In the Midst of an Art | Ongoing

Chapter XIV : Jealousy

In the weeks following the Mental Health Awareness Arts competition, Dynasty found himself in a whirlwind of emotions. He poured his frustration and jealousy into his artwork, creating pieces that were darker and more intense than anything he had done before. Despite this creative outpouring, he couldn't shake the feeling of being overshadowed by Celestial, whose success had only deepened the distance between them.

Celestial, unaware of the storm brewing within Dynasty, continued to enjoy her achievements. She was proud of the recognition her work had received, but she also missed the camaraderie she once shared with Dynasty. She had reached out to him several times, hoping to reconnect, but each time, Dynasty's responses were cold and distant, leaving her puzzled and hurt.

One day, Celestial found herself alone in the art room, sketching ideas for a new project. She noticed Dynasty working at the other end of the room, his focus intense as he painted. Summoning her courage, Celestial decided to approach him, hoping to clear the air.

"Hey, Dynasty," she began with a tentative smile. "I've been meaning to talk to you. How have you been since the competition? I've noticed you've been working really hard."

Dynasty looked up briefly, his expression unreadable. "I've been busy," he replied shortly, turning his attention back to his canvas.

Celestial's smile faltered, but she pressed on. "I saw some of your new work. It's really powerful. You've always had such a unique style."

"Thanks," Dynasty said, his tone clipped. He continued painting, not offering more to the conversation.

Celestial felt a pang of disappointment at his coldness but decided to be direct. "Dynasty, I feel like there's been a distance between us since the competition. If I've done something to upset you, I want to know. I miss how we used to be."

Dynasty set down his brush, his expression hardening. "It's not just about the competition, Celestial. It's everything that's happened since. You've been getting all the attention, and it feels like no one sees the effort I'm putting in."

Celestial was taken aback by his words. "I didn't realize you felt that way. I thought we were both focused on our own projects. I never meant to overshadow you."

"Well, you did," Dynasty shot back, his voice edged with frustration. "And it's been eating at me. I've been trying to keep it together, but it's hard when it feels like I'm being left behind."

Celestial's eyes softened with understanding. "Dynasty, I'm sorry if my success made you feel that way. I've always admired your work, and I thought we were both striving to do our best."

Dynasty looked away, his jaw clenched. "It's not that simple. I've been feeling like nothing I do is good enough, no matter how hard I try."

Celestial reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "I wish I hadn't joined the competition if it meant causing this rift between us. I just wanted us both to succeed, not to drive us apart."

Dynasty's anger began to wane as he heard the sincerity in her voice. "It's not just about the competition," he admitted, his voice quieter now. "I've been dealing with a lot, and I guess I've been taking it out on you."

Celestial's grip on his arm tightened slightly, a gesture of support. "We've always been able to talk things through before. I don't want us to lose that because of this."

Dynasty finally met her gaze, the tension in his expression softening. "I've been pushing you away, and I'm sorry for that. I just didn't know how to deal with everything I was feeling."

Celestial smiled gently. "We can work through this, Dynasty. We've faced challenges before, and we've always come out stronger. Let's not let this be the thing that drives us apart."