Zephyr | Lee Felix

Chapter 28

The thought had never occurred to him before. He always thought that he had to just follow his parents' path and give up on his own dreams. But now, hearing Eugene say that he could prove them wrong? It somehow sounds so appealing and just... possible. 

"Show them that you can also have a career as an artist. Do commissions for others, and join art competitions. There are endless possibilities." She nods.

Commissions... art competitions... He repeats the words over and over in his head.

He looks down at his sketchbook, filled with drawings that he's made over the years. Are my drawings really good enough for that? He wonders silently.

He glances back up at Eugene, seeing the encouraging look on her face.

She believes in me.

"But... but how do I even start?" He asks, both sounding determined and uncertain at the same time. "How do I even get my name out there, or find clients who want to hire me, or even where to enter competitions...?"

Eugene chuckles lightly at his slightly panicked mode. She gently reaches out for his right hand, letting her rest on top of his, "One step at a time, Hyunjin. You got this, yeah? I'll be supporting you by the sidelines."

Hyunjin's heart skips a beat at the sudden, unexpected touch. Her hand... her hand is on mine-

"I... I..." He stutters, still dazed by the feeling of her hand on his. How can someone's touch affect me this much? And why-

Why do I want her to never let go?

Hyunjin forces himself to focus and clear his mind, pushing away the overwhelming sensation. His eyes lock on their hands, still connected together, and he can feel a mixture of confusion and longing inside of him.

"You'll... you'll support me...?" He manages to mutter, his voice trembling slightly.

He looks up, meeting her gaze, and his heart skips another beat at the sight of her reassuring smile.

She really does believe in me.

The realization sinks in after that one, meaningful shared gaze. No one, not even his parents, has ever told him that they have faith in his capabilities as an artist. But here, now, this girl – a complete stranger that he had just met weeks ago – tells him that she would support him in following his dreams. 

Please don't let go. He turns his hand under hers, gently intertwining their fingers.

.

.

"... I don't know what to say." He mutters after a short silence, his voice cracking slightly. "Thank you. Thank you for believing in me."

"No biggie. You deserve it." She grins and places another hand on top of his, patting it in a friendly manner. He can feel the warmth of her palms on his skin, and it makes his heart flutter in his chest. Despite their seemingly friendly touch, to him, it feels almost intimate.

He looks at her, longing etched on his face. Why is this affecting him that much?

Hyunjin desperately tries to push away the thoughts and emotions that are threatening to overwhelm him, but it's like trying to hold back a tidal wave with one hand. He can feel his heart clenching at the thought of all those girls who claim to adore him, the girls who only care about his looks and not his actual personality.

But this girl – this unexpected girl sitting in front of him – has somehow managed to see him for who he really is.

She listens to him without judgment, encourages him to follow his dreams, and cares about him in a way no one else has before.