Chapter 23

23

* * * *

Creak. Im Woo-hyun quickly closed the front door and came in. The people on the first floor of the studio poked their heads out and greeted him.

"You're here."

"Yeah."

"Senior, hello."

"Hello to you too."

"You came early. What about the artist?"

The artist. He was talking about Go Doo-han. As he received the greetings, Im Woo-hyun's gaze briefly turned to the balcony. Beyond the neatly reattached balcony window, after displaying Gang Seok's work, he could see Teacher Go Doo-han slowly walking over.

Teacher Go Doo-han was walking with a scowl that could be detected even from 100 meters away.

Compared to how he used to return in high spirits after visiting Cheonghwa Arts High School every week for the past seven days, as if he had rubbed his body against a dogwood tree, this was an extreme situation.

– ‘...How about tomorrow? After the sketching is done, okay?’

– ‘No.’

– ‘Huh? No? Do you have plans tomorrow?’

– ‘Yes. I can't come tomorrow. I have to go to the hospital.’

Im Woo-hyun recalled the conversation between Gang Seok and Go Doo-han while eating. It was definitely because of that.

In fact, after lunch, Go Doo-han had a look on his face that, if he had a tail, he would have been thumping it on the floor. Gang Seok also reaffirmed that he couldn't come the next day after the afternoon session ended.

‘Actually, it's not a big problem.’

Gang Seok drew four pages while others drew one, and the quality of each page was so intricate and beautiful that it could easily be considered the best among the students participating in the project.

So, missing one day wouldn't make much of a difference. At most, the number of pages in the book to be published would decrease a bit.

Of course, Im Woo-hyun was sad about the eight pages that would be missing, as he had planned to buy the book of Gang Seok's human figure sketches as soon as it was published.

But it shouldn't be that bad.

Recently, Go Doo-han had been acting strangely. He was still a fussy and indifferent tyrant to others, but he acted like a butler to Gang Seok.

In short, it was as if Go Doo-han was feeling sorry for not being able to take care of things for Gang Seok, even though Gang Seok didn't care.

In fact.

Go Doo-han, who had shown no interest in the DFI problem or the details of the solo exhibition, had visited the exhibition venue a few days ago, all for Gang Seok.

Measuring the maximum size of the works that could fit with a ruler, it was clear that he was worried about whether Gang Seok's works could be displayed without disassembly.

‘Well, I can understand that.’

Im Woo-hyun thought he understood now. The thick, red human figure he saw in the studio that day was a painting that could make even Go Doo-han anxious.

It made him realize that there really are people who suddenly bloom with talent.

The moment Im Woo-hyun saw Gang Seok's paintings, he had a gut feeling.

He wouldn't be able to tell anyone to give up their dreams and look for other jobs anymore. The thought of Teacher Jeong Byung-kyun, who had once told Gang Seok to give up art and prepare for a humanities major, now made him feel sorry and pitiful.

‘It’s going to be interesting when school starts after the break.’

He was only disappointed that he couldn't visit the staff room more often as a part-time teacher. Of course, the most disappointing thing now was that he wouldn't be able to see Gang Seok's work today or tomorrow.

Im Woo-hyun shook off his thoughts.

He had to pass on the message.

"He's on his way."

Go Doo-han was almost at the studio. Im Woo-hyun, recalling why he had hurried, spoke.

"Teacher is in a particularly bad mood today, so be careful."

With that, Im Woo-hyun quickly moved. He was heading towards the stairs to avoid the situation.

"Ah...! Senior! Wait a moment...!"

"Senior, Im Woo-hyun senior!"

Im Woo-hyun, who was about to go up to the second-floor studio, frowned. His usual comrades, who usually understood him well and acted sensibly, were holding him back today.

Im Woo-hyun's eyes darted around. Now, Go Doo-han was close enough to be recognizable. Even if Mr. Son Dong-wook tried to slow down, there was a clear limit.

"Why."

Speak quickly. He shot a glare that conveyed his impatience.

The apprentices, who still hadn't shed their novice status, pointed to the wall with protruding panels, in the direction of the terrace.

Im Woo-hyun's gaze turned that way.

There stood a man. A gentle face, light brown hair with a lot of white strands like a bridge, broad shoulders, and a tall, refreshing build.

Im Woo-hyun recognized him.

One of the studio's three musketeers, Park Ji-hoon's uncle, and Go Doo-han's college classmate.

"Professor."

And the man was Park Ji-yeop, Im Woo-hyun's college professor.

.

.

.

Park Ji-yeop.

A hardworking freak who entered and graduated top of his class in the Department of Fine Arts at HanYang University of Arts (HYU). That was Park Ji-yeop's first title.

A typical school slave who became the president of the department and the student council, and eventually a professor at HYU. That was also Park Ji-yeop.

Why is this human anatomy freak here, who has never fit in since the beginning of his studies? Go Doo-han thought, repeatedly opening and closing the studio door.

Bang.

On the third time he opened the door.

Go Doo-han finally acknowledged it.

Park Ji-yeop had really intruded into his studio.

"Why are you here?"

Go Doo-han asked with a cold face. He didn't even want to think about why Park Ji-yeop was here, given his already bad mood. So, he asked.

His eyes, shaded by his hat, were telling Park Ji-yeop to be prepared if he didn't give a good reason.

Given Go Doo-han's expertise in intimidating people, it was not easy to maintain composure in front of him, but Park Ji-yeop managed to smile gently without much effort.

"I missed you."

"Get to the point."

Park Ji-yeop smiled leisurely, indicating he didn't want to drag the conversation out. They stared at each other in silence for a long time.

The students, sensing the tension between Park Ji-yeop and Go Doo-han, quietly sat down. They were like opposites, the perfect term to describe them.

The problem was that, despite being opposites, both had a deep interest in human anatomy, making them close friends who had been bickering for decades.

In any case.

The best course of action was to leave them alone. The fact that Son Dong-wook and Im Woo-hyun quickly went up to the second floor, leaving them alone, supported this.

And as everyone's attention shifted away from them, Park Ji-yeop, as if he had been waiting, put down his coffee cup and spoke.

"I have something I'm preparing. It's related to human anatomy, specifically human anatomy. The organization I'm collaborating with this time is quite large. It seems we'll get a lot of support and promotion."

Park Ji-yeop had always taken on big projects since becoming a professor. Go Doo-han nodded indifferently.

"If my prediction is correct, this project will significantly advance the level of human anatomy in Korea. It's important."

After a brief silence, Park Ji-yeop lifted his cup again. Steam rose from the still warm coffee.

His eyes crinkled, and long wrinkles appeared at the corners of his eyes.

"That's why I thought of you."

Go Doo-han finally understood why Park Ji-yeop had come. And it seemed Park Ji-yeop agreed, as he spoke.

"Can you help me?"

An invitation to participate in the project.

That was why Park Ji-yeop had intruded into Go Doo-han's studio.

Go Doo-han was silent.

Although he and Park Ji-yeop were like oil and water, Go Doo-han knew Park Ji-yeop's sincerity and effort in human anatomy. That's why, despite not getting along, they always worked together. Looking back, they probably thought they would eventually get along.

But not at a time like this. It was impossible to get along now.

"I also have a solo exhibition coming up soon. I have a project in progress."

Go Doo-han didn't like showing weakness, so he didn't reveal it externally, but he, like anyone else, wanted to borrow a helping hand. To hear the word "solo exhibition" with so many students and newcomers, his works had to be overwhelmingly numerous.

That's why Go Doo-han had been working all night whenever he had a chance recently.

During the day, he had to handle matters related to the Cheonghwa Arts High School human anatomy publication project, and he had to review and confirm the works of his students and newcomers.

The only solution was to reduce his sleep.

Go Doo-han didn't want to say he couldn't help, so he kept his mouth shut. And as always, Park Ji-yeop quickly understood Go Doo-han's situation.

"Looks like I came too late."

Park Ji-yeop tilted his coffee cup with a regretful look. In the prolonged silence, he added.

"Can you recommend someone?"

Recommend someone?

Go Doo-han finally looked up. His shaded eyes sparkled. Recently, there was one person he could confidently recommend for anything related to human anatomy.

"There is someone."

Gang Seok.

Was this an opportunity to showcase the unpolished gem that wasn't even finished yet? Go Doo-han's lips twitched. His mouth was already curving upward.

* * * *

"Okay, you're registered."

"Can I go straight to the second floor?"

"Ah......"

The nurse, who was handing over the paper, looked at the computer. Then, with a friendly smile, she replied.

"Since there are many items, please wait a moment. I'll call your name."

Gang Seok nodded and stepped back. At the same time, the number on the sign above the nurse changed. The direction indicator pointed to the side of where he was standing.

Feeling someone stand next to him, Gang Seok turned around. The place was crowded.

Considering it was a general hospital, it was a large number for a weekday morning. It was even more surprising since it wasn't Monday or Wednesday.

Crowded.

As Gang Seok was making this observation, he heard someone call him from the side.

"Seok."

It was his mother, Baek Myung-hee.

"Yes?"

"Can you sit with Chae-young for a bit? I'll just make a quick call."

Pointing to the water dispenser in the distance, Baek Myung-hee nodded. As she turned towards the water dispenser, Kang Hyun, who was standing next to her, also moved, saying a short word of thanks.

Gang Seok watched them walk away, holding hands, and then moved after a short while.

When he returned to his seat, he saw Gang Chae-young, head down, staring at her phone.

Plop.

As soon as he sat down, Gang Chae-young, without turning her head, asked,

"Did it take a while to register?"

Gang Chae-young quickly tapped her phone. Gang Seok's gaze shifted towards her phone. Tap, tap, tap. Each tap of her thumb moved to the next problem.

He thought she was playing a game. Gang Seok leaned back, his eyes cold.

"There were many items to register."

"What did you register for?"

Gang Chae-young turned her head. At the same time, her eyebrows arched like a seagull's wings.

"What, where are Mom and Dad?"

"Making a call."

"Is that so?"

Gang Chae-young turned her head again.

"So, what did you register for?"

Gang Seok's gaze shifted to the paper. The registration items were listed.

"Blood test, unvaccinated vaccine check, antibody test, upper abdominal ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound. You and Mom also have mammography and breast ultrasound. Upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and... vascular examination..."

"What, how many things did you register for?"

"I only registered for the necessary ones."

The effort was only for a day, but the benefits were numerous. Health was a truly important asset. Gang Chae-young, still a high school student, might not understand yet.

It would be the best gift among the first ones he bought with the money he earned from art.

Much better than a red swimsuit, right?

Thinking this, Gang Seok looked around. He was wondering why his parents, who said they would just make a call, were taking so long. Turning his head, he saw his mother talking on the phone with someone in the distance.

The call must be taking a while. With his question answered, Gang Seok leaned back in his chair. Still, the wait was long. Should he read something? He casually scanned the bookshelf.

Wait. Just now... Gang Seok's eyes, like a yo-yo, returned to their original position.

His gaze was now fixed on one spot. The third shelf of the bookshelf in front of him. The title of the book at the far end caught his eye.

The book read:

Anatomy?

Gang Seok's eyes lit up. Curiosity filled his eyes as he stood up, as if enchanted. Gang Chae-young glanced at him, but her gaze didn't reach him.

Gang Seok reached out his hand.

Just as his hand was about to touch the book, his pocket vibrated. His phone. Gang Seok's gaze dropped. It was a call.

Buzz, buzz!

The screen of his phone read: Go Doo-han.

* * * *

"Could there be an animal that has not been dissected by his hands! Michelangelo truly dissected an enormous number of human bodies. No one, among those who dedicated their lives to anatomy, or those who made it their profession, could match his knowledge."

— Excerpt from the 1553 biography of Michelangelo, "The Life of Michelangelo" by Ascanio Condivi

24. It was a day of drizzling rain.