the art within

chapter thirteen: inked contact

some touches leave ink on your skin, staining more than just the surface.

it was just another tuesday afternoon of studying so skye chose to take a quick walk, while listening to her favorite music, then get some coffee and study.

she grabbed her favorite cardigan, color blocked cream white and light brown and knitted, and the matching beanie with teddy bear ears, both of of them different shades of gray.

she opened the door of her apartment, went down the four staircases and out of the front door.

outside she took a deep breath from the clear crisp air and inhaled the scent of wet fall leaves.

she walked down the streets to the beat of her favorite songs and musicians, happy and satisfied with her new life in seoul.

she walked up to the art within, putting her cold hand on the even colder metal of the cafe's door knob.

she gently pushed the door open, and was greeted with the warming aroma of coffee and the peaceful small talk of the cafe's guests.

skye sat at her usual spot, eyes drifting between her study materials, assignments and the familiar corners of the café.

the comfort of routine made it easy to get lost in her thoughts, but today something felt different.

something in the air had shifted, as though the world was preparing her for something unexpected.

she sipped her caramel macchiato, letting the warmth soothe her as she flipped to a fresh page of her notebook, ready to start working.

her eyes fell on the backpack by her feet, and the faintest flicker of suspicion tugged at her mind.

over the past few weeks, she had found mysterious notes tucked into her belongings, each one carrying words that felt like they were meant just for her—simple, but profound.

all of the received notes she had hung up on a string, together with some photos of seoul and led lights, to make her home more welcoming.

they had become a source of inspiration, something she looked forward to every day.

it had started with a note slipped under her coffee mug, and then it happened more often, sometimes slipped between her books, other times in her backpack.

she always was happy, grateful for the kind words helping her adjust with herself and her new life.

today, though, curiosity took hold.

skye couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching, that maybe the person behind these notes was closer than she thought.

the urge to know who was behind the messages grew stronger with each passing day.

she wasn't afraid—no, it was more like... fascination. whoever it was understood something about her, something she didn't even know she needed.

as she rose from the table to head to the bathroom, she paused.

out of the corner of her eye, she saw movement—someone slipping a piece of paper into her backpack.

her breath caught in her throat, that had suddenly turned dry.

her heart raced as the mystery was suddenly tangible.

this was it.

the moment she would finally see the face behind the notes.

as she stepped closer, she felt a whirlwind of emotions—excitement mixed with trepidation.

the café buzzed around her, but all she could focus on was the boy in front of her.

he looked younger than she had imagined, still a bit older than her though, a hint of vulnerability hidden behind his mask.

as he turned away, her hand gently grabbed his arm.

the boy froze.

it was the spy guy that skye had first seen when she was here with nari, still wearing a mask, but a teddy ear beanie like hers, instead of the cap he wore.

her heart raced; she wondered what stories he held. why had he chosen to reach out to her? was it merely kindness, or was there something deeper?

‚hey, wait,' skye said softly, her voice full of warmth, not accusation.

the male looked down at her hand on his sleeve, both feeling the jolt of contact run through them like electricity.

it was almost magical.

'thank you,' skye's voice was barely above a whisper, she was afraid that he didn't even hear it.

as the warm aroma of coffee enveloped her, she felt the world fade away, leaving just the two of them in that moment.

the notes had drawn her in, but now, standing before him, she craved understanding and connection.

'for the notes i mean. they've really... helped me'

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They met!!!

I need excitement!!!

The mentioned cardigan and beanie~
I'm knitting them for myself now.
I'm sorry it's just too cute.
(Edit: the beanie is done alr and it's so cute)

Soooooo
If u ever see someone running around with those things it's me :D

Pls keep reading it's not even close to done yet.

Stay healthy and happy and see you next chapter.