I stared at the the computer till the screen went dark and shifted the mouse to make it light up again. One day left to submission and all I have is a blank canvas in Photoshop. I tried to brainstorm for ideas but it was hard to concentrate with Rye Il shouting while playing game on his Nintendo DS. In case you're wondering, Rye Il and I are living together. During the start of the new semester, we decided to rent an apartment somewhere near the school so that we get to save some transport fee. And of course, we have our own rooms.
"Yah! Can't you play it in your room? I'm trying to do my work here." I threw a cushion at him and said.
He took the cushion and wedged it between his head and the arm rest of the sofa. "It's more comfortable here. You will find more inspiration in your own room." He replied with his eyes glued to his Nintendo.
What have I done in my past life to deserve such a friend? I packed my notes and placed it on the laptop, and carried them into my room. I closed the door behind me and locked it.
Modern.
Scandinavian.
Contemporary.
I sighed and continued to scroll down the lists of interior design styles until something caught my eyes.
Industrial. That's it. A mixture of simplicity and raw. That's what I love. I started searching for images related and used them as references to come up with my own design. Why didn't I think of this earlier?
I chuckled and admire the design template on the screen, before pressing the save button.
***
We met Hye Won while we're on our way to class. Her bright yellow floral dress is literally attracting attention from all around us. We put our bags down and gathered around my desk. Not long after, Jihyo came in and joined us as well.
We laid out each of our design template on the table and took a look or rather, compare our works. Hye Won did a modern design, Rye Il did a minimalist design and surprisingly, Jihyo chose to do an industrial design.
"Did you copy Jihyo's idea?" Rye Il shot me a suspicious look. Hye Won was staring at me and Jihyo, as usual, looking at us with her blank face.
"Stop trying to cause me into trouble. It's my own idea and I did it myself." I took my template and shoved it back into my bag.
Rye Il was still looking at me while shaking his head slowly as though I did something gravely wrong. I give him my signature eye roll and couldn't be bothered to explain to him.
We submitted our assignments and went for lunch together. It has officially become a norm for the four of us to be hanging out together whether is it in school or out of school. Least to say, a few guys were jealous that we get to hang out with the new girl.
"I'm having a housewarming party on Sunday and I would like to invite you guys to my house, if you all don't mind." Jihyo said and looked at us, eagerly.
"I'll be there!" Hye Won exclaimed excitingly. "What about the both of you?" She turned to look at Rye Il and me.
I exchanged glances with Rye Il and that's when we decided to do something fun. "Thanks for the invite but I don't think I can make it." Rye Il started off.
The smile on Jihyo's face faded when she heard that. Rye Il nudged me on the elbow, signaling for me to continue.
"Jihyo-yah, I won't be able to make it as well." I said and now, she looked even more disappointed than ever.
"Gary oppa, you too?" I heard a soft sigh escaping from her mouth.
"Yah! The both of you. Don't be so heartless." Hye Won snap at us.
"You guys are the only close friends that I have." Jihyo mumbled.
Did she say 'close?'
Seeing how dejected she looks, we decided to stop pranking her even though we had actually planned to go on further but it's alright, we can save that for next time.
"I need to get some ice-cream for the party so I won't be able to make it on time, " I said.
"And I need to get some soju and fried chicken if not it won't be called a housewarming party." Rye Il continued. We gave each other a fist bump and turned to look at Jihyo.
She blinked her eyes a few times as though she's trying to process what we just said. "Yah! Oppa! Seriously you guys." Hye Won seems to be the one who caught the prank instead. It's scary when she glare at us.
"So you guys are coming..?" Jihyo hesitated to ask.
Rye Il and I laughed and shouted at the same time, "of course!"
A smile appears back on her face. "Thank you guys!" She stood up slightly and threw her arms around our necks.
"Jihyo-yah, what about me?" Hye Won frowned.
Jihyo released her grip on us and turned to Hye won. "Thank you unnie!" She hugged her tightly.
