Chef-d'oeuvre

"You love her, right?"

Again, Chaeyoung is left with a blank canvas, and she wasn't hyped unlike the past days. She was just blankly staring at it, losing her mind with Mina's lie.

It wasn't a big deal, but Chaeyoung doesn't really like being lied on. Especially when it's obvious but the person just chose to lie, then she realizes that maybe Mina had reasons why she did that.

"Okay, Chaeyoung, stop over thinking things. We cool... we cool... Mina unnie has her reasons." Chaeyoung composed herself, trying to stop her thoughts to focus on her paintings. "Mina must have a reason, right?" Chaeyoung couldn't stop stressing herself over the incident earlier.

She looked around until she finally knew what she would paint for Mina.

-

Only a month left until their foundation day and all of the clubs started to prepare their performances, or started to plan about their booths on the said days.

Chaeyoung kept giving Mina different paintings daily. The difference is, she hasn't been seeing Mina like the way she did. She sees her three days maximum for a week, sometimes, she doesn't see her at all. It has been bothering her, but she understands that Mina is a club officer, and she needs to focus on her dance since she's the one who's choreographing it.

She sighs as she walks alone on the empty hallway, making her way to the film room since they were about to start shooting the ending. And under some circumstances, she happens to be one of the supporting actress. Jiwoo took advantage of her being one of the most famous girl in campus.

Upon walking alone, something hits her. She couldn't help but to think about Mina; does she receives the painting she sends her? Does she even care about the paintings at this moment? Everything negative that she could think of suddenly hits her.

"Hey!" A voice called her suddenly. Chaeyoung turned around to see who it was. "Have you read the script? Did you memorize it?" The person asked her. "Yes, Yeri. I did. Now if you don't mind, let me walk in peace." Chaeyoung coldly said. Yeri looked at her from top to bottom then rolled her eyes. "Is that what you say to people who's going to work with you for the last time? Damn." Chaeyoung sighed heavily and turned to Yeri again. "What do you want?" Yeri smiled, amused by Chaeyoung's actions. "Just wanna walk with you to the film room." Chaeyoung didn't replied, instead, she just continued walking.

Yeri is a close friend of Chaeyoung. They met when Jiwoo assigned roles about a few weeks ago. It wasn't really hard for them to get along since they have the same vibes and same interests. They'd go out for a coffee and watch movies, but they only talk about one person.

Mina.

"Mina again?"
"Yeah."
"Aren't you going to see her later?"
"I don't wanna expect anymore."
"What do you mean?"
"It's the third time she invited me this week. She always cancel last minute."
"Third time's a charm?"
"I don't know. I just don't want to anynore."
"You love her, right?"
"Yes, of course."
"Then go. Chaeyoung, no matter how many times she cancels your meet ups, you'll wait for her."
"I'm tired, Yeri. It's been constantly like this for weeks and I am physically and emotionally exhausted."
"I don't want to force you, Chae, you can do whatever you want. But for me, just go. It's Mina anyway."

Chaeyoung thought of it and maybe her friend was right. Mina is worth the wait, always. And now that she has her last painting with her, maybe this is the right time.

"Fine. I'll go" Chaeyoung sighed and closed her eyes. Yeri smiled widely. "Good choice, Chaeng. Also, don't chicken out. You've wasted like ten opportunities this month. You don't know if you'll get another shot at this." Chaeyoung nodded and looked at her toes. "You can do this, Chaeyoung. There's nothing that a Son can't do, right?" Yeri patted her shoulder. Chaeyoung looked up and smiled warily.

As they arrive at the film room, they were greeted by Jiwoo who was helping the production team to set up cameras and props. "Hey guys! Are you ready for the final shoot?" They both nodded in unison. "Great! We'll start in an in two hours, okay? You can both get ready." Jiwoo was smiling from ear to ear, happy that after all their hard work and conflicts, they're at the end of the line, at least, in shooting.

-

The last shoot had gone smoothly. Sana showed the right amout of emotions in every line she says and it made Jiwoo the happiest director at that day.

"And... cut! That's a wrap!" Jiwoo stood up and turned to the cameramen and production team. She bowed and said, "Thank you for your hard work, everyone! It has been a rough start for us, but I am genuinely happy that we made it until the end." Jiwoo clapped that made everyone clapped. "Since we're done with the shoot, let's grab some drinks tonight! My treat." Everyone went wild and started to shout and chant Jiwoo's name. She was giggling until she saw Chaeyoung spacing out.

"Chaeyoung, you okay?" Jiwoo confronted her. Chaeyoung shook her head and looked at Jiwoo. "Huh? Oh... yeah, I'm good." Jiwoo laughed at her reaction. "We're going to drink later, you coming?" Chaeyoung shook her head. "I have an appointment later, Jiwoo. I'm sorry." Jiwoo laughed loudly. "Silly, you don't have to say sorry. Anyways, I hope that appointment of yours go well." Chaeyoung chuckled and shook her head. "Thank you, Jiwoo. I'll go now." Chaeyoung waved her hand and went back to the dressing room. She picked her stuff up including her painting and went to the café they usually go to.

As Chaeyoung arrived at the café, she looked at her very last painting: a portrait of their selfie. And at the back, there was a quote, saying:

In the eyes of every artist, there is a masterpiece.

너는 걸작이야, 미나. 너를 사랑해. .

She smiled as she read the last sentence.

At last, after so many attempts and so many backing outs, she thinks she's ready, that this is the time, the right time. 

After an hour of waiting, Mina arrived at the café. Her hair tied into a bun, and she was wearing a white croptop and track pants, subtly sweating.

Mina looked at her direction and saw Chaeyoung waving her hand, and grinning widely. Mina gave an exhausted smile and waved back. But before she can move towards Chaeyoung, she fell down and fainted.

Chaeyoung struck up of her seat and ran towards Mina.

"Mina unnie!" She shouted as she shook her, hoping that she would wake up.