Emojis
ForTestingPurposeImmediately after the theme was announced.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI glanced around the suddenly chilling Garam Hall and let out a way laugh.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe tension in the air was reminiscent of an exam hall during entrance tests.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Everyone’s completely freaked out after what just happened.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe shocking unveiling (and swift disposal) of a female student’s work, who had tried to rise above the rest with unprecedented speed, had left a much larger impact than anticipated.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— If you submit a ridiculous answer, you’ll only get scorn.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat Professor Jung Jeonjin had torn apart wasn’t just a piece of paper.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was the reckless bravado of students dreaming of fleeting moments of brilliance.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“I guess I can forget about dancing…”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Why? Didn’t they say performance art was allowed?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“If the theme was something like light, festivals, or music, I was thinking of wearing a glittery outfit and doing a silly dance to at least get some interest points for humor… But if I do that now, I’d just get scolded.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“True. That professor in the black suit, calmly explaining everything without raising his voice—that’s terrifying.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What’s scarier is how the other teachers didn’t even flinch when he tore the paper.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Guess I’ll just stick to something safe, like watercolor.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAfter hesitating, everyone eventually returned to their areas of expertise.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat they’d learned at school.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat they’d learned at their studios.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThey were free to use any materials, objects, or formats available in this hall.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYet, the students gravitated toward the familiar materials they’d used countless times.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— If you stand out, you’ll get criticized.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— I don’t want to be criticized.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— I’ll just do something safe and familiar.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEndless freedom tied to personal responsibility pushed students toward safer choices.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Sniff…”
EmojisForTestingPurposeEspecially the female student who had borne the brunt of Professor Jung Jeonjin’s critique earlier.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe was sniffling while diligently sketching a lightbulb, adhering to the rules more than anyone else.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt seemed like her earlier attempt had taken tremendous courage.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘At least Professor Jung must have realized that and didn’t immediately eliminate her, even allowing her to retry…’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe problem was his delivery—it was terrifying.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn reality, Jung Jeonjin was considered relatively mild and neutral among the professors, which made it even scarier.
EmojisForTestingPurposeRegardless, the shock seemed profound for students unaccustomed to the harsh realities of the industry.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven the bold ones seemed to lose their nerve.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Actually, audacious types like her aren’t uncommon in competitions and sometimes even win awards.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeBeing bold wasn’t a crime.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOften, opportunities hid at the end of paths that seemed impossible.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHowever…
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘She met the wrong opponent.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn competitions, understanding the judges’ preferences is the first technique.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI glanced toward the panel of judges.
EmojisForTestingPurposeProfessor Jung Jeonjin was surveying the hall with a stoic expression.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat face triggered a memory.
EmojisForTestingPurposeProfessor Jung Jeonjin—more familiar to me as the text “Artist Jung Jeonjin” in books.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe was one of the 20 most prominent artists in Korea.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe was famous for being educated in Germany.
EmojisForTestingPurposeGermany.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe country, despite the tragic suicide of a certain mustachioed Austrian aspiring artist, became renowned in Europe for its earnest dedication to nurturing artists.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt even had systematic artist development programs through art schools.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAs such, European, especially German-trained artists, shared peculiar commonalities.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Jung Jeonjin learned under a master of German contemporary art. German artists’ works generally favor clear arguments.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn short, they idealize problems and answers being precise.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeAlmost like philosophical discourse.
EmojisForTestingPurposeProfessor Jung Jeonjin sought simple and accurate answers.
EmojisForTestingPurposeJudging by the jury’s passive attitude toward his actions, the competition’s criteria appeared centered around his philosophy.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Alright, got it. Preference noted.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeI turned my attention to the Hanul High School students.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThey were already breathing as if detecting and solving problems instinctively.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSsss, sss.
EmojisForTestingPurposeDry sounds of pencils scratching paper filled the air.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThey ignored colorful art supplies entirely, focusing solely on the basic medium of pencils.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTheir subjects were objects like charcoal or plaster casts, entirely in monochrome.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBlack and white.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe alpha and omega of light and shadow.
EmojisForTestingPurposeExternal students and Hanul Middle School students passing by were puzzled by the high schoolers’ behavior.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Why stick to pencil when there are so many paints?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“If you place a pencil drawing next to watercolor, it won’t stand out.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut I admired those high school students.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Of course, they’d quickly grasp their professor’s preferences. With problem-solving skills like that, college entrance exams should be no issue. Not that they’d have much trouble with domestic admissions to begin with.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Alright.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAfter grasping the situation.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI casually got up and selected pencils, erasers, and paper.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTrue to the competition’s reputation, all the materials were top-quality products from European brands.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe pencils were perfectly finished, holding their shape even when sharpened repeatedly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe paper was sturdy and smooth, resisting even light scratches from fingernails.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStarting a drawing with such luxurious materials felt exhilarating.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSss…
EmojisForTestingPurposeWow.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThis is nice.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSo nice.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThis is what drawing should feel like.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Damn, this is amazing. These are leagues ahead of the cheap supplies they give you during college entrance exams. I should sneak a few of these out later. A dozen would probably cost 20,000 won…’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIndeed, money is the best tool for art.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWith money, you can afford to experiment boldly with the finest materials.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘This pencil is worlds apart from the 100-won ones sold at stationery shops.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe saying “A master doesn’t blame their tools” should be condemned.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHow many people have suffered due to that ridiculous grit-centered ideology?
EmojisForTestingPurposeGood tools lead to better results faster.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat’s an eternal truth.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Masters, after all, already have incredibly expensive tools, so they don’t need to complain.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnyway.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWith those thoughts, I casually moved my hand, and before I knew it, hours had passed.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIn front of me lay a few pieces that, at least superficially, resembled finished artworks.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLight and shadow.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSimple compositions using objects.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Hmph. Should I just submit this?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeFrankly, I felt it was embarrassing to call them “works.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThere were many areas that needed improvement, and my limited range of motion had left many parts underwhelming.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘It looks like something an elementary schooler would create with effort.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeClearly, I still needed a lot more practice.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Still, should I just submit it as is?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt seemed good enough to satisfy Professor Jung Jeonjin.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat thought crossed my mind.
EmojisForTestingPurposeMoreover, I’d already achieved my purpose for entering this competition.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI’d confirmed the high standard of Hanul students and gained an understanding of the goals and flow of the <Hanul Youth Art Competition>.
EmojisForTestingPurposeRegular participation could build a track record and add to my future experiences.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd since I had seen Han Mari’s face…
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Ah, speaking of which.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat’s Han Mari up to?
EmojisForTestingPurposeI’d forgotten about her while absorbed in drawing.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI turned my head to look for her.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat the heck.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhy is she just sitting there zoning out?
EmojisForTestingPurposeIs her mind open?
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘This might be the last competition she can participate in while alive…’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt wasn’t fun.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThrough her eyes, which saw more than most, the scenery absorbed into her mind.
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat she saw were scrunched-up faces.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEveryone was sweating profusely.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBlood vessels bulged in their eyes.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHands trembled as they moved.
EmojisForTestingPurposeNo one was truly enjoying the act of drawing.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari had the ability to read people’s emotions through their expressions.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBut she couldn’t join them.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was hard to understand.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven when she tried to explain what she saw, no one understood.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘This isn’t fun.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari was still sitting in the waiting area.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEventually, she hugged her knees and let out a deep sigh.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Maybe I shouldn’t have come here…?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was always like this.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe simply enjoyed observing and drawing things.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYet, hardly anyone understood her.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— Why do you talk like that?
EmojisForTestingPurpose— It’s weird.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— Are you showing off because you think you’re a genius?
EmojisForTestingPurposeNo.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘I just wish everyone could genuinely love drawing…
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt’s so much fun.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe sky and people change every day, and all the colors are different.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHow can anyone live seeing the same thing all the time?
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe world is so beautiful.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou can express so much more through drawings than words.
EmojisForTestingPurposeDon’t you agree?’
EmojisForTestingPurpose— You’re weird, and the way you talk is weird… Everything about you is weird.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— Make me understand what you’re saying.
EmojisForTestingPurpose— Not everyone can do things like you.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAwards and all that…
EmojisForTestingPurposeWhat even matters?
EmojisForTestingPurposeAt that moment.
EmojisForTestingPurposeA low voice rang out from the front, belonging to the mean teacher who’d scared everyone into not enjoying drawing (and whom Han Mari had been taught by for a year but couldn’t recall their name).
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…What are you doing?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Submitting my work.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari watched the scene.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe mean teacher’s head was covered with a box, like a cheap robot.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd standing before him was a surprisingly adorable fairy-like child.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘It’s her. The fart girl.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeTechnically, it was the man next to her who had farted, but…
EmojisForTestingPurposeI tried to talk to her but failed.
EmojisForTestingPurposeA funny kid.
EmojisForTestingPurposeA child who genuinely lives a joyful life.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHana
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe child said,
EmojisForTestingPurpose“This is my ‘light’.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…A box?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari’s eyes widened.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Ah, I see.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe box playfully covering the mean teacher’s face was, ironically, the most vivid expression of “light” anyone could have created.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari understood it instantly.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Ahaha…!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAh, here it was—
EmojisForTestingPurposeSomeone who genuinely enjoyed life.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was fun.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou.
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou were fun.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI suddenly wanted to ‘play along.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Alright, then I should join in too.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari stood up from her seat.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘What have I done…?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe had tossed aside the drawing she’d been working on with a bored expression and hastily engaged in a performance.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThere was no going back now.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLooking at her dull face, she had suddenly realized something.
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”It just looked fun.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt wasn’t a mockery or an insult.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt was honest.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFinally, she understood.
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”Uncle, this picture looks like it was drawn with so much fun!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”Does it? It looks the same to me…”
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”It feels like the artist enjoyed every moment of drawing it!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”Huh… I don’t see it, but maybe you’re cut out to be an artist.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose—”I want to be like that too!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe remembered everything.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘I get it now.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeYou had truly come to this competition to ‘play.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeFor you, drawing was a joyful act.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘You were so pure.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThat’s why you were disappointed.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBecause everyone was treating it like an exam.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘At the end of it all… I hope you find my unexpected actions amusing.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeThis impromptu act is my final gift to you.
EmojisForTestingPurposeIsn’t it funny?
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘In this serious setting, the person who created the situation is now standing here looking ridiculous with a box on their head. And yet, that’s the answer to the problem.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose“A box?”
EmojisForTestingPurposeProfessor Jung Jeonjin repeated the question.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI answered calmly.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…It’s my submission.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeEven without seeing his expression, I could feel his anger.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Damn, did I mess up…?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeGerman humor was notoriously thin.
EmojisForTestingPurposeStill, if I was going to get scolded, I needed to explain my intent.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLike a black knight in a comedy film, I addressed Jung Jeonjin, who stood with a box on his head.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Light is most visible in darkness. So, I created the only space here without light, allowing people to sense it through a tiny slit.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…That’s all.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeInside the box, Jung Jeonjin’s eyes trembled.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLight.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThrough the faint line of the clumsily cut ramen box, light was visible.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLike a young adult in a semi-basement dreaming of success,
EmojisForTestingPurposeIt shone painfully vividly.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe saw it—light that shouldn’t have existed, taking form.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe German philosopher Hegel once said:
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Existence and non-existence are interdependent.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeLight and darkness.
EmojisForTestingPurposeExistence and non-existence.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLack and desire.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAll things come into being…
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…From nothingness.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe absence of light stems from darkness.
EmojisForTestingPurposeA clear answer.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe one who provided it was this child standing before him.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Correct.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd then,
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe professor removed the box.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnother person had also found the answer.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Wait, huh?!”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Isn’t that Han Mari?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What is she doing to the windows?!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeColors were racing across the Garam Hall like a dance.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari was humming a tune while painting the windows with vibrant hues.
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe hall itself became drenched in her colors.
EmojisForTestingPurposeBlending red and green, the light of the setting sun reached out to people like a charge.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFaces transformed as they reflected the colors Han Mari was painting.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLight and color were inseparable.
EmojisForTestingPurposeHan Mari had undeniably shown “light.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeLike stained glass.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLike a princess ruling the space itself.
EmojisForTestingPurposeLike a queen commanding an army of radiant colors.
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe played with “light.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd that “light” seeped into the hearts of the people.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Again… correct.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeProfessor Jung Jeonjin was left speechless.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Replacing those windows will cost a fortune.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeWith that thought, he concluded his assessment and returned to reality.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOn the way home, I was in the passenger seat of my uncle’s truck, reflecting on the day’s events.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘I feel like I caused a big mess out of nowhere.’
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Hana, did you have fun?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“What about you, Uncle?”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Why do you ask? Well… I found a broadcast showing international soccer, so I watched that. Later, I joined some soccer club kids for a bit… Yeah, it was fun.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeHe grinned.
EmojisForTestingPurpose“It was kind of fun.”
EmojisForTestingPurpose“…Good to hear.”
EmojisForTestingPurposeTo be honest, I enjoyed it too.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSure, I threw caution to the wind and caused chaos, but…
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Who would’ve thought Han Mari would match my chaos and create her own?’
EmojisForTestingPurposeShe seemed to enjoy it in the end.
EmojisForTestingPurposeSurprisingly, Professor Jung Jeonjin remained calm even after witnessing our antics.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd behind us, inspired by our boldness, other participants began submitting works filled with ‘what if?’ feelings.
EmojisForTestingPurposeOf course, Professor Jung’s sharp critiques followed, but…
EmojisForTestingPurposeThe scene ultimately devolved into delightful chaos.
EmojisForTestingPurposeTime passed, and the competition ended.
EmojisForTestingPurposeEveryone seemed to have had fun.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘That’s good.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeIf everyone had fun, that’s all that matters.
EmojisForTestingPurposeFor a first attempt, this wasn’t bad at all.
EmojisForTestingPurposeI brought back plenty of materials, and as a bonus, I even took some scissors we’d been using.
EmojisForTestingPurpose‘Hmm, not bad at all.’
EmojisForTestingPurposeI closed my eyes.
EmojisForTestingPurposeAnd slowly drifted into sleep…
EmojisForTestingPurpose-Screech!-!!!
EmojisForTestingPurpose-Bang!-
EmojisForTestingPurpose-Crash!-
EmojisForTestingPurpose-Thunk!-
EmojisForTestingPurpose“Whoa, whoa?! There’s been a huge car accident on the road next to us!”
EmojisForTestingPurposeSuddenly,
EmojisForTestingPurposeI felt chills run through my entire body.