The pink balloon

Chapter One

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

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 image

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 image

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 image

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 image

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 image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

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 image

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 image

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 image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

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 image

Jimin

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jimin image

Jimin

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

"Oh, I'm so sorry."

Jimin image

Jimin

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

"Can I ask about the balloon?"

Jimin image

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 image

Jungkook

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jimin image

Jimin

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jimin image

Jimin

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

Jungkook image

Jungkook

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

Jimin image

Jimin

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