I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy

Chapter 12: A Young 10-Year-Old, and a New Friend (1)

Since I turned seven, time has passed like a blur.

I grew taller, and my weight increased too.

My face even started looking more defined, enough that people thought, “That kid’s good-looking.”

I wish I were a bit taller, but maybe because of my weak physique, I was a little shorter than the other kids.

After graduating from preschool in winter and just before entering elementary school…

“How about here? The facilities are nice.”

“The kids need to like it. Let’s check out some other schools too.”

My parents and my aunt shared opinions and picked a school.

I didn’t care where I went since it was just a place for kids to play, but the adults were incredibly cautious and careful in their decision.

In the end, the school they chose was a national elementary school close to home.

My aunt’s words about how nice the facilities and teachers were convinced my parents.

It was decided that Ha Soyeol and I would go there, while Lee Doyoon and Baek Yuseol were enrolled in a private elementary school.

The two of them were quite upset about being separated, but…

If we just keep in touch and meet up, it should be fine, right?

Our houses aren’t that far apart, so meeting up isn’t too hard.

And so, I entered elementary school. I was a bit disheartened by the idea of going back to school again.

The elementary curriculum was a piece of cake, and I felt like I wouldn’t be able to do anything meaningful until at least high school.

After enduring a dull school life for a year or two, I reached third grade.

“Hello, everyone! I’m Choi Yeseo from Suwon!”

Blonde ponytail, black eyes, and a mischievous smile.

Something… unusual about this new transfer student.

***

On our way home from school, as usual, Ha Soyeol asked beside me.

“Ha-eun, what did you think of the new transfer student today?”

Turning toward the voice, I saw Ha Soyeol, who was a bit taller than me.

Even though she’s an elementary student, her proportions are amazing. At this rate…

“She’ll easily surpass 170 cm,” I thought.

Kids grow up quickly, but I didn’t expect her to grow so fast.

Honestly, at this rate, she might struggle with growing pains once she enters middle school.

Ha Soyeol’s height had already exceeded 140 cm, while I was still in the mid-130s.

I know girls tend to grow faster at this age than boys, but it still makes me feel a little down.

“The transfer student? I don’t know. I haven’t thought much about her.”

At my response, Ha Soyeol looked at me intently.

“Wasn’t she pretty?”

What kind of question is this?

“Not really? I didn’t get a good look.”

“Is that so?”

A smile spread across Ha Soyeol’s face. She’s really hard to figure out.

But I can’t say I’m completely clueless about girls’ feelings.

It’s better to just pretend not to notice.

Besides, Choi Yeseo… She’s the heroine, you know.

She’s supposed to be involved with Lee Doyoon later, so what could I do?

And right now, she’s just a kid. Things might change in the future, but not right now.

I don’t know why Choi Yeseo transferred to our school, but we’ll meet again in high school.

“Can I even experience romance?”

Someone who likes me versus someone I like…

I still don’t know what romantic love is. If I had to choose, it’d probably be the former.

I know that Ha Soyeol likes me, but I can’t quite grasp my own feelings.

So, I’m going to wait and see.

“So, why did you ask that?”

“Oh, nothing.”

How dull. I stretched and crossed the crosswalk.

Today, Ha Soyeol had to go to an academy, so we parted ways halfway, and I returned home.

It was unexpected for Choi Yeseo to transfer here, but it doesn’t concern me.

Unless she approaches me first.

Besides, Yeseo loves pretty things.

And the problem is…

It’s not limited to objects… It includes people too.

Yeseo is obsessed with anything beautiful.

This means she could approach Ha Soyeol.

She has to be really pretty for that, though.

In this rom-com world, even ordinary people are good-looking.

But Ha Soyeol has almost main-character-level looks, so I wonder why she wasn’t written as one.

Not that I can say much about it either.

After washing up and having dinner, I lay on the living room sofa, lounging around.

Usually, I would be in my room drawing, but today, I just didn’t feel like doing anything.

You know those days? When you don’t want to do anything at all.

You’re not tired, and your condition is fine, but you just don’t feel like working.

So, I decided to take a break today.

“Son, aren’t you drawing today?”

Mom lifted my head and placed it on her lap.

Feeling comfortable, I replied lazily.

“Just… I feel too lazy.”

“Oh? Nothing’s bothering you?”

“No, not really.”

If Choi Yeseo transferring counts as something, then… Well, it’s not much.

“Has Ha-yoon arrived yet?”

“No, I’ll go get her in a bit. Do you want to come?”

Today, Ha-yoon went on a field trip with her daycare. She was so excited this morning, packing things like a little squirrel.

Mom was practically squealing at how cute she looked.

She probably took nearly a hundred photos.

“Sure, I’ve got nothing better to do.”

My parents never told me to study, which makes sense since I’m first in my class.

Even though it doesn’t mean much, it still feels nice. The level of tests in school is just…

Thanks to my excellent memory, elementary-level exams are a breeze.

Math and science are still easy too.

Looking at the clock, it was 4:50.

It just hit me that elementary school really does end early.

Even if you stay late, it’s done by 3 p.m.

After-school programs might be different, but I don’t see the point.

After spending time with Mom, we watched YouTube together. Ding!

“Oh, looks like Ha-yoon’s here.”

Mom’s phone pinged, and we got ready to leave.

While waiting for the elevator, Mom showed me her phone.

“Look, honey, your subscribers have gone up this much.”

Apparently, Mom has been uploading my drawings on YouTube.

I once thought about trying YouTube, but my laziness won out.

And honestly, I didn’t expect it to last, so I gave up.

Mom records my drawing sessions and uploads them, with my permission, of course—she says she wants to protect my privacy.

I don’t care if my face is out there. If anyone criticizes me with this face, it’s just jealousy, haha.

Looking at the subscriber count on the screen, I mumbled, “I could probably monetize this.”

Mom seems to be seriously considering it too. After all, she’s into investment.

As I muttered, she nodded with a smile.

“Yeah! Maybe just a few more videos, and it’ll be possible.”

Way to go, Ha-eun! Living off my looks, as always.

Comments often praised my looks, thanks to Mom managing the channel, so I didn’t have to worry about anything.

Ding.

The elevator arrived, and we headed to the daycare.

People passing by handed out snacks, which we accepted and thanked them for.

When we got to the daycare, parents were gathered at the entrance.

But where’s Ha-yoon?

“Mom! Brother!”

She came running with wet hands, maybe just out of the bathroom.

I walked over slowly and hugged her.

“Didn’t I tell you not to run? What if you fall?”

“Hehe, but Brother will catch me, right?”

Does she think I’m like Doraemon or something?

“Yes, Ha-yoon, it’s dangerous to run,” Mom said, lifting her up.

“Wow, our daughter is getting heavy now.”

At seven, she’s getting a bit heavy to carry, but Mom still does it.

“I’m not heavy!”

“Are you kidding? You’re super heavy.”

Mom playfully pinched her nose, making her scrunch up her face. I took a quick picture.

When she noticed, she darted behind me.

As I gently patted her head, Mom turned to me.

“Now it’s your turn, son.”

“…Am I heavy?”

“Not at all.”

It’s strange. I should weigh more.

“How much do you weigh?” Mom whispered into my ear.

Startled, I covered my ears and replied.

“31 kilos, I think? Last time I checked, it was 31.”

Mom murmured, looking a bit worried.

“Isn’t that a bit thin? Maybe that’s why you’re so light.”

I looked at Ha-yoon, who was staring, stunned.

“…Mom, that’s mean.”

Seven-year-old Ha-yoon from daycare was still in shock.

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