Page 26 of Chasing Wild Heart

That's what good boyfriends do. Right? Because I feel like one tonight. What's surprising is I don't mind the unofficial label or voluntarily looking at art. If my presence makes Juni happy, then I'll spend the entire evening here. Okay, maybe not all night. Unless alcohol is involved, but that's highly unlikely since this is an academic event.

I take a deep breath before stepping forward and accepting a glossy pamphlet from a student volunteer.

"Are you here for a specific exhibit?" she asks, straightening her composure before tossing her long golden locks over her slim shoulders.

I wonder if she's one of the mean girls Juni occasionally complained about.

"Uh, yeah," I answer awkwardly, curling the paper in my hand. "Juniper Mitchell? I'm with her."

The way her eyes light up and her lips curl into a wide smile suggests she's a friend or fan of Juni. Or she could be one of the mean girls, and she's a superb actress.

"Just follow the crowd over there." She tilts her head toward a specific hallway. "It will lead you to her exhibit."

"Thanks," I murmur with a nod as I fall behind a group of students meandering that way.

My gaze follows a line of framed black-and-white pictures hanging on the white walls. Each photo highlights the normalcy of life on campus, from students studying in the library to working on a group project. The theme may be simple, but the photographers captured more than a range of emotions.

I really need to do better,I chide myself, impressed with the high level of aptitude.

I enter a spacious area where a multitude of colors brighten the white walls. A line of people standing shoulder to shoulder partially blocks my view of the far wall. When my gaze lands on shades of blue streaking across the surface, I know it's the beginning of Juni's work.

She's shown me rough sketches and a few work-in-progress snapshots, so I have an idea what to expect. But when part of the crowd breaks off, leaving me with a clear view, a small gasp filters through my lips at the magnificent creature before me.

A gorgeous sculpted dark teal octopus floats effortlessly against the deep blue sea. Its tentacles, detailed with rows of suckers, stretch over the width of the surface and seem to sway both innocently and protectively. The slim, dark eyes carry a sharp, predatory gaze.

Beauty in the unexpected.

How did Tabby pick the perfect name?I wonder, feeling a tinge of jealousy that she and the others watched the progression.

Perry was never meant to be an accurate replica, considering the teal color palette with a dusting of gold. Instead, the entire work of art not only demands attention but offers a touch of idealization.

"I should've gone with flowers," a familiar voice teases as I feel a small hand looping around my arm.

I smile and turn to find Juni glowing with happiness. As she should because the night is hers.

She looks exceptionally radiant in an embroidered floral mini skirt that hugs her hips and thighs and a simple green sweater. Thigh-high gray boots, which add an inch or two to her height, complete the look. Her raven tresses usually pulled back into a ponytail cascade over her shoulders.

"You should never go with flowers," I reply jokingly as my hand reaches over to cover hers.

"You sure?" Her dark eyes hold a flicker of self doubt that surprises me.

Even as a crowd surrounds her work and their observations and reviews shine with praise, she continues to second guess herself. But that's who she is; she works hard only to wonder if she deserves the acclaim that comes achieving greatness.

The countless hours she put in don't matter to her because she would've happily spent another week or month until she was satisfied.

"It's beautiful, Juni," I reassure her, pulling my arm from her grasp to wrap it around her shoulder and pull her close. "Trust your instincts."

"Yeah, maybe," she concedes uncertainly, resting her head against my shoulder. "Perry is beautiful."

We stand silently, staring at the stunning sea creature, for a few moments before some guests shyly approach Juni.

I stick close, half studying the smallest of details and half watching Juni explain her thought process.

Her enthusiasm and love for art captivate anyone listening, drawing them into her world. The night belongs to her, but it doesn't stop her from engaging and encouraging others to share their insights.

Curious to feel even an ounce of Juni's extraordinary talent, my fingers ghost over a tentacle when I hear, "Don't touch that!"

A high-pitched shriek escapes me as I drop the offending hand to my side. I turn to find Juni grinning wickedly.

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