Picture Perfect | k.th

Chapter 12

Taehyung POV

"Mister Kim, this is absolutely stunning—I mean seriously. The shading, the palette, the authenticity of it, it's incredible. Never have I ever seen a student draw quite like you. Your talents are alluring, almost mysterious and that's exactly what we need to win this competition," Professor Seo beamed with pride.

I tried to hide my smile as I nodded affirmatively to the professor.

"I will submit this for you. All you have to do is wait for the results. Regardless, I am extremely proud of you for giving us the shot we just never quite had. Everyone has talent for it. It's just that those who care enough will go the extra mile to hone that talent," they said.

I bowed, "Thank you. I am eager to hear the result and was honored to be able to do this."

"Of course Mister Kim. Now run along and celebrate your efforts with you girlfriend and your friends," they winked.

I choked. Girlfriend?

Not quite.

We were in what she defined as the 'I don't know' territory. She didn't run away after the kiss which was a good start. But she explained to me the situation around her father. Once again, the concept of divorce was vaguely familiar although I had only been around for about four months now. She liked the kiss and she wants to explore it. But she wants to take her time. She doesn't know yet what she's ready for and she wants to take it one step at a time which is much different than her usual approach, but it was one I could respect.

I wasn't aware a painting could even feel these things, but I felt it the moment I laid eyes on her. One of her books she read to me discussed 'love at first sight' and maybe that's what this was. From the moment she rescued me from the clutches of that professor and from those careless students. Or maybe when she pressed a kiss to my cheek. I was enamored by her from day one. My hero. And as the days went on, it grew even stronger.

Sure enough, as soon as I left Professor Seo's office, waiting right outside with an expecting smile was Sohee. My Sohee.

She threw her arms around me, giving me a kind lopsided smile.

"So...?" She hummed expectantly.

I stayed silent for a moment to let the anticipation rise before I broke into a wide smile, "I did it! They loved it! They said we have a really good chance of winning with it too."

"Ahh! I'm so proud of you!" She tightened her grip around me, pulling me into her tightly.

I chuckled softly, letting her sweet scent fill me as I buried my face in her hair.

"Come on! We have to go celebrate! Jun and Haru are already on their way to the diner, so let's go party!" She exclaimed, eagerly pulling me to the diner.

The whole way there, she talked my ear off about how cool it was that I was in the competition. And that if I won, the school would gain tremendous prestige. And that she'd be so incredibly proud of me—that she is so incredibly proud of me for all that I've done.

All I heard out of her mouth though were sweet nothings and the gentle melody of her voice. God I was in love. I wasn't even sure I knew what love was, but it felt like there was no other word to describe it.

Jun and Haru were already seated at a booth, merrily chatting away as we approached. They gave us a knowing look, taking cheeky glances at our entwined hands.

"Well well, look who showed up," Haru raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry we're late!" Sohee called.

"Whatever lovebirds. We're here for good news," Jun rolled his eyes jokingly.