Unconditionally (BOOK 3)

True Art

When I was told the museum wanted one of the pieces from the collection to be displayed, my immediate thought was Guardian Angel. Why wouldn't it be? If it's Felix, it's automatically more beautiful than the rest. But apparently I was wrong.

"Is that the piece you're set on?" The curator asked me.

It was an hour after the showing and everyone had left except for the typical few. I forgot there was business to deal with afterwards.

"Was there another piece you'd rather have?"

"Guardian Angel is an exquisite piece of work, but Dancer of Death seemed to be more eye catching." I never thought a portrait of me would be more appealing than one of Felix, but I guess I've been biased. "Would that be okay?"

"More than okay." I nodded. I'm grateful but definitely a little shocked. "Can I ask why though?"

"It seems to be the defining piece in the collection. The story you were telling was about you after all."

"But you don't think it's too...self absorbed?"

"I actually do not - which is why I'm suggesting that piece instead. But if you're truly set on the other, it would still be a wonderful addition."

I looked back and forth between the two pieces, feeling indecisive. The thought of choosing In The Shadows also came into my mind, but I realize I'm not necessarily ready to have my story out into the world permanently. It's still something that scares me to this day so I know I'm not there just yet.

"Okay, Dancer of Death." I was still unsure, but the curator would know better than I would. "And that would be in this museum?" I wanted to clarify for my well being because I felt it was such a crazy thing. But I just know it has to do with Wooyoung. He probably paid them handsomely for it.

"Yes, that is correct."

"Okay. Oh, one last question that's completely unrelated but related at the same time." She nodded, wishing for me to continue. "Do you have any job openings here?"

"What are you interested in doing?"

"Anything." I shrugged, willing to take what I could get. This is one of the biggest art museums in Seoul, I'll be lucky if I can even score an interview. "Do you need an assistant? I can do that. Anything, truly."

"And your degree is in painting, correct?"

"Yes, but I did well in all my classes. I've been told I was a well rounded student."

She paused to think about my offer. I don't even know if curators have assistants. Hell, I'd even take a custodial job. Ever since Yunho suggested I work at an art museum, it's the only place I'd want to be employed. This has to work.

"I'll ask the art director if there's a position available. Hopefully you get a call by the end of the month."

"Thank you so much." I smiled brightly. "And I'm sorry, can I have your name again?"

"Kang Seulgi."

"Seulgi, got it." I nodded, finding the name very lovely.

We said our goodbyes and I was on my way out to see the same old group that's been waiting for me. I found them looking at my art still, even after all this time. I found it funny how Felix, Wooyoung, Jungkook, and Hongjoong were looking at the portraits of themselves.

"So where's mine, huh?" San was the first to notice my return.

"And mine." Seonghwa pouted.

"I know you've painted me before. You're lying if you haven't." Minho seemed to have the right idea.

"Everyone's been drawn once or twice." I smiled, loving how they want to be put on a canvas.

"Even me?" Yeosang gasped.

"Yes, even you."

Seonghwa walked closer and gave me a big hug. "I'm so proud of you." I hugged him back, but started to laugh just a little because I knew why he was doing this. "Name your price." He mumbled.

"It's free, just take it." Of course he'd want the portrait of Hongjoong. It's his husband after all. "I can drop it off in two weeks when all my stuff needs to go."

"Perfect."

I looked over at Felix who was still staring at the angelic portrait of himself. It's different from anything I've ever made of him. It's a more mature piece, that's for certain.

"What do you think?" I wrapped my arms around Felix from behind, scaring him just a bit.

"Hyunjin," he shook his head, in absolute awe of my work, "I don't even know what to say. You're so amazing." He leaned his head back onto my shoulder, making me lean in for a kiss.

"I asked the curator if I could work here."

"Really? That would be perfect for you."

Felix turned himself around and wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning in for another kiss.

"Hyunjin, can we talk?" Until Wooyoung interrupted. The use of my full name made me uneasy for some reason. He sounded serious; almost upset.

"Yeah." I walked away from my boyfriend and followed Wooyoung to another room in the museum.

"Why did you tell mom not to come?"

I sighed, knowing this was going to come up. But I believe I had a very good reason.

"Does she know about what happened last June?" If Wooyoung didn't tell her, I wouldn't want her to find out this way.

"I actually don't remember." Wooyoung slowly said, understanding where I was going with this.

"Right, I didn't want her to find out this way if that was the case. Is she upset?" At first, I thought I was doing her a favor, but now I'm not so sure.

"I mean, yeah." He shrugged as if it were obvious. "But I understand. Other than that, I hope you know how proud I am." I shyly smiled and remained quiet, happy to hear that. "How'd your conversation with the curator go?"

"She wants Dancer of Death." I shrugged. "Not Guardian Angel."

"Wow." Even he seemed surprised. "They're both amazing though, the top two by far."

"I also asked her if there's any job openings."

"And?"

"She said she'll ask the art director if there's any positions available."

"Working here would be amazing for you."

"I feel like I'm coming full circle."

"You are, which is why I'm so proud of you. A lot has changed in a year."

A year ago, I was getting high every single night and partying like there was no tomorrow. I was failing my classes, I was slowly dying, and living in the worst city in the world. Now I'm back in Seoul with the people I love and pursuing my passion. I can't believe I've come this far, I never thought it was possible. But I never could've done it with the help of my friends. I'll forever be grateful for everything they've done. Thanks to Wooyoung, San, and Felix...I'm finally okay.