A Love Story in Art

Chapter 2

A week had passed since Karina met SJ in his art exhibit, but the memory of their conversation still lingered in her mind. There was something about SJ that had left a lasting impression, his calm demeanor, the way he saw beauty in the fleeting moment and most of all, his genuine interest in her art.

Karina had been hesitant at first when SJ reached out, a few days after their met, suggesting that they grab coffee. She wasn't used to this. Karina considered herself as an aloof person, she was more comfortable with paintbrushes and palettes and making an art, rather than exploring the intricacies of dating. But there was something about SJ, a quiet intrigue that urged her to say yes. She found herself hesitating at first, but now, here she was, standing outside a cozy café tucked away on a busy street, her heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She wasn't used getting out of her comfort zone.

The café, aptly named "The Artist's Haven" was one she visits often, drawn to its eclectic decoration and intimate atmosphere. Vintage sketches lined around the walls, and large windows framed the views of a lively street outside, where the light of the sun covered the pavement. Karina took a deep breath, adjusting her scarf as she glanced through the window. 

SJ was already there, sitting by a corner table near the window, casually sipping his coffee. His attention was focused on something outside and he seemed completely at ease. Karina smiled to herself staring at him, he looked exactly as she remembered, calm, confident at effortlessly composed. She pushed open the door, the soft chime of the bell announcing her arrival. SJ looked up, his expression brightened as soon as he saw her. He stood to greet and approached her, he opened his arms for a friendly hug, enveloping Karina in a brief but cheerful embrace. Pulling back, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"Hi." he said, his voice calm as calm as she remembered. "I'm glad you could make it."

Karina smiled, feeling her nerves ease at his relaxed demeanor. "Of course. This place is one of my favorites to visit. I actually come here a lot when I need inspiration."

SJ chuckled softly. "Then I picked the right place. I'm always looking for places with character."

They settled into their seats, table between them small and intimate, giving Karina the sense that they were tucked away from the world outside. She felt the tension in her shoulders start to loosen as they fell into easy conversation.

"I can see why you like this place." SJ said, his gaze sweeping the café, "It's got a charm to it, feels like a place where creativity thrives."

Karina nodded, glancing around as well. "Yeah, there's something about the atmosphere here. It's like you can feel the history in the walls, the stories that have been shared over countless cups of coffee."

"Speaking of stories," SJ said, leaning forward slightly, "I've been thinking about our conversation at the exhibit. You mentioned you are a painter, but you didn't tell me much about your work. What inspires you?"

Karina hesitated for a moment, not because she didn't know how to answer, but because she wasn't used to talking about her art outside of the studio, and SJ's recollection of their conversation at the art exhibit reminded her of the unspoken connection they shared when they bid goodbye that night. It felt personal, intimate, almost like sharing a part of her soul. But something about SJ's genuine curiosity put her at ease.

"Well," she began slowly, "I think my inspiration comes from emotions. I paint what I feel, not necessarily what I see. My work is pretty abstract, so it's less about representing the world as it is and more about capturing the emotions that run beneath the surface."

SJ listened intently, nodding as she spoke. "I can see that. It's like photography in a way, you're capturing a moment, but instead of freezing time, you're translating the feeling of it into the canvas."