WATERCOLOR || Remake

Fluttering Hearts

Jisung trudged wearily towards the school, weighed down by the past weekend's events. He had purposefully distanced himself from Chan and Changbin, ignoring their attempts to reach out to him. The weight of his emotions felt overwhelming, and he struggled to keep them in check. The painful memories of his parents' passing resurfaced, and he couldn't help but wish that they had all survived the tragic event together. Although he didn't wish for this to be his demise, he found himself envious of Changbin, whose father had survived the accident, leaving him with at least one living parent.

What Jisung doesn't realise, is the effect it has on both him and his father. His father, who would soon be re-married, drinks heavily. Changbin, who suffers internally, is neglected by his father for the very reason he keeps being blamed for his mother's death. This dynamic creates a rift between Jisung and Changbin, as they both struggle with their own emotional burdens.

Jisung finally built up enough courage to walk into the school, but not before putting his earbuds on to drown the world out. It was also his way to have an excuse in case Changbin and Chan or their friends try to make conversation with him. This isolation and use of music as a shield reflect Jisung's struggle to cope with his emotional turmoil.

Jisung unquestioningly pulled himself through the waves of students getting to classes. He made his way to his first class for the day, then his second, but now he had his art class, and managing Changbin would be inevitable as he was also in the class. Jisung walked in, going straight to his usual spot and not making eye contact with anyone.

Jisung greeted Ms. Young, who touched his shoulder with a small smile. She hadn't seen him all day, so she was slightly worried. She hoped he would come to her spare class at the end of the day to do watercolouring. She enjoyed watching him paint.

Changbin sat down by the younger, looking tired. He had bloodshot eyes, and even he had the atmosphere that he just wanted to leave. It scared Jisung when Changbin was holding his head up, trying to stay away as Ms. Young carried on talking about 'Famous Artists- A History.' Jisung couldn't focus when the older looked so dishevelled. But Changbin, being Changbin, also worried for the younger, who had ignored every possible message, call, or page. Changbin suspected that it was because the accident had just come around. And although it's an anniversary, it's a day he came to learn from Chan. He does his best to celebrate their life even if they aren't here.

As he reflected on Friday's events, Changbin finally grasped the reason for the younger individual's absence after practice. It became clear that he was grieving. Had Changbin not realized, he would have likely dismissed the day as unremarkable.

Changbin nudged Jisung just enough to get his attention.

"Yes..." Jisung quietly spoke.

"Classes ended. It's lunch now," Changbin remarked, making Jisung look around the class. He had no notes about the lesson, and now he felt like an idiot for letting someone penetrate his mind.

"Thanks," he said, collecting his books and trying to dash off—but not without Changbin grabbing his wrist first.

"Come with me... Please..." Changbin pleaded.

"But-"

"Jisung..." Changbin quietly pleaded that he didn't want to go another day and not talk to the younger. He didn't care if he had to skip a class to be with him. With a sigh, Jisung solely nodded, and a small smile crept up on Changbin's face as he guided the younger out. Outdoors were the sun partly clouded over a slight breeze and the sounds of birds chirping and squirrels chittering and fluffing their tails. The two males walked along the sidewalk onto a gravel path. It was quiet and peaceful for the two of them. Just the presence of the two of them in each other was enough for them.