26 It's always YOU...

He looked at his wristwatch and then at the documents he'd been holding the moment he exited the classroom. That folder contains Justin Adler's information as he registered for the art class yesterday. Liechael didn't want to waste time so he will pass it as soon as possible and besides, he also wants to see Justin after class. He did not want to prolong the process.

Gaining one member is a help to him. At least he now has two hands. They can now discuss important matters about the art class. Liechael was thinking of cleaning and renovating the room first, to make it more presentable.

The bell for the first class rang.

Since Liechael was on his way to the faculty office. He got this chance to tell his first subject professor that he'll be doing something in the art class. There; he saw Miss Carrein. Liechael approached her desk and bowed his head. "Good morning, Miss"

It startled the lady to see him. She quickly bowed and returned the greetings. "Do you need something, young master?" she asked, fixing her gaze to the folder the guy was holding.

Liechael put the folder on her desk. "I have a new member. He joined yesterday." He opened the folder to let the lady scan it.

It made Miss Carrein a bit excited, but she managed to hide it because it's too embarrassing. Having a new one member is not enough, yet she got happy and jolly. "Justin Adler," she tilted her head. This boy is acquainted with Alaena. As far as Miss Carrein remembered, there was a time when she saw this boy waiting for Alaena outside the art room. Why didn't Alaena invite him, though?

"Young master, I'm sorry, but my records and list are not here," Miss Carrein chuckled nervously. "I left it all in the art room," she averted her gaze.

"I want to talk to Alaena Collins,"

Miss Carrein widened her eyes, "Eh?". At first she's surprise, but after processing in her mind that the girl was the only member of-the-art class, she went back to her composure. "S-Sure, do you want me to call her? I can go and ask her morning professor to excuse Nana for a while," she offered with a smile.

'Nana, huh', Liechael thought. 'Are her friends calling her that too?' He unconsciously tapped his chest and felt something he shouldn't have felt.

"Young master? Are you with me?"

Liechael jolted as soon as he saw Miss Carrein waving her hands in front of his face. "Y-Yes please"

Then a key landed on his palm, upon opening it. "Since this is all about the art class, we should discuss everything in the art room for a record." Miss Carrein stood from her seat. "You can go first. I will call Alaena. That's the key," she said.

Liechael nodded his head and, without a second word, he exited the faculty office.

Gripping the keys in his hands and the folder, he made big steps towards the quiet hallways. Hearing his own footsteps echoing. The more he's approaching the art room, the more his legs feel heavy, like there are magnets pulling him back.

'Why am I feeling like this?' he thought.

He sighed as soon as he stopped in front of the said room. He put in the key and twitched it. The door handle slid open and Liechael entered. The smell of paints mixing with dust welcomed him. It was quiet and peaceful. He once again gazed at the paintings hanging on the wall. Scanning and observing its textures and design.

In the right corner of the room, near the window, he saw this medium size canvas covered in a white cloth. Curiosity crawled into him as he stepped towards it. "Why is it covered like this? Is this broken or a mistake?"

WHOOSHH!!

The edge of the white cloth fell down as his hands pulled it slowly. His eyes became wider when he found out what lies beneath that. A painted figure leaning on a window, looking down. It has a pair of deep ocean blue eyes seeping through a thin white curtain. With the flowers of sakura falling slowly for effect, the painting was indeed a masterpiece.

It stunned Liechael, still with his eyes opened. The painted figure facing him was himself.

The door opens, and it pushes Alaena in, with Miss Carrein behind her.

"EHHH??!!!! NOO!!!"

The girl dashed towards him and pushed him. "Please don't look at it! Don't look! It's a m-mess!!" Alaena even waved her hands to shoo Liechael away.

Liechael mumbled unconsciously. "It's beautiful,"

Their eyes met, and the momentum between them became slow. Everything turned light and calm, like they were communicating through their stares.

Liechael gulped the lump in his throat. His hands tremble and it wouldn't stop from shaking him. He could even feel his heart pounding rapidly inside his chest like it was going to explode.

The longing he was hiding for a long time suddenly crawled back into his senses. He couldn't take his eyes away from the girl he wanted to see for a very long time. The one who's giving him punishment. The one who gave him care and love. The one who promised to stay by his side, but left him unexpectedly.

As the emotions swayed back to him, Liechael realized himself crying inside. "A-A-Alaena…"

That voice rang in Alaena's ears. She saw the grief and sadness in those deep blue eyes once again. It made her freeze and stiffen, like she wanted to pity and sympathize with him. Alaena didn't know, but she hates to see that look in his eyes.

Before she could even move, a warm hand cupped her right cheeks. That's when she realized that there are tears flowing down from her eyes. Alaena wanted to wipe it, but she remained silent. Confusion hit her.

She's feeling that weird sensation in her heart again. Alaena didn't even know why she's crying. 'It's so heavy' she thought

Liechael wiped the tears in her eyes and said, "I'm longing for you. It's always YOU"