Episode 13: The Gallery and A Call Home

Eunji’s footsteps echoed softly as she entered the gallery, the dim lighting casting a serene glow over the walls adorned with various works of art. It felt different from the usual college exhibits she attended; the air here was filled with a sense of elegance, the kind that only comes from a gallery downtown.

She had come not just for the art, but for Jiho. Her friend, the one whose quiet presence always seemed to calm her, was showcasing his work tonight. Eunji had been to many art shows, but this one felt special. Jiho had told her about his plans for this gallery, but she hadn’t fully grasped the depth of his talent until now.

As she walked deeper into the space, her eyes skimmed over the paintings, each one telling its own story. Then, she saw it—one of Jiho's pieces. It was a landscape, but not one of the rolling hills or open skies. Instead, it depicted a quiet street at dusk, the kind of scene that felt familiar yet distant. The shadows, the light, the muted colors, all came together in a way that made Eunji feel like she was standing right there, on that street, watching the last rays of the sun slip away.

She stood in front of it for what felt like an eternity, taking it all in. There was something in Jiho's work that spoke to her in a language beyond words, a language she only truly understood when she was creating art herself.

"You came," Jiho’s voice broke her from her trance. She turned to see him standing a few steps behind her, a soft smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

“I had to,” Eunji replied, her voice quiet, but full of warmth. "This is incredible, Jiho. It's... it feels like it’s telling a story. A quiet story, but one that’s so full of meaning."

Jiho looked at the painting for a moment, his gaze distant. "I wanted it to feel like that. To capture the stillness of a moment, even when everything around it is changing."

Eunji nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. “You’ve done it beautifully.”

They stood there together for a while, silently observing the artwork. The gallery was busy, but in this corner, surrounded by Jiho’s pieces, everything felt still and peaceful.

Eventually, after exchanging a few more words and compliments, Eunji said her goodbyes and made her way out of the gallery. She felt a sense of peace, a quiet joy in having witnessed Jiho’s work—his vision—and knowing that they had shared this moment.

The walk back to her apartment was brief, but Eunji’s mind swirled with thoughts of the evening. She had always admired Jiho’s art, but tonight, there was something different. It wasn’t just about the pieces on the wall; it was about the way his art made her feel—seen, understood, even when words were left unsaid.

When she arrived at her apartment, she tossed her keys onto the counter, her mind still lingering in the gallery. As she moved toward her bedroom, her phone rang, the sudden noise pulling her from her thoughts.

“Hello?” she answered, surprised by the number on the screen. It was her parents.

“Eunji, how have you been?” Her mother’s voice came through the phone, warm and familiar, but there was a slight edge to it that Eunji immediately recognized.

“I’m good, Mom. Just got back from the gallery. Jiho was showcasing his art,” Eunji replied, trying to keep her tone light.

Her mother sighed on the other end. “We’ve been trying to reach you. You’ve been so caught up with your art and school. You know we worry about you.”

Eunji felt a pang of guilt. Her parents had always been supportive, but there were times when their concern felt like a heavy weight. She knew they just wanted the best for her, but the constant reminders sometimes left her feeling suffocated.

“I’m fine, Mom. Really. I’m just focused on school and... everything else,” Eunji said, glancing around her apartment. The quietness of the room seemed to reflect her thoughts.

Her mother paused before speaking again. “Well, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. You’ve been distant lately. We miss you.”

Eunji closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing her mother's words. “I know, Mom. I’ll visit soon. Promise.”

After a few more minutes of conversation, Eunji ended the call, feeling the weight of her parents' concerns settled over her. She dropped her phone onto the bed and sank into the chair by her desk. Her mind raced again, but this time it was filled with more questions than answers. The balance between her art, her relationships, and her family life always seemed so fragile.

But for tonight, the gallery, Jiho's work, and the peaceful solitude of her apartment would be enough.

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