Page 141 of Scarbound

Kija continued. “Fewer pieces. Stronger ones. He needs a point of view, not simply proof that he has skill.”

Noeul typed quickly.

“And I’d add something more contemporary. Not because universities need fashionable work, but because it shows he can experiment.”

“Digital?”

“Possibly. Mixed media. Projection. Sequential work. Something that pushes him outside what he already does comfortably.”

Noeul nodded.

“And his descriptions need work.”

Ji-Woo’s descriptions. Of course they did. Noeul smiled to himself. “He hates writing them.”

“I can tell.”

Noeul laughed.

Kija pointed at one. “This says, ‘I drew this because I liked the character design.’”

Noeul covered his face for a second. “That sounds exactly like him.”

“It’s honest.”

“And not very helpful”

“I’m afraid so.” Kija laughed.

For the next several minutes, he showed Noeul how Ji-Woo could explain intention, process, and development without making the descriptions sound artificial. Noeul typed as fast as he could. By the time Kija finished, he had filled several pages of notes.

Noeul stood and bowed deeply. “Thank you. Truly.”

“You don’t need to bow like I’ve saved his life.”

“You might save his application.”

“That’s more pressure than I agreed to.”

Noeul smiled, then hesitated. “One last thing.”

Kija looked up.

“Would an exhibition help him?”

Kija considered the question seriously. “Yes.”

Noeul’s eyes brightened. “Even before university?”

“Especially before university, if the work is ready. Local galleries often support emerging artists, even students. It doesn’t need to be huge.” He closed the portfolio. “A small, well-curated exhibition would show confidence, commitment, and the ability to present a body of work rather than isolated pieces.”

Noeul immediately wrote that down too. “One exhibition could make a difference?”

“It could.” Kija leaned back. “But don’t build an exhibition only because you think admissions people want one. Give it a reason to exist.”

Noeul looked at the photographs of Haneul. Something fragile and unfamiliar settled in his chest.

Possibility.