Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Let's Draw Together
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Daeun's words left me a little flustered.
By the time everyone had started drawing, there wasn't much left for Daeun to do.
But that wasn't the issue.
She might end up getting in the way. Would they really let her draw with them? Since we'd already borrowed the supplies, it was our turn to ask a favor. And since I had to keep watching the booth, the only way this would work was if the kid's mom agreed to watch Daeun too. No matter that they'd lent us the supplies, would the mom really be okay with that? You can draw pictures. I smiled at Daeun's question. I'll ask first. Okay! Daeun can wait! I couldn't go into those details with her, so I kept quiet. I approached the kid's mom who'd lent us the tools. Excuse me, could I talk to you for a moment? Oh, sure! She didn't seem too guarded, probably because of the supplies. What's up? As she stood, I glanced at her child, who was deep into drawing, and carefully asked. I'm really sorry to ask this out of the blue, but our kid suddenly wants to draw too. Would it be okay if she joined in next to you? Joined in? The mom looked a bit surprised at the request. But she soon smiled brightly. Sure! Her name's Daeun, right? If it wasn't for Daeun, we wouldn't even be drawing. She can join anytime. What a relief. Doyun's mom readily agreed to Daeun's request, and I hurried back with the good news. Daddy! Daeun can draw pictures! Yeah, the auntie said to come draw together. Lucky, huh? Yeah! So lucky! Daeun was thrilled, calling it lucky. I took the chance to explain our situation. And to subtly point out that I couldn't join her. But Daeun, we didn't come here just to draw today. So Daddy has to watch the booth... Did she understand? Yeah! Daeun can do it by herself. Of course she could. The problem was... Daeun no bother friends! Daeun draw quiet! Right. Daeun knew exactly what I was worried about. And she knew just how to behave. That's my Daeun! I'll trust you. Yeah! Daeun can do it! Daeun go now! She scampered off and politely bowed to the mom who'd lent the supplies. Watching her... It'll be fine, right? I could only gaze after her with a hint of worry.
Doyun's mom warmly welcomed the polite little bow.
Come on in. You want to draw? Yes. Can I draw next to you? Of course. Doyun, that's okay with you, right? Doyun nodded at her mom, eyes on the paper. Yeah, it's fine. His half-hearted reply didn't seem to please her much, but she smiled at Daeun anyway. He's shy around strangers... Why don't you scoot in here and get set up. Come on. Okay. The mat wasn't huge, and with Daeun squeezing in, it got cramped. But Doyun's mom seemed glad to have her. So, how old are you, Daeun? Doyun's six. At the mention of six, Daeun spread her fingers wide. Daeun five! Wow, five years old and so mature. You're amazing. Thank you! Daeun bowed as she opened a spare sketchbook. Meanwhile, Doyun's mom kept the questions coming. So you came to volunteer with Daddy today? Is Mommy resting at home or something? It was a sensitive question for Daeun, but the mom didn't know that. Daeun didn't seem bothered, though. Daeun's mommy far away. Far away? Yes! Daddy says Mommy went to heaven. Oh... Doyun's mom realized her mistake. Doyun, focused on his drawing, piped up. You don't have a mommy? Doyun! His mom startled and tried to stop him, but the question was out. Daeun nodded. No mommy now. But later, Daeun go meet mommy. How? Daeun beamed at the innocent question. Daddy says Mommy waiting in heaven. So Daeun meet her later. Doyun just stared, then kept glancing at his own mom. He silently went back to drawing. Doyun's mom panicked. It'll be okay, right...? She'd asked the tough question herself and was worried sick. What if sweet little Daeun was hurt? But when she looked... She's smiling. Daeun grinned over her sketchbook, excited to draw. Desperate to change the subject, the mom forced a smile. So, what are you gonna draw? Got something in mind? The contest theme was social contribution—anything about helping society worked, from volunteering to environmental protection. Yes! Daeun draw what she want. Really? Not something Daddy picked? No! Daeun pick! Doyun's mom was stunned by the bold reply. A five-year-old grasping the theme and choosing her own subject? She's smart. Impossible without understanding the theme. Her own son Doyun hadn't gotten it without her help. So, what are you drawing? Curious now, she asked. Daeun grinned mischievously. Secret! Se... secret? Yes! Daeun show when done! Uh... okay then... A secret? Her cute playfulness only piqued the mom's curiosity more. But with it declared a secret, she couldn't push. I'll find out soon enough. Scribble scribble. Daeun started drawing, and soon the mom noticed. This is...
Two hours into the contest.
Time flew since Daeun started drawing.
More work than I thought. At the start, I'd handed out supplies to participants. Midway, I moved participant prizes. By the time I looked up, it was now. I'd checked on Daeun between tasks, and true to form, she'd sat stock-still for two hours, lost in her drawing. Each time, our eyes met with Doyun's mom; I'd nod thanks. Footsteps approached—heavy with judges. The contest was nearing its end. They said they'd start judging early because of the crowd. Several universities had teamed up, drawing a big turnout. More participants meant bigger prestige for first place. So they'd judge early to account for time. The five judges wandered among the drawers, gauging works for first-pass marks. They'd flag good ones for later review—efficient. Then, footsteps halted at one spot. Huh? Daeun and Doyun's mat. Why there...? Did Doyun draw something amazing? The professor judging, Jeong the president, and Kwak the rep—all glanced my way. Their looks told me: Daeun had stopped them. What on earth is she drawing? Curiosity burned, but I couldn't leave. Prizes weren't ready, and abandoning the booth while Daeun was drawing? No. So I endured. No problems, right? The professor wouldn't stand for issues. About ten minutes later, the judges moved on. They'd lingered at Daeun and Doyun's spot, so they rushed the rest, finishing just in time. The emcee wrapped it up. Great work, everyone. Submit your pieces to the staff up front. Judging will take about thirty minutes. Please wait, and meanwhile we'll distribute prizes to participants... I turned to Daeun, eager to see her work. But Doyun's mom whispered something, then... Took Daeun's drawing and submitted it with Doyun's. ... Stunned by the unexpected move, then Kwak the rep approached, snapping me out. Mr. Lee, a word? Oh, Director Kwak. Sure, what is it? Just to confirm—Daeun didn't enter, right? From her drawing, obviously. Yes, correct. His eyes lit up. He leaned in close—too close. Then about that drawing she just did... Jeong the president rushed up, cutting him off. Mr. Lee, absolutely not. Pardon? What now? Whew, Kanghyeok. Even Professor Kwon joined. Kanghyeok, about Daeun's piece... Whoosh! Their sudden trio flustered me. Then Daeun ran up, beaming. Daddy! Daeun had so much fun! They nodded knowingly at her grin. So... what was fun about it? I was the only one lost. Moments later, another approached: Doyun's mom. Daeun's daddy, can we talk a sec? What was going on with everyone?