The Introverted Theater Arts

Last Chapter

Son Naeun

I was painting a scene with watercolors.

Like memories in my head that I didn’t want to forget. I drew the scenery before me, hoping to imprint it in pieces of my memories. I wanted to always remember. I wanted to always remember how happy it was. How happy I was with her. And I was, I am.

She’s one of the best things that have happened to me. Not the best because I know something else is yet to come, something else is yet in store.

I’m really thankful to have her in my life. I really am.

And I’m really thankful that she’s the one I am with. I’m thankful that I have found the courage I needed along the way. I’m thankful that she trusts me just as much as I trust her.

I’m thankful that she found her way into my life the same way I did. I’m thankful that I bumped into her multiple times.

I’m thankful that we’re here now.

“Mmm… something’s missing…” I mumbled before looking at the palette of colors I have. It was a simple landscape, just the horizon, the sea and the blue sky with white clouds scattering around. It wasn’t that hot or gloomy. The breeze was refreshing and if only I could paint it down with colors then I would so that I can remember how that moment feels.

“That something must’ve been me!”

And just when I thought the peacefulness will last forever…

Eunji came over with the forever playful smile on her lips. It’s been actually a while since I met it the first time. Indeed, time has surely flown. It’s been almost two years since this angel walked into my life with that camera in her hands. Now here we are, alone in an island with only each other to cherish for a while.

“Hey, why are you here~ you are ruining my masterpiece!” I protested as she took a brush and attempted to paint some lines on the canvass. “Jung Eunji, I swear if that brush touches my painting, you’ll be getting it!”

“Getting what?! A kiss~?”

“JUNG EUNJI!!!”

“Arasso, arasso! You don’t want me to ruin the scenery of Jeju Island, I know~”

She laughed before settling on the empty space beside me in the bench, her giggles sounding sweet and beautiful but I’m not telling her. I couldn’t help but glance at her from time to time while resuming my work. She would just stay behave on her seat, like a child told off by her teacher. Sometimes, she’ll take a piece of paper from my sketch pad and make paper planes in which she’ll throw in the air. She would look far away and the smile on her face while staring at the scenery was a scenery for me. Rare moments when she catches me looking at her and a wide smile forms on her lips.

Damn this beauty. Why did I fall for her?

“Are you finished now?” She asked after my last few touches and done. I nodded with a proud smile, showing my painting to her. “Wow. You are indeed talented. Why didn’t you study to be a painter?”

“Well, acting on theaters is like painting too, but with your body.” I answered matter of factly.

She patted my head, quite lovingly with her gentle eyes staring at me in endearment.

“I’m proud of you. You already know that though, right?”

I nodded my head and smiled. Hearing those words gave me a sense of warmth, pride. It feels nice knowing that the people you like appreciate the work you are doing. Soon enough, we're leaving college and meeting the real world and through all that, I want her to be there and support me in any way she can. 

Knowing she's proud of me was one of the best feelings I've ever had. 

“Yeah, and I’m really proud of you too.”

And I mean it.

She chuckled and engulfed me in an embrace that I melted into. No words could’ve expressed how her hugs felt. It was comforting in the best way. A sense of belonging and love, I guess Eunji’s hugs were one of the warmest I’ve ever felt. And above all, it felt special.

I pulled away in a while and gave her a smile. “So…. What do we have for lunch?”

“Well I thought you’re cooking? Surprise me, Naeun-ah!”

And in the end, she was surprised.