Beautiful beautiful beautiful…

To describe how the young see themselves through creativity, and to make use of different colors to express who they are, and what they claim to be. Hayden came up with an idea of making the students embrace their individuality through art by making a self-portrait, and he also promised them that he will make one as well. It was specifically thought of for those who struggled with self perception.

Afterall, no children should grow up thinking badly of their own image.

Hayden received compliments from his fellow faculty members, yet none of them seemed believable—well not to him, at least. His quiet demeanor left an impression on everyone ever since he started working here. The students admired how gentle he is during classes, and other teachers praised his passion in teaching art. Everyone in the academy likes him, though he never understood why.

Looking at the blank canvas in front of him, he’s been struggling on where to start. Were his eyes big? Was his hair fluffy? His hand froze with every attempt to make a sketch. Sure, everyone thinks so highly of his image, but he grew up with a family who thought that being handsome was the only thing he had. The only art they appreciated about him is his dashing looks, and not the paintings he worked hard for.

He’s grown accustomed to hating his own beauty, that he can no longer appreciate whatever he sees in the mirror every morning. All he feels is dread and regret when someone showers him with compliments. He can no longer recognize his own reflection, after growing up with people who absolutely despised him for it.

He was so distracted by his own thoughts that he didn't even realize you had entered the art room. Hayden remained seated on his chair with a pencil on hand, staring quietly at the canvas while overthinking about how he should paint himself. He didn't want to feel guilty for making his portrait look good, but he could also imagine the side comments if someone found out that he was downplaying his charms on purpose. Why… is it so hard to make a self-portrait?

Beautiful boy…