Blue Water Lilies - Hyunlix

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It was sunset and Hyunjin was in his office, deeply focused, pencil in hand, lost in thought, letting his hand move from side to side of the paper. He wasn't writing grand plans for the museum or letters to benefactors... but drawing. Before becoming the museum director, Hyunjin devoted himself to drawing and painting, but since he had taken more executive duties, he had less and less time to indulge in the relaxing pleasure of observing, drawing, and creating.

It was surprising that after such a long time without touching paper, let alone a canvas, he was doing it now because an idea, or rather, an image, had taken over his mind. Hyunjin understood the way it worked; if he didn't obey the impulse, the idea would linger, obsessing him, and it would be harder to deal with it later on. He usually drew scenes he had witnessed on the street, sometimes flowers, other times people or their gestures. That day he was drawing an individual with some particular features and silhouette: Felix.

Hyunjin was the type of person who found beauty wherever he looked, but on rare occasions, something was truly sublime for him to think it was exceptional, and his experience that day, with those two simple moments, had made him discover that Felix was one of those perfect creations of nature. The expression in his eyes, those freckles that looked like constellations, his delicate features, his slender figure that seemed fragile but wasn't as much... Everything about him reminded Hyunjin of the reason why he decided to become an artist many years ago: to try to capture that beauty and share it with the world.

There were already several drafts of what he wanted to capture on his sketchpad, one of Felix leaning on a desk, and another of his face, emphasizing his eyes and the freckles around his nose and cheeks. Occasionally, he closed his eyes, trying to remember details, but most of the time, he could only gather sensations.

Once moderately satisfied, he contemplated his creations and began to reflect.

What makes him so attractive? — He said to himself. On previous occasions, he had experienced the same level of visual infatuation with other people, women and men alike, but it was easy for him to say what was that particular feature: the eyes, the melancholic expression... the hair. But this time, there was something different, and it had him puzzled. It wasn't just a visual impression; it was sensory, chemical, it made him feel an anxiety he didn't recognize — I haven't seen someone so... symmetrical in a long time? It must be that... Anyone who doesn't see or denies that he's attractive must be blind or must have a very poor sense of beauty... It's undeniable. Now, why am I thinking so much about this? It overwhelms me. Maybe I need to go out more...

Closing his sketchpad, he stood up and decided to take a stroll through the museum, which was already closed. Walking through the galleries gave him a lot of peace, and it was a good way to clear his mind. The last few days had been full of novelty with Felix joining the museum, his anxiety about expansion plans, and the fear of the future, which always haunted him.

Unconsciously and almost automatically, Hyunjin usually ended up in the room where one of his many favorite paintings was: "Kiss by The Window" by Edvard Munch. He was surprised when he entered the room and saw Felix, absorbed in the painting.

What sorcery is this? he thought with humor. In an attempt to clear his mind, he found the source of his unease. He waited a few seconds before making his presence evident, not just to let him enjoy the painting, but because, in a way, Hyunjin enjoyed seeing him fascinated. Watching others enjoy what he loved was one of his favorite pastimes.

— Ahem...— he coughed, making his presence known, meaning to ask a question with the intention of satisfying a curiosity he had — I see you're getting familiar with the pieces.

—Oh, Hyunjin,— Felix was a bit surprised — Yes... the paintings are very beautiful. Did you choose them?

— Most of them.. This one was a special acquisition. More of an impulsive purchase than anything else,— he replied as he approached Felix and stood beside him, observing the painting. It seemed like a good time to test Felix's knowledge, — Do you know anything about it?