criminal love; jungwon

19

Nanhee’s brush moved swiftly across the canvas, each stroke bringing her painting to life. The art room was silent, save for the soft hum of the heater and the rhythmic sound of her brush. She’d been working on this piece for weeks, determined to make it perfect for the night festival’s painting competition.

Outside, the festival was in full swing. The town square was lit up with lanterns, food stalls lined the streets, and laughter filled the air. Jungwon was out there somewhere, camera in hand, capturing moments for the school’s photography club.

Nanhee sighed, wiping her hands on a cloth. She was almost done. Just a few more details.

As she began cleaning up, voices drifted in from the hallway. She paused, listening.

“She thinks she’s so special,” one girl sneered. “Just because she transferred from the city.”

“Yeah,” another chimed in. “Acting all innocent. Bet she’s just trying to get attention.”

Nanhee clenched her jaw, focusing on the task at hand. She’d learned to ignore the gossip, but it still stung.

Then, a voice she didn’t expect.

“Leave her alone,” Chahyeon’s voice cut through the chatter.

Nanhee froze.

“What’s your problem?” one of the girls shot back.

“My problem is you,” Chahyeon replied, his tone firm. “Nanhee hasn’t done anything to you. So why don’t you mind your own business?”

There was a pause, followed by the sound of footsteps retreating. The hallway fell silent again.

Nanhee leaned against the table, her heart pounding. Chahyeon. The same boy who had tormented Jungwon, who had made her life difficult when she first arrived. Why had he defended her?

Before she could dwell on it further, the door creaked open.

Chahyeon stood there, hands in his pockets. He looked awkward, unsure of himself.

“I, uh, heard you were still here,” he muttered. “Just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

Nanhee blinked, surprised. “Thank you. For earlier.”

He shrugged. “Don’t mention it. People can be... harsh.”

She nodded slowly, still trying to process what had just happened.

Chahyeon glanced at her painting. “That’s... really good. You’ll win for sure.”

A small smile tugged at her lips. “Thanks.”

He gave a quick nod and turned to leave, pausing at the doorway. “Take care, Nanhee.”

And then he was gone.

Nanhee stood there for a moment, staring at the empty doorway. It was strange, but she found his words comforting. Maybe people could change.

She finished cleaning up and locked the art room, stepping out into the cool night air. The festival lights twinkled in the distance, and she could hear the faint sound of music.

As she walked toward the square, her phone buzzed with a message from Jungwon.

Jungwon: “Where are you? I have something to show you.”

Nanhee smiled, quickening her pace. Whatever the night had in store, she felt ready for it.