Honestly Lying ❌

Chapter 30

She changed her tops with a plain white shirt. I got disappointed for a second but quickly chased the thought away.

I must really be crazy!

I walked towards the pool area while she silently followed me.

We ended up inside on one of the bamboo sheds built near the shore.

I saw some guests who's still swimming on our way here while the others are gathered around on the designated area for bonfires.

We sat side by side.

We were silent. But she took the initiative and broke it first before me.

"So? What is it that you need from me, Mina?" She asked as she swifted her body on my direction.

I got startled with her sudden movement that I unconsciously moved a bit away from her.

Her brows furrowed when I did that. I must look like a fool in her eyes right now.

"U-uhhh..." I started to talk to ease the tension. In which, I know that it's only I, who's creating.

"I-I have a favor to ask, Hyung Soo-ssi." I luckily managed to speak.

"Favor?"

"Yes."

She smiled. "Of course, what is it?"

I took a deep breath. "Can I ask you to do a solo portrait of me? I wanted to hang it inside my office. I've been wanting it ever since, but got no time to find a reliable artist. But since, you're here and I know what you're capable of. Can I ask you to do it for me? I'll pay whatever the fee is."

I hoped I sound convincing. I just thought about that excuse just now for pete's sake!

It took her a minute or so, to answer. She looked so troubled about something while she was silent but she smiled later on.

"I don't do portraits Mina."

Damn! I gotta quickly think of something else!

"But..."

That stopped my inside panic.

"I'll try. There's always a first time right?" She smiled. "But there's a problem."

"What is it?" I asked.

"I'll just be here for 3 days. And also, my materials aren't here. It's on my studio. I just have my sketchpad and pencils with me. Figured I'll do some sketches while staying here. The scenery is perfect for a new idea and inspiration."

"No. No. That's okay. Since this is a sudden request. I'll provide you everything you needed. And as for your stay, I can make it longer. How long do you think, you need to finish the portrait?"

She give it a thought first before answering. "It depends on you. If you want it quickly, then I can finish it in 2 days, depending on your free time of course. I can't make a portrait without you modelling it." She chuckled.

Great. This is my chance now.

"Uhh, can I ask you to stay for a week then? I am kinda loaded with work for this week so I can't promise to have some free time. Would that be fine with you?" I asked cautiously with crossed fingers.

She didn't gave me an answer right away. Due to that, I unconsciously held my breath while waiting.

"Sure."

I let out a breathe of relief when I heard that.

She chuckled. "You seemed to look forward for the portrait so much, like your life depended on it."

I stunned. Was I so obvious?

"Don't worry Mina. I'll do my best on making that portrait of yours. I promise to create a perfect piece that's befitting your office. So don't worry so much. Besides, you already looked so stunning that I don't need so much details to make it perfect. You, being the subject, is more than enough."

My heart reacted right away with her sweet words. She sounded Chae. The Chae I knew years ago.

So I can't help but blush. But thanks to the darkness of the night, she doesn't seem to notice it.

"T-thank you." I answered her compliments.

"No need. I'm saying it as an artist."

I blinked. So she just said it using the perspective of an artist. My heart sunked.

She noticed my sudden silence and she realised right away why.

"I mean. You're really stunning Mina. I'm saying it not just as an artist. But as me. A person."

She tried so hard to find the right words to explain to me her point. I know she doesn't want to upset me more so she was so careful.

And I find it cute, but I already got hurt.

"It's okay! I get it." I stood up. "Let's go. It's already so late and I need to go home now." I said and tried to walk pass by her.

"Wait." She grabbed my arm. She stood up and stayed behind me.

"I mean it. You're beautiful Mina."

-----
What she said last night kept on playing in my mind.

I was not able to sleep and now I couldn't even function properly at my work!

This is bad. I might just give in and leave this office and rush towards her room.

But I shouldn't.

'You have a business to run, Mina. Get yourself together, shall we?'

I now even talk to myself. I sighed. I need to calm down first. And in order to do that, I need some relaxing tea to drink. So I left my chair and walked towards the door, but it already flung open before I could even reach it.

"Shall we drink it together? You looked stressed."

A smiling Chaeyoung with a serving tray on her hands went in. She's got a tea with her. The very thing I needed.

But the main cause of my tensioned nerves is also here. Would I really be able to relax like this?