Sana stepped off the bus in front of her university, the cold morning air biting at her cheeks. The familiar building loomed ahead, its shadow a stark reminder of the whispers and stares she knew awaited her.
For a moment, she stood still, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag until her knuckles turned white. Her pulse quickened, but she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 'You can't break down again like yesterday', she reminded herself. 'You can't go running to Ji-Hoon every time the pressure becomes too much to bear'.
Her chest tightened at the thought. No matter how much Ji-Hoon cared for her, the constant reliance on him would only strain their relationship in the long run. She had to face this – alone.
Drawing in another steadying breath, she straightened her back and began walking.
The whispers began as soon as she stepped onto campus, hushed voices weaving through the air like smoke. She didn't dare glance around, but she could feel the weight of the stares. Her chest constricted, but Ji-Hoon's words rang in her ears: Hanseo is nothing compared to the world stage.
If I crumble here, what will happen when the stakes are higher? She thought. Her art was her voice, her soul, and she couldn't let the fear silence it.
The realisation was like a breath of fresh air. Her grip on her bag loosened, her steps growing lighter. By the time she reached the lecture hall, her heart was steady.
…
Inside, the stares continued, a dozen of eyes following her as she entered. The initial wave of nausea returned, clawing at her throat. She gripped at the edge of her bag tightly, her gaze flicking from one face to another.
Stare all you like, she thought, a small flame of defiance flickering in her chest. That's all you can do.
She met their gazes one by one, refusing to look away. A subtle shift rippled through the room, and she could almost feel their intrigue turning to discomfort. That's how your stares made me feel.
Finding her usual seat, she was startled by a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw In-a grinning at her, giving her an exaggerated thumbs-up.
Sana returned her grin, the pride swelling in her chest surprising her. This is progress, she thought. It's not easy, but I'm doing it.
Professor Han strode into the room, his sharp posture and commanding presence silencing the whispers. "Good morning," he began, launching into a lecture of "Art Theory and Criticism."
Sana quickly lost herself in his words, her pen flying across her notebook. For her, every aspect of art had a meaning, even the most abstract concepts. Time melted away as she immersed herself in the lecture, her earlier anxiety forgotten.
When the class ended, Professor Han looked up from his desk and said, "Sana, come to my office after this."
She nodded, packing her things as In-a bounded over. "Lunch after this?" she asked, her expression expectant.
"Sorry, I can't," Sana replied, hesitating. "I'm having lunch with someone. My boyfriend."
In-a jaw dropped, her shock almost theatrical. "Boyfriend? Since when? Who?"
Sana laughed, dodging her questions. "I'll tell you later." Before In-a could trap her with more inquiries, Sana escaped, her chuckles echoing down the hall.
…
Sana knocked lightly on Professor's Han office door before peeking inside.
Professor Han's office was warm and inviting, filled with stacks of books and artwork that reflected his passion.
"Come in, Sana," he called, motioning for her to sit.
She entered, sitting in the cosy sitting area as Professor Han retrieved an envelope from his desk.
"This is the contract from Hyunjae's gallery. Take your time reading through it. If you have concerns, reach out to them directly. Otherwise, sign both copies – one for you, and one for us to take back."
Sana carefully opened the envelope, her hands trembling slightly. She scanned the terms, her eyes lingering on the 40% commission the gallery would take from each sale. It was steep but fair for a newcomer working with a gallery of Seowon caliber.
She reread the document twice, ensuring she didn't miss anything. Once satisfied, she signed both copies, keeping one for herself and returning the other to Professor Han.
"Thank you, Professor," she said, bowing slightly. "I owe this opportunity to you."
Professor Han waved her off with a laugh. "Don't mention it. it's my duty as your teacher – and as an art lover – to ensure your talent is seen."
His tone shifted, becoming more serious. "But remember, talent alone isn't enough. The art world is more complex than it seems, and those who truly work hard can succeed. Stay true to yourself and your art, no matter the pressures you face.
His words struck a chord in Sana, she nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'll work hard, Professor. I promise."
A smile of pride crept across his face. "I know you will."
Stepping out of the building, Sana took a deep breath, clutching the contract tightly. The magnitude of it all hit her – her art, once a private refuge, had now become something tangible, something others valued.
She steadied her nerves as she approached the cafeteria. She knew the sight of her with Ji-Hoon would ignite another wave of rumors, but she no longer cared.
I'm not doing anything to be ashamed of, she reminded herself, her lips curving into a small smile. I'm just living my life.
When she stepped outside, her breath caught. Ji-Hoon stood by the entrance, the sunlight playing off his crisp white shirt and tailored dark pants. The sleeves of his shirt were casually rolled up, revealing his strong forearms, and his tousled hair added a touch of charm. He looked like he'd walked straight out of a magazine.
He spotted her and smiled, his eyes lighting up as he waved. "Hey, beautiful."
Sana paused, her heart skipping a beat. The whispers began again, but she ignored them. Instead, she quickened her pace, her own smile blossoming as she reached him.
"Hey, handsome," she replied softly.
Their hands found each other as naturally as breathing. For a brief moment, they stood there, gazing at one another, their connection palpable.
Walking into the cafeteria hand in hand, they were oblivious to the commotion they caused. Neither of them cared.
For Ji-Hoon, his private life was exactly that – private. He didn't need anyone's approval or opinion, especially from strangers.
For Sana, this was her moment to shine. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she was beginning to remember her own magnificence.
The world had better be ready for her.