#we'll see what the future holds. maybe this flops either way and that's okay i'll survive

[shilodaysworld]

#큐 #뉴

INSPIRED BY : INCEPTION ( ateez )

Pairing : Ji Changmin x Choi Chanhee

Genre : Art & History, Mutual Pining, Painter!Chanhee

[ Year, 1821 ]

Droid never expected that he would have a boyfriend. He is barely known as "a sophisticated boy" who just like to rectify everyone that he loves no one but only himself. Droid fall on his trap per se, no matter how sturdy the walls he built, it is still not enough for him to avoid catching feelings with only one person, Fenetre.

It is so serendipitous yet providential to be chosen by Fenetre, Droid feels like he is the luckiest among blessed people. Aside from Fenetre's physical attributes, he has also good and lovely endowments. He made Droid feel loved and cleansed those stained with mournful erstwhile.

"You've been staring at your masterpiece, mon amour." Droid darted a quick glance over his shoulder and flashes a sweet smile. Fenetre was coming up the walk toward him. Taking one last stroke, Droid put his signature that ran down either side of his painting. He laid his paintbrush carefully across the top of the open paint can at his side and arched his back, biting his lower lip with a pleased glance at the work he'd completed. He wiped his hands on the handkerchief that Fenetre have been offering and ambled down the worn front steps, making a slow survey of Fenetre's broad shoulders and tapering his arms around his lover's waist.

"You know that art is my first language, right?" he returned, dropping his voice to a soft purr as he shoved the paint rag into the back pocket of his frayed cut-offs. "Mon amour, you're so invested in this. I do wonder if you are still getting enough of sleep." Fenetre turned around meeting his eyes to Droid and cups his cheeks. Droid presses a chaste kiss on Fenetre's lips before talking, "I have to put so much effort because this will be shown at royale's ceremony tomorrow, Mon chéri." he pouts, hoping that his lover get what he's trying to say. "Alright, alright. You know that I am always rooting for you, amour." Fenetre retorts and runs his fingers through Droid's soft locks.

"Je vous aime, Fenetre." Droid said, hugging Fenetre tightly, he's so afraid to lose him.

"Je t'aime aussi, Droid." Fenetre sounds so sweet, hugging his significant other back.

"We're soulmates. We'll be together, mon amour."

[ Present, 2021 ]

Chanhee longed for someone whom he can count on and someone who feels like home. Arms that feels barricade that could protect him from every discomfort, agony and misery. Someone who can call his own and will be forever his to keep. He sometime do ask himself, would love ever find him? The discomfort and neglection lingers on his whole system when was alone.

Chanhee was used to live in a cheap apartment, alone. He addresses himself as a 'nobody' after his parents died in a crash. As for Mr. and Mrs. Choi, Chanhee's parents who doesn't want their son to socialize. Chanhee grew up socially inept until he met someone who was there giving him comfort when he need it the most. However, Chanhee's parents found out their friendship. They moved into other place where no one could be friend him. His life when he was with his parents were lugubrious and suffocating but he couldn't deny the fact that he's missing them, he doesn't care about the wealth that his parents has, in fact, he just wanted to be free. To pursue his passion, painting.

"Channie, are you okay?" Chanhee came back to his senses when he heard his bestfriend's voice, Younghoon. Mutters and an evidence that he's worrying about Chanhee.

Chanhee nods and smiles, "Yup! I just needed to take some rest. How's your day with Juyeon, anyway?" Chanhee half-heartedly asked. It's that he's uniterested on what is happening between Juyeon and his best friend.

"Like usual." Younghoon sighs, massaging his temples as if he was in a long day with Juyeon. "Kinda tired but it doesn't matter, I'm all clingy with Ju!" Younghoon flops himself on the bed and getting sleepy. Chanhee just ignore what Younghoon have told him, in favor of letting him sleep because he was so goddamn tired. Chanhee stood up and turns off the light for Younghoon to drift off in a deep sleep.

"Hoon, before I forgot. Would you like to join with me at the art exhibit tomorrow? I need you for moral support. It's the least you can do, Bbanghoonie." Chanhee to wasn't serious at the last sentence albeit the first line was serious. He wasn't asking, it's a request.

"I'll try, Channie. I promise!" Younghoon is getting sleepy so he just shrugged it off and flops himself onto his bed.

"Tomorrow is my day."

Ji Changmin, on the other hand. A piece of an art which was born in mid-winter. He's been into other country for quite a long time. Some parental issues between his parents brought him back in Korea. His mother had an ordinary teenage life until Changmin's father got his mother pregnant at an early stage of life. His father's family were against it, they even accused his mother as a 'gold digger'. The family members of that generation were abusive, pessimists and manipulative. Because of pregnancy and nothing to gain financially, his mother was never able to finish her studies. His mother's family had also rejected her because of her early pregnancy. At that time his mother worked hard to make a living with him every day, surving each day which is very ardous to do. She raised and educated Changmin alone, she'd rather raise her son alone than giving Changmin to his father and inherit the toxic traits that the family ruined her life had. Several years passed, where his mind and heart were fully developed, he had many realizations. How eager his mother to work hard for their future. His love and appreciation for his mother was beyond immeasurable, until one day, one day he found out that they only have months left to be together, due to his mother's breast cancer. Changmin back then, didn't know what to do. Maybe if his mother told him immediately, there may be a way to cure her. But no, his mother used the phrase "I don't want you to worry." as an excuse. Life is so unfair, isn't?

A few months after his mother died, his father found out and offered him to study abroad. Easy? Was it just all a trash? Of course it was not easy for him to forget. Forget the past, how hard they struggled just to survive. He despise his father so much. But even if the world were turned upside down, it was still imprinted in his mind that he was still his father. And that won't change. He soon agreed to his father's offer. The adjustments will not be lost either, especially since his father already has a family.

Changmin took a deep breath before stepping inside at the huge place where art objects are exhibited. He was too determined to study and observe the arts as well the ingenuity of artists. Changmin is so devoted in this, if you'll ask him. He can describe every masterpiece of either professional artist or ordinary people with precise words.

He felt some sort of tranquility as he stepped inside, surveying how large the art museum was. It was huge, very huge. He didn't know Korea has an art museum like this. The place he had stepped in really looked pleasant in every artists' eyes, the color of tanned complexion painted on a high thick masonry structure forming a long rampart. The classic paintings and statues are well-displayed at every corner of the place. "Beautiful, very beautiful." only words he can state. His particular disposition of mind in art museums is "It is always easier to appreciate a place if you know something of its past, and museums certainly help us to do that." He's right, art can bring the past and histories on you.

Changmin examine every pieces his eyes can see. He paused only to clean the damp on his round eyeglasses, not minding the people who passes by.

"Hoonie, are you gonna be here on time?"

Changmin, in despite of busy cleaning his eyeglasses. He momentary halt in an activity as he heard a voice coming from the boy who isn't apart from where exactly he is. He took a glance on a boy who's holding a phone placed on his right ear. "He's familiar." Changmin said only him can perceive of by the ear.

"...Okay. Take care of yourself, too." another words slipped from the boy "he is familiar with". There's a small smile plastered on his face, a vision of disappoinment, perhaps. When he hung up his phone the two of them looked at each other. Changmin panicked, and can't utter words as he wore back his eyeglasses.

"O-oh, oh no. I-i I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I'm sorry!" Changmin stated almost hysterical didn't know what to do.

"Oh, no, no. It's okay! I don't mind at all." It's true, he's not even mad. Far from it, honestly.

"By the way, I've never seen you before. Is this your first time roaming around here? If you don't mind asking. I'm Choi Chanhee, you?" Chanhee reached out his hand, and of course, Changmin gladly accepted it. If you'll ask Changmin what Chanhee looks like, he's so gorgeous. To the point that every men and women would fall in love with the beautiful features he has. His eyes owns miniature galaxies, his thin lips were perfect, moist and pink.

"I'm Changmin. Ji Changmin." Changmin happily introduced himself to Chanhee. "At by any chance, if you're not busy or something. Would you like to roam around with me? Since I am not familiar with every corner of this museum yet." He scratches his back and flashes a timid smile upon asking a favor. Actually, he's too shy to make a request to anyone. Not a fond of it.

"Sure, sure! I'd love that."

Chanhee didn't know what's have gotten on his mind why he's with Changmin right now, him and Changmin will still remain as strangers. Albeit, half of an hour have passed since they started talking and roaming inside the museum, sharing thoughts, about themselves and certain manner under given circumstances as an alternative to art and professional artists' quiddities just to keep their company alive.

"No, actually I don't paint. It's just.. I love to examine the whole extent of painting how the artist give a representation about what they're painting, how they attached their emotions to it." Changmin chuckles at what Chanhee's first impression towards him.

"Oh, I see." Chanhee half-heartedly replied nodding in response at he was inclined to be corrected. 'Changmin has really something', and Chanhee seem wants to know more about him without crossing the line. For him, it's still crucial to set a line between the two unless they're close enough to break the boundaries.

"How about you? I bet you do painting." Changmin stated in a stable voice, he is beyond willing to know more about the boy he's sharing a conversation with. Interested? Maybe.

"Hm. Yup!" he answered his question shortly, popping off his cheeks beforehand adding words. "Actually. I uh.. Would you like to see my painting over there?" Chanhee timidly pointed another area used for exhibition of paintings.

"Woah. Wait, that's a corner where great artists' paintings are displayed, right?" Changmin almost yell at the excitement he felt. "I knew it, you're a great artist!".

"No, no! Not really.." Chanhee bit his lower lip to ease the awkwardness he felt. Not so many people know the concealed talent he has for painting. Since his parents doesn't want him to socialize, he invested a lot of time to nourish his talent. A reason why he is not used to receive compliments from others.

"Here." Chanhee's timidity and anxiousness became more intense as the two of them stood in front on the wall and his painting hang on it perfectly, showcasing the aestheticness of it.

"God. I've never seen such a beautiful piece like this." Changmin expressed casually, with regard to the mind flabbergasted. He wanted to take a picture of as his souvenir but he don't think he can disremember his Gouache Painting. He love the colorsl, texture and he is lack of hesitation that Chanhee didn't put a meaning behind the painting that Changmin staring at. He could do this all day, because he firmly believe that showing esteem and admiration at Chanhee's painting is a worth of time.

"Thank you, thank you so much." Chanhee replied and frown.

"You really deserve a recognition, you know?" Changmin's voice gruff as he angle his camera to Chanhee and took two or more shots without a bit taller man's permission.

"C-Changmin! What you are doing.." only then did Chanhee notice that Changmin was secretly taking a picture of him as he heard a flashing sound from Changmin's camera.

"You're being photographed, is it bad?" Changmin chuckles at how cute Chanhee's reaction was.

"N-no.." Chanhee lose count at how many times he bit his lower lip since they started talking, a mix of ardent and happiness filled him. Chanhee, himself doesn't know what's happening to him. The two laughed as they find amusing their interaction was. Changmin and his not-so-rude behavior soon forgotten.

Another hour have passed but the two of them are still having a good time on each other's company. Changmin have been waiting for so long to have a process by which information is exchanged between them through a common system of symbols. Though the two of them just met, Changmin feels like he would depend on Chanhee no matter what happen.

"Min." Chanhee called him and Changmin answered in a hum, enough for Chanhee to hear. "I really hope this won't be the last time I see you here. This is my first time sharing a long conversation with someone. I am beyond glad, we have too many similarities especially in arts." There is a hint of sincerity at his voice while he utters those words. Changmin's face lifts up brighter than ever, upon hearing Chanhee's sweet voice and words. And the nickname Chanhee gave him butterflies. "Of course, Chanhee. I would love to!" Changmin shows his dimples and from ear to ear smile.

The two of them enjoyed the camaraderie throughout the day until they've decided to go to within a short distance from the art museum to grab something to eat. Sharing light conversations, Changmin and Chanhee are no longer strangers. An hour and half have anew to their inseparability, Changmin assured himself he wouldn't inhale the strawberry and peach scent of Chanhee. He mentally frowned as he took a quick glance at his wrist watch. The apparent descent of the sun below the horizon, it's past 6 o'clock in the mid-afternoon. Changmin wanted to stay with him, if you would ask him. He could keep coming back for more.

"What's the matter?" Chanhee dropped a sweetest voice after sipping his coffee from his cup as he noticed Changmin's actions.

"I- I'm going to leave as soon as possible, for some important matter. But I don't want to leave you alone here." Changmin answered in a worrying voice but it's true he have something to do important things it's so sad that he'll leave Chanhee when in fact all he wanted to do is to be with him until midnight. He wanted to know more about Chanhee, Choi Chanhee.

"Changmin, it's okay. I'm gonna stay here for awhile, don't worry about me, okay?" Chanhee doesn't want Changmin to be apologetic. "Well. I'll see you soon?" Chanhee said, his quality of voice once again hearty and hale.

Changmin stood up, indicates that he is leaving soon. "Of course, we'll see each other soon. I got to go, now. It was nice meeting with you, Chanhee." Changmin wholeheartedly said beforehand parting ways with Chanhee.

Chanhee smiles to himself upon recalling the ecstatic scenes he and Changmin have shared together throughout their day. Changmin has really something.

Chanhee hung the door open, the busy Younghoon shown up with the papers scattered on the side of his table, laptop infront of him and his rite of dedicating to finish whatever he is doing as soon as he widely opened it.

"I'm home." Chanhee dropped a low voice and placed his shoes neatly beside the footsteps. Seem his roommate didn't notice his arrival so he just stepped inside and shrugged it off. Younghoon is a busy person so Chanhee wouldn't ask him why he didn't escort him in art exhibit. Chanhee understands it, he should think about the right and feelings of other people. In fact, he enjoyed his day with his new found friend, Ji Changmin. Changmin's words of affirmation and smiles are still lingers through his mind, it was saccharine sweet.

Chanhee flopped himself onto his soft mattress saying 'goodnight' to his roommate. This is the nice and unforgettable day in his entire life, he wouldn't be exaggerated. It was really his first time to meet someone who really likes him, has a lot of parallelism. Chanhee should be thankful to the talks he shared with Changmin, he found out what he really is behind his stoic expression the first time their eyes met. Changmin is so sweet, so fervent and so gentle. Being his friend is the only thing he can bestow.

Chanhee closes his eyes and drifted off to sleep . . .

"L'art et le passé vous ramèneront."