The Canvas of Us

Chapter 4

The next day, the city was awash with the soft glow of a morning sun that peeked through the skyscrapers.

Y/N found himself at the usual café, nursing a warm cup of coffee. He’d arrived earlier than expected, his mind buzzing with thoughts of the previous evening. As he sipped his coffee, he kept glancing at the door, waiting for Hanni.

Finally, she walked in, her face lit up with a bright smile that made Y/N's heart skip a beat. She spotted him immediately and waved. "Hey, Y/N! Sorry I’m a bit late. The traffic was insane!"

Y/N chuckled, shaking his head. "No worries. I just got here myself. How are you?"

"I’m good," she replied, pulling out the chair across from him and sitting down. "I had such a great time yesterday. It was… refreshing."

"Yeah," Y/N agreed, smiling softly. "I felt the same way. It was nice to just talk, you know?"

Hanni nodded, and for a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them. Then she leaned forward, a teasing glint in her eye. "So, what’s the plan for today? Another impromptu adventure?"

Y/N chuckled, grateful for her lightheartedness. "Actually… I do have something in mind. How do you feel about a day at the art museum?"

Hanni’s eyes widened with excitement. "That sounds amazing!"

Y/N grinned, standing up. "Perfect! Let’s get going then."

They left the café and made their way to the art museum, a short walk through the bustling streets. As they entered, they were greeted by the vastness of the grand hall, the walls lined with paintings that seemed to whisper stories of their own.

Y/N watched as Hanni’s eyes roamed over the paintings, her face full of curiosity and wonder. He could see how deeply she appreciated the art, the way she lingered in front of each piece, studying every detail.

"This one is my favorite," Hanni said, stopping in front of a painting of a stormy sea. "There’s so much emotion in it. It’s like you can feel the waves crashing, the wind blowing…"

Y/N nodded, standing beside her. "Yeah, I see what you mean. The artist really captured the raw power of the ocean."

They continued walking, passing by sculptures, ancient artifacts, and more paintings. At one point, Y/N noticed Hanni staring at a portrait of a woman with a faraway look in her eyes.

"What do you think she’s thinking about?" he asked, standing beside her.

Hanni smiled thoughtfully. "Maybe she’s thinking about someone she loves, someone she misses. Or maybe she’s dreaming of a life she wishes she had."

Y/N turned to her, his voice soft. "What about you? What do you dream about, Hanni?"

Hanni looked up at him, a little surprised by the question. She hesitated for a moment, then answered, "I guess… I dream about finding a place where I feel truly at peace. A place where I can be myself, without any worries."

Y/N’s heart pounded in his chest. He wanted to tell her that he understood, that he felt the same way. But instead, he simply nodded, his voice barely a whisper. "I hope you find that place, Hanni."

They continued their tour of the museum, occasionally stopping to discuss a piece or share a laugh over a particularly strange sculpture. As they reached the exit, Y/N felt a sense of reluctance to leave.

"So," he began, trying to keep his voice steady, "What’s next on the agenda?"

Hanni tilted her head, considering. "Well… we could grab some lunch. Or, if you’re up for it, I know a little spot by the river that’s great for people-watching."