Chenle sat in front of his canvas, lost in the colors of the landscape he had painted from a photo. Every brushstroke carried a piece of him... feelings, memories, thoughts he couldn't put into words. Ever since the accident, painting had been his safe place, the one place where he could make sense of things too heavy to speak.
He leaned back and studied his work. The gentle strokes, the blending of colors... it all felt like a piece of his heart captured on canvas. Just as he was about to dip his brush into paint again, a familiar voice called from the doorway.
"Good afternoon, Lele!"
Chenle turned and saw Kun standing there, a warm smile lighting his face.
"Good morning, ge," Chenle replied, smiling back.
Kun wasn't just a guardian... he was family. After Chenle lost his parents, Kun had filled the empty space with care, patience, and love. Chenle didn't know how he could ever repay him.
Kun stepped closer, noticing the slight tension on Chenle's face. "Everything okay?"
Chenle hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah." Still, Kun noticed the flicker of doubt in his eyes.
His gaze drifted to the painting. "Beautiful, as always," Kun said softly. He had always admired Chenle's talent and often encouraged him to join art competitions. Chenle usually refused, afraid of rejection, but Kun never forced him. Deep down, Kun wished others could see the beauty Chenle created.
"Beautiful indeed!"
Another voice joined in, cheerful and bright. Ara stepped into the room, her smile instantly lighting up the space. Just seeing her made Chenle's heart skip a beat.
"Hey, Lele!" she said. "I came to take you out for breakfast. As a thank-you for everything you've done for me."
"You don't have to," Chenle replied, his eyes lingering on her longer than he intended.
Ara pouted playfully. "I won't take no for an answer." She glanced at Kun, who nodded with a knowing smile.
"You should go," Kun encouraged. "Take a break from your masterpiece."
Chenle sighed, pretending to hesitate, though he was already excited. He hugged Kun quickly and followed Ara outside.
When they reached the car, Ningning was already in the passenger seat, grinning and waving. She always thought Chenle and Ara looked perfect together, though she never said it out loud. To her, it was obvious Chenle had feelings for Ara. Ara, on the other hand, remained a mystery.
The ride was filled with laughter and light conversation. For a little while, Chenle forgot his worries and simply enjoyed being a normal teenager.
At the restaurant, Ara insisted on paying, ignoring Chenle's protests. They ate quietly, enjoying the simple comfort of each other's company. Then Ara spoke, her voice soft and careful.
"The art competition starts next week. Would you consider entering?"
Chenle paused, frowning slightly. "No, I'm not interested."
"Please? For me?" Ara's eyes softened, her voice gentle, almost pleading.
Chenle let out a long breath, brushing a hand through his hair. "I'll think about it."
Ara's smile brightened instantly. "That's all I ask," she said, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand. Her touch was warm, steady. For a moment, he let himself feel safe, letting the tension slip from his chest.
After breakfast, they strolled through a nearby park. The sun shone brightly, the air smelled of flowers, and the breeze carried the freshness of spring. They walked side by side, talking easily, as if the world had nothing to disturb them.
"You have so much talent, Lele," Ara said softly. "The world deserves to see it."
Chenle felt his chest tighten at the sincerity in her eyes. She always meant what she said. Somehow, her words mattered more than anyone else's.
"Thank you, Ara," he murmured. "Your support... it means everything to me."
Ara smiled, a small blush coloring her cheeks. "I'll always be here for you. No matter what."
Chenle glanced at her, realizing how much he had come to rely on her presence. She made even the hardest days feel lighter, the darkest thoughts more manageable.
As they continued walking, the bond between them grew stronger, quiet but undeniable. Chenle felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in a long time. Being with Ara... and with Ningning nearby... he realized that he could face his fears. That he could try, even if the world felt heavy.
They paused at a small pond, watching the water ripple in the sunlight. Chenle picked up a small stone and skipped it across the surface. Ara laughed, clapping her hands.
"See? You can make something beautiful without even trying," she said.
Chenle smiled softly. "Maybe that's true," he replied, feeling the weight of the past lift just a little.
For the first time in months, Chenle felt like he could breathe fully, like his world wasn't just shadows and memories anymore. With Ara by his side, and Kun always watching over him, he felt ready for what was coming... art competition, life, and maybe... love.
And for now, that was enough.
A.N : –
I honestly have no idea where this story is going anymore T-T, but thank you so much for reading <3
