𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐓𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮

8.

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The late afternoon sun cast a warm golden glow over the town as Seungmin, Jeongin, and Minyong finished their day at the toy shop. The familiar sound of the shop's bell jingled behind them as they stepped into the cobblestone street, ready to embark on their next adventure — a trip to the market for groceries.

The trio strolled through the quaint streets, the air buzzing with the lively atmosphere of the town. Minyong marveled at the charming storefronts and the sense of community that enveloped the surroundings. Seungmin and Jeongin chatted animatedly about their day at work, laughter echoing through the narrow alleyways.

As they approached the market square, the scent of fresh produce and the vibrant colors of various stalls filled the air. The trio weaved through the bustling crowd, navigating their way to the stalls that offered the best ingredients for their dinner.

Amidst the market's lively ambiance, a familiar voice called out, "Seungmin! Jeongin!"

The trio turned to see a tall, lanky guy with a shock of blonde hair approaching them.

 It was Hyunjin, Seungmin's teammate from the town's baseball team. However, what caught Minyong's attention wasn't the baseball cap he wore, but the smudges of paint on his hands and the canvas tucked under his arm.

"Hey, guys!" Hyunjin greeted them with a wide grin. "Fancy seeing you here. What brings you to the market?"

"We're on a grocery run," Seungmin explained, gesturing to the basket Jeongin carried.

Hyunjin's eyes flickered to Minyong, and he offered her a friendly smile. "And who's this? Someone new in town?"

Minyong nodded, returning the smile. "I'm Minyong. Just started working at the toy shop."

Hyunjin's eyes sparkled with interest. "Nice to meet you, Minyong. I'm Hyunjin, the town's resident painter and, apparently, a part-time market vendor." He chuckled, pointing to the paintings displayed on a nearby stall.

Seungmin raised an eyebrow, a playful grin forming on his face. "Since when did you become an artist, Hyunjin?"

Hyunjin laughed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Well, turns out I needed a creative outlet beyond baseball. Painting seemed like a good choice, and people seem to like my work."Jeongin nudged Seungmin. "Maybe you should get into painting, too. A hobby outside of baseball."

Seungmin scoffed, but there was a twinkle in his eye. "I'll stick to my day job, thank you very much."

Hyunjin gestured to his paintings. "Feel free to take a look. I'm selling them at a reasonable price. Just trying to make some extra cash for art supplies."

Curiosity piqued, the trio approached Hyunjin's stall. The paintings displayed a mix of landscapes, abstract pieces, and vibrant portraits. Each canvas seemed to tell a story, capturing the essence of the town and its people.

Minyong, drawn to a particularly captivating landscape, couldn't help but admire the intricate details and vivid colors. "These are amazing, Hyunjin. You're really talented."

Hyunjin beamed with pride. "Thanks, Minyong. I appreciate that. I've been experimenting with different styles lately."

Seungmin nudged Minyong playfully. "Maybe you should get one for your room. A little piece of local art." Minyong considered it, eyeing a small abstract piece that resonated with her. "Maybe I will. It would be a nice addition to the room."

As the trio continued browsing, Seungmin and Jeongin engaged in banter with Hyunjin, discussing everything from baseball triumphs to the intricacies of art. The market square transformed into a canvas of camaraderie and shared laughter.

After some friendly conversation, Hyunjin insisted on giving them a small discount, and Minyong left with the abstract painting she had admired. As they said their goodbyes, Hyunjin extended an invitation.

"Hey, if you ever want to try your hand at painting, feel free to join me at the studio. I could use some company, and you might discover a hidden talent."

Minyong chuckled, appreciating the offer. "I'll keep that in mind, Hyunjin. Thanks for the painting and the invitation."

The trio continued their journey through the market, groceries in tow and a newfound appreciation for the town's diverse talents. The evening sun bathed the cobblestone streets in warm hues as they made their way back to the toy shop.

As they approached their quaint living quarters, Minyong glanced at the painting in her hands. It wasn't just a piece of art; it was a token of the unexpected encounters and connections that unfolded in this town.

The painting and the memories of the market encounter with Hyunjin would become a vibrant stroke in the canvas of her time-traveling journey. The town, with its lively market, artistic surprises, and the laughter of friends, continued to unfold its mysteries, and Minyong couldn't wait to discover what awaited her on the next page.