Zephyr | Lee Felix

Chapter 22

MONDAY, WEEK 5 

Hyunjin groans in frustration as he lightly drops his pencil down on the sketchbook. The once-blank page remains untouched by his skilled hand.

He runs a hand through his silky black hair, fingers getting caught in the soft strands. Art block. Right when I'm supposed to be working on a major project.

He has one assignment left. Literally just one, due by this Sunday. And after that, it's basically a temporary freedom; mid-semester break.

But why is it so hard to just pick up the pencil and sketch?

Hyunjin glanced down at his sketchbook, the blank page almost taunting him with its white surface. He'd been staring at it for hours, yet not a single idea or mark had appeared on it.

It is unlike him to struggle with his artwork. He'd usually channel his emotions and inspirations onto the page with ease, but now, he's stuck. Not even a single stroke.

He sighs deeply, pushing his chair back from the desk. Maybe a short break can help clear his mind.

Hyunjin stretches, feeling a twinge in his back from sitting in the same position for so long. He decides to head to the convenience store in his apartment complex to grab a snack and a drink, hoping the change of scenery would spark some inspiration.

Just as he walks towards the entrance, Hyunjin pauses in his tracks to see that one person who has been creating this weird sensation in his chest whenever he sees her. 

There's Eugene, standing in front of the store entrance, her hair tousled by a gentle breeze. He can't help but pause for a moment, his gaze lingering on her.

There's something about her that always draws his attention, something that makes his heart race and his breath hitch. He hasn't quite figured out what it is yet, but that feeling is beginning to become stronger with each passing day.

Hyunjin takes a moment to recompose himself and then continues walking towards Eugene. He approaches her with a very tiny smile.

"Hey, Eugene."

She turns to face Hyunjin, her face brightening at his presence. She returns his greeting with a warm smile.

"Hey there, Hyunjin." She replies softly, "How are you doing?"

"Ah, I'm alright." He says, trying to seem nonchalant despite his mind going haywire. "Just grabbing a snack from the store."

"I see." She nods, walking into the shop with him. "Make sure not to snack too much though. It's almost lunchtime." 

Hyunjin steps into the store alongside Eugene. He glances at her, a small smile playing on his lips at her motherly tone. "I'll try to control myself." He says, somewhat amused. "But lunch isn't for another hour or so."

Eugene chuckles softly as she scans the selection of snacks, her eyes landing on a package of chocolatey biscuits.

"True, but we can't have you spoiling your appetite before lunch," She teases him lightly, her voice filled with a hint of playful banter.

"Ah? Actually..." She pauses for a bit, looking at him. "Do you wanna have lunch together?" 

Hyunjin's heart skips a beat at her question. Lunch, together? Just the two of them? He tries to keep his cool, but everybody can tell how flustered the male is. It reminds him of the possibility of feeling all weird again, just like the night when he had a late snack in her apartment.

"I... wish I could." Hyunjin speaks in a rather dejected tone. "But I have a design due, and I haven't drawn anything."

"Ah. Another art block?" Her grin turns rather mischievous this time. "Perhaps it is time to clear that once again with food."