The pink balloon
Chapter One



Jungkook
I was walking towards Benfeld Square with my easel, canvases, and box of paints and brushes.


Jungkook
I always go to that plaza to earn a few coins with my paintings. But no matter how hard I try, the pay is always too little.


Jungkook
This is the decisive month; if I don't find anything else in this town, I'll travel to the capital to try my luck with what I've been saving.


Jungkook
I arrive and set up my easel near the central fountain. I wait for someone to ask about one of my paintings or to want me to paint one.



Jungkook
Two hours and nothing. I was determined to leave when a boy with a peculiar hair color sat down in the shade of a tree to read.


Jungkook
"I've never seen him around here before. Maybe he's a foreigner. But he's so cute. That little habit he has of turning the pages of the book."


Jungkook
"Beauty is meant to be captured. I have to paint it." I took out my brushes and began to paint.


Jungkook
I don't know how much time passed. But when I was about to dye her hair golden, he was gone.


Jungkook
I went back home to finish the painting. I combined a few colors to get the hair color of the boy who caught my eye.


Jungkook
The next day I returned hoping he would be there. And just like the day before, after two hours he appeared. I painted him again.


Jungkook
That was my routine for almost the entire month. But it couldn't just be that. I had to talk to her, at least know her name.


Jungkook
I left my house without my work tools, determined to talk to him. "I have to at least get an appointment."


Jungkook
I arrived in Benfeld and looked for him where he always sat to read. But he wasn't there.


Jungkook
I thought something had happened to him and I'd never see him again. Then I noticed a pink balloon floating aimlessly. I grabbed it and bumped into someone.



Jimin
"Oh, you caught it. Could you give it back to me, please?"


Jungkook
It was him. But he didn't look like he used to. Now he was sad and dressed in black.


Jungkook
"Yes, of course... Why aren't you smiling like you usually do?"


Jimin
"Hmm... Today marks 10 years since my mother's death."


Jungkook
"Oh, I'm so sorry."


Jimin
"Don't worry, it was a long time ago. I'm happy that he rests in peace."


Jungkook
"Can I ask about the balloon?"


Jimin
"My mother, Carolyn, was a painter and her favorite color was pink. She did many of her works with a palette of pink colors."


Jungkook
"Oh, I'm a painter too. Certainly not as good as your mother, but I am one."


Jungkook
"I'd like to show you some of my paintings."


Jimin
"I'd love to, but I can't go to strangers' houses."


Jungkook
He said that along with a honeyed giggle. "I'm sorry. My name is Jeon Jungkook."


Jimin
"Nice to meet you, Jungkook. My name is Park Jimin."


Jungkook
Jimin~ "Alright, Jimin. Now you can come with me?"


Jimin
"Of course, I don't think my mother will mind me meeting another artist."