Work Text:
It’s getting late, the evening sun beginning to disappear over the mountains. The horizon glazed with a soft orange and the lake, a crystal mirror of the sky.
He’s exhausted. It’s been a long day of painting. Even so, he finds himself sorrowful that it’s drawing to a close.
Tall sunflowers sway with the grass as a warm wind sweeps the area. The rustle of trees and the birds song reminiscent of a lullaby. He pauses a moment, thankful his hair is pulled into a bun to keep it from flying into his face.
He removes the paintbrush from behind his ear and picks up a small amount of light grey, gently blending it into the mix of colours on his canvas. It’s littered with warm purples and pinks, the painting capturing the serenity of his view. Sunflowers gaze over the water at the setting sun. Warm beams of light careening far over the high mountains as the glow works it’s way behind the peaks.
He hums lightly, a small smile tugging his lips as he appreciates the work he’s done. Just one more step.
He holds the brush delicately, dipping it into a dark shade of magenta. The feel of the brush familiar in his hand, an extension of his being. The smooth feeling of the paint on the canvas is natural as he navigates the swoops and curves of the letters. Signing his name ‘Jihyun’ in the top corner. A name that he feels he’s finally earned and come to accept. In his three years abroad with Saeran he’s learned so much about himself as an individual… Finally, he’s no longer V, the failed fiancé. He isn't V the leader of the RFA. Nor is he V, Jumin’s friend.
He still values the RFA, the experiences and love they've provided him. But he finally feels like himself, no longer an extension to another person. He is Jihyun.
He carefully removes his brush so as not to smudge the name. It's weight on the canvas heavy with meaning.
He takes a step back, holding the palette carefully in his palm as he stares at what he’s created. A smile covering his features as a soft glow of pride fills his chest.
He may be finally ready to return.
He may finally feel whole.
Later that night as he sits quietly in the cabin, he writes a letter addressed to them.
Delicately, he writes in swirling cursive. Explaining the journey and how he finally feels whole, one with himself.
He reaches the last line and takes a soft breath as he writes,
‘MC… I am coming back,
Love,
Jihyun’