WATERCOLOR || Remake

Return

3 years later
⇜----

Jisung felt incredibly anxious and jittery as he embarked on his first day at the university in South Korea. He felt utterly lost and disoriented, not knowing which direction to head in or what to expect. Struggling to navigate through the bustling hallways, he clutched onto one suitcase while the other, a larger one, trailed behind him, making an echoing rumble as it rolled across the linoleum floor. With furrowed brows, he anxiously scanned the corridor from left to right, desperately searching for the door to his new room.

301... 303....305...

Upon finally reaching room 308, he retrieved his key card and inserted it into the lock, savouring the satisfying chime as the door clicked open. Stepping into the room, he noticed the left side adorned in various shades of black— from the twin-sized bed to the locked jet-black suitcase and a pair of matching black shoes neatly arranged on the rack. Since the left side was already claimed, he opted for the right and entered the modest space that awaited him. The bed was layered with plain bedsheets and a simple brown comforter. As he unpacked his suitcase, he examined the faded blue room, taking note of the desk lamp attached to the bed frame and the standalone cupboard that served as his mini closet. Despite its compact size, the room offered a welcome respite, especially considering the lengthy daily commute to and from the university.

Casey's words echoed in his mind as he stood in his room. She had expressed reluctance about him leaving the house, but he knew that at almost 21 years old, it was natural for him to seek independence. As if on cue, his phone rang, displaying Casey's name. He couldn't help but roll his eyes with a small smile. It had only been 40 minutes since she dropped him off, and she was already calling, most likely because she missed him. Ignoring the call, he focused on unpacking his belongings and preparing for the weekend. The campus was waiting to be explored, but first, he needed to find his towels and toiletries for a refreshing shower. With his belongings scattered on the bed, he made his way to the bathroom, feeling the heat of the day and eagerly anticipating the soothing cascade of water. Humming a tune, he eagerly anticipated the freedom and opportunities that awaited him.

He was immensely grateful for the solitude he was experiencing at that moment as it allowed him to calm his mind. He realized that his current circumstances were going to unfold differently than he had originally planned. His decision to spend his first year of university in Malaysia stemmed from the belief that it would be beneficial for him, given the challenging situation he had experienced prior to his departure. Upon his return, he observed that everyone had embarked on their own distinct paths, and he made the conscious choice not to reconnect with anyone from his past actively. Convincing his aunt to allow him to stay in Malaysia alone for an extended period required a considerable amount of persuasion, especially considering her occasional references to a specific individual whom Jisung had not been able to forget since his departure. However, he gradually found ways to cope with these memories and focused his energy on his academic pursuits while refraining from forming close connections with too many people.

As Jisung removed the damp, sweat-soaked clothing, he carefully placed it on the clean marble counter, making a mental note to take it to his room later. It was important to him to show common respect and be mindful of the fact that he wasn't the only one utilizing the facility. As he undressed, his mind raced with curiosity about his mystery roommate. What did he look like? Was he tall, short, or perhaps somewhere in between? Did his demeanour lean towards quietness and contemplation? Jisung couldn't help but notice his new roommate's predilection for the colour black, which was evident from the items in their shared space. What sort of personality accompanied these belongings? He hoped that he, like Jisung, valued solitude and privacy. His time here wasn't dedicated to forging friendships; rather, it was an opportunity to focus on his studies, earn his degrees, and move forward with his life.

As Jisung stepped into the shower, he adjusted the temperature to his liking and felt the hot water cascade over his skin. The steam rose around him, providing a welcome relief to his sinuses, which had been bothered by the recent dust from the ongoing drought. Despite the summer heat, the cool mist of the shower was a refreshing escape.

Alone in the peaceful ambiance of the washroom, Jisung found solace in humming his own quiet melodies. The sound of the water and his own soft tunes created a serene atmosphere, allowing him to unwind from the day's stresses.

Reaching for the 3-in-1 soap, he began to lather his hair, appreciating the convenience of a product that combined shampooing, conditioning, and body wash. It was the perfect way for him to streamline his shower routine, making it quick and efficient. In addition to its practicality, the all-in-one product also offered cost savings, further adding to the appeal of its simplicity and effectiveness.

After his shower, Jisung stepped onto the tiled floor and reached for the soft, fluffy towel hanging nearby. He realized with dismay that he had left his clothes on the neatly made bed in his haste to find his toiletries. Letting out a frustrated groan, he peeked through the slightly ajar bathroom door to check if his roommate was either asleep or still hadn't arrived. Convinced that the coast was clear, he hastily made his way barefoot to his room, clutching the towel tightly around his waist. Just as he nearly reached his door, he heard the distinct jingle of keys and the sound of the door knob being turned. Panicking, he stumbled over his own feet and fumbled with the doorknob before finally slipping into the safety of his room. Determined to make a better impression on his new roommate, he quickly changed into sleek black denim knee-length shorts and a crisp white muscle tank. He then added a loose navy flowy dress shirt on top, wanting to add a touch of personal style to his outfit.

He noticed his phone ringing incessantly, the vibration reverberating through the table. Sighing, he reached over and finally answered on the fifth ring.

"Hello?"

"Jisung, did you get to your new room okay? I tried calling you like twenty times!?" Jisung sighed at his aunt being a worry wart once again.

"Aunty, it was only the fifth time and yes, I made it to my room. I went to shower, and now here I am." Jisung swiftly addressed every unknown variable at once as he opened the door, his anticipation building as he headed to the compact fridge. He carefully arranged a selection of his favourite beverages inside, ensuring they would be perfectly chilled and ready to enjoy.

"That's good. I miss you." Casey's sad voice echoed through the phone line, carrying the weight of unspoken emotions.

"You saw me an hour ago."

"Doesn't mean I don't miss you. Did you meet your roommate? What's their name? What classes are they taking?" Casey bombarded Jisung with a barrage of questions, which was starting to drive him crazy. Despite living together, they hadn't even had the chance to meet yet. Jisung decided to take a break and explore their shared living space. Venturing out of his bedroom, he discovered a cozy nook with a small two-seater table, a convenient counter furnished with a microwave, and a few cupboards for storage. As he continued to explore, his aunt's persistent inquiries for updates echoed in his mind.

"I don't know yet. I haven't met them. They are in their room, I think." Jisung's curiosity was piqued as he peered into the room, noticing that the door was now slightly ajar instead of wide open. He couldn't help but wonder about the identity of his new roommate, a sense of mystery and anticipation lingering in the air.

"Look, Aunty Casey, I got to go. I want to tour the campus. Love you, bye!" Jisung spoke hurriedly, the tension palpable in his voice as he quickly ended the call. He let out a weary sigh, hesitant to pursue the line of questioning any further. As he turned away from the counter, his gaze fell upon a diminutive figure. Their eyes widened with surprise, adding an unexpected layer of tension to the moment, making the atmosphere charged with emotion.

"Shit..." Jisung involuntarily released a startled exclamation, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he failed to get a good look at the person who had appeared. He released a long breath, feeling taken aback by the unexpected proximity of someone being right there, a sense of surprise and shock washing over him.

"Sorry... I wasn't expecting you to be-" Jisung was about to finish his sentence when his gaze fixed on the mysterious figure.

His heart plummeted...