Clatter. Im Woo-hyun quickly shut the front door and came inside. People on the first floor of the studio peeked out their heads and greeted him.
"You're here."
"Yeah."
"Hello, sunbae."
"Hello to you too."
"You're early. What about the artist?"
The artist — referring to Godoo Han. Im Woo-hyun, who was accepting the flood of greetings, glanced toward the veranda. Beyond the veranda window, which had been neatly reattached after Kang Seok's work was displayed, Godoo Han was seen slowly walking over.
Godoo Han was walking with a grimace deep enough to spoil anyone's mood even from 100 meters away.
Considering that during the past week, whenever he came back from Cheonghwa Arts High School, he'd felt better as if rubbing against a Korean dogwood tree, this was an extreme change.
"...How about tomorrow? After the sketch class, yeah?"
"No."
"Huh? No? Do you have plans?"
"Yes. I can't come tomorrow. I have to go to the hospital."
Im Woo-hyun remembered the conversation between Kang Seok and Godoo Han while eating porridge. It was definitely because of that.
In fact, after lunch, Godoo Han looked like a dog swishing its tail on the floor as he conducted class. Kang Seok had also firmly stated again after the afternoon session that he wouldn't be coming tomorrow.
"Actually, it's not a big problem."
Kang Seok was drawing four pages for every one that others completed, and the quality of his drawings was the best among the students in the project — detailed and beautiful.
So missing one day wouldn't be a big deal. At worst, the number of pages in the published book would be reduced a little.
Of course, Im Woo-hyun was sad about losing eight pages, as he intended to buy Kang Seok's figure drawing reference book the moment it was published.
Still, this wasn't normal.
Lately, Godoo Han had been strange. While still a grumpy and indifferent tyrant to others, he acted like a butler to Kang Seok.
In other words, Godoo Han cared for Kang Seok in ways no one else did, which was pitiful.
Actually, the reason Godoo Han visited the exhibition hall himself a few days ago despite usually showing no interest in personal exhibitions or display issues was because of Kang Seok.
He measured the maximum size of work the gallery could accommodate with a tape measure — clearly worried if Kang Seok's piece could be exhibited without dismantling.
"Hmm. I can understand that."
Im Woo-hyun also began to understand. The thick, red human figures he had seen in the studio were definitely paintings that would drive Godoo Han crazy.
There really is such a thing as sudden blooming talent.
The moment Im Woo-hyun saw Kang Seok's paintings, he instinctively knew he couldn't tell anyone to give up their dreams so lightly anymore. The teacher Jeong Byeong-kwon, who had told Kang Seok to quit art school and prepare for liberal arts, must feel sorry now.
"School's going to be interesting after vacation."
It was a pity that as a part-time instructor, he couldn't visit the faculty office often. But the most disappointing thing was that he wouldn't get to see Kang Seok's work tomorrow either.
Shaking off these thoughts, Im Woo-hyun realized he needed to convey a message.
"He's on his way now."
Godoo Han was close to entering the studio. Im Woo-hyun reminded himself why he hurried and spoke.
"Be careful. The teacher's in a particularly bad mood today."
After saying this, Im Woo-hyun quickly moved toward the stairs to get out of the way.
"Ah! Sunbae! Wait a moment...!"
"Sunbae, Im Woo-hyun sunbae!"
As he tried to head up to the second-floor studio, Im Woo-hyun frowned. Normally, his comrades would understand and step aside neatly, but today they unexpectedly blocked his path.
His eyes darted quickly. Godoo Han was close enough to be recognized by face now. Even if Son Dong-wook tried to slow him down, there was a clear limit.
"Why."
Im Woo-hyun glared, silently demanding a quick explanation.
His junior students pointed toward the wall with protruding panels — the terrace direction.
Im Woo-hyun looked over.
A man stood there — a gentle impression, light brown hair with white streaks as if highlights had been added. Broad shoulders and a tall frame.
Im Woo-hyun recognized him.
He was Park Ji-hoon's uncle, one of the "studio trio," and Godoo Han's college classmate.
"Professor."
And Im Woo-hyun's university professor — Park Ji-yeop.
.
.
.
Park Ji-yeop.
He was a hardworking eccentric who entered Hanyang National University of Arts (Hanyang Art School) at the top of his class and graduated top as well. That was Park Ji-yeop's first title.
He was a typical school loyalist who held positions like class president, student council leader, and eventually a professor at the same school.
Godoo Han wondered why this anatomy enthusiast, who had been clashing with him since the start, was here. He opened and closed his studio door twice pondering this.
Bang.
On the third door opening, Godoo Han finally admitted it.
Park Ji-yeop had really barged into his studio.
"Why are you here."
Godoo Han asked coldly. He didn't want to think about the reason — especially since he was already in a bad mood. The shadow cast by Park Ji-yeop's hat made his eyes look like they were daring him to give a proper reason immediately.
Godoo Han was an expert in cold irritation, so maintaining composure in front of him would be hard, but Park Ji-yeop smiled gently without trying too hard.
"I was just thinking of you."
"Get to the point."
When Godoo Han hinted he didn't want to drag things out, Park Ji-yeop smiled leisurely. They locked eyes in silence for a long time.
Their growling made their juniors slowly settle down in their chairs. They were "opposites" — the perfect word to describe their relationship.
The problem was, despite being opposites, both shared a deep interest in anatomy, and had been close friends quarrelling for decades.
Anyway, it was best to leave them alone. Son Dong-wook and Im Woo-hyun had quickly fled to the second floor, leaving the two alone.
Once everyone's attention shifted away, Park Ji-yeop put down his coffee cup and said,
"I'm preparing something new. Related to anatomy. More specifically, human anatomy. The place we're collaborating with is a pretty big organization. There'll be strong backing and good support."
Park Ji-yeop, as a professor, always took on big projects. Godoo Han nodded nonchalantly.
"If my prediction is correct, this project will greatly advance the level of human anatomy in Korea. It's important work."
After enjoying the silence for a moment, Park Ji-yeop lifted his cup again. Steam rose from the still-warm coffee.
Wrinkles curved around his eyes. Deep lines stretched across Park Ji-yeop's face.
"So that's why you came to mind."
Godoo Han finally seemed to understand why Park Ji-yeop had come to find him. And as if confirming this, Park Ji-yeop spoke up.
"Help me out a bit."
An invitation to join a project.
That was the real reason Park Ji-yeop had practically barged into Godoo Han's studio.
Godoo Han remained silent.
Though he and Park Ji-yeop were like oil and water, never getting along, Godoo Han knew well how sincere and dedicated Park Ji-yeop was about human anatomy. Despite their differences, they always bumped heads because of that shared passion. Looking back, they both probably thought someday they'd find common ground.
But their timing was always off. It seemed impossible for them to truly blend.
"I don't have much time until my solo exhibition either. I'm working on a project as well."
Godoo Han hated showing weakness and never let it show outside, but he also wanted all the help he could get. Even though he involved many students and newcomers, to call it a solo exhibition, his own work had to overwhelm them all.
That's why he had been working through the nights lately whenever he got a chance.
During normal waking hours, he had to handle the Cheonghwa Arts High School anatomy publication project, check drawings from his students and rookies, and give approvals.
Reducing sleep was the only solution.
Godoo Han kept his mouth shut because he didn't want to say he couldn't help. And as always, Park Ji-yeop immediately caught on to his situation.
"I'm too late for this."
Park Ji-yeop tilted his coffee cup with a regretful expression. In the long silence that followed, he added:
"Don't you have anyone you can recommend?"
Recommend someone?
Only then did Godoo Han lift his head. A faint gleam appeared in his shaded eyes. Recently, there was indeed one person he could confidently recommend regarding anatomy.
"There is."
Kang Seok.
Had an opportunity finally arisen to showcase that uncut gem? Godoo Han's lips twitched. Before he knew it, the corner of his mouth curled upwards.
"Yes, you're registered."
"Should I go straight to the second floor?"
"Ah…"
The nurse handing over the form glanced at the computer, then responded with a kind smile.
"There are quite a few steps, so please take a seat for a moment. We'll call your name."
Kang Seok nodded and stepped back. Ding. The number on the nurse's display changed simultaneously. The arrow pointed to the spot next to where he had been standing.
Feeling someone standing nearby, Kang Seok turned around. The place was crowded.
Even for a general hospital, it was a lot for a weekday morning — especially since today wasn't Monday but Wednesday.
So many people.
As Kang Seok thought this, he heard a voice calling him from the side.
"Seok-ah."
It was his mother, Baek Myung-hee.
"Yes?"
"Want to sit with Chaeyoung? I'll just make a quick call."
Baek Myung-hee nodded toward a distant water cooler. Kang Seok nodded in agreement. As Baek Myung-hee turned to walk away, Kang Hyun, standing beside her, followed after a brief request.
Watching their backs as they walked hand in hand, Kang Seok resumed walking shortly after.
Returning to his seat, he saw Kang Chaeyoung staring down at her phone.
Plop.
As soon as he sat down, Kang Chaeyoung, without turning her head, asked,
"The registration took quite a while, huh?"
Kang Chaeyoung tapped her phone quickly. Kang Seok's gaze moved toward the phone. Tap, tap, tap — each click advancing through screens.
Looks like she was playing a game. Kang Seok leaned back with cold eyes.
"There were a lot of registration items."
"What did you register for?"
Kang Chaeyoung turned her head, her eyebrows arching like seagulls.
"What about Mom and Dad?"
"They went to make calls."
"Really?"
Kang Chaeyoung turned back.
"So what did you register for?"
Kang Seok glanced at the paper listing the items:
"Blood tests, vaccination status check, antibody tests, upper abdomen ultrasound, thyroid ultrasound. For you and Mom, breast mammography and breast ultrasound were added. Gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and… vascular tests…"
"What? How much did you sign up for?"
"Only what's necessary."
It would be a hard day, but it promised valuable information. Health was truly an important asset. Though Kang Chaeyoung was still a high school student and might not fully realize that.
It was probably the best gift Kang Seok had ever given, made with the money he earned from art.
Much better than red thermal underwear.
Thinking this, Kang Seok turned his eyes. His parents, who said they'd just make a call, seemed to be taking too long. Turning his head, he spotted his mother still on the phone far away.
The long call answered his doubts. Kang Seok leaned back in his chair. Still, the wait was long. Should he look at something? Kang Seok flipped through some books casually.
Wait. Just now—
Like a yo-yo returning to its place, Kang Seok's eyes snapped back to their original focus.
His gaze fixed on one spot — the third shelf of the bookshelf right in front of him. At the very back, Kang Seok quietly read the title of a book.
[(For Medical Use) Human Anatomy]
That's what it said on the book.
Anatomy?
Kang Seok's eyes shone. Curiosity filled his eyes as if hypnotized, and he rose from his seat. Kang Chaeyoung glanced at him briefly but he didn't notice.
Kang Seok reached out his hand.
Just as his hand was about to touch the book, his pocket vibrated. His phone. His gaze dropped.
It was a call.
Jing, jing!
[Godoo Han]
The phone screen displayed "Godoo Han."
"Is there any animal in his hands that has not been dissected? Michelangelo dissected an incredible number of human bodies. None of those who devoted their lives to anatomy, or who made it their profession, have ever caught up to his knowledge."
—Excerpt from "The Life of Michelangelo," a biography published by Ascanio Condivi in 1553