Chapter Text
It was exactly three weeks ago when Johnny was asked why he decided to switch into an advanced studio art class in the middle of the second semester. Like an idiot, he just shrugged his shoulders and mindlessly said something about needing more variation and challenges in his life. Clearly, that was a mistake. If Johnny from two weeks ago took a minute to actually think for once, Johnny of right now could be enjoying his afternoon. He could be resting in his bed, or window shopping with Doyoung, or playing games with Donghyuck and Jaehyun. More importantly, he could be in the practice room, rehearsing his solo piano piece for his monthly assessment that’s in a couple days.
But no, here he is, slaving away at a mediocre watercolour painting of the sculpture in the middle of the room.
There is, however, one bright side to this situation.
Sitting across the room is Ten Lee, the real reason he took this ridiculously difficult class in the first place. (Advanced is literally in the name of the class, Johnny. You set yourself up for this one.)
The first time he saw Ten, he was starstruck. At the time, Ten was modelling in the centre of the room. His pose showcased his lithe body, both complementing and contrasting the features of his sculpted face. He was, and still is, easily the most beautiful man Johnny has ever seen in existence. His beauty is something almost indescribable. Johnny is eternally grateful he took a shortcut through the art hallway that day.
“Wow.” Ten says flatly. “You’re really not great at this, are you?”
“Well, I’m hardly anything compared to you and your expertise,” Johnny tries to compliment. Compliments are one of the keys to opening someone’s heart, after all.
“You don’t need expertise to know that you’re supposed to start with the lighter colours when using watercolours.”
Johnny is silent for a moment. That would explain why he was struggling so much. He must look so stupid right now.
“You almost done for today?” Ten asks, starting to pack up his things.
“Well-”
“Great,” Ten interjects before Johnny can try to flirt again, “Lock up when you leave. You at least know how to use a key, right?”
“I’m familiar with it,” Johnny jokes. But Ten doesn’t give him any boisterous laughter. Not even a little chuckle. He just tosses him the key before leaving with a face so smug, so annoying, and Johnny wants to slap himself for finding the mildly condescending act so attractive.
Getting Ten to like him is most certainly going to be the most difficult thing Johnny’s done all year.
Challenge accepted.
-
Johnny wants to give up.
He really, really does.
A little over two months has passed now, and safe to say, his grades for this class are not so hot. Struggling to balance this class with rigorous piano training, he can barely get most of his assignments in on time. If he’s not spending overtime in the art room finishing some art piece, he’s in the practice room until midnight, playing until his fingers start to cramp up.
On top of that, some of these classes are starting to get so, so boring. The class is so structured—normally that wouldn’t be a bad thing because Johnny actually likes to be organised, but this is a whole new level. Every single week is the same. A day of lecture from the teacher, some self study and research on whatever they’re learning about, a couple test sketches, then creating a final project. If art is supposed to be about expression, then why is the process so monotonous?
Thankfully, the bell finally rings for lunch. Finally, freedom!
“Johnny, Ten! Can you two stay back for a little?” the teacher requests. So much for freedom. Johnny slumps back onto his stool while Ten quietly trudges beside him. Judging by the way he huffs and folds his arms, he was just as ready to go as Johnny. That, or he really hates to be stuck with Johnny again. He really hopes it’s not the latter.
“Alright, let’s get to the point,” the teacher starts, “Johnny, you’re struggling to keep up in this class, right?”
“Well, I-” Ten gives him the most judgemental side eye. “Yeah, I am,” he admits.
The teacher nods. “I’d hate for you to have to switch to another class just because it’s so late in the semester. And you seem to be determined to do well here.” Ten scoffs under his breath. “Point is, I was thinking… Maybe you could help him out, Ten?”
“I wouldn’t be opposed to that,” Johnny says, entire face lighting up.
“What exactly do you mean by ‘help him out?’ I mean, I already have to re-explain everything we do and practically spoon feed the work to him, what else could I possibly do to help?”
“I know you already help a great deal in class, but I was thinking about outside of class. Maybe during lunch, or after school, you could stay and help him get the hang of the fundamentals. I know both of you are already in here most of the time, so why not work with each other?”
“But why should I have to teach him?” Ten complains, “He’s the one who decided to take an advanced class without knowing any of the basics.”
“You know no one else here understands art as well as you do. It’ll also look good on your portfolio,” the teacher coaxes.
Ten sighs, pondering his decision. Johnny’s heart is pleading that Ten will say yes. This whole thing is incredibly embarrassing because he probably looks like a lost, helpless puppy. But on the other hand, he’s willing to deal with embarrassment if that means he gets to spend more time with Ten.
After what feels like an eternity, Ten finally answers.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”