I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy

Chapter 18: Sixteen and Growing, Plus a Retreat and a Competition (1)

Middle school. And it’s the third year.

“Time flies. It feels like life is speeding up by some unknown force.”

The two girls cleaning the window beside me nodded in agreement at my comment.

“Yeah, it’s too fast. My little Ha-eun has grown so much.”

For the record, I don’t belong to anyone, but I shook my head at Ha Soyeol’s words.

“I think it’s great! There’s hardly anything you can do when you’re young. I want to be an adult already.”

Choi Yeseo, always the one with a positive mindset, set down her wet cloth on the window ledge.

“It’s already been a month since school started…”

It’s almost as if I’ve done nothing, living a rather idle life.

I looked out through the window Ha Soyeol and Choi Yeseo had cleaned. Beyond, there was a barren sandy field with not a weed in sight.

In the other classes, the students were playing soccer, as it seemed to be P.E. time.

Sometimes, when I’m spaced out, I recall the past.

Just like now.

After I turned ten, Dad became increasingly busy.

He transferred to a big company, apparently. If that’s true, he started working overtime more often.

He always said he would make sure to have breakfast with the family, but that seemed easier said than done.

But when I entered middle school, he managed to settle into a stable routine, and now he comes home on time, and we have dinner together.

‘Just what kind of battle did you go through, Dad…’

The middle school I entered is public, just like my elementary school, while the main characters, Lee Doyoon and Baek Yuseol, went to a private school.

We still keep in touch, but it’s a bit disappointing not to be at the same school.

My younger sister, Ha-yoon, became a sixth grader in elementary school this year.

It’s hard to put into words, but seeing her grow up day by day… It gives me mixed feelings.

It’s not just me. Our parents also often look at us with complex emotions.

I’ve certainly shown some remarkable growth since starting middle school.

My height, which was short compared to my peers, surged up to 174 cm.

Although I feel like I haven’t grown since the beginning of this year, I still believe.

In a future where I surpass 180 cm.

‘It’s just average. Nothing to be disappointed about.’

I tried to comfort myself, but it was hard not to feel let down about my height.

Anyway, that sums up what’s happened so far. There hasn’t been much else.

Oh, maybe there’s one more thing.

Last year, Choi Yeseo became an idol trainee with SN Entertainment.

Her bright personality, cheerful image, looks, and singing skills were all acknowledged.

‘I know nothing about idols, so I can’t say much.’

I’m not interested in the entertainment industry, and it wasn’t surprising since I already knew.

Lee Do-yoon and Choi Yeseo first met at a concert.

So it seems that fate remains unchanged.

Choi Yeseo loves idols, so she’s doing what she likes.

Anyway, although this happened, it’s not really related to me, so I’ve pretty much forgotten about it.

She’s still a trainee, and she consistently attends school, so I trust she’ll manage.

“Ha-eun! Sweep the floor!”

A classmate shoved a desk aside and spoke to me.

I don’t know who it is. I remember him as just another male student.

With the new semester, students are all mixed up, and it’s hard to tell who’s who.

By the end of the school year, just as you start getting familiar, it’s time for the closing ceremony.

It’s enough to bring tears to my eyes out of regret.

I grabbed the broom and dustpan I’d set aside and got up.

I can clean up, at least. I’m not that physically ruined.

There’s nothing that affects my daily life. Except for occasional ringing in my ears or moments when my vision goes black.

‘…Is that an issue?’

I shrugged my shoulders and swept the floor with the broom.

A constant mystery. We clean every day, yet somehow, there’s always the same amount of trash.

From eraser shavings to snack wrappers, plus dust and sand brought in from the playground.

‘Next semester, I’m definitely choosing the teachers’ office for cleaning duty.’

I didn’t volunteer when it was time to choose cleaning areas, and now I’m stuck with this.

As I was swiftly sweeping the floor, a classmate brought in a mop.

I’d like to do that too. But my role is sweeping the classroom floor.

Mopping is a bit out of my league.

After tossing the broom and dustpan into the cleaning supply closet, I returned.

As usual, my seat is at the far end by the window. Typically, it’s where the so-called delinquents sit.

But this is non-negotiable for me. It’s my spot, and I’ve kept it throughout my school years.

The seat next to me? Naturally, it’s Ha Soyeol.

“?”

“Let’s go in about five minutes.”

“Okay.”

She tilted her head, wondering why I was staring.

“What’s for lunch today?”

“Sausage stir-fry and bean paste soup.”

From the front row, Choi Yeseo turned her chair around and asked.

I answered, letting out a lazy yawn, and her face scrunched up.

“Kaaa… This can’t be. Unbelievable…”

It’s not great, but it’s not inedible.

“Snack bar!”

“Didn’t you spend all your money last week?”

“Oh, right…”

She called out “snack bar” happily, but to my knowledge, she spent all her money last week.

Apparently, she used it for idol merchandise.

“What about this month?”

Ha Soyeol, who’d been quietly listening, spoke up.

“Well… I borrowed from this month’s allowance to buy merchandise. Hehe.”

Scratching her head with a sheepish smile, Choi Yeseo received an exasperated look from Ha Soyeol.

“Ugh. Still, I couldn’t pass it up! I had to go that far to get a signed item.”

She nodded in satisfaction, showing no regret.

“Darn… I should’ve saved some for the snack bar.”

She held her head and groaned.

“Everyone, let’s go eat!”

Our homeroom teacher came in, calling for us to go to lunch, and the class emptied in a rush.

Only a few were left in the classroom.

“…Are you going to the snack bar?”

Ha Soyeol asked, and I nodded.

“Lucky…”

“It’s nothing to envy. Come along; I’ll treat you.”

“Really?! Awesome!”

At my offer, Yeseo cheered loud enough to lift the ceiling, and even Soyeol smiled faintly.

We stood up and left the classroom.

Walking down the hallway with the three of us felt kind of strange.

Think about it. I was walking with two stunning girls who naturally drew attention.

And there I was, in the middle.

Of course, rumors that I’m close with them have spread throughout the school.

Come to think of it, Ha Soyeol has made new friends since starting middle school.

Choi Yeseo, of course, has no shortage of friends.

I’m the only one still without any. Tears are clouding my vision.

People think of me as quiet and unnoticeable.

Sure, that’s the role I wanted, but having no friends besides these two is a bit much.

I’d draw for anyone who’d be my friend.

My sadness was quickly shattered by the two girls.

“Yool, I heard that drinking lots of strawberry milk can make your chest grow!”

This kind of girl talks, seriously? There’s a guy here, you know? And don’t talk about that in public.

As soon as she entered the snack bar, Yeseo grabbed two strawberry milks and a chocolate bun.

She even got two strawberry milks.

“I’m good—… Actually, I’ll get strawberry milk too.”

Soyeol, although cringing at Yeseo’s comment, glanced down at herself and naturally picked up two strawberry milks.

Yeseo placed her items on the counter.

“Aren’t you supposed to be managing your weight since you’re a trainee?”

I teased a bit.

“If you enjoy eating, it’s all zero calories. Don’t you know?”

Oh, right. If only.

I hope she comes in tomorrow with a sulky face.

“Are you okay with just that much, Eun?”

Soyeol, holding her two strawberry milks and a soft bread roll, asked.

…Isn’t this a reasonable amount?

I looked down at what I held.

A can of drink and a bag of chips.

Seems like enough to fill me up.

“This much is fine.”

She still looked like she thought it was too little.

“Then, let’s share mine.”

Soyeol offered half of her bread.

“Oh! Me too! I feel like I’ll gain weight if I eat too much.”

You just said it’s zero calories. Her sudden change of heart left me slightly exasperated.

“Sure…”

If I get full, I’ll just say I am.

With our snacks in hand, the three of us headed to a bench overlooking the playground.

There was no warm feeling of a spring day because of the trees, just a cool breeze.

On the playground, some kids were skipping lunch to play.

The so-called “insiders.” One requirement to join them is at least

knowing how to play soccer.

Sigh… should I ask if I can join?

Never mind. I’d probably just get in the way with my lack of stamina.

“Here, Eun.”

Soyeol tore her bread in half and handed it to me.

“Oh, mine too!”

Yeseo did the same, then they both reached into my bag of chips as if on cue.

Hey, why are you taking my stuff…

“Mmm! This is good! I’m happy.”

“Yeah.”

I only had a few pieces of my chips, but thanks to the bread they shared, I was full.

Excitedly, Yeseo pointed at the field.

“Look! Choi Seung-cheol scored a goal!”

Who’s that again? After a moment, I remembered I’d heard the name before.

I think he’s the student council vice president.

He’s very popular with great social skills, though unrelated to me.

“Ha~. Yeah, a man should have that kind of charm.”

Aren’t you aiming to be an idol? Is that okay?

As far as I know, there were no scandals in her future, but she should be cautious.

Yeseo’s gaze turned to me. What are you looking at?

“Meh.”

Her eyes roamed over me quickly, and it felt oddly unsettling. Am I not a man in your eyes?

“It’s okay, Ha-eun. You’re cool too.”

Sure. Guys like me, right? Some people are into the soft, gentle type. There’s demand(?) for people like me.

Even with Soyeol’s reassurance, I couldn’t help feeling down. Extreme measures were needed.

Mental relaxation. I needed to draw.

But how? My pens and paper were all in the classroom.

I checked my pockets and only found my wallet.

But real artists don’t blame their tools.

I looked around. Supplies were all around me.

Tilting my head back, I noticed cherry blossom petals scattered on the ground.

Materials? Check. Tools?

If you don’t have something, make it. I still had my feet.

I stood up and gathered some petals with my feet.

The two girls watched curiously, then seemed intrigued.

A rough collection of cherry blossom petals.

“All right. What should I draw?”

I asked them, ready for whatever they wanted. Confident I could manage anything.

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