— jangmi

Me and Renjun decided to talk about the project in a cafe and we're planning on telling facts about us first.

"Do you have a way of letting our your feelings?" He asked then I nodded, taking a sip of my iced Americano.

"I really love to sketch so, it became a stress reliever for me." I said then he nodded.

"You must be good at it." I nodded then I showed him my sketchbook and he wowed..

"Such pretty sketches.. this remind me of the sketchbook Nana bought for me." He gave me a sketchbook and I am correct..

It is mine.

I guess, my mom sold it in a junk sale by accident but I don't mind.

"These sketches.. so much feelings.." I couldn't help but say that..

It's true anyway. I put too much feelings in these. I made these when I was sixteen or seventeen when I was really having a difficult time.

Now that I'm 18, I'm running out of skerchbooks to draw with and with more expectations of my parents, it's hard.

"This question might trigger you but.. do you actually have depression?" He asked then I froze...

I looked down, my hand becoming a fist then I nodded.

"The expectations of my parents is getting higher so, I focus on my studies a lot and more people pressuring me..

Saying that I should do better, can do better.. It's difficult and with every new step, it's getting more difficult." I said then he held my hand.

"I know that it's getting more difficult but.. it's how life works. The harder it is, you'll get a good result at the end.

As you continue climbing higher even if you lost hope, someone will always be there for you to help.

Don't let go on what you want to become. You're not a caged bird, Jangmi, you're a free bird that has opinions.

A caged bird wouldn't be in the position you are now. They're just doing nothing but you, you're doing something special.

We both don't know it but you're brave enough to step higher, to climb higher." He caressed my cheek as I start crying.

"I'm here to help." He said, standing up and sat beside me. He wrapped his arms around me, comforting me.

"Never give up.."

— renjun

I'm thankful that I asked for her address earlier than now cause she fell asleep.

I have her on my back, sleeping and I smiled at her.

I knocked on the door of her house and her mother..? Opened the door.

"Omo.. come in." She let me in and I thanked her. She took me to Jangmi's room and I immediately noticed the number of sketchbooks she has.

I placed her on the bed, stretching my back.

I covered her with the blanket before caressing her hair, smiling softly.

I carefully exited her room, facing her parents.

"I'm Huang Renjun, Jangmi's classmate and partner. I'm sorry if your daughter came home late.

We did a project and she ended up crying and fell asleep." I bowed, apologizing.

"It's okay, as long as she's home safely. Why did she cry though?" Her dad asked, arms crossed.

"She's.. feeling too pressured with our classmates saying she can do better and stressed out due to having a lot or projects." I said, not bothering to mention the parents thing.

"Thank you for bringing her home safely, Renjun. You can go now." She said then I thanked her before leaving.

I sighed in relief as I walk home. Hearing Jangmi's thoughts almost made me cry.

To be honest, I have felt that way before and I totally understand that it's painful but..

Hers is worst, she needs someone to rely on..

"I'll be that person."

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