Distant Sky

8

New Connections

"And this must be Kim Taehyung, am I right?" Wait, Baekhyun oppa knows him? Joohyun thinks, shocked. "Yes", Taehyung answers, looking away from her and handing over what looked like a comic book to Baekhyun. Is this the same comic she saw him reading that day? Joohyun was confused. What's going on?

"So, what do you think?" Baekhyun asks Taehyung.
"It was good, the plot was intresting and I liked the art style."
Baekhyun smiles at that. "Thanks. Now, what do you think about joining our club? Bogum here tells me you are good at drawing. We are currently short on members and I could really use some help with this project." Baekhyun looks at Taehyung hopefully.
"I'm sorry sunbae, but I'd have to refuse. I really don't want to tie myself to any clubs right now."
"Oh....well then, too bad I guess. But if you ever change your mind, just let me know."
Taehyung nods at that before glancing at Joohyun again.

Baekhyun notices him looking at Joohyun. "Oh, this is Joohyun by the way. My beloved friend from way back and currently my hoobae." Baekhyun introduces with a big smile, putting a hand around her shoulder and pulling her close to him. "Oppa!" Joohyun whines and quickly pulls away from Baekhyun, who just laughs at her. She looks up to see Taehyung frowning. What's wrong with him? she wonders.

"Hi, I'm Park Bogum, from first year Class-A", Bogum smiles at her, introducing himself. "He's running for the student council president, you know", Baekhyun adds. "Oh, that's great. I'm Bae Joohyun. First year Class-B." Bogum looks surprised at that. "Hey, you are in the same class as Taehyung!", he says. "Do you guys know each other?" "No." "Not really."  Joohyun and Taehyung answer at the same time, causing Bogum to look at them confused. She sees Taehyung observing her curiously. Well, it's true that they have met before but they don't really know each other, do they?

"Well anyway, I still have some preparations to do for the election campaign, so I'll be taking my leave now, sunbae." Bogum says to Baekhyun, who nods, "Sure". "Joohyun-ssi, do you want to walk with us to the class?" Bogum offers. "You guys go ahead, I'll walk Joohyun back later myself." Baekhyun answers for her instead. "Ok then, let's go." Bogum has to drag Taehyung along, who seemed a little reluctant to go. Joohyun notices Taehyung give her one last look before leaving the room.

Baekhyun then proceeds to tell her about how he ended up in the Art Club. Joohyun had never imagined him being into art before. When she tells him that, he burst out laughing. He then explains how he actually wanted to start a manhwa club, but couldn't find enough members to get the permission. Apparently, the Art Club instructor suggested that he join their club and continue on his work till there are enough members to start his own. So for now the Manhwa Club is a part of the Art Club. He tells her there are currently three second year students working with him.

Joohyun was initially surprised when he told her he wanted to become a professional manhwa artist. But then she remembers that Baekhyun had always liked to doodle. Back in Daegu, during their meetings in the park, he had this notebook with him sometimes, which was full of his doodles and sketches. He would sometimes draw in front of her. It would be anything from comic characters to invented fictional beings and he would make up some stories about them to entertain her. When she really thought about it, being a manhwa artist was a perfect job for him. She was happy that he found something to do with his hobby.

When her break ends, Baekhyun insists on walking her back to her class despite her protests. On the way, Joohyun finds out from Baekhyun that Soojung and Kibum are part of the main Art Club, which deals with painting. And that they are the only other final years in the club besides him. "Taeyeon was busy with the dance club today, so she couldn't come to meet you." Baekhyun informs her as they reach her class. "She was really surprised yesterday when I told her you are here. She said she'll meet with you tomorrow." "Ok" Joohyun smiles and thanks him for walking her back before she hurries inside.