, the same melody playing through my head as the sounds intermingle.

Day day daydreaming.

“Have you heard of HY studio?”
“Of course, who hasn’t? Wait, that’s halfway across town. You seriously ran all the way here?”
My jaw drops in amazement at the girls stamina.

“Yeah. This is nothing,” she removes her jacket and ties it around her waist, revealing an all black half shirt and of course the rest of those toned abs of hers.

You’re staring.

“So, why were you there? You dance?”

“You could say that,” she laughs.

Really Tae? Hyoyeon, HY. Connect the dots idiot.

“Wait, you’re HY?”
“The one and only, at your service,” she removes the snapback from the crown of her head and gives an exaggerated bow.

“Wow. It’s like a celebrity,” I rub the back of my head, hoping to somehow scrape off the embarrassment from not recognizing one of Seoul's most famous choreographers.

“Celebrity? Nah, but I have met a few. Anyway, should we get this started?” She smiles but I catch her eyes drop to her clothes. Her lip curls slightly as she glances at herself. The clothing clings tight to her body, the sweat a near adhesive as it wraps itself around each available crevice. “Stupid, I should’ve changed before I came here.”

She frowns and wipes her brow again.

“Sit.”

“But…”

“Sit. I said I would paint you as you are. I don’t like it when people get all dressed up and try to look different for me. This is you. This is real. It’s a pleasure to paint you like this.”

She doesn’t reply but quickly takes the seat I gestured to.

“Don’t look so nervous Hyoyeon. You look beautiful like this. Don’t worry about something so trivial. I’m not going to judge you or anything.”

She lets out a light laugh, her shoulders releasing their tension and once again regaining their strength and composure.

“You’re sweet,” she smiles, sheepishly twisting a lock of golden hair between her slender fingers.

Satisfied with her cooperation, I prepare myself for work. I begin by removing my sketching pencil from my bag, only to nearly drop it as it slips from my grasp.

My palms, am I sweating?

No no no, Kim Taeyeon does not sweat over a girl. It’s unthinkable.

I immediately wipe them on the legs of my jeans, removing any trace of my sudden loss of nerve.

I momentarily worry what she’d think of my sudden burst of perspiration but a quick glance at the blonde sets my heart at ease.

Thank God, she didn’t even notice.

But her attention, where has it wandered to?

I follow her glance, quickly catching sight of a male jogger, bound to a small black companion by a strip of bright red material.

The memory of my childhood pet slips past my normally strong defenses. His name was Ginger. Small, black, the most affectionate look lingering in his dark eyes.

I loved that dog, why did I never get another pet? I live by myself, the complex even allows animals. What excuse do I have?

Maybe its company could have changed me, forced me to officially put down some roots.

The question is, does her attention lie with the dog or the man?

Aish! It never occurred to me that she could be straight. What if I made her uncomfortable with my advances yesterday?

I mentally slap myself, ashamed by my sloppy behavior towards such a sweet and helpful girl.

“Do you like dogs Hyoyeon?”

Smooth Tae, real smooth. Why don’t you just ask if she thinks his looks good in those sweatpants? Discreet my , you pabo.

“Not really,” she once again fiddles with the golden strands that have cascaded over her bare shoulders.

A nervous habit maybe? Funny, she seemed so much more intimidating yesterday. Not to say this isn’t attractive. It’s nice to see someone who can be sweet and caring yet still possess such an overwhelming presence.

“On the contrary, I’ve always been terrified of them.”

So that’s why she’s so nervous, she’s scared.

“I’m sorry. Do you want to go somewhere else?”
“No, it’s okay. I mean, he is cute. I think I can manage.”

“You sure?”

I catch her eyes trailing over to the dog again. She nervously twirls a strand of her hair again before straightening it out with her fingers.

Well, at least that means she isn’t nervous anymore. That’s good.

“I’m sure,” a reassuring smile tugs at her lip and the dog no longer lingers anywhere in her train of thought.

 

Taeyeon’s Apartment 12:00 a.m.

 

I toss my canvas bag onto the wood floor with a solid thump. I raise my hand to flick the light switch only to just as evenly lower it back down, the apartment remaining cloaked in its resolute darkness.

What’s the point? I know this place so well I can navigate it blindfolded. No reason to illuminate an empty room and remind myself that I’m alone. But how can I not be reminded? It’s not like I invest any time in this place.

And the statement couldn’t be more true. I never allow myself to become too attached to a place, knowing all to well I’ll be leaving soon enough. The living room is sparsely furnished, a single long couch overlooking the windowed wall that provides a view over the streets of Seoul. Too many nights I have kept myself awake by these streets, drawing if only by the light of the streetlamp that always seems to come on at a different time, and never on Tuesdays. It always flickers but the glaring light can never seem to rekindle itself, yet it works perfectly fine at 6:02 on Wednesday night.

That’s always my one requirement when I go apartment hopping, a window that peers down on the lives of those below. Watching other people live their lives, it helps sometimes. Only sometimes.

There’s no TV, as if I need to weigh myself down with the burdens of politics and matters of the world outside these four walls.

All that has ever mattered and will ever matter is in here… At least, that’s what I used to think. But her, that girl, she isn’t in these four walls. My castle is crumbling beneath you, and all you had to do was breathe in my direction. Kim Hyoyeon, what are you doing to me?

That bright eyed blond with the curvaceous body and multiple personalities, it doesn’t feel like our lives together have been so short. A measly 24 hours and I already know so much about you. But it isn’t like other girls. It was so much simpler then. I could look into their eyes, swim in the depths of their existence, never be bothered with having to learn something I could so easily refresh in my memory. But you, why do I care to actually know you? Why do I refuse to steal what is rightfully mine from those dark pools of yours? For once, I actually listened. You told me about your favorite color, green, see, I told you I could remember. You told me that the reason you’re scared of dogs is because a Rottweiler attacked you at a young age, leaving a small scar across your right palm. You even talked about how your company came to be, your training to be an idol. It felt so strange though. You never specified the details of what happened afterwards. Instead of looking in your eyes I watched the twinge of your lips as you mentioned the word idol, the way you let your hands fall to your lap. You wouldn’t look directly at me afterwards, nervously tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. I might have to pry more on that subject, discover the source of that pain I accidentally unraveled the night at your apartment.

God, was that only yesterday? Why do my days suddenly feel like an eternity?

They used to flow together so seamlessly, sometimes even allowing me to forget the date.

My mother called me a week ago, it’s the first time we’ve talked in six months. She told me happy birthday. I couldn’t even remember my age. She asked when I was getting a girlfriend. I asked her when she’s going to stop drinking. She hung up after that.

God, I can be such a .

But I’m not going to say the comment was undeserved, just harsh.

And now it’s like each day seems to drag on, the blurred lines that would hardly separate my hours suddenly crystalizing.

Ugh, my head feels heavy.

It’s been a long time since I’ve given anything this much thought.

I take the pills from the counter beside the fridge and a beer to wash it down. My doctor says not to mix meds and alcohol, it hasn’t killed me yet.

He tells me the alcohol is unhealthy, not specifying whether he meant physically or emotionally. I could tell though, I think I would know if I was dying, at least on the outside. No, only the inside is deteriorating.

What’s left to get rid of anyway? I’m pretty sure all my emotions are ed. Would I really be single in this depressing apartment with no friends if I felt anything?

Of course not.

I clasp my hand to my chest, counting the beats as my heart rate increases.

“What are you so excited about?” I down more of the beer, dragging my bag to the couch and taking out the canvas.

For the first time in my life, I’m unsatisfied with my work.

“This is ing stupid!” I nearly slam the canvas to the ground, only to stop myself with my own hand.

It’s not stupid, she looks amazing.

“Of course she looks amazing. Even a child couldn’t make an attempt at her image without capturing some of that beauty she seems so unaware of.”

You’re just upset.

“Of course I’m upset. How dare she. How dare she come into my life and everything up like this. I was perfectly happy until she came around…”

Happy? That’s funny.

“Shut up.”

I groan and take another sip of the beer.

“This is so stupid.”

I down the rest of the beer and set the canvas back in my bag.

What am I going to do? I already finished the portrait, but I don’t want to tell her. If I do, there’s no point in her coming around any longer.

I sigh and remove the canvas from my bag again. I take it to the window and prop it up against the window wall.

I won’t tell her. Not just yet. Not until it’s perfect, she deserves that.

“Why though? Why do I think she deserves anything? All she did was show a little kindness.”
And that’s exactly what you need, isn’t it?

“What I need is another beer.”

I trudge to the fridge and throw open the door.

This is pathetic.

A six pack of beer and some takeout are the only contents.

And God knows how long that takeout has been in there.

“Your right.”
I grab the box and toss it in the trash. Taking the beer I once again close the fridge and return to the living room.

“I wasn’t hungry anyway.”

Taking a seat on the long couch my eyes trace back to the painting.

That girl, I think you need her.

“Why?” I huff and lean back on the couch, my eyes trailing up to the ceiling.

Think about it.

“What’s there to think about? Sure she was kind and sweet… and talkative and hilarious….”

The opposite of you in every way.

“I wouldn’t say that, but she does take away the silence. Whether it be with laughter from some ridiculous story or just the sound of her breathing, for once, I couldn’t hear the silence.”

And it was amazing wasn’t it?

“Yeah… yeah, it really was.”

Give it a chance Tae. Maybe, just maybe…

“What?”

Maybe she’s the one.

“Yeah right.”

You never know.

“I always know. The world can’t hide the truth in its eyes. She’ll turn out like the rest, just you wait and see.”

 

Tonight, the darkness feels so much colder, and the bed so much emptier than ever before.

 

 

 

Hi, it's been awhile. The second part will be up soon, we just agreed that one of us needed to update as soon as possible. Just so you all know I was entirely bullied into going next, she's lucky we're friends hahaha. So let me know what you think in the comments section and I'll try to have the next part up soon. Your faithful servant ~AfterSNSD