His Aquablue Earphones

Art contest

Following days I ignored Lee.

'Let it go.'
His words still lingered in my ears. Can anyone let go things easily? If yes,may be. But not me. Those were not pieces of paper or mere paintings. They were my memories of various cities where I once lived.I saw him waiting in front of my house the following days. He had band-aid sticked in his hand. I ignored him and walked to school. He didnot shout out from back. Instead followed me to school from far distance. I knew he felt guilty of his own words. My classes started to be peaceful now. I got a friend who is also my deskmate.

HANA. A bubbly girl. Our personality is opposite. We can be described as Day and Night , Winter and Summer. She blends with people in seconds. She chatters non-stop. Sometimes I need to pretend to be listening.

Few days later teacher made an announcement about art contest.
"Students, there is an art contest coming up next week. Those who are interested please register your name with class president by tomorrow."
"For more details, notice is put on the notice board downstairs." she continued.

Hana got excited. After class she dragged me to notice board to check on art contest. Almost peering into the notice board Hana read out the notice.

"There will be two rounds.
Primary and Intermidiate

Primary round: Class-level. Student will compete within the class. The best arts will be selected depending on creativity. Student can choose any topic for thier art. Art should be submitted within 2 days to class teacher. Chosen art will represent the class in Intermidiate round.

Intermidiate round: School-level. Student whose art is selected from Primary round will represent thier class and will compete with other classes. Topic will be given 1 week before the submission date.

All the Arts of Primary round as well as Intermidiate round will be showcased in auditorium for two days. Best art will be printed as cover page of school magzine this year." she read out.

I see Lee walking towards us. He stops as soon as he see me standing.Hana in other hand - " Dazz,you should register your name. I saw you drawing things."
I subconsiously turn towards her " Huh??"
"I said you should register your name for art contest." she replied herself.
I was still upset with the last incident.
"No, I am not participating in any contest." saying I walk back to class.
"Why?" she questioned following me.
"I am not interested" I answered.

Next day during lunch break. Hana comes running breathless to the class and stand next to me grasping for air.
"What's wrong?" I asked surprised in worried tone.
"You should....come....with me.....downstairs now!" pulling my hand she said as she breath heavily.
I followed her. When we reach there I saw there was a small crowd settled in front of notice board.
"What's the fuss about?" I asked her
Without saying a word Hana makes way through crowd for me till we reach in front of the notice board. As I look at it,I was taken aback. My eyes were wide open in shock. Aftersometimes I somehow step out of the crowd. Hana taking my hand-
" Are you ok? Are they really yours?" she asked confused.
I was numb. I wanted to run,but could not move.
"Here you are" I heard a voice from back. As I turn, I see class president walking towards me.
"I have been searching you everywhere." she said.
Hana noticing me in shock she asked the president-
"What's the matter?"
"Class teacher is looking for her." she said.
We looked at each other. Somehow we reached the office.
"I am waiting out." Hana said.
According to her personality, she should have asked 100 questions by now. May be seeing me in shock and numb, she is waiting for me to tell myself.I nod my head to her and go inside.

As soon as teacher saw me coming-
"Why have you not registered for art contest?" she rant in upset tone.
"You have drawn it so beautifully." she continues looking at some of my sketches kept on her table.
"Is there any problem?" she asked.
"No, I am not interested to take up contest now. I want to focus on studies for time being. That's the reason." I replied.
"Oh....but still think again and register as soon as possible. Its a great oppurtunity to you and also to the class." she said patting my shoulder.
"Okay. Thank you." I said and bowed to her.

As I came out of office.
" What did teacher say?" Hana asked in curiousity.
"Its about art contest" I replied.
"Lets go. Lunch break is about to end." she said.
"Hana, you go back to class. I need to go somewhere. I might be late."
" Okay... Try to come fast." she said and walked away.
Slowly, I start to walk in thoughts.
" Teacher, where did you get these sketches?"
"I found it on my table in the morning and a request note to register your name for the contest."

Everything in front of me became blurry. Tears starts to flow down my cheeks. I found myself running downstairs towards the place back of school.

'He should be there' I told myself as I run. Finally, I reached the spot where we first met. I searched the place frantically. I couldnot find him. I flopped on ground bitterly crying.

"NOONA!!"
With blurry eyes I see him running towards me.
"Noona!!, what happend? Why are you crying?"he asked in concern tone kneeling and checking on me. I howled seeing him, though I was very happy.
"Are you ok? Did you hurt your legs? he went on checking my legs. I continued to cry.

After sometimes--
Lee and I are sitting under a tree.I was still sniffing from crying.
"Why were you crying?" he asked in a serious tone. Still sniffing I said-
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Boga?" he asked tilting his head in confusion.
"You had those sketches and hurt yourself" I said,subconsiously reaching out to his hand, tracing the band-aid on it.

Letting out heavy sigh he said in serious yet in low tone.
"Mianhae....I should not have told those words and made you upset."
"Miyaan" I said in low tone.
" I should not have reacted that way."
"Sooo..." trailing off he said
" You are going to participate in art contest right?"
"Hmm.." I said.
We smiled looking at each other.

"what concept did you think of submitting?"
"Mulla"
"I think the scenary from other day would be nice."
"I will check on it"

We spoke as we go back to class walking slowing.