Eclipsed Ink | TaeJin

Art of Revelation

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the spacious studio that belonged to Kim Taehyung, a rising star in the art world. At just twenty-one, he had gained a reputation as a painter whose works resonated with emotion and a vintage vibe. His easel stood proudly in the center of the room, surrounded by a sea of paint tubes, brushes, and the unmistakable scent of turpentine. Soft jazz music floated through the air, wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. It was the perfect backdrop for his creative endeavors.

Dressed in a paint-splattered apron, Taehyung was intensely focused on his latest piece—a vivid portrayal of a city skyline, blending abstract and realism in a way that only he could. His brownish-blond hair caught the light, revealing the subtle golden undertones as he leaned in closer to inspect the delicate strokes on the canvas. He pushed his round glasses further up the bridge of his nose, the frames a quirky accessory that highlighted his expressive features.

As he painted, his tongue peeked out from between his lips—a habit he'd developed in childhood whenever he concentrated. It was a sight that brought a smile to anyone lucky enough to witness it. Taehyung had a unique charm, with beauty marks dotting his face: one beneath his left eye, another on his right cheek, and one just below his lower lip. They were reminders of his carefree spirit and honesty—a spirit that rarely let him filter his thoughts.

He worked diligently, the rhythm of the brush strokes synchronized with the smooth melodies of the jazz track playing in the background. Each color blended seamlessly, breathing life into his creation. Despite his fame, Taehyung remained grounded, often immersing himself in his art to escape the pressures of celebrity life.

Yet, his fame did not come without complications. Every now and then, fans would gather outside the studio, hoping to catch a glimpse of their idol or request an autograph. Taehyung's security team enforced strict visiting hours, ensuring that he had the space to work while still being accessible to his supporters. "Not today, guys," he'd chuckle, glancing at the gathered fans through the large glass window, his heart swelling with appreciation for their enthusiasm.

"I'm almost done with this one, I promise!" he called out, his voice echoing slightly against the walls. He didn't mind the interruptions; it was the pressure of the art world that often weighed heavily on him, the unrelenting expectation to produce something groundbreaking with every stroke of the brush.

"Just a few more minutes!" He felt the familiar pang of guilt when he saw their hopeful faces. They adored him, yet he felt like a fraud sometimes, unsure if he deserved such admiration. His parents were incredibly supportive, often expressing their pride. However, their love came with their own set of expectations—most notably, the relentless string of blind dates they arranged for him.

"Taehyung, you simply must meet this lovely young woman. She's from a prominent family!" they would insist, their voices filled with enthusiasm that always fell flat for him. Taehyung couldn't bring himself to lie. He had no interest in these women, who often seemed more enamored with his fame than with him. It was a constant source of annoyance; he preferred to focus on his art rather than navigate the tumultuous waters of dating.

"Mom, Dad, I'm really busy right now," he would say, his tone light but his resolve firm. "I just can't—"

"I understand, dear," his mother would reply, her voice gentle yet tinged with disappointment. "But you're not getting any younger!"

Taehyung sighed. They meant well, but the pressure to conform to their vision of happiness felt stifling. Instead, he found solace in his work, in the hues of blue and gold that danced together on the canvas, creating something beautiful that was entirely his.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Jung Hoseok, his best friend and a fellow artist, burst into the studio with the energy of a thousand suns. "Taehyung! You have to come to the party tonight!" Hoseok announced, a wide grin plastered across his face. His enthusiasm was infectious, but Taehyung felt a familiar wave of dread wash over him.