Secrets

"Young master, do you need anything?"

Vlad assisted Liechael as he put the medium size canvas on the right side of the spacious white painted room. He already asked the servants to arrange everything before Liechael woke up, but he's not expecting his young master to be the one fixing the room design.

Just like what Liechael said, Vlad prepared an art room for him. He already told Miss Carrien that he will paint a masterpiece before the school exhibit. Even if his father, Charles Ross, didn't want to give him funds in renovating the art room in the E University, he still can do it himself. He gained new members, and it was enough of a help.

Vlad followed Liechael to the side of the cabinets. A wooden size with a glass door. The guy's little hands slid over it as he inspected the colors and shades of the paints. 'Young Master has never been this serious when it comes to arts' Vlad thought with a smile curving his lips. Who would have thought that he'll be going to see this kid touching paint brushes again. It made his heart flutter with excitement.

He stepped forward. "Young master, do you like the colors? I bought all the best qualities," he said.

A moment of silence had passed for a minute before Liechael opened his lips. He took out a set of new brushes and examined its tips. "These brushes are a little rough for me. Where did you buy these?" he asked, turning his expressionless face to the butler next to him.

Vlad took the paintbrush from his young master's hands and caressed the tips. It's indeed a little rough. Come to think of it, he didn't really check the textures of the brushes. He just told the store owners to bring him the best brand. "I apologize for not noticing these earlier, Young Master," he bowed his head. "I can return this back to the store," he suggested.

Liechael quickly withdrew his eyes, "Let me do it," as he grabbed the set of paintbrushes from Vlad. "I found a new shop not far away from the mansion." he turned around and was about to exit the room when Vlad dashed forward. "Young Master, do you want me to accompany you? I will go and call the driver right away,"

"No need, I will go there alone." Even if it's awkward, Liechael smiled at Vlad. "You stay here and take a rest, I'm not a kid anymore,"

***

Liechael tugged his hood onto his head. It was already noon, and the sun was starting to feel warm. The quiet roadside earlier is now full of passing cars. Weekends are indeed busy days. Instead of slacking and sleeping, Liechael decided to at least make a scratch of a quick art.

Come to think of it, it's been so long since he moved his hands. After waking up in this world, he got so busy that he didn't even get the time to touch a canvas and paint. He loved art so much, like it was half of his life.

With the sample sets of paintbrushes in his grip, Liechael pushed the glass door. The bell hanging above it rang. The new environment welcomed the guy. Crowded shelves and the cold air-conditioned temperature. There are posters on the walls advertising the shop before the counter. Shelves with different books and school supplies. Sections per section with names and labels.

Liechael walked inside. He roamed his eyes and looked around. He got a little embarrassed when he caught some teenagers staring at him. Did he stand that much? He tried all his best to hide his prominent look, but he guessed that it run in the blood of the Ross Family. That surname reminds him of a certain someone. It made him rub his cheeks.

Liechael trailed deeper in the middle of the wide shop. Come to think of it, he always sees the shop while he's on his way home. It's always swarmed with students from different schools every afternoon. No wonder it got famous.

The piercing gazes from the girls choosing books beside him made him uncomfortable. As a 24-year-old Liechael, he's not used to socializing. He already built a wall for himself back then. If this is all a dream someday, he will choose to remain here.

That thought of dreaming the past he's trying hard to escape made his heart heavy. He gazes into nothingness, calming the shadows overtaking his emotions.

From the side of the shelves and cabinets full of school supplies, a figure walked with a basket in hand. Wearing the uniform shop, he must be one of the employees here. He saw Liechael struggling to find what he came for.

"Do you need help?" He made the biggest smile and faced the customer wearing a hood.

Just when Liechael put his hood down and faced the shop crew, he froze. "J-Justin?" he uttered.

BAM!

The basket he was holding fell down. Justin became stupefied after hearing his name. His tongue curled inside his mouth, sealing his lips. He knew that this place is far away from E University, so how did Liechael? the school owner's son? The one who takes care of him under the art club know this place?

"H-How d-d-did you---"

Liechael ignored Justin's stuttering state and squatted down. He pulled the basket towards him and started to pick the scattered things the male had dropped.

With his trembling legs, Justin's knees automatically lose their strength. He slumped down in front of Liechael. Nervousness overtakes his body. His hands moved on its own, grasping Liechael's arms. "P-Please d-d-don't r-report me," he pleaded.

Liechael put the last pen on the basket and observed Justin's trembling hands gripping his jacket tight. He came here to buy something, not to interrogate. Getting surprised by the tearing guy in front of him, he raised his hand and put it on Justin's head. "Do you have sets of brushes?" he asked.

That warmth from Liechael's hands took all his worry away. He gulped and let go of the guy's jacket. That comfort of brushing his hair made him breathe. "Yes! We have new sets that just arrived today! Do you want to see it?" he replied.