The introduction.
Matthew's hands move smoothly over the fresh clay, his touch deliberate as he adds intricate details to his latest creation. Despite the steady flow of visitors entering his shop to buy pieces or watch him work, he remains focused, every movement filled with quiet precision and artistry.
As the shop fills with the soft murmur of voices and footsteps, Matthew remains undisturbed, his focus solely on the evolving sculpture before him. His fingers trace familiar lines, but his mind drifts elsewhere, seeking perfection not just in form, but in something deeper. Each curve, each subtle groove, carries a personal significance, as if he’s channeling emotions into the very essence of the clay.
The soft chime of the door draws Matthew's attention as Jin steps into the shop. His jet black hair catches the light, framing his sharp features, while his striking grey eyes scan the room with quiet curiosity. The faint scar on his forehead, barely noticeable but uniquely his, gives him a mysterious edge. Matthew's heart quickens as he watches Jin, though he quickly returns to his work, pretending not to notice. Still, his hands slow, almost instinctively, as if every detail he adds to the clay is for Jin alone.
Matthew's hands move with deliberate care as he sculpts the male figure, his fingers pressing and smoothing the clay with practiced precision. He focuses intently on every curve of the figure's upper body, defining the chiseled pecs, the rippling abs, and the strong biceps with meticulous attention to detail. Each stroke feels personal, almost intimate, as if he’s capturing more than just form—he’s immortalizing something deeper in the clay. As his hands shape the powerful contours, his mind drifts to Jin, and the silent connection he feels toward him.
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Night time
As the clock strikes 8 PM and the last customer leaves, Matthew locks the door and stands in the quiet of his now empty shop. His thoughts drift back to Jin—his jet black hair, piercing grey eyes, and the faint scar on his forehead. Every detail lingers vividly in Matthew's mind. With a deep breath, he returns to his sculpture, hands moving instinctively over the male figure he’s been shaping all day.
He begins to sculpt Jin's face from memory, carefully adding each feature as if Jin were standing in front of him. His hands glide over the clay, forming the sharp jawline, the curve of his lips, and the intensity of his eyes. Slowly, Jin’s likeness emerges, seamlessly attached to the powerful body of the sculpture. Each movement feels both deliberate and cathartic, as if Matthew is sculpting not just from memory, but from a deeper place within himself.
As Matthew steps back to assess his work, he can’t help but blush at the realistically sculpted body before him. The powerful pecs, defined abs, and strong biceps are so lifelike that it stirs something within him—an admiration that borders on awe. The figure embodies not just physical strength but a raw, captivating energy that reflects his feelings for Jin. Embarrassment washes over him as he realizes how much emotion he has poured into this piece, the lines and curves resonating with the memory of the man who inspired them. In that moment, he feels both pride in his craftsmanship and a flutter of vulnerability, knowing he has captured a fragment of his longing in the clay.
Feeling the heat in his cheeks, Matthew returns to the sculpture, gently running his fingers over the contours, almost as if he’s afraid to disturb the beauty he’s created. He marvels at how the body seems to come alive under his touch, a reflection of his unspoken admiration for Jin. Each detail, from the smoothness of the shoulders to the tension in the arms, resonates with the thoughts of their fleeting encounters. As he works, he allows his imagination to wander, envisioning the day when he might share his creation with Jin, wondering how he might react to seeing himself immortalized in this way. The thought sends another blush creeping up his neck, but it also ignites a flicker of hope that perhaps one day, their paths might intertwine beyond the confines of the gallery.
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Day 2
The following day dawns bright and crisp, and Matthew's anticipation builds as he prepares for another day in the shop. The morning light spills through the windows, casting a warm glow over his work area. He can’t shake the image of Jin from his mind, replaying the memory of their last encounter as he sets up his tools.
When the door chimes at noon, Matthew looks up, his heart racing. There stands Jin, the sunlight framing him in an ethereal glow.
The moment their eyes meet, a spark of recognition passes between them. Jin steps inside, a casual smile on his face, and Matthew feels his breath catch.
“Hey, Matthew,” Jin greets, his voice warm and inviting.
“I thought I’d stop by again. I really enjoyed watching you work yesterday.”
Matthew nods, trying to maintain his composure while a rush of warmth spreads through him. “Thanks, Jin. I’m glad you came back.”
He gestures toward the sculpture, his latest creation, and adds, “I’ve made some progress.”
Jin’s eyes widen as he approaches the sculpture, his gaze tracing over the familiar features. He pauses for a moment, his expression shifting from curiosity to surprise.
His hand lifts slightly, as if tempted to touch the face molded so perfectly into the muscular form.
“Is that… me?” Jin asks, his voice soft but filled with disbelief.
Matthew’s heart skips a beat. He hadn’t expected Jin to notice so quickly, but the resemblance was undeniable.
Heat rushes to his face as he stumbles for words, trying to find a way to explain the unspoken feelings that had shaped the sculpture.
“I, uh… I didn’t mean for it to be so obvious,” Matthew admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “You… you inspire me, Jin.” His eyes lower, unsure of how Jin might react, his vulnerability laid bare in both his words and his art.
Jin’s surprise quickly transforms into a mixture of intrigue and admiration as he studies the sculpture more closely.
“Wow,” he breathes, his fingers brushing against the clay with reverence.
“This is incredible. I can’t believe you captured so much… emotion." He looks back at Matthew, the corners of his lips turning up into a genuine smile that makes Matthew’s heart race.
“I’ve always thought your work was amazing, but this—this feels different. It’s like you’ve captured not just my likeness, but something deeper.”
Matthew feels a swell of pride mixed with nervousness as he meets Jin’s gaze. The warmth of Jin's compliment washes over him, and for a moment, all his insecurities fade away.
Encouraged by Jin’s enthusiasm, he takes a tentative step closer, his voice steadier now.
“I wanted to express what I felt when I saw you. It’s hard to put into words, but I hope this captures it.”
The air between them crackles with an unspoken understanding, and Matthew dares to hope that this moment might open the door to something more between them.
(Please comment if I should make a second chapter or completely drop this work<3)
YOU ARE READING
A Sculpture's Fantasies~ (Jin x Matthew MLM)
Romance(Famous Sculpture Matthew AU) Matthew, a famous Sculpture seems to have developed a crush on one of his daily visitors named Jin, and will go out of his way to see him, even if it's just through clay.
