I arrived at the art club room first, a little earlier than expected. The door was quiet as I pushed it open.
Kaia, the president, bounced over the moment she saw me. "Hey! You're here! Megs, right? I saw your drawing yesterday."
I laughed softly, a little embarrassed. "Yeah, that was me. You remembered?"
"Of course! I mean, who wouldn't? Clouds, rain, a little house… very nice!" she said, clapping her hands lightly. "I'm so happy you joined!"
Mira, the vice president, nodded quietly from the corner. "Welcome," she said softly, adjusting her glasses.
I shrugged, smiling faintly. "Thanks."
Kaia leaned closer, her energy brightening the small room. "We've got some rules first, but nothing too strict. Draw whatever you want, have fun, and if you want, share your art. Competitions may come later, but just keep it casual for now."
Mira gave a small nod. "Yes, voluntary participation. No pressure."
I picked up a blank sheet, remembering yesterday. My first drawing was simple—clouds, rain, a tiny house. I tried the same today, adding a little extra detail here and there. Not too much, not perfect, just… my style.
Then the door opened again. Shine stepped inside, calm, composed. Kaia froze for a moment, her mouth slightly open.
"Oh! Wait… Shine?" Kaia whispered. "Are you… from yesterday's drawing?"
Shine nodded slightly, "Yes."
Kaia's eyes widened. "Whoa… your drawing! The skyline, the water… for beginners?" She looked shocked, like she couldn't believe someone this good was in the club already.
Shine just smiled faintly, calm as always. "I like drawing. Beginners' club seemed… simple, relaxing."
I laughed quietly. "Well, that explains why it looked perfect yesterday."
Kaia shook her head, still amazed. "You're… incredible. I didn't expect someone this talented here."
Mira gave a quiet, approving nod. "Yes, very skilled."
Shine quietly set her pencil on the table and started her drawing without another word. She didn't really interact with Kaia much—she just sat there, calm, focused, precise.
I watched her quietly. Her hand moved smoothly across the paper. The details in her skyline were intricate, sharp. I felt a little in awe.
She's really good… no wonder Kaia and Mira were surprised.
Kaia clapped her hands softly. "Okay! Rules done, introductions done. Let's draw again! Everyone, take your space. Make it yours."
I nodded and started on my paper, sketching simple clouds and a little house again, following my pace.
"Hey," I said quietly to Shine. "What are you drawing this time?"
She glanced at me briefly. "A city. Just… something simple."
I looked at her paper. Simple? That's amazing…
Kaia peeked over, still excited. "Wow, Shine! That's beautiful! Even for a beginners' club, that's incredible."
Mira gave her soft smile. "Yes, very detailed."
I chuckled quietly. "Guess I'll never catch up to that."
Shine only gave a soft smile, not boastful, just calm.
The rest of the session passed quietly, with Kaia occasionally making small jokes about pencils or paper smudges, Mira giving small tips, and Shine quietly working. I kept to myself mostly, just watching, drawing, thinking.
Walking through the club room, sitting at my chair, I had my own thoughts. It's quiet. I like it. Nothing happens today… just observing, just… breathing.
Even if everyone's around, I still feel… alone sometimes. That's fine. Just… being here, drawing, simple stuff… it's enough.
After the club ended, students were free to leave. I decided to explore the campus a bit before heading back. The hallways were filled with noise and chatter, but I walked slowly, quietly observing.
People are everywhere. I'm just… me. That's okay. Just walking, just seeing… just thinking about old things, nothing today.
Eventually, I returned to the library, to our hidden room. Pushing the small door open, I saw the faint light coming through the window, dust floating softly in the air.
Shine was there.
She had fallen asleep at the table, her head resting gently on her folded arms. Her hair fell softly around her face, and the light made her features glow faintly.
I froze for a moment, just watching her quietly. No words. No movement. Just observing her peaceful sleep.
She looks so calm… I thought. Really quiet. Really… beautiful.
I stayed seated, watching the sunlight shift across the room. Nothing happened. No conversation, no interaction. Just the quiet, the small hidden room, Shine sleeping, and me.
And that was the end.