I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy

Chapter 67: Ha Soyeol’s View on Love

Where does personal growth stop?

The truth is, growth isn’t bound by age.

Whether it’s physical or mental, the timelines differ. The former typically ceases during adolescence, but the latter? It might never fully develop, even into adulthood.

Take puberty, for instance. Most people go through it in their teenage years, but it could also hit in their 20s, 30s, or even later.

However, experiencing puberty later in life often signals a lack of earlier emotional development.

“I believe it’s better to face adolescence at the proper age.”

That way, the struggles won’t linger. Once it’s over, future challenges become more manageable.

Puberty typically occurs in the mid-to-late teens, but…

“Calling my personality a result of puberty feels like a stretch.”

In my past life, I’d never experienced puberty.

Why? The pressures and expectations of those around me stifled any chance of it.

Looking back, I couldn’t define what adolescence was like for most people. I simply assumed I hadn’t had it.

Perhaps it had already passed without me noticing.

“But it feels wrong to attribute my current personality to something like puberty.”

If it were just that, it would be a relief. Otherwise, I might simply be a misfit.

I needed to identify the cause soon.

“The most likely culprit is [Angel]. Tch. Why does it have to be in another country?”

The best I could do was aim for winter break to look into it.

With a sigh, I glanced out the window.

“It’s already autumn, huh? Time really flies.”

Propping my chin on my hand, I shifted my eyes to the schoolyard.

The trees surrounding the field had begun shedding leaves.

“Lucky trees. Even if they go bald, they can regrow their hair. Why can’t people’s hair do the same?”

I let out another mental sigh, realizing my thoughts had taken a strange detour.

The string of odd musings didn’t last long, though.

Thud.

“Ow.”

A sudden tap on my head snapped me back to reality.

Who was it?

I tilted my head upward, only to see…

“Why don’t you just take a nap instead of sighing so loudly you disrupt class?”

The muscular male teacher frowned at me.

Glancing around, I noticed the other students staring, just as he said.

Embarrassed, I scratched my head and bowed slightly.

“Sorry, I’ll be more mindful.”

“Uh, oh… Yeah, that’d be appreciated.”

The teacher looked confused but returned to the lectern without further comment.

“I guess people still aren’t used to this.”

It was a reaction I’d grown accustomed to since school had started.

The way people froze whenever I apologized was almost amusing. It was as if they couldn’t believe it was happening.

Suppressing a sigh, I focused on keeping quiet. I’d already drawn enough attention for one day.

“What’s wrong?”

The voice belonged to Hong Yehwa, seated beside me. She leaned closer, whispering her question.

“Nothing, really.”

It was hard to explain, and I didn’t want to bother her with what felt like my own issue.

Unsurprisingly, my dismissive answer didn’t sit well with her. She narrowed her eyes.

“Tell me. Just say it.”

“…It’s nothing serious.”

Despite my reluctance, her persistent gaze left me no choice but to explain.

After hearing my story, Hong Yehwa appeared deep in thought, her brows furrowed slightly.

“Did you tell Soyeol and Yeseo about this?”

“No, not yet.”

Hong Yehwa looked briefly pleased to be the first to know but quickly grew serious again.

“Let’s tell them too. They might be able to help.”

“Hmm.”

I doubted telling them would solve anything, but maybe just having them listen would be helpful.

Nodding lightly, I agreed.

I glanced out the window again.

“Looks like it’s going to rain.”

The weather had turned gray and gloomy. It was the first rain since the start of the semester.

“So…?”

Choi Yeseo cautiously broke the silence. I simply shrugged in response.

“That’s all. And I don’t have a solution.”

Well, I did, but it wasn’t something they’d believe. Who would buy into the idea of reincarnation? They’d just think I was insane.

“We’ll figure something out if we keep looking,” Hong Yehwa said, shaking her head as she furiously typed away on her phone.

A glance at her search history revealed:

Solutions for Teens with ADHD

Can Puberty Happen Late?

Will Hitting Fix It?

The last one made me shift my gaze elsewhere, back to the workshop.

It hadn’t changed at all—a familiar, comforting space.

A place that once felt like it was just mine.

“Not anymore.”

It had become a shared space for my friends, a studio for working with Ms. Lee A-reum.

And yet, it still felt peaceful.

“Ha-eun, need help with anything?”

Ha Soyeol, who had been sitting quietly beside me, rested her head on my shoulder, her eyes glinting with curiosity.

I shook my head, and her cheeks puffed out slightly in response.

“She’s getting more… affectionate.”

Turning away awkwardly, I noticed Choi Yeseo deep in thought before she suddenly perked up.

“What if we just smash Ha-eun’s head—!”

“Denied.”

How did her mind even go there? She sounded like she was plotting to turn me into a vegetable.

Still, just talking it out made me feel lighter.

“Thanks for listening to my messy thoughts.”

Scratching my head, I bowed slightly. The others waved off my thanks with dismissive gestures.

“Don’t mention it! That’s what friends are for.”

Choi Yeseo puffed her chest out confidently, grinning.

“If anything else is bothering you, just tell us. We’ll help.”

“Only if it doesn’t stress you out.”

Hong Yehwa gave a gentle smile as she stood and moved toward a canvas, ready to start drawing.

“Ha-eun, wait a second.”

As I watched Yehwa settle into her seat, a soft voice pulled my attention.

Ha Soyeol, wearing her usual unreadable expression, was looking at me.

She raised a finger and pointed toward the door.

“I’m going to the convenience store. Need anything?”

I didn’t know what she had in mind, but it seemed like she wanted us to talk alone.

“I’ll come with you.”

Soyeol nodded and stood.

“Bring back some snacks!”
“And get me a Matdongsan!”

The others waved us off lazily, clearly unwilling to leave the comfort of the workshop.

Click!

With the door closed, Soyeol and I walked in silence.

The rain had started to fall, and our pace slowed to match the weather.

The two of us shared one umbrella, a snug fit but comfortable.

After a stretch of silence, I opened my mouth to speak—

“Ha-eun.”

—only for Soyeol to beat me to it.

I turned to her, stopping in my tracks. The world around us felt empty, the streets deserted.

Her crimson eyes met mine directly.

“Like rubies.”

She always said her eyes were unsettling, but I thought they were simply beautiful.

“You’ve always been… different, Ha-eun.”

“Yeah, uh… sure? I guess I have?”

Her sudden comment threw me off, and my awkward response slipped out before I could stop it.

She didn’t seem to mind.

“You’re the first person who’s treated me so casually since my parents.”

Her gaze softened, her eyes crinkling in a warm smile.

“I’m really thankful for that. My first real friend was you, Ha-eun.”

“Same here. You were my first friend, too.”

I blinked, offering a faint smile.

Soyeol chuckled softly and continued.

“That’s why I’m so happy. Even now, I’m glad I was your first friend.”

“Uh, thanks? So, when are we getting to the store?”

What was with her today? Was the rain affecting her mood?

“What’s this? Don’t you have something to say to me—”

Soyeol’s tone turned slightly huffy, but before she could finish her sentence, I noticed something.

A car was speeding down the wet street, and a puddle was directly in its path.

I instinctively pulled Soyeol toward me to shield her.

Splash!

“Tsk. Could’ve slowed down, buddy.”

Thankfully, neither of us got wet. My reflexes were surprisingly good when it came to pointless things.

“Ugh.”

Soyeol groaned faintly from my hold.

“Ah, sorry.”

I quickly let go, but for some reason, she didn’t move away.

“Hey, it’s hard to hold the umbrella like thi—”

As I lightly tapped her head, her hair brushed against my face.

Then…

“……”

The distance between us disappeared, and the softest sensation brushed against my lips.

Our gazes locked—her crimson eyes now so close they filled my vision.

The world seemed to pause.

For three long seconds, time stretched infinitely.

When we finally pulled apart, the lingering warmth left behind a strange emptiness.

Soyeol stepped back slightly, a faint smile on her lips.

“What do you think?”

For a moment, I just stared at her, dumbfounded. Then a helpless laugh escaped me.

I had my suspicions before, but now I was certain.

“Love, huh? It really doesn’t suit me.”

A blessing? Perhaps.

Not just with Soyeol, but with everyone in my life.

Today, Soyeol had been the spark, but I could already picture what lay ahead.

Grinning faintly, I closed the gap again, walking shoulder to shoulder with her.

Close enough to hear each other’s breathing.

When we got back to the workshop, I knew I’d miss this moment. But it wasn’t something that would vanish—there’d always be more time.

“What do I think? You caught me, like a shark taking a bite.”

My answer must’ve been the right one. Soyeol’s smile widened.

The strange tickle in my chest grew into a steady thrum, the sound of a racing heart.

For once, I didn’t want to push the feeling away.

Our footsteps carried us to the convenience store at last.

But leaving the quiet rain behind… felt a little bittersweet.

The Next Day

[010-XXXX-XXXX: Come to the director’s office at once.]

“There goes yesterday’s good mood.”