I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy-Chapter 96

Let’s leave it at this for now.

Home. Living room.

"Ah, my head..."

After finishing my errands, I came back home and was granted permission to rest.

Of course, there was the awkward condition that I couldn’t go alone.

"I'll go with you. My father said he’s stopping by anyway," Hong Ye-hwa had said, coming to my aid.

I inwardly thanked her as I returned to my room.

"Speaking of which, I wonder how Uncle Hong Jin-hoo is doing. Did the Biennale go well for him?"

Lately, I’ve been so caught up with my work and other matters that I’ve heard little news about him.

Well, he probably handled things just fine on his own. It’s just Teacher Lee Ah-reum I’m worried about.

The Prize is wrapping up around this time, and all sorts of people and attention are converging on her.

It’s bound to be difficult for someone as young(?) as her.

She’ll need someone to support her from the sidelines.

Even though it was under her guidance, I wasn’t entirely uninvolved either.

So I have some say in the matter too.

"Looks like I'll have to board a plane again."

It truly has been a mentally exhausting day.

The next day, I had a private meeting with the chairman.

"Why do you keep wandering around everywhere?"

"I’m just a busy person."

"Hmph. Nonsense."

Why does this old man keep treating me so casually? Not that I mind, though.

"While I’m at it, maybe I should visit the Prize and then head to France to check on Angel."

Since I’ll be heading there eventually, why not take care of everything in one trip?

"Hmm. Anyway, how much time do you need?"

The chairman asked, and I responded,

"Could you give me about a week or so?"

"That’s manageable."

Of course, it wouldn’t be free. He’d probably make good use of me later on.

"Consider it repayment for saving Soo-rin."

"Such generosity."

He really does care deeply for his granddaughter. After expressing my gratitude, I parted ways with the chairman.

As I was massaging my neck while walking through the corridor, I noticed Hong Ye-hwa waiting for me in the distance.

She seemed to be trying to avoid eavesdropping on my conversation, an effort I appreciated.

"Well, this part of the building isn’t exactly soundproof. Maybe because it’s not a critical area?"

Her consideration was kind, but it wasn’t really necessary.

"All done?"

Noticing me, she approached and asked.

I nodded slightly and covered my mouth, stifling a yawn.

"Go ahead and rest first. Don’t waste your break time."

"How much time do you think I’ll get anyway? So, when are we leaving?"

"Tonight. We’ll probably arrive by morning."

"Sounds exhausting."

Hmm. Considering Hong Ye-hwa’s stamina, traveling overnight might be too much for her.

"Hey, Eun, about you…"

Tsk. I don’t have a very expressive face, so why does she always seem to read me so easily?

Thus began yet another trip to the United States, scheduled for the evening.

My father initially said he’d accompany us, but I managed to convince him otherwise.

Still, he was reluctant to let two minors travel alone, so...

"Then shall I go with them?"

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Thankfully, Hong Ye-hwa’s mother volunteered to join us.

Even though she wasn’t in the best health, well, what could we do? Parents can’t resist their children.

In the end, even Ye-hwa lowered her tail and agreed.

And so, here we were, at the airport.

"Mom, want to try this?"

"Hmm, not really my taste."

"Then how about this, ma’am?"

What kind of situation is this? The original group consisted of me, Hong Ye-hwa, and her mother.

But why is she here too?

"You could still go back now, you know."

Just as Yoon-i was about to pop a tanghulu into her mouth, she glared at me.

"There’s nothing to do at home anyway! I want to go too!"

"No, no. If the little sister wants to come, let her."

"Of course! Of course!"

I just hope she doesn’t choke on that tanghulu she’s holding.

"Leave her be. She seems happy."

At that moment, Hong Ye-hwa approached and laughed. She said something to Yoon-i, but none of it reached my ears. I was just zoning out.

My gaze naturally drifted to one spot.

"...Why is Mom here?"

"Doesn’t this lineup feel a bit off? It’s just a team of weaklings."

"......"

And so, the group that boarded the plane consisted of five people, including me.

As I settled into my seat, I began to think deeply.

How did it end up like this? My plan had only included me and Hong Ye-hwa.

Suddenly, I felt sorry for my father, who was left home alone.

"I’ll make sure to be a good son, Dad."

This unfilial act will only last for another year and five months. I promise not to become a spine-breaker.

Resolving firmly in my heart, I massaged the back of my neck.

Every moment seems to be anything but smooth. Ah, I feel dizzy.

***

Somehow, we managed to reach the location where the Prize was being held.

But…

“Ugh...”

My body felt utterly wrecked. Other than that, it had been a satisfying journey.

"Satisfying...?"

I raised my head and looked around. The environment was similar to what I remembered from a year ago.

Artworks were displayed along the streets, and people were busy taking pictures.

It was a scene that seemed to have both changed and stayed the same.

"Let’s just get this over with and head back."

The awards ceremony was in two days—just a little longer. I had already contacted Teacher Lee Ah-reum.

"She better not be late again..."

Hiding my unease, I headed toward the masterpiece that the three of us had created.

Beside me, Hong Ye-hwa was munching on a piece of toast.

Originally, the other three members of our group were supposed to come along, but they were all homebodies, so it was impossible to convince them.

Well, I’m a homebody too. Where is my wretched life headed?

“It was on the third floor, right?”

Hong Ye-hwa asked with a muffled voice, her mouth full of toast.

She was right. The world’s eighth masterpiece was located where my Hollow Snow had been displayed the year before.

Last year, it was Hollow Snow. This year, it’s a masterpiece.

It wasn’t strange to feel at a loss for words.

"Let’s go up. We just need to check on it and then meet the teacher."

Even now, the museum’s Cerberus lingered in my mind.

The masterpiece was important, but in my current situation, my mentor came first.

As I thought about this and climbed the stairs, I felt a tap-tap on my shoulder and turned my head.

“Why do you look so serious? Are you uncomfortable somewhere?”

Hong Ye-hwa was gazing at me with a worried expression.

At her words, I rubbed my face for a moment.

It did feel like my expression was stiff.

With everything piling up, my body wasn’t exactly in great condition.

That might explain the faint fatigue I was feeling.

“I’m fine. Just feeling a bit tense, I guess.”

“Ah, because of Paradise?”

“Yeah... something like that.”

Though the truth was a bit different. Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t even remember the title properly.

Teacher Lee’s garden, with the assistance of me and Hong Ye-hwa.

The painting, reminiscent of Eden with seven animals and a paradise-like landscape, was called Paradise.

Even now, people who had seen it in real life were spreading their impressions online.

What kind of impressions? Their experiences.

They said that once you entered Paradise, you didn’t want to leave.

The outside world felt like hell compared to this place.

It was too warm and cozy here, and so on.

Everyone was talking about their feelings after experiencing Paradise.

"Its influence seems greater than Hollow Snow."

Maybe it was because I’d been detached from society lately, but I hadn’t been keeping up with the news.

“Ah, we’re here.”

Finally, we arrived on the third floor, where a single painting was displayed.

“It’s pretty.”

Unlike other masterpieces, Paradise allowed entry only when someone wanted to enter.

Likewise, leaving was entirely up to the person.

It neither blocked entry nor exit. That was the nature of Paradise.

Its message was simple: come in, rest, and leave as you please.

Looking at the painting, Hong Ye-hwa remarked on its beauty, her red hair shimmering under the light.

Was she going to enter? Probably. This was likely her first time experiencing it since the submission.

"As for me… is there even a need to go in?"

Rather than going back and forth unnecessarily, I just wanted to finish up quickly and leave.

“Eun-ah, let’s go.”

But when our dear Ye-hwa insisted on dragging me along, how could I resist?

In the end, I closed my eyes.

***

When I opened my eyes, I saw a vast, sprawling meadow.

Above it were various gardens and a few animals.

In the center stood a massive tree.

Several animals were resting peacefully around it. This place was Paradise.

A masterpiece that didn’t block those coming or going, and the only safe world among the masterpieces.

"Well, not anymore, actually."

The masterpieces I’ve modified are just as safe as Paradise.

The only difference is the direction each painting pursues.

This place gave me a sense of tranquility.

“Eun-ah, over here.”

Hearing a voice from behind, I turned my head.

Hong Ye-hwa was leaning forward slightly, smiling bashfully as she looked up at me.

"It suits her well."

Normally described as cold, she was a completely different person here.

As I thought about this, something unexpected happened.

"...?"

Hong Ye-hwa was suddenly in front of me—no, right in front of me.

Wait, what just...

"What happened?"

It was so sudden. Her gently curved eyes stared straight at me.

The meadow and garden behind her blurred out of focus.

All I could think about was what had just...

"Ah, she pulled away."

The soft sensation on my lips disappeared.

It had happened so quickly that I could only stare blankly at her.

“A gift.”

Well, life is full of unexpected events.

This must be one of those… right?