Painted Love | Hwang Hyunjin

15

I was nervously pacing in my hotel room. Today was the day of my exhibition, and the gallery had even sent a stylist for me. He dressed me in a short grey silk dress with gold heels and a handbag that probably cost as much as my entire payment. My hair fell down my back in soft curls, and they kept my makeup simple. Now, I was waiting for someone to pick me up. Hyunjin hadn't texted me all day, and I was seriously worried, which didn't help my nerves. I sighed and looked at the golden watch the stylist had put on my wrist. That's enough. I'm calling Chan. I dialed his number, and he picked up after a few rings.

"What's up, Mui?" he asked happily. "Isn't your exhibition starting soon?"

"Yes, and Hyunjin hasn't texted me all day. Is he okay?" I asked, worried.

"Oh... Hyunjin... Yes, he's totally fine. He lost his phone," Chan said quickly. A little too quickly.

"What's going on, Chan?" I asked, now a little annoyed.

"Fine... he didn't lose it. It fell into the toilet, and he peed on it because he didn't notice," he said.

I sighed. "Sounds like him," I mumbled.

"He went to get a new one. I'm sure he'll text you then. Don't worry," Chan reassured me.

"Fine," I said, and there was a knock on my door. "Listen, I have to go. See you," I said, and after Chan wished me good luck, I hung up.

The gallery was packed with people. I gulped as Hannah waved me up on a little stage. I looked through the crowd that had gathered and smiled. "Hey, I love how many people came," I said nervously. I was anxious about speaking English, but I managed pretty well. "This is my first solo exhibition, so please excuse me if I seem awkward. Actually, I really want some of the snacks here, so I'll keep it short. Feel free to talk to me all evening and enjoy my art! Have fun," I said, and the people dispersed. I sighed as I walked down the stage, grabbing a mini tart from a passing waiter.

"Did somebody already tell you that you look stunning in that dress?" a voice behind me asked. My heart skipped a beat as I instantly recognized the voice. I slowly turned to see Hyunjin. He was wearing a tuxedo, and his hair was combed back nicely.

"Hyunjin!" I exclaimed, surprised, and immediately hugged him.

He chuckled. "Surprise!" he said, hugging me back.

"Is that why you didn't text me all day?" I asked, smiling up at him.

Hyunjin laughed. "I was on the plane first, and after that, I didn't want you to get suspicious," he said, gently cupping my face. "Gosh, I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too," I whispered, smiling as he lowered his head and planted a sweet kiss on my lips.

"Chan told me you peed on your phone!" I laughed when he pulled away. "This little asshole..." Hyunjin said but he couldn't hold back a grin.

***

The first day of the exhibition was great. Even though I usually hated talking about my art to strangers, it was fun with Hyunjin by my side. A lot of press was there, and pictures of me and Hyunjin went viral quickly. There was an official statement, and people mostly reacted positively. Now, Hyunjin and I were finally back home, and I was lying with my head on his chest.

"Thanks again for coming to New York for me," I said quietly.

He gently brushed through my hair. "I would follow you anywhere, Mui, because where you are, there is my heart," he whispered.

I looked up at him. "Nobody has ever said something so beautiful to me," I whispered.

He smiled and gently stroked my cheek. "I guess I just really love you," he whispered and lowered his head.

"I love you too, Jin," I whispered before he pressed his lips to mine, making everything absolutely perfect.