– Episode 3: The First Lesson

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[Scene: The Art Room – Afternoon]

Mia sat at the wooden desk, adjusting her paintbrushes neatly. The scent of fresh paint filled the air, and the sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a golden glow on the canvas in front of her. This was her world—organized, peaceful, and full of colors.

But that peace lasted exactly three seconds.

BANG!

The door flew open, and in walked Adrian Knight, dressed in his signature black leather jacket, motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. His messy dark hair was still damp from the ride, and his usual smirk was plastered across his face.

Adrian: "Alright, Picasso. Teach me how to hold a crayon or whatever."

Mia sighed, already regretting this decision.

Mia: "First of all, we don’t use crayons. And second—" (pauses, narrowing her eyes) "Why are you late?"

Adrian casually leaned against the table, his eyes flickering to the clock.

Adrian: "I was on time. You were just early. Big difference, sweetheart."

Mia rolled her eyes, grabbing a blank sketchbook and a pencil.

Mia: "Fine. Let’s start simple. Draw a circle."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, then took the pencil and dramatically dragged it across the page. When Mia leaned over to check, her jaw nearly dropped.

Mia: "That… is not a circle. That’s a deformed potato."

Adrian smirked, completely unfazed.

Adrian: "Well, technically, a potato is kinda circular."

Mia groaned, snatching the pencil from his hand.

Mia: "Watch me. You hold the pencil lightly, move your wrist—not your fingers—like this." (draws a perfect circle)

Adrian watched, a glimmer of something almost serious in his usually playful eyes. Then, he picked up his pencil again and tried to copy her. The result?

A lopsided oval.

Adrian leaned back, dramatically tossing the pencil onto the table.

Adrian: "Yeah, this isn’t working. Maybe I should just quit while I still have my dignity."

Mia crossed her arms, tapping her fingers against her elbow.

Mia: "You have dignity?"

Adrian gasped in mock offense.

Adrian: "Wow. Did little Miss Sunshine just insult me? I’m so proud."

Mia couldn’t stop the tiny smile from forming on her lips, but she quickly covered it.

Mia: "Come on, try again. Art isn’t about getting it perfect right away."

Adrian sighed and picked up the pencil again. This time, he focused. His movements were still rough, but there was something genuine about his attempt. Mia noticed how his eyebrows furrowed slightly when he concentrated—an expression she’d never seen on him before.

After a few minutes, he finally managed a semi-decent circle.

Adrian: (grinning) "Well, well. Looks like I’m a natural."

Mia: "More like barely acceptable." (smirks) "But I’ll give you a passing grade."

Adrian leaned forward, his eyes glinting mischievously.

Adrian: "Oh? So you think about grading me, huh? That means you actually care."

Mia felt heat rush to her cheeks. This guy!

Mia: "Don’t flatter yourself. If you actually focus, maybe—"

Before she could finish, Adrian suddenly leaned even closer, their faces just inches apart.

Adrian: (low voice) "Maybe what?"

Mia’s heart skipped a beat.

Mia: "M-Maybe you’ll improve faster!"

Adrian chuckled, pulling back as if nothing happened.