◃◃ Memory #16 ▹▹

Kim Dongyoung

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"Done~! It's finally done~!"

Doyoung happily cheered.

We were painting together in his room. He painted on a template, in which you had to paint a picture based on what color matched the numbers on the picture's pattern.

I finished my free-handed painting a while ago, so I decided to wait for him.

He just finished his painting of The Great Wave off Kanagawa~.

"It looks just like the original hyung~"

"I'm so glad you like it~"

He smiled widely.

He immediately hung it up on his wall, right over his bed.

He looked contented, but he also looked disturbed about something.

"What's the matter hyung? Is there something wrong with it??"

"O-Oh! No, everything's fine with the painting~. I'm just wondering..."

"Hm??"

I waited for him to finish his statement.

"...Renjun. What do you think about my hero name?"

"Huh? What do I think about Jack Rabbit? Well... I think it's a very unique choice, even if it doesn't really resonate with your powers~"

He nodded, taking note of my words.

"You see, all my life, I've been compared to one thing. Bunnies. I used to think it was cute, but I began to believe that everyone only saw me as a bunny. People even started calling me the Bunny Prince. And when the time came for me to choose a hero name, that was the only thing I could think of. So, eventually, I came up with the name Jack Rabbit. But..., I don't know how to feel about it now"

"I see..."

"Don't get me wrong though, I was confident in the name back then, because it sounded cool and people liked it. But now..., I just think it's silly, and no one takes me seriously anymore..."

He looked rather sad.

He's lost confidence in himself. I wonder how long this has been going on...

"Hyung, you love yourself, don't you?"

He immediately nodded.

"Of course"

That's a relief...

"...The way I see it, you'll only believe that others don't take you seriously, if you don't take your own self seriously"

"...!"

He seemed a little shocked by my words, but I think he saw my point.

"You're a very powerful and popular hero hyung. The way I see it, you wouldn't be in the spotlight that you're in now if no one took you seriously. And I know everyone sees you for who you are, and not just a bunny. Additionally, we all have our on and off days. Somethings things go smoothly, and sometimes everything falls apart. But, you have to be strong and hold it together, always"

"......"

He nodded to himself.

"To be honest, I painted this picture for you to keep hyung"

I handed him the painting I made, and he seemed very surprised, but also happy.

I painted a bunny just for him~.

"Renjunie..."

He was at a loss for words, but I know he was thankful for it.

His smile was all I needed to see to know that.

"Always be confident in who you are hyung..."

-

🐰

"..."

"......"

"........."

"You know..."

"After that day..."

"I started feeling better..."

"Not just about my name..."

"But also..."

"About myself..."

"Even after I got turned into a bunny..."

"Even after realizing that the ears and tail were permanent..."

"I was content..."

"I was...confident..."

"All thanks to you Renjun..."

"I love myself more now, thanks to you..."

"..."

"......"

"Hey..."

"Don't tell me..."

"Did you really lose confidence in yourself...?"

"Just like that...?"

"Don't be a fool Renjun..."

"Do you honestly believe you lost your powers...?"

"Impossible..."

"Utterly impossible..."

"Don't fall for it..."

"Take your own advice, in order to take him down..."

"Have confidence in yourself, and..."

"Wake up"