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Seoul, South Korea.
-Felix's POV-
The more I stared at Hyunjin, the bigger my necessity to talk to him grew. However, Audrey continued to look at me, confused and somewhat concerned. So, I took a deep breath before intently gazing at my friend.
-Audrey, Hwang Hyunjin might be popular, but I believe he will greet us kindly. – I mentioned as I started to walk in Hyunjin's direction. But immediately, Audrey took my arm and looked at me, stunned.
-Are you crazy? No! Let's go with Minho and the others; they may be waiting for us outside. – Audrey reminded me, but I shook my head at her words.
-Why are you so distressed about this, Audrey? I only want to introduce myself. – I pointed out, confused.
-Felix, I'm trying to protect you from yourself. – Audrey spoke before dragging me out to the backyard.
-Audrey! – I complained while staring behind me from time to time, shortly losing sight of Hyunjin.
I tried to get away from Audrey's grasp, but she didn't comply and continued to drag me outside. And after a minute, we walked out to the backyard, soon finding Minho with Changbin and Han. Shortly, Audrey let me go, and with discomfort showing on my face, we greeted our friends.
-Hey! Why the long face? – Minho asked while looking at me.
-It's nothing; the assembly was somewhat dull. – Audrey spoke, not wanting to mention what happened with Hyunjin.
-The introductory assembly is always that way, but the rest of your day won't be so dull. – Changbin assured us.
-Do we always have class in the same room? – I suddenly asked.
-Most of the time. The classrooms' division is different for every building, but in your case, your career has two classrooms; one upstairs and the other one on the first floor. Your neighbors are the painters, visual arts. – Minho explained without missing any detail.
Hyunjin is studying visual arts, then.
I nodded after thinking about Minho's words for some seconds, but then Han's dramatic gasp caused my thoughts to vanish.
-Geez! You almost killed me! – Changbin said while touching his chest with his hands, just as scared as everyone was after hearing Han's sudden gasp.
-Sorry! I remembered something important! – Han mentioned while looking at everyone with a smile. -Songsu is part of the visual arts career, and he's throwing a party at his house to welcome new students. You should go with us! – Han invited Audrey and me, making us glance at each other.
-Songsu? – I asked, confused.
-Oh! Yong Songsu is a kind guy from the art department. – Changbin mentioned.
-Exactly! And Han is right, you should come with us to the party. – Minho said before Audrey nodded.
-I will go! – Audrey smiled.
-I guess I'll go too. – I agreed, making my friends beam with excitement.
-The party is this weekend, and you'd better introduce yourselves to Songsu before the event if you want to cause a good impression. – Minho winked at Audrey, making her blush and chuckle.
-What is it? – I asked, confused.
-Felix, he's the guy I found attractive since we arrived. – Audrey pointed out, making my jaw drop.
-And why didn't you tell me?! – I asked, confused.
-I told you! But you weren't paying attention! – Audrey complained before I looked at my friends and nodded at Audrey's words.
-She did, but you were daydreaming. – Han mentioned.
-Yup! – Changbin nodded.
-Alright, alright, it was my fault. – I gave up before taking a deep breath, causing my friends to chuckle at my reaction.
*After school hours*
-Hyunjin's POV-
Today's lessons ended pretty well, and even though I almost drowned under too much social anxiety, I pulled through. Right now, everyone exited the classroom in a hurry, just like I did. After today's lecture, a new project got assigned, and I immediately began sketching during painting class. Therefore, I want to continue with it and have time myself before visiting my father's house.
Currently, I'm sitting down while having my apron on and a brush in hand. I'm delicately following my sketch while adding color to each stripe. The music is on as I'm relaxing after a heavy first day at the institute. This escape was what I needed after the hectic ambiance I got exposed to as soon as I arrived.
-I knew you would be here. – I heard my step-brother say, causing me to release a short sigh. Then, I sensed him sitting beside me with a stool he grabbed.
-Yes, I want to finish a project. – I pointed out without saying anything else.
-Hyunjin, this is the first day; relax, brother. – Minho subtly smiled before leaving some brushes on the table beside the easel. -I bought them two days ago, and I wanted to give them to you for the new school year. – Minho kindly said, causing me to grin at him.
-Thank you. – I said before placing my brush down, and then I looked at Minho.
-Do you want to go home with me? – Minho asked.
-No, you leave first; I want to stay a bit longer. – I told Minho, who nodded in response.
-Hyunjin, I missed you today, and I'm sorry I didn't search for you during school. – Minho spoke, concerned, before holding my shoulder.
-It's alright. I also left you alone since you were with some new students. – I mentioned before looking away from my brother.
-Get used to it because they are my friends. And they are good people; I like them a lot. – Minho spoke, causing my eyes to grow after hearing his words.
I looked at my brother, concerned. But he gently stroked the back of my head and smiled at me. -You should get to know them, especially Felix. He's a kind-hearted guy, very open-minded and optimistic. His best friend, Audrey, is also like him. But honestly, I think you may like Felix the most. – Minho smiled at me before standing up and taking his backpack.
-Why do you want me to meet them? – I asked, not agreeing with my brother's suggestion.
-As I told you before, I think they are good people. – Minho repeated before cluttering my hair. -Enjoy the brushes, and I'll see you at home when you decide to go. – Minho told me before walking away from me, but then I turned around to look at him.
-Who did you say I would like the best? – I asked, still having Minho's words on the back of my head.
-Lee Felix. He's from Australia and could empathize with you the most. He's in the classroom next to yours. – Minho explained as he looked at me, stopping his way to leave.
-Why I might like him? – I questioned, slightly anxious.
-Felix and I had known each other for almost a year, and I believe he's a great person. He's very kind, and his personality is warm and like if someone gave you a big hug. And as far as I'm aware, Felix keeps his sorrow sealed away from our eyes. I only know since he opened up after he arrived in Seoul. – Minho explained before taking a deep breath, briefly smiling at me. -Think about it and make up your mind. – Minho spoke while turning away and walking out of the classroom.
Lee Felix?
I tried to remember the person Minho was referring to; after all, I noticed new students around the school.
-Is he talking about him? – I questioned while picturing the guy beside a red-haired girl; he's blonde and has freckles, big eyes, and a gentle look on his face.
While thinking about this new guy, I continued to focus on my painting. And gently, I stroked the rose's petals as flashes from Felix began to come into my head.