Heretofore

XII

It was during the month of August when Chanyeol showed his art studio to Eunhae. Summer was about to bid its farewell and leaves were starting to blanket the streets.

When they finally reached their backyard, Eunhae saw his workroom. From a few distance, she knew it wasn't big. It was a white shed with two windows. The color outside was already faded; the paint on some sides were already peeling, like dry scars of a wound.

Outside stood an easel in front of a wooden stool and cans of paint were on the ground.

"I usually paint outside." Chanyeol said and opened the door of his humble art studio.

A smell of oil paints along with turpentine welcomed the both of them when they got inside. Rays of sunlight passed through the windows which were enough for Eunhae to study the room. There was a table at the center of the studio filled with newspapers that have splashes of paint. The shelves beside the wall held cans of paint; most of them were already empty since it had been a while since Chanyeol last made an artwork. There were also some empty transparent plastic bottles that were cut in halves that contained his paintbrushes—thick, thin, angular, flat, and more—there was a variety of them.

Studying the three paintings hanged on the other side of the wall, Eunhae smiled. "You do landscapes?"

"Yeah, I'm fond of painting landscapes."

"I see..." She replied as she walked towards his artworks, noticing how he blended different shades of color perfectly.

"I do landscapes and I also transfer wonderful quotations on canvas." He explained.

"Yeah, I do remember that you collect quotes."

"Mom calls them encouragement. Actually she's the one who suggested me to do canvas quote paintings."

"That's nice." She said and noticed a small canvas decorated on one of the shelves. "Like this?"

"Yeah, that's my very first canvas quote painting."

"Painting is silent poetry, and poetry is painting that speaks." She read.

"A quote by Plutarch."

"They're wonderful, Chanyeol." She said with so much assurance which melted the boy's heart. "Where are your other artworks?"

"Mom and dad decorated them inside the house."

"Wait, you mean the paintings there were yours?"

He nodded and earned a smile of amazement from Chanyeol.

After a minute, they were called by Mrs. Park for snacks.

~:~

The two settled themselves at the area next to the living room, where the piano was located along with two small couches. There was a large picture window like the ones in the living room which showed the view of their lawn outside.

"Enjoy your Egg tarts, dears." Mrs. Park said as she placed the plate on top of the piano organ.

"I'm sure these are delicious just like your Bakewell tarts."

"Much better," Mrs. Park winked at the girl.

"I smell something spectacular!" Mr. Park shouted just before he emerged from outside.

"Dad!" Chanyeol beamed as he hugged him.

"Good afternoon," Eunhae greeted with a smile.

"Oh good to see you here, Eunhae." The older one greeted with his husky voice.