“Impulsive droplets of crimson and gold, litter and splash onto the canvas. A vision that's thought within, but yet to behold, an artist never grows tired…”

From the moment he began to comprehend the world around him, he perceived it as an unblemished canvas, eager to be adorned and saturated with vibrant, exotic hues… The skies, the land, the very atmosphere... He held a vision.

The world would be his canvas…

…and he would be the painter and transform this boring world into something magnificent.

In this realm, many are endowed with numerous gifts, skilled and fortunate, and Junji was no exception. At just ten years old, he earned the title of the youngest artist in the world, yet he did not settle there. By the age of sixteen, he had crafted one of the most exquisitely painted works, rivaling masterpieces from ages past, which even led to his first exhibition and garnered him fans globally. He dedicated himself each day to sketching his visions and dreams onto paper, aspiring for ambitions greater than himself. A true dreamer, he continues to dream even after achieving so much. What may appear to some as a significant milestone in this new generation, to Junji, was simply another stride toward the vision he had as a child. Few comprehend the thoughts of someone so abstract and unconventional. While others perceive things as merely beautiful or stunning, Junji views them with an understanding that surpasses the surface.His imagination was limitless.

Now a college student, at the pinnacle of his life and career, he has conducted numerous exhibitions and created nearly a thousand breathtaking abstract paintings, as well as many stunning sculptures. Many believe he embodies the talent of the world's most celebrated artists combined!...

Junji Rhee, a young man fueled by a grand dream…

Is presently engaged in a fierce staring contest with the canvas

With his paintbrush poised in his hand, he remained still and motionless atop the huge canvas spread across the floor. Paint flocked and danced the palette in vibrant heaps, but his artist’s eye saw only dull, lifeless hues…stolen by the absence of inspiration that gnawed at his core like an unrelenting beast. He wanted to paint and paint, but he felt detached from his work, which was a rarity back when he was much younger, and full of inspiration…but as of late, he couldn't seem to do anything with a brush, nor with a chisel. Whenever he picked up an instrument to put to work, he found himself drained and lacking, simply empty and dead.

“...I don't understand…Why am I having so much trouble just to simply make a stroke?” Junji hissed under his breath, his delicate features scrunched into a tight scowl at the canvas, as if the canvas was to blame for the sudden drop in creativity. His grip on his brush tightened to that of a vice, straining the wooden handle to the point that it snapped from the force. Regardless, even after it did, Junji didn't seem to care, he probably didn't even notice, his eyes were only dead set on the canvas, the hand that had held the brush still clenched tightly with the remaining pieces of wood tightly encased in his hands.

He had been staring at the canvas like this since the early hours of the morning, knelt over it, he attempted to try and paint something for his next upcoming exhibition, which wouldn't be till some months from now, but realized that he honestly couldn't even make a line. His thoughts blank the moment he picked up the brush to try and paint something. Eventually, after a long period of silence, his lips turned into a pained open mouth sneer, “...I need a break.” He concluded. It was a practical, harmless idea that crossed his mind, an obvious observation too at that. He truly did need a break, after all, everyday it was either he was envisioning what he would create next, or he would spend hours destroying his hands just to perfectly design a stone sculpture, there were times when his hands would bleed from how much he would overexert himself just trying to get every detail right, but at the time it didn't matter to him, so long as he achieved what it was that he was envisioning in that moment, he was satisfied.

He figured that years of inadequate rest had finally taken their toll, leaving his mind at the mercy of exhaustion. No matter, he decided that it was time for a well-deserved break. He thought that during this pause, he would reassess his current way of life, suspecting that it might have contributed to his creative block. But that was a concern for another day; for now, he felt weary, not in body but in spirit. “I… Let’s just put these away, shall we?” he said to himself, realizing he was clutching the broken remnants of his paintbrush, astonished that he had actually snapped his favorite tool in half. Regrettably, he tossed aside the shattered brush and its fragments, stood up, and stepped away from the canvas. For a moment, he simply gazed at the incomplete colors on the canvas. The wild combination of shades swirling together led him to ponder, “What exactly was I trying to create this time?”

At that moment, it struck him. He was in need of a muse.

It had been roughly two years since he had last experienced the influence of a muse, someone who served as the focal point of all his creative energies. His previous muse was a person he cherished deeply, but due to certain circumstances, that individual had departed the country in search of better opportunities. One might question what could be more appealing than being a muse for one of Manhattan's top artists. Perhaps it was the chance to finally start the game company that had long been a dream for them. Everyone had aspirations, and that person had finally pursued theirs, unfortunately leaving Junji behind.

Junji never held it against them; he even supported their decision, which demonstrated how much he cared for them and wanted their happiness. However, now he found himself completely alone, even more distressing was his inability to draw a single line on paper—how humiliating.

With a deep sigh, he rolled up the canvas and leaned it against the wall by the windowsill. His gaze wandered outside to the campus grounds, observing as other students went about their lives, blissfully unaware of Junji’s struggles. He resided on campus, occupying his own dorm room, as the university graciously provided him with a studio so he wouldn't even have to step foot of campus as that on its own was a hassle. His exhibitions had attracted many students to attend, so he had become somewhat of a campus celebrity. Naturally not by his choosing. But as the saying goes, “You reap what you sow.”, and Junji had reaped quite a handful of things, not that he was complaining, but he guess it was just overwhelming at times.

His thoughts drifted, and at times his eyes lazily followed one person after another until they landed on one of the campus's massive oak trees. “Hmm..” he hummed, contemplating whether he should take a break outside and gaze at the sky for a while. The shade offered by the tree looked incredibly inviting from his position. So, without hesitation, he gathered the remaining materials, turned off the lights, secured the studio, and slung his bag strap over his shoulder, “Farewell, for now.” he mused with a faint smile, waving goodbye to his studio before shifting his focus ahead and making his way down the hall. Indeed, he was an unusual character. Lacking close friends, he frequently talked to himself and the objects around him, which earned him peculiar looks from those nearest to him, including his parents, some family members, his agent, and his manager. However, his manager had grown accustomed to his quirks, as she often spent time with him when her schedule permitted.

“Ah, I should probably let Lisa know I’m taking a little break... or should I call it a hiatus?” he mused, uncertain about the spontaneity of his decision. While he walked, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone to text the person in question, informing her of his plans. Just a few minutes later, and mind you, he hadn't even reached the ground floor yet, his phone began to ring. Unsurprisingly, it was Lisa.

“Lisa?”

“Junji! You're going on hiatus?! Are you unwell? Oh my god! I hope it's not some illness, is it your allergies!?..” The young woman exclaimed over the phone, sounding every bit like a concerned mother. Junji felt a bit overwhelmed yet simultaneously touched by her worry for him. Gently, he responded, “I’m fine, Lisa. I just don’t feel like painting at the moment. That’s all.”

“Really? Are you sure you’re okay?.. How long do you plan to take this break, my dear?” she inquired, still sounding anxious but less frantic. Junji paused to think about her question, his gaze drifting to the ceiling. After a few moments, he replied in a calm tone, “As long as it takes, Lisa. Can’t I just let you know when I’m ready to come back?” He then tilted his head slightly, frowning as he considered. Determining the duration of his absence hadn’t occurred to him; he believed that creativity shouldn’t be confined to a schedule. Lisa took a brief moment to ponder his response before saying, “Alright, I trust you’ll return to the art scene soon. I won’t pressure you… I’ll inform Mark that you’re going on hiatus. Okay?” Junji nodded, answering with a simple, “Yes, thank you. Please tell Mark-Hyung I said ‘hi’, see you later.”

“Enjoy your rest, bye!~ We’ll be here waiting!” she cooed on the other end, with the call disconnecting soon after. Junji pulled the phone away from his ear to look at the screen for a brief moment. A small smile appeared on his face. He felt truly grateful for someone like Lisa; she was truly the best manager anyone could wish for. Without her, he couldn’t imagine where he would be in his career; she had been an unwavering guiding light, and he was thankful for everything she had done for him.

"She’s far too kind to me," he mused, the smile still gracing his lips. After slipping his phone into his pocket, he continued his walk until he found himself outside. The sun's warm embrace greeted him, along with fellow students from his department and others. Some paused to chat briefly, while others merely waved from a distance. Despite not being particularly outgoing, his artwork had made him quite popular. At times, this fame felt burdensome. He often found himself surrounded and bombarded with questions about his life and work during public events. People had a tendency to idolize those they admired, treating them like deities, yet Junji was no deity; he was simply a man. He too had someone he looked up to, but he regarded that person with respect rather than reverence, which he genuinely felt. Humanity was peculiar; everyone was indeed peculiar.

As he meandered through the picturesque campus fields, the gentle breeze tousled his white hair. He soon arrived at the oak tree he had spotted from his studio window earlier. However, as he approached, he noticed a figure suspended from one of the branches, clutching what appeared to be a camera. "Umm..." Junji hummed, slightly puzzled by their actions, but he didn’t look away. Instead, he walked until he stood directly beneath the tree, close enough to identify the person hanging from the branch, and what he saw left him utterly speechless.

There hung a young man, his legs wrapped around the branch, hanging upside down with a carefree grin illuminating his handsome face. Most of his features were obscured by the camera he held before him, while his dreadlocks floated freely in the air.

"How... stunning," Junji whispered, captivated by how someone could exude such beauty while performing a simple act like hanging upside down from a tree. To Junji, the young man radiated brilliance, his dark skin shimmering in the sunlight, his black shirt riding up slightly to reveal his flat, toned stomach. It appeared that the young man was capturing a photograph?

Intrigued by the subject of the photograph, he followed the angle of the camera, discovering that it was directed at the sky above. "Incredible..." Junji breathed in awe as he stared upwards; the sky appeared even more otherworldly to him in that moment. Quickly, he shifted his attention back to the suspended figure and exclaimed,

"Please! Be my inspiration!"

The dark-skinned individual, preoccupied with adjusting his camera lenses, had not noticed Junji until he called out. Lowering the camera from his eyes, he regarded Junji with an easygoing smile, one eyebrow raised, and his smile soon blossomed into a wide grin. Without a second thought, he nodded and responded playfully,

"Absolutely! As long as you'll be mine too!~"

"Please! Be my muse!”

Junji exclaimed in that moment, his eyes sparkling like precious stones, his heart pounding. It felt as if a flame had ignited within him, and he was eager to dive into this sensation…what he experienced when he looked at the dark-skinned man before him was an indescribable feeling, one that no matter how articulate a scholar might be, they couldn't fully express.

The photographer, who hadn’t noticed Junji until he called out, set his camera aside to see who had summoned him. With a playful smile and a teasing grin, he responded, “Of course! As long as you’ll be mine too!~” leaving Junji breathless at how readily the other had accepted. Junji realized that even the mysterious stranger's smile sent tingles down his spine. It was astonishing that someone could possess such striking beauty, as if he was created for art and art was crafted just for him…In Junji's eyes, Ekenem epitomized what it meant to be a muse. Stunning, enigmatic, carefree, and exuding confidence without any trace of doubt.

“Yeah…He’s the one.”

Junji mused inwardly, feeling thrilled and genuinely pleased with his discovery. He hadn’t even put in much effort, and it seemed as though the solution to all his motivational struggles had gracefully landed in his lap. It felt as if someone out there could see his challenges and sent this man into his life. Perhaps, a divine blessing? He felt happy and thankful already, having learned next to nothing about the individual.

“Hey, do you mind if I snap a photo of you right now?”

“Hm?—”

With the snap of a finger, Junji emerged from his reverie, refocusing his gaze on the man still perched on the tree branch. They locked eyes, the stranger beaming warmly as Junji stared back with a blank, bewildered expression.

“A picture—?”

“Got it! Thanks!”

The man exclaimed with joy, the sound of a click ringing in Junji's ears. For a fleeting moment, the snow-haired young man wasn’t quite sure what had just happened. Noticing his confusion, the dark-skinned male flashed a comforting smile and said, “I just captured your photo. You’ll be my muse too, won’t you?” His tone was playful and perhaps slightly flirtatious, though Junji couldn’t determine for sure, as he never excelled at reading social cues. “You…took my picture?” Junji inquired, wincing slightly as his pink lip pulled into a faint frown, irritated by the thought of his photo being taken without his consent. The man with the camera lowered his device as he shifted his focus away for a moment, then returned his attention to Junji. He noticed his expression and realized that Junji felt uneasy. “Oh, apologies! I did ask, didn’t I? Oops, I guess I should’ve waited for your ‘yes’, my mistake!~” he chuckled, his demeanor laid-back and sincere. It was evident that the photographer didn’t mean any harm by it, and Junji recognized this much. With a slight nod of understanding, Junji replied, “It’s fine…I was just caught off guard—”

“The thing is…” the guy cut in, his gaze shifting from Junji's face to his camera, deftly manipulating the buttons to adjust and set what was necessary, “…you looked incredibly pretty, and I've never seen a guy as beautiful as you before. Plus, the expression you had was truly exotic…Here! Take a look for yourself.” He said, flipping the camera around and giving Junji a chance to see. Feeling a bit bewildered, Junji cautiously leaned in closer to take a peek. Gently, he reached out to grasp the camera, their hands brushing against each other in a brief touch. Junji gazed down at the image displayed on the camera, and he found it hard to believe. It was undeniable, he looked absolutely magical. “W-wow…”

“Just out of this world, right? You're gorgeous, man.” The male muse grinned with a carefree smile, his eyelids slightly drooping. Junji's expression seemed to bring him the most joy. Junji stared at the camera a bit longer, then suddenly remarked, “Sun-Kissed-Hyung…You really know what you’re doing.” This caught the photographer off guard. “Sun-kissed…what?...Pffffft…” Before Junji knew it, the person he was addressing erupted in laughter. His hands went to his stomach as he tilted his head back, laughing with such enthusiasm that he lost his balance and tumbled off the tree. Yet even after his fall, he continued to chuckle.

The entire scene left Junji speechless and utterly shocked, exclaiming, “Jesus! Are you okay?!” He reached out to help him up, tossing his camera aside as his primary concern was the photographer's well-being. The dark-skinned man appeared unhurt; in fact, he just kept laughing.

“Yeah, I'm fine! I just find what you said hilarious,” the male explained. Junji was puzzled. He stared at the laughing man and wondered what could possibly be so funny about his words. “...Sun-Kissed-Hyung?” He repeated, thinking perhaps that was what had triggered the other's spontaneous laughter. Right after saying it again, the dark-skinned male threw his head back and laughed even harder.

“Sun-Kissed-Hyung!...Pffft, that’s adorable!” He teased, finally calming down. Sitting up, he relaxed into a position with one knee raised and the other curled beneath it, his arm resting on the raised knee. He gazed directly into Junji's eyes, his smile transforming into a playful smirk. The two found themselves face to face, only inches apart. Junji became aware of this and attempted to move away but felt frozen in place by the man’s intense stare. After several moments of eye contact, the man said, “I’m Ekenem Richardson…Pleasure to meet you. Let’s get along from now on, shall we?”

Ekenem grinned playfully and extended his hand toward Junji, clearly indicating a desire for a handshake. However, Junji was so taken aback that he hesitated, and by the time he reached out for the handshake, Ekenem had pulled him into a warm embrace, exclaiming, “Let’s be friends! I like you!” The exuberant male embraced Junji tightly, his hand playfully ruffling Junji's hair. Junji felt startled by the sudden hug, warmth creeping across his cheeks at the closeness. “S-sure!...I'd love that,” he finally managed to stammer, a shy smile appearing on his face as he awkwardly hugged back. Having limited experience with physical closeness outside his family, he felt a mix of nervousness and awkwardness. In contrast, Ekenem appeared completely unfazed, which made sense considering he was the one who initiated the hug.

Ekenem released Junji first, placing his hands gently on Junji's shoulders as he maintained eye contact with him. Junji felt intensely awkward about their proximity and longed to look away, yet each time their eyes met, he felt an inexplicable urge to hold his gaze, as if Ekenem had cast a spell on him. “Sorry if I seem rude… But are you by chance trans?...” Ekenem inquired, causing Junji’s eyebrows to rise in surprise. Transgender? That was a first for him. He had often been told he possessed androgynous features, but being mistaken for transgender? That was definitely a new experience.

Regardless, Junji didn’t feel offended; in fact, he found it amusing and decided to playfully tease this person for a moment. As he took his time to respond, Ekenem closely scrutinized Junji’s features, capturing every nuance of the porcelain-skinned young man. “What if I were? Would that be bad?” Junji eventually replied, his tone even and collected. This piqued Ekenem’s interest. Ekenem tilted his head and smirked, seemingly catching on to Junji’s teasing tone, and with a charming grin, he said, “Not really. Everyone is beautiful. I asked out of curiosity, are you offended, Mr?...”

“Junji. I’m Junji Rhee. And no, not at all.”

“I see!...Junji…Your name is just as lovely as you are,” Ekenem remarked with a smile, prompting Junji to mirror the grin in response. Although it was meant to be a lighthearted tease, Junji genuinely appreciated Ekenem's compliment. He wholeheartedly agreed that everyone is beautiful; being told his name was beautiful made him even happier, causing him to blush at the other’s sweetness. Carefully, he moved Ekenem’s hands from his shoulders in order to reclaim some personal space. He felt a rush of warmth, his heart racing once again; the sensation felt oddly familiar, as he hadn’t experienced anything like it in two years.

“You know, you’re actually quite a nice guy,” the dark-skinned young man remarked with a goofy grin. “I’m surprised you didn’t scold me for asking such a question. Most people do. This is America, after all. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly been punched or sued for speaking like that,” Ekenem laughed lightly, leaning back on his hands. His gaze shifted from Junji to the tree canopy above, observing how sunlight filtered through the dappled leaves.

“...And you know, people generally dislike that sort of thing,” Ekenem said softly, almost as if he were mourning, his gaze lowered to the grass they were sitting on, his smile still present but less prominent. He paused for a brief moment, seemingly lost in thought. Junji observed him with curiosity, wondering what Ekenem might be pondering, and then, as if suddenly struck by an idea, Ekenem resumed, “People don’t like to face the truth. Most would rather hear a few lies.” He laughed, making eye contact with Junji for just a moment before his gaze wandered again as he continued, “In fact, every day, people lie to one another to prevent hurting or upsetting each other. These days, everyone is so delicate—the smallest comment that wouldn't have mattered years ago now carries tremendous weight and, once it’s out…Boom! You’ve triggered an explosion!” he emphasized his message with a gesture that mimicked an explosion, even going so far as to make sound effects. Junji watched in silence, uncertain of how to respond. Although Ekenem’s words left him puzzled, he couldn’t quite disagree, even if the way it was stated was rather…blunt. But perhaps it was this very candidness that made Ekenem’s point valid. People are sensitive; no one wishes to be hurt, which seemed fair enough to Junji. Now he found himself lost in thought as well.

“Sorry...!” Ekenem exclaimed suddenly, pulling Junji back to the present. Junji looked over to see Ekenem with a sheepish grin, laughing as an attempt to ease the atmosphere, “...I didn’t mean to go on and on. I should be on my way anyway. We both have classes to attend.” He mused, sounding somewhat embarrassed. Junji couldn’t help but notice the slight apologetic tone in Ekenem’s voice, almost as if he regretted being so honest. This minor annoyance prompted Junji to speak before considering his words, “Why are you apologizing? You were merely sharing your thoughts and feelings…what? Did you think I’d be upset?... Please never apologize for your honesty, even if the truth is unpleasant.” He rushed through it all, leaving Ekenem looking quite bewildered. Junji held Ekenem’s gaze as Ekenem did the same. The atmosphere around them turned peacefully quiet, with only the distant chatter of students and the sound of the wind being heard.

Realizing that perhaps he himself had been overly blunt, even for Ekenem, he attempted to soften his words, “Uh…Sorry, that came out…harsher than I meant.”

“It’s fine! You’re right. Thank you,” Ekenem quickly interjected, a radiant smile spreading across his face, his starry blue eyes sparkling with glee. It was as if his entire face illuminated like fireworks, and Junji found himself unable to look away.

“Gorgeous…” he breathed out, loud enough for Ekenem to hear. With an arched eyebrow, the dark-skinned boy smirked and leaned forward, tilting his head as he slightly bent at the waist and rested his elbows on his knees, “I’m beautiful? Have I managed to charm you? Perhaps you’ve developed feelings for me?” he declared boldly, leaving Junji struggling to comprehend.

Developing feelings for him? Absurd; Junji simply found him intriguing and captivating, nothing more, nothing less. Thus, he replied calmly, “Don’t be ridiculous. I merely thought your expression was beautiful. I wasn’t suggesting anything romantic.” Huffing right after and jerking his head to the side, his arms crossed over his chest almost defiantly. Ekenem chuckled at this demeanor and released a playful laugh, responding smoothly, “Alright, Mr. Junji~ Whatever you wish, I’m in.” His tone clearly suggesting something much deeper. Even Junji could perceive it, and the notion caused him to roll his eyes, making a concerted effort to hold back any blush that might creep onto his cheeks and reveal his awkwardness. Ekenem was definitely a character, that much was certain.

“I’ll join you.” Junji stated, attempting to shift the topic, his expression composed, his gaze returning to Ekenem's. Ekenem didn’t show any sign of discontent with the suggestion; rising to his feet, he brushed off his jeans and took a brief walk to retrieve his camera, inspecting it for any damages, but finding none. He seemed to be contemplating Junji's offer to accompany him. And Junji was perfectly fine with waiting for his response, gradually getting to his feet as well, only then realizing he had tossed his bag aside during the earlier incident with Ekenem falling from the tree.

“You don’t want me to tag along?..” Junji inquired, an eyebrow raised in curiosity at Ekenem as he too bent down to grab his bag from the grass, brushing it off and slinging it over his shoulder. He redirected his gaze back to Ekenem, noticing that Ekenem was also looking at him. A brief silence hung in the air, until finally, Ekenem responded with his trademark carefree grin, “Nah, you can come along. That is, if you're okay with ditching your classes!” He added with a playful jab at Junji. Junji easily dismissed the comment and replied casually, “My classes are dull. You’re far more captivating than anything else at the moment.”

“Oh? Am I?” Ekenem remarked, genuinely surprised to hear something so embarrassingly sincere from someone like Junji, but he remained unfazed. As he walked past the white-haired boy, he gave him a playful pat, signaling him to follow as he said, “I guess the sentiment is mutual, right? Shall we?” He flashed Junji a friendly smile, to which Junji responded with a neutral expression. However, his demeanor softened into a smile of his own as he nodded,

"Absolutely. Let’s go."

Junji was unsure what the time initially was, in fact he could only presume it was most likely mid-day solely judging by how busy campus was at the time. As they navigated through the bustling campus, Ekenem's long strides kept Junji on his toes, which was comical as Junji was much taller than Ekenem, yet he was having a hard time keeping up with the shorter male. The photographer's enthusiasm was palpable, his sky blue eyes sparkling with anticipation as he led the way. Junji matched his pace, seemingly content to follow, though a hint of curiosity lingered in his light pink eyes. A furtive glance at Ekenem's lean but athletic form wouldn't have gone unnoticed – the way the sunlight danced across his sun-kissed skin, or the way his black hair framed a face so effortlessly captivating, Junji was undeniably smitten, he couldn't believe someone so pretty existed.

There’s a saying that art is subjective, and beauty lies in the eyes of those who admire it…Yet in this moment, Ekenem was undoubtedly more stunning and aesthetically captivating than any artwork Junji could craft or encounter. It was verging on obsession; Junji’s sudden infatuation with the dark-skinned male was undeniable.

“Almost there! Just around this corner. It’s a practical class, right? Towards the studio!” Ekenem called over his shoulder, his tone a mix of eagerness and confidence. His voice jolted Junji from his thoughts. It was becoming increasingly embarrassing how easily he lost himself in his mind whenever Ekenem was around, but he tried to push the feeling aside and concentrate on following him. Junji gave a slight nod in acknowledgment of Ekenem, offering a subtle smile, his focus locked onto Ekenem's words, particularly the mention of "studio," which sparked his curiosity. His brows knitted together, a flicker of interest crossing his features. He mused, “A studio, huh?...He’s in the same department I am?...Not exactly. Our classes are different, or else I would’ve met him by now…then again, I tend to zone out in class and not really pay attention to those around me…So…” His gaze suddenly drifted skyward, his thoughts still spinning as he tried to piece together whether he might have crossed paths with Ekenem before but simply hadn’t noticed him until now.

As they turned the corner, Junji noticed the neatly dressed students rushing off to their next classes. He trailed behind Ekenem into one of the sub-buildings on campus, the sounds from the outdoors diminishing, replaced by the soft chatter of classrooms and the buzz of creative energy. Ekenem, seemingly unfazed by the approaching lesson, guided Junji through the vibrant hallway lined with student art. His stride was quick yet casual, as if he was keen to reach their destination without slowing down. “Here we are,” Ekenem announced with a playful punch to the door, signaling their entrance to anyone inside. The sign above read ‘Photography Studio,’ and Ekenem's excitement shone through his demeanor as he turned the handle and swung the door open, revealing a spacious area filled with various photography gear and backdrops. The main feature of the studio was a large, makeshift stage positioned at the center, equipped with draped fabric, tripods, and softbox lights.

“Welcome to the photography team’s humble workshop!”

Ekenem proclaimed proudly, his eyes sparkling with the passion of a dedicated artist. Junji stepped inside, his gaze sweeping across the collection of props and setups, a blend of wonder and apprehension flickering across his graceful features. As his eyes adjusted to the soft, diffused lighting, he became entranced by the overwhelming creativity that radiated from every corner of the studio. Props of varying shapes and colors were meticulously arranged, ready to be transformed into tools for artistic expression at any moment. A vintage rug, a weathered wooden door, even what seemed to be fragments of an old, ornate mirror, among other things! It was invigorating and a refreshing departure from the usual art studios Junji frequented.

“So...this is a photography studio?”

He said aloud in genuine admiration, absorbing his surroundings. Ekenem observed him with a teasing smile, finding Junji's wide-eyed wonder completely delightful. “Yeah, you’ve never set foot in one before? Figures! You’re probably always holed up in that art studio of yours, or in classes, or maybe even hiding away in your room. You’re ridiculously introverted; it’s amazing that you’re so well-liked.” Ekenem would casually tease with a sense of indifference, shrugging as he wandered deeper into the room, the sound of his sneakers squeaking against the polished wooden floor as he moved. Junji couldn’t refute Ekenem’s comments, yet he had a feeling that the other was subtly mocking him; he wasn’t certain, but he chose not to let Ekenem provoke him, so he quietly admired the spacious studio instead.

The room was quite inviting and expansive, designed in a manner that welcomed natural light whenever it could, with large windows on one side filling the space with sunlight that harmoniously clashed with the bright LED lighting within. A striking, modern design instantly catches the eye - sleek wooden floors shining in reflection, crisp white walls accented with splashes of deep blue. Skylights incorporated into the design also help filter natural light, enhancing a sense of openness that supports the various functions of the studio. Along the walls, adjustable workstations and elevated tables offer ample space for students to arrange their cameras, tripods, and lighting gear. In one corner, a comfortable lounge area beckons for relaxation, with plush sofas and armchairs set around low tables filled with photography books and concept boards. The overall atmosphere of the room was so relaxed and soothing that it hardly felt like a classroom or practice space; it resembled more of a hangout spot among peers.

Yet, one question lingered in Junji's mind…

“Where…Is everyone?” He voiced aloud with a perplexed expression, wondering why the room was so empty. He glanced at Ekenem for clarification, knowing he had definitely heard his inquiry, and noticed him fiddling with a camera lens, likely adjusting his own equipment. Gradually, Ekenem shifted his attention away from his task to meet Junji's gaze, and with a laid-back grin, he responded, lightly tilting his head as he shrugged, “We’re early. Or maybe they’re at the other studio, who can say? Right?” He then released a carefree laugh, turning towards one of the high tables filled with equipment, momentarily turning his back to Junji.

Ekenem's reply left Junji completely puzzled. Unless this was a private studio, surely other students should already have arrived, or were they genuinely that early? He wasn’t familiar with how the photography team’s schedule operated, so he felt utterly lost. He decided to dismiss it as a possibility that they were just early and refrained from overthinking the situation, despite feeling a bit anxious being alone in a space with Ekenem.

“Hm?...Anxious?...Why would I feel anxious about something so trivial?..."

He pondered, suddenly becoming aware of his own unease. Why on earth should he feel anxious?...

“Ekenem!!!! Oh my goshy woshy!~ You’re early! You neeeerrrdd!!!”

A voice unexpectedly burst into the room, calling out for the dark-skinned boy’s attention as a student entered, their loud outcry overshadowing the clicking sound of the door, followed by the noise of fellow students arriving and chatting. The whole scene caught Junji off guard.

“Oh! Heya, Niko!” Ekenem exclaimed with a charming smile, waving at the incoming individual, “You guys are late! How unprofessional!” Ekenem playfully scolded the individual, eliciting a dramatic eye roll as the person rushed to give the dark-skinned male a warm hug. Junji observed quietly, blending into the background while the other students entered the studio, engaged in animated conversations, almost unaware of his presence at first.

“Ugh, Niko!...” one student sighed in exasperation as he plopped heavily onto a cushion in the corner, “Quit clinging to Ekenem right after lunch! He’s not your boyfriend!” His playful jibe caused a ripple of laughter among the other students, leaving Junji feeling puzzled.

“Hmph, not yet!~” Niko shot back with a teasing tone, their lips twisting into a charming smile as they wrapped their arms around Ekenem's forearm, nestled against the dark-skinned boy who appeared unfazed by the closeness. Ekenem was smiling, his focus more on fiddling with his camera. For some strange reason, the way this ‘Niko’ individual interacted so intimately with Ekenem sparked a wave of unease and annoyance in Junji, as though something was burning in his chest, yet he couldn’t identify what it was.

Junji’s gaze scrutinized every detail of Niko’s appearance, and Niko was undeniably attractive... he thought. They had a fluid androgyny, similar to himself, and he didn't want to make assumptions about their gender. With long, jet-black hair, noticeable eyelashes, and a curvy silhouette, Niko hinted at a typical female form, but Junji understood that it was more complex than that, especially in today’s world. Clad in a cream-colored, long-sleeve crop top, black high-waisted shorts, and stylish black knee-high boots, their attire was relatively modest.

Twelve individuals occupied the room, Ekenem and Junji included. The practical class was on the verge of beginning. Before long, the professor entered, dressed casually like the rest. A relaxed vibe permeated the space.

“Alright, alright! Enough chit-chat, kids! Let’s kick this party off— Hm?...” The middle-aged man halted, his gaze landing on Junji, both locking eyes at that moment. The sudden silence from their professor drew the group’s attention, following his gaze until it settled on Junji.

“Uh…Who…Wait..You're Junji Rhee!!” one of the students burst out in excitement, marveling at the fact that Junji was actually in their studio.

Junji had built quite the reputation for himself, known for seldom socializing with peers around campus. While he occasionally waved back or responded when called, he typically spent most of his time isolated in his own studio. Therefore, his appearance in the Photography Studio was a delightful surprise for everyone.

“O-M-G, it IS Junji Rhee! In the flesh! Oh my gaawwwdd!~” Niko exclaimed, thrilled to be in the presence of a renowned figure from both on and off campus! Everyone was genuinely excited... After all, who wouldn’t be? They buzzed with chatter, as though they were experiencing the thrill of meeting someone as celebrated as Junji for the very first time. For Junji, however, it felt overwhelmingly tiring.

“Mr. Rhee! What brings you all the way over here from the other side of campus?” the professor asked in genuine astonishment, pleased to see the young artist but puzzled about his reason for being there. He shifted his gaze from Junji to his other students, possibly contemplating that one of them was the reason behind it all, and he couldn't have been more correct. Lightly shaking off Niko’s grip, who was too mesmerized to mind his exit, he walked with assurance across the space, a playful smirk dancing on his lips as he approached Junji. He rested his elbows on Junji's shoulders and leaned in, showcasing a mischievous grin as he chuckled shyly, “Awww, you caught us!” He mused, his eyes crinkling at the edges as his grin widened further, turning his attention to Junji, who met his gaze, genuinely at a loss for words.

“Junji here volunteered to be my little submission! Are you envious?~”

The entire room plunged into an unsettling silence right after his proclamation. Everyone was left utterly speechless. They stared at Ekenem, taken aback by his audacity to declare such a thing, then at Junji, astonished that he had consented to the arrangement.

Suddenly, one of the students, particularly striking in appearance, interjected, saying, “Nah, hold up— Pump the fucking breaks!...” The blond paused, taking a brief moment to process what he just heard, before continuing in an exaggerated manner, “You’re kidding!? How the heck did you manage that!??!”

“I told you all this guy is a fucking wizard, but y’all wouldn’t believe me!” another chimed in, running a hand through his short afro, his face expressing amusement and admiration, a grin firmly in place. The professor was equally astonished, perhaps even more impressed than the rest, approaching the duo and placing a hand on Ekenem’s shoulder, giving him a friendly pat, “That’s astounding! But if you think landing the campus’s star will boost your GPA, you’re playing yourself, young man.” The man teased as Ekenem merely laughed in response, with his classmates chuckling along at the jest. Junji, however, was the only one who couldn’t grasp what was so humorous or entertaining about the entire situation.

“Mr. Rhee!” The professor called out, redirecting his focus towards Junji, who jumped slightly at the sudden mention of his name. With a bit of hesitation, he replied, “Y-yes?..” His voice trailing off into a whisper, the situation was becoming increasingly awkward for him. He hadn’t expected the studio to become this animated in such a short time, particularly because of his presence. It was exactly this type of attention that led him to request a private studio, so he could concentrate. He could never thrive in such a lively atmosphere, but then again, he supposed everyone had their own preferences.

“He didn't pressure you into coming here, did he?” the dark-haired man leaned in to whisper, causing Junji to raise both his eyebrows in astonishment. Pressure? That’s absurd!

“No…I arrived here voluntarily. I wasn’t coerced…?” Junji responded, sounding a bit uncertain as to why the professor would think such a thing. His gaze briefly shifted to the dark-skinned man beside him, who was grinning widely while watching them intently. It was evident he had overheard the professor's comment but didn't appear to be offended. Perhaps it was just another joke from the older man. This was starting to become overwhelming for Junji… Honestly.

“Oh, I understand! Well then! Make yourself comfortable here! By all means!”

He chirped joyfully, a broad smile spreading across his somewhat bearded face. Junji merely nodded in acknowledgment, unsure of what else to say about the situation. The professor, pleased with his answer, turned to the rest of the class, clapping his hands to grab their attention as he declared, “Alright, back to work everyone! You know what you need to do! Where are your project submissions I assigned? You thought I was going to let you off easy with just the written reports?” As he moved away from both Junji and Ekenem, Junji sighed and muttered softly, “Your classmates and professor sure are quite the lively group.” He sounded utterly worn out from the social interaction alone, his eyes fluttering shut as he attempted to regain some energy. While he was gathering himself, he heard laughter from the man beside him, his eyes snapping open as he looked at the raven-haired individual, “What's so funny?..”