❀ Painter!Huang Renjun x reader
❀ Summary: In which an artwork portrays words even the most talented of poets could not.
❀ Warnings: It's 1 in the morning so this is probably going to be very cringy and a bit messy. My writing is trashy as always. Also some self - doubt from Renjun I guess. This has also not been proof read.
❀ Recommended song: Je Te Veux - Erik Satie
The once blank canvas was now the setting of a story of a tale from long ago. The seaspray that foamed over the ocean like clouds in the clear sky proving a great contrast to the setting sun that held the warmth of a mother's touch.
It was frustrating watching Huang Renjun paint. Not because of him or his art, but because of how he denied his talent. The dark haired boy was practically the next Da Vinci but never believed your words. He had a way with paint, as he did with your heart, as one might have a way with words. Every painting of his held a thousand words. A story only revealed to the select few that didn't belong to this world.
The oddly nameless painting he had started on merely a week ago proved that far too well. Every brush stroke held emotion. He poured his heart and soul into every detail. Every leaf, every cloud, every reflection of light. He turned a picture into a story like no one else could. His talent surpassed even those of ancient painters of centuries before yet what held him back most was his hesitation, his self - doubt and pity.
Yet still, Huang Renjun was the greatest thing that happened to you, like art was the greatest thing that happened to him.
The sound of rain provided ambience in the background of the song playing from the speakers. Merry - Go - Round of Life by Joe Hisashi. A favorite shared by both you and Renjun. Renjun claimed it helped him paint better while you claimed it kept you interested in watching him, even though you'd watch him regardless.
Today was slightly different however. The cold had lulled you off to sleep, leaned against a wall away from all the paint. You had decided to sulk after Renjun refused to let you see his newest artwork, but sulking was awfully boring and after a short visit from the sand man, you were done Alice's rabbit hole and far far away from the cramped room of paint, serenity and him.
Renjun had noticed immediately. From the moment your eyes started to droop until your eyelashes finally rested on your cheeks. He felt bad, calling you out like this to keep him company yet he couldn't even bring himself to show you what he was painting. Perhaps it was because this was his biggest masterpiece. The painting he was planning on giving in as his final project for the Art Competition that would make or break his future.
His eyes couldn't help but waver over your sleeping form. His heart threatening to leap out his chest. But he, as he always did, pushed the silly thoughts away. You were a friend, perhaps a close friend at most, and nothing but.
He noted the goosebumps forming on your skin from the breeze that cooled the room. Instinctively, he pulled of his blazer, knowing full well the punishment he'd get from his mother for taking it off, and draped it over your sleeping form, careful not to wake you.
He felt pleased at the more comfortable expression on your face, scanning his painting then you once again. His eyes wondered around the room, looking at all the paintings that hung from the walls. Some had won dozens of prizes, others had been hung on walls and sought after for months. Yet when his eyes once again found you, you were the only masterpiece he saw.
You stood nervously, brushing invisible dust off the sunset colored dress you wore. This one was Renjun's favorite, claiming it reminded him of the evenings he'd spend with his canvases and most importantly you, the colors signifying his burning passion for the thing he loved. Whether he meant you or his art, you'd never know.
This was it. This great painting that Renjun had refused to show you for months was the artwork that would make or break his future. You were nervous, but also calm. Nervous because of the way Renjun had been staring at you the entire competition so far, but calm because you knew he'd win. Renjun was picky and only made masterpieces that would put even Shakespeare to shame. And you believed today would be no different.
All the artists had lined up, their prizes artwork covered by red silk the judges would pull away to reveal their uttermost feelings and desires. The first artwork to be unvailed was a painting. It was simple, made up of various fields of flowers. A classy show of elegant talent to be expected from such artists.
The next was a sculpted pot, much rougher and rawer. It showcased a pot with many cracks all lined with gold and a pair of clay hands holding onto it. A more complex meaning behind it, thickened with blood, swear and tears.
Every other artwork fell into either of those categories or an odd combination of both, but none of the art made you stare in awe. Until finally, it was time for Renjun's masterpiece to be revealed.
Your hands were tightly clenched together and you gave Renjun a reassuring smiled, nothing his odd nervousness. He was never this nervous during a competition. But then again, the stress of how much this weighed could be getting to him. You didn't know.
But when the judges pulled away the silk, you were left speechless and in utter shock. Renjun's painting, his masterpiece, was of you. And suddenly it felt as if it were only the two of you in the room.
The mistakable picture of you on black canvas, the bright colors creating a beautiful contrast, would forever be burned into your mind. Renjun had dyed you in shades of summer suns, spring kisses, cobalt jewels and pure snow. Your eyes held the stars and smile held the universe. His universe.
Every brush stroke stood out. Every small detail from the strands of your hair to the curve of your chin had been done with absolute control. Renjun had portrayed you as every color of the rainbow and all the feelings one get when they fall in love. And it was obvious to everyone in the room. The raw emotion put into this painting was radiating from it, and it was inevitable for it to be announced as the best.
Je te Veux by Huang Renjun. The painting that would be spoken about for decades that had won one of the biggest art competitions in Seoul. Even when they called his name for him to receive his prize, his eyes never left you. Je te Veux. He only hoped you had understood the message he wished to portray. I want You. And once again in a room full of masterpieces, the only one that mattered to Huang Renjun, was you.
