If you ever hear someone say that college is easy, don’t believe them. I'm already in my third year, but I still get overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done. Good thing is that I mostly like what I do, so it doesn't feel like a chore. 

 

Taking the course that you're really into helps in getting the motivation you need in order to do a good job with the work you're given. You don’t learn about some equation or formula that you won't use anyway.

 

I'm one of those lucky few who wanted to study arts and wasn't forced by their parents to take a more "reasonable" and "sustainable" job option. I've always had an interest in this field and having the talent needed is just a plus. 

 

With working hard, you also get noticed. Professors would start to compliment you and rely on you to accomplish tasks. You get these opportunities to showcase your works inside and outside of your college. 

 

1:52 Wednesday, 15 July

 

This is what greets me when I opened my phone. I've been staring at this blank canvas for almost half an hour now. I need to finish this painting in less than two weeks and I haven't even started yet. No matter what I do, I can't seem to start working. No ideas would come to mind and every spark of thought would soon be turned down by my overly picky brain. 

 

I was raking my mind for any sort of inspiration when I heard a knock from the door. "Hey, there tiger. How have you been holding up?" In comes one of my friends and mentor, Jeon Jungkook. 

 

He's a senior, also taking visual arts. We met when one of my freshmen professors decided that I should contribute a piece to the annual art exhibit that our university hosts. I was the only freshie included in the lineup and he was a sophomore that was slowly gaining fame around the campus. 

 

Jungkook had the same professor when he was a freshman, Mr.Irwin. He decided that we should work together. He assigned for both of us to make a painting that would compliment the other. This wasn't an easy feat since we both had different styles. Still, we made it work and became friends in the process. 

 

"I'm holding up like a guy hanging from a cliff by his fingernails. I have nothing and it's making me anxious." I ran my hands through my hair and pulling them to show my frustration. 

 

"How about we get out of here first. Walk around or sit somewhere where you can see things aside from four walls and a door." He patted me on the back offering his hand. 

 

After thinking for a couple of seconds I decided to stand up. He helped me pack my things and put the easel back to its place. When we got out of the building I started to talk, "So where are you taking me oppa~"

 

He begrudgingly took my hand, he hates being called oppa. "I'll take you to a place where you can see everything." We rode the tram and once we got there I could only turn to him with a face as if to say "really?" 

 

"Don't look at me like that. I'm trying to help here. You'd get to see the whole of Melbourne from the top. Maybe it'll help you with your little dilemma, you’re gonna thank me for this." I sighed but didn't argue deciding to just follow him to the ticket counter. 

 

I offered to pay but he insisted that this was his idea so it was only fair that he paid for it. With one arm carrying my bag and the other around my shoulder, he leads me up to the platform where we wait to get on the Ferris wheel.

 

"Tell me, little tiger, what's been bugging you? You seem to be deep inside that tiny head of yours." He struck up a conversation as we slowly ascended. "It's no big deal Kookie, I’m just really having a hard time with this project." 

 

He turned his full-body towards me and crossed his arms. ”Oh yeah? I don’t think so, I know you, and I know that it isn’t just about your painting.” 

 

”Well, I keep seeing this girl an-”

 

"Oh? Someone has caught your interest. What ploy will you use this time?." He smirked, teasing me. "Yah! It's nothing like that. I just keep seeing her and she makes me curious." I pouted, looking at him with my doe eyes.

 

He pulled me closer to him and ruffled my hair. "If I didn't know any better I would say that you might be falling," I whined with what he said and pushed him off of me which caused him to laugh. 

 

We were reaching the top so I stood up. Looking out the glass panels, I could see the tall buildings downtown. The long river passing through the city; and at the end of my line of sight is the ocean. 

 

I suddenly remember the girl at the port, the girl in Hosier Lane, and the girl that caught my eye that one time I went busking with Rosé. All three are the same person. A girl with long hair, with an aura that screams elegance, and a face I can't forget. 

 

I jumped as if I was struck by lightning. An idea finally came to mind. Jungkook hurriedly went to my side. "You got something now?" I nodded and smiled up at him. We spent the last minutes as the cab descended talking about the subject of my painting. 

 

 

-------------

 

 

I can feel the cold wind blowing. I can hear the quiet chatter of people passing by. I can see through my eyelids the bright stream of sunlight. I'm laying down on something wet- WAIT something wet??? 

 

I immediately stood up and saw that my coffee spilled beside me. It streamed down to the side of my pants. Good thing that I wasn't wearing jeans. 

 

I groaned as I checked my phone for the time and was surprised to see that I was about to miss my tram. I scrambled to pack up my things and started to run down the hill. "Wait up!" I screamed causing the conductor to look at up at me.

 

"I'm sorry Randy, I accidentally slept up there." He chuckled and pushed me in, "You almost didn't make it squirt." I got on still catching my breath. 

 

"Hey, are you okay? Do you want to sit down?" I looked up and was met with the person that's been filling my head. Dark, almost black, hair framing a face with delicate features. 

 

I fixed my posture and ran my hand through my hair, "Oh no, no thank you. I'm fine standing up. I just can't believe I fell asleep, now I'm running late to class." I smiled at her, introducing myself. "The name's Chayoung, Son Chaeyoung."

 

Of course, I introduced myself already. I won't miss this opportunity. It might take a while until the next.

 

She gave me a shy little smile that made my heart melt. I noticed how she has a tiny mole at the side of the bridge of her nose and two others by her lip.

 

I was still gawking at her when she suddenly spoke, "My roommate and I saw you perform. You were amazing by the way." 

 

Oh my gosh, she knows me. She remembers me. SHE COMPLIMENTED ME. Okay, Chaeyoung stay cool, you're cool. 

 

"Now that you mentioned it, you do kinda look familiar. Thanks for the compliment but I don't think it would've been that great without Rosé's guitar playing skills." My brain thought that it'd be funny to move my fingers like I was playing the guitar. 

 

What was that? Why did you have to be all quirky? Now she might think that you're weird, stupid. 

 

I stopped the internal battle with myself because I swear I heard the most pleasing laugh of all laughs. It sounds so much better than Jeongyeon and Nayeon's obnoxious laugh, or Dahyun's weird one. 

 

Okay stop, you're sounding like a creep right now. 

 

I heard the name of my stop being announced. I suddenly got sad about it. I want to spend more time with this girl. Dammit, I don't even know her name how will I- oh oh ho ho

 

"Hey could I- maybe— uhm get your number?" I nervously waited for her reply. She smiled at me again- AGAIN! and she gave me her number, I am so happy!

 

I punched in the digits and was about to ask for her name when she suddenly spoke. "Myoui Mina." I cocked my head to the side, silently asking her a question. "It's my name." Ohhhh, Myoui Mina. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl.

 

"It was nice meeting you, Ms Myoui Mina. I hope to see you around. If not- err well I already have your number." I waved at her and started running. I still had about 3 mins to spare when I got to my classroom, so I decided to continue the sketch I was working on before I fell asleep. 

 

While my hands started to draw, I couldn't help but think about Mina. I finally have a name to go with the character occupying my thoughts. I want to get to know her. I want to see what lies behind those piercing eyes. 

 

I just have to be careful with her.

 

As I saw our professor come in, I shook myself out of my reverie. Setting aside all thoughts of Mina until this class ends.

 

 

——————

 

 

The moment I got out of the classroom, I immediately texted Jungkook asking if we could meet up. I needed to tell him that I finally met Mina. He said yes, so I decided to wait for him in the mall across our university.

 

I walked around aimlessly looking at shops. Then suddenly someone bumped into me. “Jeez, are you okay?” I helped her pick up the things she dropped. The impact wasn’t that hard but I guess the girl is naturally clumsy. 

 

“I’m so sorry. I checked my phone and didn’t see where I was going. I’m fine though, thank you.” We stood up and I handed her things. “It’s okay, but you should be careful. Always be mindful of your surroundings.” 

 

I looked at the girl, she had bright orange hair. She looked familiar but I can’t point out where I’ve seen her from. She’s undoubtedly beautiful, and cute too with the shy smile she’s showing. 

 

“I know you. You’re that girl from the street. I saw you singing.” I’m not even surprised to be recognized by now. Being out there frequently, people tend to remember you. They either approach me to complain or to compliment. 

 

“Ah I see, so was it nice?” I never fished for compliments, but I suddenly wanted to know what this girl thinks of me. 

 

“You were amazing, and your friend too. Not to mention, you’re also very pretty.” I could hear a hint of flirtation in her voice. “Do you think that I could, maybe, take you out sometime? To repay you for helping me just now that is.”

 

Usually, I don’t hesitate accepting offers like these from good-looking girls like her. But something in my mind kept reminding me of Mina. It’s not like we’re together, and that's surely not my intention with her. 

 

So like always, I said yes. ”My name is Sana, Minatozaki Sana.” She held out her hand to me. 

 

I shook it, “Son Chaeyoung.” I let go and subtly gestured the telephone hand sign, asking for her number. Luckily she understood and gave it to me. As I was typing in her name, Jungkook called.

 

“Where are you? I’m already at the mall.” 

 

“I was just looking around. I’ll meet you in a restaurant. You pick where to eat.” 

 

“Alright, I’ll see you at Nando’s then.” After that, he hung up on me.

 

“The boyfriend?” Sana asked I shook my head as a response. “The girlfriend then perhaps?” I laughed, “No. I’m currently not in a relationship.” 

 

“Okay then, I’ll see you around Chaeyoung!” She kissed me on the cheek and left. I was taken aback by what she did but soon recovered and I now made my way to where Jungkook is. 

 

I saw him already inside, sitting down looking at the menu. ”Hey, there you are.” I sat down across from him. ”So why’d you want to see me? Got yourself another victim?” Jungkook puts his menu down and stares at me. 

 

”You make it sound like I do bad things to them.” He cocked an eyebrow at me, ”I called you to say that I met HER this morning.” His eyes went wide, ”and yes I met another girl.” He chuckled and slapped my arm.

 

”You sly little feline, I bet you got two new numbers on your phone now.” He reclined back on to his seat. ”I’ll get half a chicken and chips, you have a lot to tell me.” I went up to the counter and ordered our food. 

 

”What happened first, meeting the mystery girl or your new ‘friend’?”

 

”The mystery girl was first. Her name is Mina.” He nodded for me to continue, ”The other girl’s name is Sana, and I feel like I’ve seen her before.” I began to play with my hair, trying to recall when I’ve encountered her. 

 

”Alright tell me everything from the start.” Our food arrived so we started to eat while I told him about my day. 

 

Jungkook sighed, I just ended my storytelling. ”Let me get this straight-” ”You can't” I interrupted him with a laugh. 

 

”Rude. Anyway, this Mina made you think twice when that hot girl asked you out.” I nodded, ”Well, that was quick.” 

 

I groaned, ”I don’t want it to be that quick. I don’t want it to happen at all.” Jungkook just stared at me for a while. ”What’s that look?” 

 

”Nothing. Finish your food. I’m taking you home.” I didn't say anything else knowing that I can’t milk out of him whatever he had in mind. 

 

I was about to open the door to my apartment when he pulled me into a hug. ”I’ll be here no matter what you need, whenever you need me. I will always be looking out for you. Think first before doing things, okay?” He looked down at me, still in his embrace. I nodded and wrapped my arms around him. 

 

I let go after staying like that for a while, ”You should go, it’s getting late. Text me when you get home.” He pulled me back in to kiss me on the forehead. 

 

”Goodnight Changie.” 

 

”Goodnight oppa.” He chuckled and started to walk back to the elevator. He turned back and waved. I waved before the elevator doors closed. 

 

I’m grateful to have a friend like Jungkook. He’s the older brother I never had. I do have a biological brother, but he’s younger than me. It’s nice to have someone look out for you like he does. 

 

He’s caring and very gentle, but he could also be annoying and rowdy. He either acts like a dad with a newborn baby or he is the baby. There is no in-between. 

 

I headed straight to my studio. I looked at what I’ve sketched so far for the project I’m doing. It suddenly reminded me of the invitation Mrs Upton gave me. I already filled up the necessary details needed in the application form. But I’m still unsure if I could go through with it. 

 

I still have a couple of days to think about it. I need to finish this painting first. So I got to work, setting aside anything and everything that could distract me. 

 

 

——————

 

 

It wasn't until Saturday that I got to see Mina. I was out busking with Rosé again. We take turns on who will sing, either one of us will do the whole set or we switch every song. Today we decided that she'll sing the set since I did it last week. 

 

🎶And I've always lived like this

Keeping a comfortable, distance

And up until now

I had sworn to myself that I'm content

With loneliness~🎶

 

I'm accompanying her with my beatbox drum and she's playing the guitar. I lazily tap to the rhythm while looking around at the people walking by. 

 

🎶 You are, the only exception

You are, the only exception

You are, the only exception

You are, the only exception

And I'm on my way to believing

Oh, and I'm on my way to believing.~🎶

 

We finished up the song and the people watching clapped for us. We thanked them before packing up our things. 

 

"You looked kinda bored a while ago." I immediately turned my head to see where the voice came from. I was then met by Mina smiling at me. "Oh uhm- Hi." I chuckled nervously. 

 

"Hello to you too. It's nice to see you calm and not struggling to breathe." We both laughed at what she said suddenly remembering our first "proper" encounter. Rose then suddenly appeared by my side, "Hey you're Lisa's friend right? I'm Park Chaeyoung, but call me Rosé. She's the Chaeyoung around here." She pointed at me.

 

"You know Lisa?" I was surprised by this information. "Yeah, we have a couple of classes together."What a small world. I was about to ask Mina if she wanted to hang out but Rosé beat me to it. 

 

"We're going out with our friends later tonight, you should come with. You already know 2 people from our friend group anyway- well 3 if you count me. It'd be fun." Like the friendly chipmunk that she is, of course, she’d invite Mina.

 

I could see Mina hesitate with accepting the invitation though, so I chimed in. "You said you had a roommate right? You can bring them along if you want." 

 

It seems that that did the trick. ”Okay sure, where did you plan to go?” 

 

"It's a bar in St. Kilda. I'll tell Lisa to send you the details." She picked up her things and turned to us saying, "It was nice meeting you Mina, but I gotta go. Bye Changie! See you later." Now it’s just us, and a plan to see each other tonight with the rest of my friends. 

 

I suddenly felt nervous standing here alone with her. I never get nervous around girls, ever. So this feels new and weird for me. 

 

”So do you have to be somewhere right now?” Mina asked, tilting her head. 

 

I scratched the back of my neck, ”I actually do. I need to return these to their owner.” I said pointing to the beatbox and amps. ”I’ll see you later though.” 

 

She smiled at me, ”Yeah, I’ll see you later. Take care Chaeyoung.” 

 

”You too Mina.” With that, we parted ways.