𝐶𝑂𝐿𝑂𝑅𝑆 𝑂𝐹 𝑈𝑆 • 𝐻𝑌𝑈𝑁𝐿𝐼𝑋

𝐶𝑂𝑈 1 𓇢𓆸

❀ Song recommendation:
"Radio" by Lana del Rey

Felix stood frozen in front of the grand building, its white stone walls gleaming under the Parisian sun, like something out of a dream. He never imagined he'd be here—at the gates of the most prestigious art academy in Paris, the birthplace of countless artists. For someone like him, someone still figuring out what art even meant to him, it seemed impossible.

Why was he here? He had applied for the three-year scholarship on a whim, more out of desperation than hope, but when that acceptance email came, he barely believed it was real. And now, standing before the academy, his heart clenched. He felt so much smaller than the dream he'd been chasing. The excitement that had fueled him all the way from Seoul was quickly unraveling into fear.

He clutched the crumpled schedule in his hand, glancing down at the classroom number: Room 14B. His first day, and already, nerves twisted in his stomach. Around him, students moved confidently across the courtyard, talking in rapid French he couldn't quite follow. They all seemed so sure of themselves, each carrying portfolios, canvases, and supplies like they had done this a thousand times before.

Felix swallowed hard, his hand tightening on the strap of his bag as he turned toward the campus entrance. His mind buzzed with anxious thoughts, eyes flicking between the map and the seemingly endless pathways that wound around the academy. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, a mixture of excitement and dread churning inside him. He tried to keep his focus on the map, navigating his way toward his classroom.

Room 14B... I just need to find 14B...

He was so lost in thought, trying to keep his anxiety in check, that he didn't notice the figure walking toward him until it was too late. Their shoulders collided, causing Felix to stumble slightly.

"Oh, je suis désolé." (Oh, I'm sorry) Felix blurted, his voice a little shaky as he quickly crouched to retrieve the paper that had fallen from his hand. His cheeks burned with embarrassment.

Great. First day, and I'm already bumping into people.

"C'est bon, ne t'inquiète pas." (It's alright don't worry) came a smooth voice, warm but calm. Felix's heart nearly stopped when he looked up, his breath catching in his throat and not even understanding what the boy had said.

Hwang Hyunjin was standing in front of him. The Hwang Hyunjin—the prodigy of the academy, whose paintings had graced galleries across Paris. His reputation was nothing short of legendary, and his presence at the academy was something everyone seemed to whisper about. Felix had seen Hyunjin's work in books and online, admired the fluidity of his brushstrokes, the way his paintings seemed to breathe life into light and shadow.

But seeing him up close—in person—was entirely different.

Felix stared, frozen for a moment, his mind reeling as Hyunjin bent down to pick up the paper Felix had dropped. Hyunjin's eyes, dark and thoughtful, flicked briefly over the paper before meeting Felix's gaze again. "Salle 14B ?" (Room 14B?) he asked, his voice soft, though it held a quiet confidence. "J'y vais aussi."  (I'm headed there too)

Felix's mouth opened, but no words came out. It took him a second to regain his composure and trying to remember the little French that he knew "Uh...Oui," (Uh...yes) he finally managed, swallowing nervously. "Je...Je suis nouveau." (I...I'm new)

Hyunjin smiled, a small but genuine curve of his lips. His gaze softened as he took in Felix's features—pale skin, soft and glowing under the sun, a beautiful fairy-like face and wide, dark eyes that held an almost vulnerable look. He didn't know who this boy was, but something in his face, the curve of his eyes, marked him as familiar. Korean, Hyunjin realized. He must be from Korea.