Both of them stepped down from the car once it came to a halt. He took her hand in his, and her heart leaped.
"Let's go" he said, and walked ahead.
"Where are we, Ryan?" Aria asked, but he kept quiet. He walked further on a lonely path with trimmed grasses in either side, and then the trees came into view. The yellow-red leaves swayed with the breeze, fanning her face. The surroundings got tinted in orange, and she could barely see the sky. They walked further, arriving at a spot filled cherry blossoms. They were.... blossoming? Cherry blossoms..... blossoming in late autumn?
Aria's hand slowly released from Ryan's. Her legs moving, and she was walking away. Gaping at the view in front of her, with her mouth shaped 'O'. This is just so unbelievable.
"Wow...." she breathed. "This is so rare and beautiful!" She walked ahead, the atmosphere was so warm and peaceful. She stood under the cherry blossoms, swirling around in excitement, she giggled. The breeze blew, and the petals rained on her.
Ryan just stood there, watching her with a faint smile plastered on his face. His heart, went thud...thud, thud. He could hear it. He walked to her, stopped and inch away and she stopped swirling. She looked at him, smiling while letting out light pants.
"Do you like this place?" he asked and she nodded. Her hair got decorated with the flower petals, adding to her beauty.
He smiled "Let's walk futher" they walked ahead with warm smiles. The area was filled with the autumn flowers. Looks like a park. She inhaled the scent lingering around, exhaling deeply.
"It's so peaceful. We could hold a picnic here. What do you say?"
"Picnic?"
"Yes" she beamed "I can even sleep here"
"Sounds nice"
"The air is so good!" she giggled.
"I come here sometimes. When my heart hurts" he said, and she looked at him. Does it hurt now?
"It's peaceful. But not peaceful enough for me."
"Your heart.... does it hurt much?" she asked
"Hmm" he nodded. "It hurt so much, I feel I might die" he smiled, but she knew that smile was just concealing the real emotion.
Arianna stopped and stood in front of him "I know what can help. Warm hugs" she smiled. "You've hugged me a few times when I got sad. Hugs help in easing pain." He stared at her in anticipation for her next words or action. Her legs moved and then she hugged him. Ryan felt his world stop, and thud went his heart. Her body was warm, her scent wafting into his nostrils. It was like a layer of ice in him was melting down.
A deep sigh left his lips, and he let himself fall in her embrace. His hand lifted and he held her, his eyes closed. They stayed that way for a few minutes, before she pulled away. His eyes were a little red.
"Do you feel better?" Arianna asked him.
"Yes. It stopped" he said and she smiled triumphantly. They sat on a bench and watched the greeny.
"But... Why does your heart ?" She asked like she doesn't know.
He was quiet. He didn't know how to say it. He was scared she would run away from him, even when he's still trying to bring her closer. "It's empty. That's why" he said. She looked away, seeming to think about what he said.
"I guess it has found what would fill it up. So I'm trying to get it to fill every space in my heart" he looked at her, and somehow, she felt he was referring to her. She bit her lips and turned away.
Silence reigned for a few minutes. He could now feel how peaceful this place is. Is it because she's sitting beside him? Everything feels so different.
"Where do you want to go next?" he asked, but got her steady breathing as his reply. He turned his head, only to find her asleep with her head rested on his shoulder. It was like feather touches that he couldn't even feel the weight in it. He smiled at her sleeping face. He faced forward, letting her sleep for a while.
*...*....*....*....*
Meanwhile, at Han gallery, the exhibition began. The hall had a beautiful decor of the artworks on the wall, and filled with people. Mostly of high social class. Director Wang, and few other staffs, explained the deep meaning behind each painting to the people. Every painting was something delightful, giving both warmth and deep feelings.
"Wow!" A woman exclaimed "I love this one. Honey, can I get it? I want it in our bedroom"
"Sure, honey" the man said and turned to the staff "We would like to purchase this"
"You can go to the counter at the lobby, sir"
The couple went to the counter, with the staff following behind them, carrying the painting.
"Excuse me" the man called and the attendant answered "How much for this?"
"That painting cost two million won, sir" the woman replied.
"Alright then, I'll make payment" he brought out his card and paid for it, and the staffs helped in packaging it.
Shin woo and Yeong Jun went around checking the artworks and making sure they're still okay for purchase. Every artwork met the individual's desires, and gradually the paintings were purchased.
Director Wang took a breather with a big smile "Look how the artworks of Han gallery are being rushed" he said. "This year's exhibition would be more than just a success. I'd find favour in chairman Park's eyes. Haha" he laughed.
Micheal who stood beside him cleared his throat "Ahem... Director Wang"
"Yes?" he turned to him.
"Uh.... We were thinking.... If the exhibition is over , Han group could celebrate on its success" Micheal said.
"Celebrate?"
"Yes. We could hold a big party at Han HQ. It's been a while since we did that" he explained.
"Yes, what a pleasant idea to my efforts" Micheal clenched his jaws. It was actually the worker's effort, not his. "That way, we might be able to see the CEO" he patted Michael's shoulder real hard "What a big party it would be" he walked away.
Michael smiled. "Let's party!" He exclaimed.