Story Only I Didn't Know

Chapter XX

The exhibit is done. It was a success but Chaeyoung still felt sad even though her work got lots of praises from different artists and media present in the said event.

"Chaeng, let's go." Somi said to get Chaeyoung's attention for the girl is still standing in the middle of the exhibit looking at the paintings displayed.

Somi and the other staffs organized an after party for the exhibit's success and they need to head there now but Chaeyoung is still rooted at the place.

---

They we're walking on the hallway when Chaeyoung realized something.

"You go ahead, Somi. I forgot something inside." Somi looked at her friend and nodded her head.

"I'll wait for you in the car." Chaeyoung shook her head and told Somi she'll see her in the venue itself instead. The latter just nodded her head not pressing on the topic any longer.

--

Chaeyoung went back to the exhibit room and directly went into her painting called "Your smile". There she saw a small piece of paper at the lower left corner of the painting. It was inserted at the back part and only a small part of the paper could be seen.

She saw it awhile ago while she was with the media but paid no attention to it.

Chaeyoung went closer to the painting and carefully took the paper. The paper was folded neatly so she assumed it must have been there just the day of the exhibit.

Slowly, she unfolded the paper. A bit nervous seeing the writings in it. The penmanship, all too familiar.

"If I can turn back time and go back to that place where I let you go. I would've taken it all back and give you the smile you love the most."

Even without the name written, Chaeyoung knew very well who this writing belongs to.

CHAEYOUNG

She was here. She came...

Mina was here and she saw her paintings.

Chaeyoung thought as her legs seemed to give up with this revelation. The only girl she loved saw her work. By now, Chaeyoung knew that the girl knew her feelings remained the same.

All those years she spent on her art everyone thought it was to forget Mina but Chaeyoung is too in love with the girl to forget her even after everything the girl did to her.

"I can never let the thought of forgetting you sink in my mind. I can never let go of thoughts of you. I tried but I failed big time, Mina."

Chaeyoung said as she leaned her head on the painting. Her tears slowly streaming down her face.

"I-I m-miss you so much but I know I shouldn't."

Crumbling the paper in hand, Chaeyoung is now on her knees crying her eyes out. She thought by being far away her feelings will fade away but it just got deeper every minute.

Until she found out how to lessen the loneliness she felt.

"Painting you was my escape. At least in here you are still looking at me, smiling at me. In here you're still mine."

-----------

Flashback

One Hour Before the Exhibit

MINA

An hour left and I still can't decide if I'll go or not. Although I said yes to Jeongyeon unnie my heart is still being a coward. The thought of seeing Chaeyoung again after all the things I've done to her makes me back away again.

I don't know if I'm worthy of this invitation either. She's doing well now and I don't wanna ruin everything again.

-----

After some time, Mina decided to come to the event. She was there from Chaeyoung's speech up to the end of the exhibit but instead of wearing a dress and come together with her cousin she decided to come hiding her identity to everyone. She wore black caps and a face mask with her leather jacket and pants. Pretending to be one of the media.

She saw the paintings and was in awe with all of them. Chaeyoung is really an exceptional artist, Mina knew that very well. From that time, she drew her cousin Nayeon. Mina was aware she's a cousin but still played like she doesn't know a thing. Chaeyoung didn't explain so she thought the younger did that to create a gap between them that made her mad. She knew she still have feelings for Chaeyoung but Bambam's words keep repeating in her head.

"Chaeyoung hates you now, Mina. I'm sure she'll despise you. You think she'll forgive you now that you cheated on her? More importantly, that you had sex with me while you're together?"

She was so lost. Afraid Chaeyoung would hate her if she knew. So, instead of letting the girl know she decided to break up with her and date Bambam instead.

---

It was a night she regretted the most. She and Chaeyoung rarely see each other that time and she went to a party with her ballet team and got drunk without telling he girlfriend. The next morning, she found herself waking up to an unfamiliar room and saw a guy beside her.

She felt like a cold bucket of water was poured in her head after she deciphered the happenings. She slept with one of the popular guys in her school. Her thoughts were full of Chaeyoung. She needed to tell her girlfriend about this and ask for forgiveness. When the guy, Bambam, woke up and told those words to her, her world crumbled. One mistake, it took her one drunken night to be unworthy of Son Chaeyoung. At least that's what she felt.

---

Up until now she still thinks she's not worthy of Chaeyoung's affection. Seeing these paintings that resembled her, she still felt guilty about what happened. Even though Bambam and her were through for she caught her cheating too.

---

MINA

I followed the press as they interview Chaeyoung. Every painting she explained reflects her. I can't help but smile.

"Your Smile". She stood rooted to this one painting. After Chaeyoung explained the meaning behind it, she found herself staying.

"This painting is very important to me. This was the first painting I drew when I transferred in Canada. It reminds me of someone important."

Hearing this made Mina's heart ache again. She felt the guilt all over again.

Taking pen and paper from her pocket, she wrote something and put it on the back of the painting. Making sure a piece of it can be seen.

---

A/N: I haven't proof read this yet so if there are errors please do tell me guys. Thanks ~