Checkmate ⚢

Chapter 23 Criticism

A/N

Hello Everyone, Happy Holidays! As a gift from me to all of you, I'd post the next chapter tomorrow. I hope you guys would drop a like or comment since it really keeps me going. Enjoy!

Althea's jaw dropped the moment she saw Hana's art space. The backdrop was a rich and beautiful dark blue akin to the color of how one sees the night sky without the stars.

Developed and properly framed were portraits of her, and Althea couldn't believe the woman in those photos was her.

Hana's artistry made it look like she was a spitting image of her mother, but the problem was. Althea never saw her mother's face in hers for a long time.

A lot of people told her that she is a spitting image of Bernadette. Almost twins, but Althea's painting of herself or the mirror could show her that. Hana just did it again and it was spectacular. There was just something with Hana's photos that was special.

She knew she made the right decision to allow herself to be Hana's muse.

"ALTHEA!"

All Althea could register after she heard her name was a blur of chocolate brown hair heading her way. Hana couldn't help herself when she threw herself at Althea.

"You really came! I'm so happy you came!" she was still hugging her, all bouncy.

Althea became aware of the passersby and some of Hana's classmates who turned to look at their display. As much as she tried to ignore their stares and not let it get to her, a blush still crawled to her cheeks by the skin contact.

Before the desire could flee any moment, Althea melted into Hana's embrace and hugged her back, but only a little before replying. "I told you I would."

"So these are her works, huh." Professor Tosca said, a slight distaste on the edge of her voice, "Interesting... but a little amateurish."

Althea tilted her head towards her mentor. She was right when she had rightly speculated that there was more to the fact that her mentor insisted to go with her so she can finally meet the muse that sparked Althea to paint.

"Her style is almost copying a certain girl in my youth, now that I look at it."

"Umm..." Hana smiled, sheepishly. "Who are you?"

Professor Tosca glared at her, taking offense that Hana hadn't recognized her.

Althea cleared her throat, before raising a palm upwards in her mentor's direction. "My apologies, Hanako Yoshida, this is Professor Tosca Esposito. She's an Alumna of the Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Painting and she won the Moonlit Witch title during her year."

"The last compound wasn't necessary, Althea." Professor Tosca grinned, "Wouldn't want you to intimidate your muse."