I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy-Chapter 83

The answer was obvious: the teachers had already sped through the syllabus to prepare for the festival.

Even after it ended, there would be no impact on exams.

The result? The students were utterly exhausted, juggling both festival preparations and an accelerated curriculum.

‘I’m so glad I’m exempt from all that.’

Between the student council’s request and helping with Ye-Hwa’s lessons, I was off the hook.

For the record, the submission of the masterpiece was progressing smoothly.

Fortunately, Ms. Lee Ah-Reum and Ye-Hwa had managed to complete it. That evening, the three of us had gone out for a celebratory dinner—though that was our little secret.

‘I heard Ms. Lee picked the title for the piece, but I didn’t catch what it was.’

It had been such a hectic day that I’d forgotten the details.

As for the painting for the art exhibition at the festival, I’d finished it just in time, with only two days to spare. It had been a close call.

After quickly sending it to the student council, I felt a sense of relief, like putting out a fire. Now, I could enjoy this bit of free time.

‘The festival… it’s next week, right?’

Lying on my desk with my eyes closed, a thought suddenly occurred to me.

There was something I’d been meaning to do but had forgotten amidst all the recent chaos: visit the old school building.

Since I’d already seen [Gumiho], maybe it would work properly this time.

Before that, though, it wouldn’t hurt to take another look at [Gumiho].

The chairman had taken charge of managing it. I didn’t mind; it wasn’t something that concerned me much.

‘Still, it’s annoying to have to go all the way to the chairman’s office.’

But there was no helping it. If the painting was there, I had to go.

***

The lush forest greeted me again, but it was nothing like before.

Last time, it had been an empty, endless expanse of trees.

But now—

Neigh!

It had turned into a kingdom of animals. The moment I entered, a white horse approached me.

"Yeah, yeah. Long time no see," I said.

The horse nuzzled me affectionately, and I gave it a few gentle pats before asking, "Can you take me to Miho?"

The horse snorted and turned its head as if to say, Follow me.

I trailed behind it, weaving through the dense forest, which seemed unchanged at first glance.

But then—

"Of course, you’re here," I muttered.

The once-empty clearing had been expanded into a small amusement park.

While there were many animals roaming about, one particularly unique spiritual creature caught my eye.

"Master, you’re here?"

"Doing well? You look like you’ve gained some weight since I last saw you."

"Impossible! The only thing I’ve eaten is the chocolate Soo-Rin brought!"

‘Why am I even arguing?’ I thought, shaking my head.

But wait, wasn’t Gumiho a canine spirit? Should it even be eating chocolate?

"Stop eating junk food like that. You should try some fruits or vegetables."

Gumiho looked at me like I was crazy.

"Have you ever seen a fox go vegetarian? That’s nonsense!"

"Well, you’re not exactly a normal fox, are you?"

"Besides, the sugars in fruit are even worse for you."

"Says who?"

"I don’t know."

This creature I had created wasn’t one to back down easily, even in a silly argument like this.

With a sigh, I reached out, picked up Gumiho, and perched it on my head.

"Haaah…"

"What’s with the sudden yawning? Are you narcoleptic or something?"

"What’s narcolepsy?"

"Never mind. Anyway, how’s the new environment treating you?"

"It’s the best…"

Gumiho stretched and yawned again. For a brief moment, I considered tossing it, but quickly dismissed the thought.

After all, this little one had been patiently waiting for me all this time.

We spent some time chatting idly before I left the fantasy realm.

[Gumiho] was now housed in the chairman’s office, where it sat in solitude, far removed from visitors.

‘Though the chairman and his granddaughter seem to visit often.’

Those two practically treated Gumiho like a pet.

To the extent of feeding it chocolate, no less…

My steps felt light as I headed toward the old school building.

This time, Ms. Lee Ah-Reum wasn’t with me. I was visiting alone.

‘Room 2-2… there it is.’

Classroom 1 had a plum tree motif. Classroom 3 featured fish.

And in Classroom 2, there was the fox painting.

Before entering, a question crossed my mind.

Why had Wu Hua—my mentor—scribbled here of all places?

Did he know I’d end up at this school?

The answer remained a mystery. I couldn’t even begin to guess what my mentor was thinking.

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, I stepped inside the classroom.

At first glance, it was an ordinary room. But to me, one particular doodle stood out.

‘It’s strange.’

Why scatter these doodles across different classrooms instead of keeping them in one place?

I set those thoughts aside for now and focused on the fox drawing.

Soon, a familiar sensation washed over me, and my vision went dark.

***

Hiss...

I let out a deep sigh, rubbing my temples.

What exactly is my mentor trying to tell me?

The memories I experienced after seeing the fox doodle left me feeling uneasy, just like the time I viewed the fish doodle.

No significant revelations.

The only difference was that this time, I revisited the moment I first met my mentor—and also the first time I met Miho.

Late at night, under the moonlight, our fateful meeting played out.

But even so, the memory felt meaningless and unnecessary.

"Ugh. Let’s just head back."

There was nothing to gain from staying here. I’d only end up with a bigger headache.

With this unsettled feeling, I returned to my classroom.

‘Wow… I’m really glad I’m exempt from all that.’

The scene was more chaotic than before—students rushing about, sweat glistening on their foreheads.

If I’d been among them, I’d probably have collapsed from exhaustion by now.

Quietly, I moved to my seat, thinking about catching a nap, but then—

Tap tap.

A finger tapped my shoulder. Turning my head, I was met with the sight of none other than the esteemed student council president.

"Hello, junior," she greeted with a polite smile.

"I thought I already handed over the painting. What brings you here?"

"Haha, would you mind stepping somewhere quieter for a quick chat?"

A third-year, and the president of the student council, had come all the way here. That alone was surprising enough, but the fact that she was here for me?

Naturally, the hallway grew noisier with murmurs as word spread.

I caught Hong Ye-Hwa’s gaze from across the room… Hmm.

Her expression darkened noticeably. That probably meant I should decline.

"Uh, I’m kind of busy at the moment. Maybe another time?"

"Of course! I have your contact info, so I’ll message you later," she replied cheerfully before turning and walking away.

What a strange person.

The unsettling feeling doubled as I made my way back to my seat, where Hong Ye-Hwa’s darkened eyes were locked on me.

"I didn’t do anything, okay?" I said preemptively.

I wasn’t sure why I felt the need to explain myself, but it seemed necessary.

"I didn’t say anything," she replied coolly.

Yeah, but could you say that without glaring at me like that?

Lately, she’s been hanging out with Ha Soo-Yul too much. They’re starting to act alike.

"What’s going on with you and the student council president? I thought you were done with their requests."

At least she’s asking instead of assuming. That’s a relief.

I scratched my head, avoiding her gaze.

"I don’t know. I have no idea why she came to see me."

"Hmm…"

Her suspicious stare didn’t waver. But seriously, I was as clueless as she was.

The only reason the student council needed me was for the painting. If it wasn’t that, was it about the broadcast?

But even the broadcast had been approved by Chairman Lee Ji-Cheol.

Was there still something left unresolved?

"...I’ll believe you. But this is your last chance, got it?"

"Like I said, I don’t even—okay, okay. I got it."

From the corner of my eye, I noticed something resembling a leash peeking out of her pocket.

Why on earth was she carrying that around?

"What the hell has Ha Soo-Yul been teaching you…"

"I didn’t do anything," came a voice from behind me, making me jump.

I turned my head stiffly, only to find Ha Soo-Yul standing there with Choi Ye-Seo giggling beside her.

Why were they here? Oh, right. There weren’t any classes because of the festival preparations.

"Ha-ha. Welcome," I said awkwardly, trying to play it cool.

But I noticed one of Soo-Yul’s eyebrows twitch upward.

‘I didn’t say anything bad about her, did I?’

I was innocent. No bad-mouthing or negative comments had left my lips.

"Hey, Ye-Hwa. Did you hear? Apparently, Ha-Eun and the student council president are sneaking around together," Ye-Hwa teased.

"...?"

Silence fell over us at that remark.

"Could you maybe avoid saying things that could lead to misunderstandings?" I said, trying to defuse the situation.

"Is it not true?"

Her follow-up question had me darting my eyes around nervously. No matter what I said, I doubted anyone would believe me now.

At that moment, I caught a sly smirk from both Ye-Hwa and Soo-Yul as they clapped their hands in triumph.

"Mission accomplished," Ye-Hwa said with a grin.

"That was fun. Should we do it again?" Soo-Yul added.

...Men say revenge is a dish best served cold, but my irritation was boiling over.

Still, I forced myself to stay calm, like a Buddha practicing patience.

"You scared me half to death…" I muttered.

"But you did meet the president, didn’t you?" Ye-Hwa said, resting her chin on her hand with a teasing smile.

"I told you, I don’t know why she came to me."

At the time, I had no idea.

While Ye-Hwa and Choi Ye-Seo continued their banter, a subtle but unsettling glint appeared in Ha Soo-Yul’s eyes.