[33.2] The Painter who is Worthy

We walked to a nearby park where the people were sparse but present. Moni led me through the park and to a small lake with flowers growing around it. The sun reflected off the surface giving it a serene feeling.

He looked at me, "How is it? Do you think this spot is worthy enough?"

I laughed and placed down the easel and took out my things, "It's more than worthy. It's a really beautiful landscape."

"I'm glad." He also started to set up as he talked, "I love to come here to paint. You should also see it in the fall."

"I bet the trees would look stunning."

"It is." He cast me a glance, "Maybe we should paint it together in the fall."

I hummed coyly, "Maybe."

I started off my painting without even a sketch. I had been spending so many days in my previous life practicing nonstop that I was able to freestyle my work. Once I started, I would be so focused on my work I wouldn't look away until I was satisfied.

I leaned back and brushed my forehead with an exhale.

I glanced over at Moni and watched as his paintbrush was dragged across the canvas with flawless precision.

Each stroke held purpose, leaving behind detail that was pristine and meticulous.

His technique was unique, but what was far more interesting was that he left out the people on the bench in the background while I included them.

Maybe he really isn't confident painting people.

My eyes moved away from the paintbrush and to his appealing face which could cause any heart to flutter.

However, my heart didn't thump wildly.

Instead, I was focused on those intense and powerful eyes.

Why do they look so familiar?

They seem behaved and obedient, but there was a ferocity behind them that could not be tamed.

In essence, he was dangerous.

Whether his looks were dangerous, or if he was the danger; I wasn't sure.

But I know one thing…

The familiarity I feel with him is calming. It's almost as if I had known him my entire life.

Isn't that odd?

Have I met him before?

His paintbrush paused once he realized I was staring. He turned to me with a smile, "What is it? Am I so handsome that you can't take your eyes off of me?"

My cheeks flushed from embarrassment at getting caught staring. I averted my gaze and went back to painting, "Have we met before?"

He smirked, "I don't think we have. I would have remembered a beautiful woman like you."

I rolled my eyes, "Sweet words won't affect me."

A sly smile crossed his face, "Would you prefer something spicier?"

I looked at him with an open mouth, "Excuse you?!"

He motioned to the sweets between us, "You don't seem to be eating that much. Perhaps you don't like sweets… Or maybe you're just being shy?"

I pursed my lips, "I'm not being shy. I was just focused on painting."

I picked up a tart and put it in my mouth. As I munched on it, I realized something, "There seems to be a lot of tarts. Do you like them as well?"

"I don't really like desserts. I prefer to have fruit over sweets."

I shook my head, "What a shame."

He leaned over to look at my painting, "You were right. You really are the superior painter."

I snickered, "Hardly. My work is ordinary. Yours, on the other hand, is really impressive. You capture emotion very well."

The corners of his lips curled up, "And what kind of emotion do you think I'm trying to convey?"

"Loneliness."

"How so?"

I pointed to the empty bench, "The fact that you painted a bench with no people gives the scene a morose feeling. It brings the focus of one's attention to that."

"Hm. How interesting. I didn't have that intention at all. I just wanted to make the scene perfect." His eyes trailed over to mine, "However, my painting is nothing compared to yours."

I looked at my work with critical eyes, "Not at all. Although there's no doubt I have the skill, my work is derivative and boring."

His eyes curled from his smile, "Isn't skill good enough? It would take someone years and endless training to reach the level you are at. You should be proud."

I let out a sigh, "Skill means nothing if it doesn't reach the eyes of others."

He stared at me for a moment before shaking his head, "That sounds like nonsense. Whoever told you that is clearly not a true art admirer."

I pursed my lips, "Maybe."

"Never equate your worth based on the words of others." He looked back at me with an unwavering gaze that seemingly pierced through my soul, "You'll never be worthy if you do."

I stared back at him speechlessly.

"Well... I think golden hour has passed." I started to put my things away, "I should get back before my family starts thinking I've been kidnapped."

As we walked back, he motioned to my painting, "Do you intend on selling it?"

I shook my head, "No. My art is hardly good enough to sell. I will probably just shove it under my bed and forget about it."

"Ah, that's a shame. I think it would look really good hanging up somewhere where everyone can see it."

"There was once a time that it was my dream to show off my artwork." I let out a sigh, "But I don't really care that much anymore. I know it wouldn't work."

He nudged me, "You never know. It's worth trying, isn't it?"

Sensing that I created a somber atmosphere, I changed the subject. I motioned to his painting, "When did you start to paint?"

"I've been painting for a long time. My mast-" He paused and changed his words, "-My painting instructor always told me that any free time I had should be spent with a brush in hand. It was supposed to be good for repairing a negative state of mind… Although I've come to question that."

I chuckled in a low voice, "They weren't wrong. It is good for getting out your emotions."

"Well, milady." He stepped in front of me and bent down to kiss the top of my hand. His exotic burnt orange eyes looked up at me, "Speaking of emotions, I had a splendid time with you today."

I stared back at him with a smirk, "It wasn't that bad, I guess."

"R-Reika?"

I turned to the voice to see Cyrus staring at me almost in disbelief.

Caldwell gasped and covered his mouth.

I pulled my hand out of Moni's grip, "Goldilocks? What are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here?!" Cyrus looked at Moni with jealousy in his eyes, "What are YOU doing here?! A-And with him?! Why was he-he-"

"He kissed her hand!" Caldwell cried out, "THE AUDACITY!"

Moni chuckled lightheartedly, "I didn't know this beautiful woman had so many suitors. I'm lucky to have gone on a date with such an amazing lady."

I looked around speechlessly as I put my hands on my cheeks to cool them down.

Why am I feeling so guilty right now?

I feel like I've just been caught cheating!

Cyrus looked as if he was dealt a low blow, "D-DATE?! REIKA!? YOU?! HIM?!?!"

"No, no! It wasn't a-" I paused and cleared my throat. I placed my hands on my hips, "Would that be a problem?"

Cyrus was dealt another blow, "Y-You actually were!? NO! No! It can't be! Y-You can't-"

I crossed my arms in irritation, "What? You don't think I'm good enough for him?"

"N-No! I-"

I could feel the anger inside of me start boiling uncontrollably.

I shouted, "Or maybe you think I can only do what you want me to?!"

"Reika! I didn't mean-"

I interrupted in frustration, "Do you think you can control me!?"

He shouted over me, "NO!"

I flinched and bit down my anger, "Then what?"

I could tell on the expression on his face that he was hurt, "I… You never went on a date with me… So why would you… With a stranger…"

I scoffed, "You never asked me. Maybe if you did, I would have."

His eyes looked at Moni, but his entire confidence was shattered. His voice was low, "You wanted to go on a date with him?"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm single. Why can't I date whoever I want? It's not like I'm looking for a marriage partner... And why do you even care? It's not like we are together."

His eyes lowered as his body drooped in despair, "Yeah… I guess you're right…"

He gave Moni and me one more glance before turning around and walking away. Caldwell looked between the two of us in pure shock before hurrying after Cyrus.

Watching Cyrus leave, I felt my chest being crushed by a strange emotion.

Should I… Should I chase after him?

Ugh… I feel like I should…

But…

I looked over at Moni who was still smiling at me as if he was enjoying what he had just witnessed.

Why does he look so happy?

I'm so confused.

I really did enjoy my time with Moni, but I'm not actually interested in him.

I just met him.

But I have no idea why I said such harsh words to Cyrus just because he caught me and asked if we were on a date.

I thought he would argue back at me instead of walking away like that.

Ugh…

Why am I feeling so conflicted?

What should I do?