Roses and Thorns (Jinlia)

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝘄𝗼 | the talent speaks

Book 1, Chapter 2
𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖳𝖺𝗅𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝖲𝗉𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗌

Jisu left the bed early to prepare breakfast. She hadn’t been able to eat dinner with her mother the night before due to the project she and Chaeryeong had worked on, so she wanted to make up for it by spending breakfast with her mom this time.

She was startled, almost dropping the wooden ladle, when her mother's voice echoed through the quiet kitchen. Jisu spun around, her eyes wide.

“What are you doing? It’s still early!”

“But, mom? It’s already 4:30 AM.”

“Exactly!”

“Sorry for the noises I made that woke you up. I just need to go to school early.”

“Okay, okay. Go, then, and take a bath now. I’ll continue that.”

Jisu shook her head. “I got this one, mom. Just sit there and let me do the work.”

After both of them had finished eating, Jisu remembered something she had meant to ask her mother.

“Mom? Did you see my school schedule? I couldn’t find it anywhere.”

“Oh, sorry, I forgot to tell you that. I placed it in the vacant space of your bookshelf.”

Jisu nodded. “Thanks, mom. By the way, I’ll spend the night with Chaeryeong later.”

“Sure thing, sweetie.”

──⇌••⇋──

Jisu arrived at Shin International University just as the clock struck six in the morning. She dismounted her bicycle and secured it in her usual spot before making her way across the quiet campus grounds.

Her agenda for the day included attending her Fine Arts classes, specifically Painting, although her first class wasn’t scheduled until eight. Still, Jisu had arrived early to review her explanatory paper for a significant painting project. Ensuring its perfection was crucialㅡnot only for the sake of her GPA but also because she wanted to make a lasting impression at SIU. The university’s prestige and five-star reputation meant everything to her, and she was determined to honor it fully.

──⇌••⇋──

Jisu was so engrossed in her artwork that she nearly lost track of time for her first class. After waiting patiently for her turnㅡabout half an hourㅡshe finally had the opportunity to present her creation.

With utmost care, she moved her easel to the front of the room, set it in place, and unveiled her masterpiece to the audience. The entire room paused, captivated by Jisu’s work. The mesmerized reactions of her classmates filled her with a profound sense of satisfaction, belonging, and joy. The appreciation she received meant the world to her. Having poured her heart into the painting, seeing it resonate with others brought her a feeling of pure ecstasy.

“Okay, Miss Choi. Let’s hear your explanation.”

Jisu cleared her throat and took a moment to study her painting. In the center, a girl sat with her knees drawn to her chest, her face hidden. Above her, dark skies and a violent storm with fierce lightning loomed. On either side, two monsters whispered into her ears. Yet, amidst the encroaching darkness, a portion of her chest glowed a stark white, a vivid contrast to the surrounding shadows.