"Hmm, this is really good!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in delight. "Where did you get it?"
"Just a local place near my house," I lied smoothly. "They have the best fried chicken in town."
She nodded, her mouth full. "I'll have to check it out sometime."
We settled in on the couch, the movie playing on the TV screen. The comedy was lighthearted and entertaining, and Hanna's laughter filled the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. I couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring her beauty and her infectious joy.
As the movie progressed, I found myself growing more and more comfortable in her presence. We shared jokes, discussed the plot, and even playfully argued about which character was the funniest. It was easy to forget that she was a famous idol, and I was just a regular guy. In that moment, we were simply two friends enjoying each other's company.
During a particularly funny scene, Hanna leaned against my shoulder, her laughter echoing through the room. I felt a jolt of electricity shoot through me, my heart pounding in my chest. I glanced at her, and our eyes met. For a brief moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us in that cozy living room.
Then, she pulled away, a shy blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Sorry," she mumbled, her gaze returning to the TV screen.
"It's okay," I replied softly, my own cheeks burning.
The rest of the movie passed in a blur, my mind replaying that fleeting moment of intimacy. As the credits rolled, a comfortable silence settled between us.
"That was fun," Hanna said, a contented smile on her face.
"Yeah, it was," I agreed, my heart still racing.
We sat there for a while longer, simply enjoying each other's company. The silence was comfortable, filled with unspoken emotions and a growing connection.
"Hey Xian, you could be a model, you know?" she said suddenly, breaking the silence.
I looked at her, a bit surprised. This wasn't the first time people had suggested that, "I get that a lot, but I don't think I should..."
"Why not~?" she pressed, tilting her head with a curious expression.
"Well... it's just not my thing," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'm not really comfortable being in the spotlight."
"Oh, trust me, you don't even need to walk around for that. You are the spotlight!" Hanna pointed out, a playful glint in her eyes.
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I appreciate the compliment, Hanna, but I'm happy just being me."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But wouldn't it be fun? Imagine all the cool clothes you could wear, all the exciting places you could travel to..."
I couldn't help but be tempted by the idea. It did sound appealing, to be able to experience the world in a whole new way, to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the limelight.
"Maybe... someday," I replied, a hint of uncertainty in my voice. "But for now, I'm happy with my life as it is."
"You know, I have manager friends... I mean, friends who are managers that work with models!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Hmm... that's good," I replied, not entirely sure what to make of her enthusiasm.
"Yeah, I could tell them to let you in!" she offered, her voice filled with eagerness.
"Thanks for the offer, Hanna... but I don't think it's for me. But if I change my mind, maybe I'll take you up on it," I said gently, trying not to hurt her feelings.
She pouted slightly, disappointed by my rejection.
"Okay..." she said softly, her voice trailing off. A brief silence fell over us, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner and the distant chatter from the other rooms in the house.
I reached for a piece of popcorn from the bowl on the table, popping it into my mouth. "So," I said, trying to break the awkwardness, "what else do you like to do besides singing and dancing?"
Hanna's face brightened, her enthusiasm returning. "Oh, I love to draw and paint!" she exclaimed. "I have a whole sketchbook filled with my artwork."
"Really?" I asked, genuinely interested. "Can I see it?"
She nodded excitedly and got up, leaving me alone while she went upstairs to retrieve her sketchbook.
As I waited for Hanna, I couldn't help but marvel at the size and grandeur of her house. The high ceilings, the elegant furnishings, and the spacious layout were a far cry from the modest home I shared with my parents. This cluster is definitely for the wealthy, I thought to myself. It's much bigger than my house.
A few minutes later, Hanna returned, clutching a worn sketchbook in her hands. She sat back down on the couch beside me, carefully opening the book and turning the pages to reveal a collection of colorful drawings and paintings.
I leaned closer, my eyes widening in surprise. Her artwork was stunning, filled with vibrant colors, intricate details, and a raw emotion that captivated me. There were portraits, landscapes, and abstract pieces, each one showcasing Hanna's unique artistic vision.
"These are amazing, Hanna," I said, my voice filled with genuine admiration. "You're really talented."
She blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "Thank you, Xian," she said softly. "I've been drawing and painting since I was a little girl. It's my way of expressing myself, of escaping from the pressures of the world."
I nodded, understandingly. "I can see that," I replied, my gaze still fixed on her artwork. "Your art is beautiful, Hanna. It's full of life and passion."
She smiled shyly, her eyes sparkling with a newfound confidence. "Thank you," she whispered.
Maybe I could show off a bit? I thought to myself, then imagined gaining the ability to draw people easily with a pencil.
"Can I borrow a pencil? I used to draw too," I lied, hoping to impress her with my newfound "talent."
Hanna's eyes lit up, a playful glint in her gaze. "Really? That's awesome! I'd love to see your work sometime."
She rummaged through her desk drawer and pulled out a pencil and a blank sheet of paper. "Here you go," she said, handing them to me with a smile. "Show me what you can do."
I took the pencil and paper, feeling a surge of confidence. With my imagination manifestation, I could create any image I desired, with perfect precision and detail.
I closed my eyes, visualizing a portrait of Hanna, capturing her radiant smile and the sparkle in her eyes. I imagined every strand of her hair, every curve of her face, every nuance of her expression.
When I opened my eyes, I began to draw, my hand moving effortlessly across the paper. The image took shape quickly, the lines flowing smoothly and the shadows adding depth and dimension. Within minutes, a stunning portrait of Hanna emerged on the page.
I handed the drawing to her, my heart pounding with anticipation.
She gasped, her eyes widening in amazement. "W-Wait.. What, wait... this... wait... woahhh..."
Her voice trailed off as she stared at the portrait, her fingers gently tracing the lines of her own face. "This... this is incredible, Xian," she finally managed to say, her voice filled with awe. "It's... it's like looking in a mirror."
I chuckled nervously, scratching the back of my head. "It's not that good," I mumbled, trying to downplay my skills.
"It's amazing!" she insisted, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "You're so talented!"
I felt a warmth spread through me, a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had never considered myself an artist before, but it seemed that my imagination manifestation could be used for more than just fighting and problem-solving. It could also be a tool for creativity and self-expression.
"Thank you, Hanna," I said, my voice sincere. "I'm glad you like it."
She carefully placed the portrait on her desk, her gaze lingering on it for a few more moments. Then, she turned back to me, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Can I keep this?!"
I chuckled, touched by her enthusiasm. "Of course, Hanna. It's yours."
Her face lit up with a radiant smile. "Thank you, Xian! I'll treasure it forever."
She carefully picked up the portrait and placed it on her bedside table, where it would be the first thing she saw every morning.
We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting and laughing, sharing stories and dreams. It was a simple, yet magical afternoon, filled with warmth and connection. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, I knew it was time to leave.
"I should probably get going," I said reluctantly, standing up from the couch.
Hanna's smile faded slightly. "Already?" she asked, her voice laced with disappointment.
"Yeah, I don't want to be out too late," I replied, trying to sound casual. "But I had a really great time, Hanna. Thank you for inviting me over."
She walked me to the door, her hand lingering on my arm for a moment. "Me too, Xian," she said softly. "We should do this again sometime."
"Definitely," I agreed, my heart skipping a beat at her touch.
"Do you need some money to get home?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
I chuckled. "No, no need. I have my own money."
"Are you sure? You can save your money for school," she insisted.
"Thanks, but I'm good. Also, take care, Hanna."
I gave her a reassuring smile, then stepped out of the house and into the warm evening air. As I walked away, I couldn't help but glance back at the window, where Hanna stood waving goodbye. I waved back, my heart filled with a bittersweet mix of happiness and longing.
I had spent an amazing afternoon with Hanna, and I knew that I was falling for her more and more with each passing moment. But I also knew that our lives were complicated, and that our paths might not always align.
After disappearing from her view, I teleported back to my own bedroom.
< Chapter 154 > Fin.