EPISODE 3

"Are you okay, Clara?" Sarah asked, her voice laced with concern. "You seem a bit… off."

Clara hesitated, unsure how to explain the strange feelings swirling within her. "I… I fell," she admitted, her cheeks flushing. "And there is boy helped me up. He was really nice."

"Oh, that's sweet," Sarah said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Did he have a cute smile?"

Clara's heart skipped a beat. "He did," she whispered, a warmth spreading through her chest. "And… and I feel different. Like, really different."

Sarah's smile widened. "Oh, Clara," she said, her voice teasing. "You've fallen for him, haven't you?"

Clara's eyes widened in surprise. "I… I don't know," she stammered. "It's just… I've never felt like this before."

Sarah laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's called love, Clara. And it's a beautiful thing."

Clara, however, didn't share Sarah's enthusiasm. The idea of "love" felt overwhelming and confusing. She had always been content with her quiet life, her predictable routine. The thought of someone disrupting that, of having to navigate the complexities of a relationship, filled her with a sense of unease.

"I don't know, Sarah," she said, her voice hesitant. "It's nice that he helped me, but I'm not sure I'm ready for all that."

Sarah's smile faltered slightly. "But Clara, you're so young! You should experience love, it's a part of life."

Clara shook her head, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Clara shifted her weight, her gaze still fixed on the worn tiles of the Family Mart floor. "I'd rather focus on my art," she said, her voice gaining a touch of conviction. "I've been working on a new piece, a portrait of a woman, and I'm really excited about it."

Sarah's smile returned, though a hint of understanding lingered in her eyes. "Oh, right! I saw the sketch you showed me. It's amazing, Clara. You're so talented."

Clara blushed, a small smile playing on her lips. "Thank you. It's just... I feel like I'm finally finding my voice through my art. It's a way of expressing myself that feels more comfortable, more me."

They finished their onigiri, the savory rice filling a welcome comfort in the late evening. The green tea latte, still warm in their hands, provided a sweet contrast. The fluorescent lights of the Family Mart cast a sterile glow over the store, highlighting the rows of packaged snacks and drinks. As they walked out, the air was thick with the scent of exhaust fumes and the familiar aroma of street food vendors, though the bustling energy of the day had begun to wane.

"Well, I'm glad you're happy," Sarah said, her voice soft. "Maybe someday you'll be ready for love, but for now, focus on your art. You're incredible, Clara, and you deserve to be happy with your own journey."

Clara nodded, a sense of peace settling over her. They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing on the pavement as they headed back to their respective homes. The city lights began to flicker on, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets. Clara felt a sense of contentment, a quiet joy in the simple act of returning home, her heart filled with the quiet hum of her artistic passion.

As they walked, the narrow alleyway leading to Sarah's home came into view. The air grew quieter, the city sounds fading into a distant hum. Sarah stopped, a wistful smile gracing her lips. "This is me," she said, gesturing towards a small, brightly painted door. "See you tomorrow?"

Clara nodded, a touch of sadness creeping into her heart. "Of course," she replied, her voice soft. "I'll be working on my portrait, maybe you can come over and see it later?"

Sarah's eyes lit up. "Really? I'd love that! I'll bring some snacks." She gave Clara a quick hug, her warmth radiating through the cool evening air. "See you soon, Clara!"

Clara watched as Sarah disappeared into her home, the door closing with a soft click. She turned and began walking in the opposite direction, her mind already filled with the image of the woman in her portrait. The alleyway was dark, the only light coming from a flickering street lamp at the far end. But Clara didn't feel afraid. She felt a sense of purpose, a quiet determination to capture the essence of her subject on paper. The city lights, now fully ablaze, painted the sky in a vibrant tapestry of color. Clara smiled, her heart filled with the quiet hum of her artistic passion, a passion that felt more real and more powerful than any fleeting feeling of love. She walked on, her footsteps echoing in the stillness of the night, her mind already lost in the world of her art.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***