Chapter 1624 - The Art Gallery (2)

Corey stopped at the entrance of the art gallery, and he was dazed from all the people. He didn't expect that it will be this crowded.

He thought of confessing his feelings to Merve at the Cliffside Villa, but that would be awkward and forced. Should he do it in her room, where it's just the two of them, or in one of the common rooms where they can be overheard, or maybe in the garden? Nothing seemed right. This, on the other side, is a party. So, it should be easy to strike a conversation about dating. And based on his current observation, Merve does not mind his proximity, so there is a high chance he will not be rejected.

But now Corey has another problem. How can he find Merve? There are so many people! He looked around and observed people who were gathered in small groups and chatting lively.

"Welcome!" Xiaohui's voice came from his left. "Is this your first time here, Corey?"

She is two steps from the entry, welcoming people who come in, but he didn't notice her. To be honest, for Corey, every face is a blur because he is focused on searching for Merve.

"Yes, first time..." Corey responded.

"No need to be so formal. Relax." Xiaohui smiled meekly and gestured to her left. "The guys are that way and if you need any assistance, you will see familiar faces..."

Corey wanted to ask where Merve is, but he saw that Xiaohui was greeting people who came after him and he realized that he is blocking the entrance. He decided to move in the direction she pointed. Merve is here... somewhere.

A few steps later, Corey saw Zula talk to a middle-aged couple while gesturing toward one of the paintings. It is a painting of a white beach surrounded by tall cliffs, overlooking the sunset and Corey recognized it as the view from the Beach House. He went once there with Merve. They reached in the morning and returned in the evening, and ten other kids were present as well but Merve is the one who made it memorable. They started their day with training and Corey did his best to keep up with the others because he is not really the sport-ish type. And that day, they spent at the beach... she was painting and he was studying while stealing glances at her and it was one of the best days in his life.

Corey wanted to greet Zula, but he guessed that Zula is making a sale and decided not to disturb her.

"Corey!" Wing called from the crowd.

Corey turned and saw that Wing is waving vigorously, to get Corey's attention.

"Hey guys…" Corey greeted Wing, Bo, Daniel, Tejan, and Ron. They were all looking smart in well-fitted suits. Corey always admired how the kids from the Cliffside Villa are well dressed.

Corey knows that all these guys are dating girls who are involved in this gallery. Ron is with Zula, Daniel is with Xiaohui, Tejan is with Rosa, Bo is with Francisca, and Wing is with Azra. And all their relationships are going well. There is no cheating or scheming, only friendship, and honesty. A few times there were disputes, but they followed the rules of the house, and settled them in the fighting ring where the loser had to obey the winner. Sarah and Aiden are making sure that everyone in the house understands: if they can't come up to a mutual agreement, the stronger one makes the rules. It might sound harsh, but it works wonderfully. 

Out of the couples present, Daniel and Xiaohui moved to their apartment two years ago, and last year, Tejan and Rosa joined that group of lucky ones and the building with apartments is slowly getting filled. They are still staying at the Cliffside Villa, training, and studying together.

Corey envies them sometimes because they all live in their own little community under Sarah's and Aiden's protection and guidance. Corey has a two-bedroom apartment that Charlie bought for him two and a half years ago nearby his highschool, but Corey is lonely. That is why he goes to the Cliffside Villa whenever his school's schedule allows him, that, and to see Merve, of course.

Next year, he should start college, and Corey hopes to convince his mother and Charlie to allow him to take classes remotely, how most of the kids from the Cliffside house do. If he is successful, he can study with Merve and spend more time with her.

Wing, Bo, Daniel, Tejan, and Ron come to the art gallery for every event, to support their girlfriends and in case anyone causes trouble, they act as security.

"Looking for Merve?" Tejan asked with a smirk while gesturing toward the rose in Corey's hand.

Corey's smile fell. "What?" He wanted to ask, 'how do you know?' but that would reveal too much.

The guys burst into a laugh at Corey's funny expression.

"Don't worry, man…" Wing comforted Corey. "We were all been there. I saw her go that way…" Wing gestured to his right.

"Good luck!" Ron called when Corey walked away.

Corey frowned while wondering, is he that obvious? Probably. Does Merve know that he is interested in her? If yes, is that a good thing or a bad one? He was not sure.

Corey found that in this hallway there are fewer people. He glanced around and didn't spot Merve, and then his eyes moved over artwork on the wall. His sight zeroed on a painting at the end of the hallway. The light is hitting the canvas from above, and it looks like a centerpiece. Corey is not much into art, but that painting is… him. As possessed, he made his way toward the painting.

When he was two steps away from the painting, he observed it carefully. In the bottom right corner, he saw a signature: 'Merve'. Corey smiled. It's a portrait of a boy, and that is definitely him. It's very well done. The painting is so vivid, and he has a slight smile on his face which is reaching his eyes. He wondered if that is how Merve sees him.

...

Merve stood in the side hallway and observed the portrait of Corey she completed a few months ago. It's one of her best works and she could look at it all day.

Merve does not like to attend these events. She needs to dress up, do her hair and makeup, and talk to strangers. But Zula and Xiaohui told her that people like to engage with artists and to know more about the pieces, it helps with sales… and that is why Merve is here.

She found the main area too crowded and she came here for a breather, and to see the Corey she created, just how she imagines him.

Corey stirred her heart during the Christmas party two years ago. He was kind and funny and he gave her his jacket when she felt chilly. Since then she is noticing him, and there are times when she believes that he is watching her with the warm gaze, but then sometimes he treats her as anyone else and she is not sure. But the Corey on the painting always looks at her with that small smile and a gentle gaze and she could get lost in his hazel eyes. Merve managed to capture Corey's expression which stirs her emotions, and that is what makes that portrait priceless.

Merve's attention moved to the person who stopped in front of Corey's portrait and she held her breath when she realized how that is Corey looking at her work of him… how embarrassing. Why is he here? He never came to the art gallery!

Merve didn't want to put this painting on display, but Francisca and Xiaohui were telling her that it's a masterpiece and that she should do it, and she gave in. And now, Corey is there, staring at himself… and unless he is a retard, he would know that she likes him. Well, there is no going back, and she should own it. The worst that can happen is a rejection, right?

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