Plot Twist

Golden

I met her in 7th grade.

Seo Jiwan was the most popular girl in our class.

Everyone just naturally gravitated towards her. She's friends with almost all the girls, and most of the boys are probably crushing on her. Even other students from other classes are cordial with her too.

But it's not just because she's pretty that people are drawn to her. Sure, people are generally attracted to beautiful things. But you can tell it's more than that with Jiwan.

I've always thought it was her warmth. She had a way of making other people feel heard, cared for, accepted, even loved. Her presence would make you feel that you can tell her anything without being judged. And that when you talk to her, she would truly listen.

Are you worried that your crush won't like you back?
Jiwan would list down every likable thing about you.

Are you sad that you didn't get into the fencing try outs? Jiwan will help you practice so you can try again!

Music? Trade CDs with Jiwan!

Anime? What genre?!!

Outer Space? Nano Technology? Board games?
Say no more!

Doesn't matter what. If you talk to her about your passions, she would mirror your excitement, even double it. Share your worries and she would sit with it so you don't feel alone. No matter what dreams or aspirations you have, she would genuinely believe in you. So much that you'll start to believe in yourself, too.

On top of that, Jiwan also did well in academics. She had above average grades in subjects she enjoyed. She didn't obsess about grades or act high and mighty about it either. In fact she's quite humble and simply enjoyed the process of learning. No wonder she's also a teachers' favorite.

And I could go on and on about how much of a main character this middle schooler Jiwan is. But the bottom line is..that she stood out.

Meanwhile, I blended in.

I was your typical average student whose name you won't remember.

I preferred being alone. Sometimes, I hang out with one or two introverted classmates so my parents wouldn't worry about me being antisocial --which I'm not. But I don't exactly enjoy huge crowds either.

I made sure I do not flunk my grades, but I found none of the subjects appealing enough to give it my all. Or maybe it's just an excuse and the truth is I'm not cut out to be great. Not the kind of person who is filled with energy and vigor.

Which is probably why I admire kids like Jiwan. But also, I found them somewhat intimidating. People like her are like the sun -- bright, warm, shiny from a distance. Get too close and you might burn.

Anyway, it didn't take much effort not to cross Jiwan's path. She had her hands full with going out with her large circle of friends, joining school clubs to pursue her new found interests and even volunteering on extra curricular activities at school.

It went on like that for what I thought would be the whole school year - Jiwan on her own world and me just watching her from a distance. I could guess she doesn't even know my name.

But one day, a month before the end of semester, Ms Choi, our Art Teacher whose favorite way of deciding everything is through draw lots, paired me and Jiwan to work on an art project together.

"..Seo Jiwan and Yun Sol." I had to shift my gaze from outside the window back to the front of the classroom, to Ms Choi. First row in front of her, I was gonna look at Jiwan when I saw that she's already looking at me, lips slightly curved up but not to a full smile. 

"And the theme assigned to you two is 'Gold'. Please decide on what type of art you will create together and submit your individual subjects by Monday."

I instantly looked down and mindlessly jotted the word Jiwan on my notebook. Realizing I was out of it, I crossed her name and wrote the word 'Golden' beside it.

I guess she knows my name too.

***

The bell rang and most of my classmates hurried to the door - i don't know why they do that but it's why I take my time before I go my way. I wouldn't be able to go out that fast anyway, with everyone racing to get out and head home. Some students tend to crowd corridors too, so I try to wait to avoid unnecessary invitations to socialize.

"Yoon Sol!"

A tender voice, it soothed me instead of startle. I had my back on her but I already knew who it was. Jiwan.

As I turned she was already welcoming me with her cheery smile, like we've been friends for the longest time. I couldn't help but smile back. Shiny things do radiate. I doubt mine made the same impact. 

"Is Yoon Sol okay? Do you have another name you go by?"

"Just Sol is okay. " spoiler alert: she still stuck with 'Yoon Sol'

"Great! I'm Jiwan." how could I forget?

"Are you free to talk about how we're going to approach our art project? Wait, sorry this was abrupt. If you're busy I can just walk with you as we discuss it". she is considerate this way.

"Yes, sure, I have time." depending on the person asking, really, but I'm not saying it.

"Yay! I know just the right place! It's an art cafe I recently discovered and they have beautiful paintings hanging on the wall. It could get us inspired as we brainstorm!" somehow it felt as if  I was sharing the same level of excitement that she has. I didn't know it was contagious.

It was the first of many adventures I had with Jiwan. We did visit the cafe and decided on the art type we'll create for the theme - watercolor. The place did not look as cool as how Jiwan described it, but I know now that she sees the world in rose-colored lenses and so she truly believes it is that beautiful so in essence, it is, in her eyes. 

And I never told her this but I didn't need much time brainstorming back then. I already knew what, or in this case, who my subject will be the moment she called my name and smiled at me.

***

Hi everyone! I'm so sorry it is taking me longer to add more chapters. I promise I still have intentions of finishing this. I made this one a bit longer, hope you enjoy! Let me know your thoughts in the comments! SolJiwan forever <3 <3 <3