Enticing Perfection Shop

ONE-SHOT REQUEST #1

Title: Because of Music

Characters:

Kang Minhyuk (CNBlue)

Jung Junhee (OC)

 

“Célébrer la Musique.” I read out loud as I cautiously made my way to my classroom. It was in French so I had a hard time pronouncing it. Although I did try learning the language out of curiosity but I am still very poor at it.

 

          Célébrer la Musique or Celebrating Music is an upcoming music concert wherein all types of musically inclined people can take part in. They accept any genre as long as it is well… music, good music that is.

 

          I am actually in the school’s marching band and I play the percussion. Not many appreciate marching bands anymore. They are more interested in those rock bands or however they want to call it. We actually don’t know how to let the whole student body truly appreciate us.

 

          As I entered the room the faint squeals I were hearing out the hallway, got louder and kind of annoying but I am used to it. I am in an all-girls boarding school so it is but normal to heed high-pitched screams.  

 

          Apparently my classmates are swooning over the all-boys -nearby- boarding school‘s band CNBlue. They are pretty well-known here and the absence of boys made their popularity rise even higher.  

 

          I forgot to mention that the administrations of Yeoreum Girl’s School –my school- and Kyeowool Boy’s School have close ties with each other. So it’s like a brother-sister relationship and Célébrer la Musique is an exclusive event for both. It is also like a gathering.

 

          Enough about that… I cautiously made my way to my seat as those spazzing girls were put to a halt. No one wants to befriend me here. They think I am weird at times but I don’t really see how. I am simply thankful to have friends outside these four corners.

 

~*~*~*~

“Hi Junhee!” someone greeted me while I was busy preparing for practice.

“Hello, Minjung.” I cheerfully replied as soon as I recognized her voice.

“Do you think we should take part in the concert?” she questioned while playing with her brown wavy hair.

My eyebrows met, “I think it is a great way to let everyone know we exist.”

“Then we should join.” A voice echoed from behind.

“Leader-ssi.” It was Eunae our head. She is a pretty strong and confident person. I actually look up to her. She can really express herself fully unlike me. I am afraid to show my emotions because I find it difficult to do so.

“Junhee, you said you want people to know we ‘exist’, so this concert is the best reminder we are alive.” Our dear leader stated.

          Minjung and I just nodded slightly awed by her positivity. It was not long before the rest of the band gathered in the practice room.

          We all decided to play in Célébrer la Musique and began formulating our performance. It was puzzling since we really aim to capture the other students’ hearts.

 

“As you all know, we are highly compared to our ‘rival’ CNBlue. Even our own schoolmates like them more than us.” Eunae explained as everyone in the room agreed.

 

          I don’t truly get why people swoon over these flower boys… They are good, I heard them play, but I believe we are as skilled and talented as they are. A school without a marching band is a dead institution with no school spirit at all. We play for the sports fests, our teacher’s day and other special events happening within the school grounds. We bring these events to life. There is just something about a marching band that would paint smiles on people’s faces. Unfortunately that’s not the case here. However we will change that notion! We will make our fellow students proud of us. Somehow…

 

~*~*~*~

 

          “See you tomorrow Junhee!” Minjung shouted from across the hallway as she waved goodbye.
“See you!!!” I screamed back and shot her a meek smile.

 

          I made a detour and hurriedly ran towards the nearby vacant lot outside the boarding house’s premises before going in my room. I was so hyped about the concert that I wanted to think of minimal choreography for our performance. We only have 3 weeks for this so we need to prepare a number fast!

 

          I placed my bag on a pile of eroded hollow blocks and started stretching a few of my muscles. We have decided to play ‘Arirang’, a Korean folk song.

          I tried to sing the tune of it and slowly closed my eyes. I imagine myself on that stage along with my band mates. I carefully move my legs to the beat I was humming. The steps I am creating are coming together well. It will really suit the song. I know it.

 

          Oddly, I was hearing faint snickering close by and because of that I stopped and opened my eyes. My vision landed on a guy sitting next to my bag with a huge grin plastered on his face. I slightly jumped out of shock because that someone was watching me.

 

“Nu-nugu…saeyo? (Who are you?)” I stuttered.

 

          The boy just smiled at me. I noticed he was wearing Kyeowool’s uniform and I couldn’t help but think he is spying or something… although it is only a concert.

 “What are you doing here?” I pursued hoping he would answer me this time.

 

          I got the same response but thankfully he talked, “I am watching you.” and did not stop beaming at me.

          “Why?” I wondered freezing in place.
 

“I was going home at my boarding house from the convenience store and saw you dancing here so I thought I should watch you.” He narrated as he fixed his bangs.

 

          I had no idea what else to say so I just stared at him and well, he gazed back.

 

“Alright, alright. I’ll leave. Go back to doing whatever you were doing.” He initiated and stood up. He smiled at me and slung his back pack on his right shoulder. The Kyeowool student dragged his shoes out the lot and left my sight.

 

What was that? Am I dreaming? No… no I am not. Ah! Whatever! I’ll just continue making our choreography.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Good morning Junhee!” Minjung greeted me with so much enthusiasm.

         

I greeted her back as cheerful as I can be and headed towards the stage built on the large field of the all boys’ school. It’s a Saturday today and we were called to have like this major rehearsal even if the concert is still weeks away. Some of my band mates said both schools were up to something and this meeting will serve as a briefing? I don’t know. It was just a rumor.

 

So Minjung and I skipped along, side by side towards the stage. We saw our fellow players gathering and we joined in. Eunae had her arms crossed and her visage was all gloomy. I wonder what happened.

 

“That can’t be! How are we supposed to team up with them? We are two different groups! It seems impossible to do!” One of the members voiced out her thoughts.

“We need to follow orders whether we like it or not. That is what both of the school administrations want.” Our leader’s voice became stern.  

Our group mates began murmuring and initiated their own small discussions while Eunae stayed still, thinking deeply.

Minjung and I just exchanged stares still having an unclear idea of what is really happening. So we made our way to Eunae.

“Leader-ssi what is happening here?” Minjung asked first.

“Well, our school and Kyeowool School made an agreement without us knowing.” Our leader gave out an incomplete narration.

 

“What decision?” I questioned next.

Before Eunae answered she took in a deep breath and made a very heavy sigh, “They want us to collaborate with CNBlue.”

“What!?” we were surprised by the conclusion.

“Almost every one of you reacted that way.” Leader-ssi paused for a moment and then pursued, “However, I don’t see this as such a bad idea.”

“Eunae unnie, can you hear yourself?” Minjung tried to hold back her emotions.

 

After her statement everybody became silent. Our dear leader looked around seeing if all eyes were on her. Once she assured that we were all listening she started, “They seem to be a known band ‘coz they were chosen by the administration… if we would do a collaboration won’t that get us noticed too? Won’t people be able to appreciate our music too?” she reasoned.

“But it is difficult to fuse our style to theirs and vice versa!” some girl at the back raised one possible issue.

“Yes it is. That’s why we would discuss everything keenly with them. We could settle things easily that way right?”

 

“Well, you got a point there.” Our tuba player suddenly agreed with Eunae’s thinking. Then everyone else began nodding their heads in approval.

“Let’s do it then!” Another member shouted from the left.

“Yeah!” everybody else shouted in unison.

Our leader’s face brightened up, “Okay! It is decided then! We will go about with the collaboration!”

 

Later that same day Eunae met with one of the members of the band. No one else was allowed besides Minjung. Almost all the members wanted to tag along for the sake of seeing the ‘known’ boys in person –they just couldn’t pass up this opportunity- but she did not let them. As for me, it was okay if I can’t come with them. I’ll just see them when I see them.

 

I decided to be alone as I carried my instrument around. I went for a walk within the vicinity of Kyeowool. It is my first time to tour in this school. I usually just get a glimpse of the front features of the school. It’s nice to look at it in a different view.

I couldn’t help but yawn. I stretched a few of my muscles and continued strolling around. All of a sudden, I heeded someone humming not very far from where I was. I got startled at first and then I tried to look for the sound out of curiosity. It took me a few minutes before tracing the resource. It was coming from behind the long sink on the field.

 

I inhaled deeply and peeked. I noticed a guy seated. He had his earphones on and seems to be so engulfed with whatever he was listening to, considering he was already humming the tune loud enough for me to hear. I wish to call his attention but then I hesitated. I observed him for a few more seconds and decided to leave.

 

“Wait.”

Startled by him, my heart felt like it stopped; I carefully glanced back and found this student staring at me. It was not long before I realized he was the same person who was laughing at me back at that vacant lot.

He smiled at me, “What are you doing here?”

Is he trying to mock me? Using the same statement I asked him that day plus attempting to sound like me?

“I just passed by…” I gave out such an unsure reply.

“Passed by?” he kind of raised an eyebrow at me.

“I-I am part of the concert. I-I am part o-of Yeoreum’s March-marching B-band.” I answered while stuttering.

          He abruptly removed his earphones and sprung up. The Kyeowool student seemed to be focused on my case.

“Oh you play?” he paused and then continued as he made his way closer to me, “What instrument?”

I instinctively held the casing of my, “Clarinet.”

He smirked, “That’s cool.”

“Do you play too?”

He awkwardly nodded and brought out sticks… drum sticks. So he plays the drums? Is he part of the concert too?

“I’ll be playing at the concert as well.” He shared acting very comfortable all of a sudden.

          “Are you in a band?” I questioned wanting to know more about him. I don’t get why I became so curious though.
 

“Yup. I am…” he said shortly.

Feeling that our conversation would end soon, I introduced myself formally, “Oh by the way I forgot to introduce myself… I am Jung Junhee from Yeoreum.”

I bowed my head and he did the same. The Kyeowool student whose name is, Minhyuk, hurriedly left afterwards. My first impression about him changed. Minhyuk seems nice. I thought he was some bully. Well, snickering at me like that the last time made me assume he was.

 

~*~*~*~

 

Ever since I kind of made a new friend, I have been meeting up with him at the concert practices and sometimes even after school. We play together at their music room and we also try teaching one another. Although I don’t think I have a bright future as a drummer girl. I just couldn’t quite get how it is done. I still prefer playing my clarinet over the drums and he feels the same way about his drums.

 

I seldom punctually attend practices for the upcoming concert since the band we needed to collaborate with, almost never comes complete. They have given us each a song sheet of Arirang to follow but still, without the presence of their other members the performance cannot be done. So I spend most of my time with Minhyuk and rehearsed on my own.

 

“You really look hilarious when you are playing your clarinet.” He joked as he handed out Banana Milk.

“What do you mean by that?” I pouted my lips in disappointment but took the beverage without a second thought.

“You need to keep doing that fish face of yours.” He clarified while imitating me.

“Yah! You are over exaggerating it!” I pretended to be so insulted and turned my back at him.

“Hey, I was kidding.” he pursued, “Honestly, I like that fish face of yours… ‘Coz you still look decent even if you are making faces while playing.”

 

I instantly felt my cheeks become so warm and my heart began beating fast. I dare not look at him. I am embarrassed to show him my blushing face. The way he said it sounds normal but I don’t know why this is how I am reacting. Aigoo. What should I do?

 

“Hey, why are you being like that? I was kidding.” Minhyuk attempted to look straight at my eyes but I kept glancing away.

 

I punched the small straw on my Banana Milk and pretended I was busy drinking. I finished the beverage in under a few minutes and abruptly stood up.

“We should walk around don’t you think?” I randomly suggested.

He chuckled softly and agreed. We strolled down Kyeowool’s field side by side as we watched the sun set. It actually made me feel sentimental all of a sudden, I want to talk about deeper things with Minhyuk. I-I am not sure why but I just do.

 

“You know… I thought you were a jerk when I first met you.” I confessed without even thinking twice.

“Ouch. A jerk? Why?” his reply was short.

“Well, I heard from my friends there are a lot of jerks in Kyeowool.” I stated as my eyes drifted around the area.

“Isn’t that a bit too much? Not all guys are jerks here. There are civilized people here too.” Minhyuk narrated and jumped in front of me, “What if I tell you we think girls from Yeoreum are ‘jerks’ too?”

 

He looked into my eyes and grinned mischievously. I was caught off guard and had no idea what else to do. Why is he being like this?

          When he soon noticed that I just froze he pushed my forehead back lightly with his finger, “Hey, I was kidding. Why? Can’t you tell if I am joking or not?”

 

“It is because your face looks all the same. It is hard to tell.” I answered still uneasy towards him.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Aish. Come on Junhee, relax. I won’t do anything harmful to you.” Minhyuk reassured and paced away.

Minhyuk, you didn’t let me finish. I was wrong, you are not such a bad person after all… In fact… I like you.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Hello Minjung!” I greeted my friend along the hallway.

She sincerely beamed at me, “Hmm… What is this? An overly giddy Junhee?”

“What ‘overly giddy Junhee’ are you saying? I am not overly giddy.” I denied.

“There is a guy isn’t?” she assumed immediately.

“Just because I am ‘giddy’ it is about a guy already?” I acted defensive.

“Well, then why are you so jumpy?” she questioned raising her eyebrow.

“Uhmm… It is because… the concert is almost nearing! I can’t wait to play!” I lied.

“Okay, if you say so… It is a guy isn’t?” she persisted.

“No.”

“Why are you keeping him a secret? Aren’t we friends?” she really wants to know.

“Fine. I met this guy at Kyeowool School. His name is Minhyuk.” I admitted not being able to tolerate the ‘Aren’t we friends’ statement.

 

“Okay.” Minjung’s smile was plastered on her face, “So, I’ll get straight to the point. Do you like him?”

“I like him… but I don’t think it is in that level… you know… I don’t like like like him yet.” I blurted.

“Don’t like like like him yet, are you sure?” she wondered.

“I don’t know. Uhmm.. It has only been a few weeks. I am still confused.”

          Do I like like like him? Isn’t it too early to even think of him that way?

 

~*~*~*~

 

The concert day is almost nearing! I can’t wait for people to see we are as good as any rock band out there! That they could appreciate our kind of music too!

 

I kept running and running really fast like I wasn’t carrying my heavy clarinet with me at all; maybe I just truly want to practice hard since I’ll be attending only two more rehearsals before the big event. I’ll also get to see Minhyuk after one week. He seemed really busy lately so we couldn’t meet and he is not even telling me why. Now I would definitely get to see him there. I hope.

 

“Minhyuk!” I shouted joyfully seeing him coincidentally on my way to Kyeowool.

He slowly spun around and greeted me with a smirk. He waited for me right where he was standing. I stopped a few feet before him, “Hi.” I said shortly, still panting from my very long run.

 

“Hey.” He replied as he went towards me.

“It’s good to see you after a while.” I sincerely stated, finally recovering my normal breathing.

“After a while? It has only been a week.” Minhyuk answered.

 

Feeling a bit disappointed with his response, I glanced down my shoes, “W-well. For me not meeting you for seven days has been ‘a while’ you know.”

I heeded him scoff and reacted, “Alright… It’s nice to see you too.” He softly pinched my cheek and I can’t help but blush all of a sudden. I looked straight back at him and grinned.

 

“Let’s get going.” He initiated as he swung his head to the direction of his school.

I bobbed my head and began walking beside him. My eyes voluntarily kept gazing at my friend. Even if I tried to stop myself it just drifts back to his visage. Does this mean… wait no, I don’t think so.

 

Minutes had passed and we arrived at the all boys’ school. It was actually the first time I’d be side by side with Minhyuk. He usually gets here before me. It felt good though.

 

“Minjung!” I called out and ran to her leaving Minhyuk behind.

“Yah! Junhee you are late again.” a scolding statement came out of instead of a greeting.

“I am very sorry.” I wholly apologized and consistently bowed in front of everyone else who were there, especially Eunae. 

“Let’s just get ready for practice alright?” Our dear leader stated placing a bright smile on her face.

“Yes Eunae!” I replied joyfully. Good thing she is not mad at me or anything like that.
 

“Oh yeah!” I dragged my eyes to Minjung, “I’ll introduce you to the guy friend we were talking about the last time.”

“He is here? Where, where?!” My friend suddenly acted so eager seeming to forget my ‘sin’ for a moment.

I turned around only to see nobody behind me. Where has Minhyuk gone off to?

“Hey, where is he?” she persisted.

“He was just behind me a while ago. I wonder where he went.” I told my excited friend.

“Wrap it up guys! We should begin our rehearsals now!” Eunae shouted, interrupting our conversation. Our leader directed us backstage where we usually practice. Hmm… Where did you go Minhyuk?

 

After everyone has gathered Eunae called for a short announcement, “We will practice separately first as CNBlue wished then we would be joining with them later on to have a rundown of the whole performance and make a few more adjustments.”  She explained.

 

“Wait, are their members complete already?” one of the members questioned.

“I believe so.” She answered shortly.

“Great! Finally they decided to all show up.” Minjung sarcastically blurted as she slowly clapped her hands. Everyone else seemed to agree with my friend’s statement and began small conversations amongst themselves.

 

“Please everybody, let’s forget their ‘sins’ and just practice. Our main goal is to impress the audience not compete with them.” Our leader-ssi tried to shed some light on us.

 

I guess she is right. However, no matter how I put it though there will still be a sense of competition between the two bands. It is all about who could get the viewers’ attention more and who could entertain them better. Isn’t it?

 

After a few hours of practicing on our own we went back near the stage and waited for CNBlue to finish. I really haven’t seen them all up close. This is actually my chance to see why our fellow schoolmates swoon over them.

 

I made my way in front of the stage hiding myself from other people watching them rehearse. Wow, so they are stunningly good-looking after all. No doubt about that. The main vocalist is charismatic, he knows how to deliver himself well and his voice sounds great. The bass guitar player had shoulder-length hair and seems to be really in the song. The guitar player had such fair skin that it appears to be very unbelievable. He also sings some parts in their song. Now, the drummer… I couldn’t see him well. My view is blocked by the drum set. I can only catch inaccurate glimpses at him. He keeps banging his head though like the bass player. He looks… he looks… fairly familiar to me.

 

“Hey!” Minjng suddenly jumped in front of me.

I got startled and slightly backed away, “Minjung! Don’t do that!”

“Let’s get ready! They are almost done.” She informed me as she dragged me out the crowd.

 

          When we reached backstage CNBlue were making their way down the stairs. I let go of my friend’s hand and fetched my clarinet. Before I even came back I heard our leader’s voice echo.

 

          “You can’t take a break; we need to finish our joint performance now. We aren’t the only acts in this concert, they need to rehearse too!” I heeded her shout.

 

          I ran back to Minjung and noticed her dismayed face. I asked her what happened. She told me that CNBlue wanted a break, a hour break to be exact. I don’t know if they really have bad manners or they were really just tired, but we are tired too…  

 

          Reading Eunae’s visage, it seems the band got their way. They slowly strode towards us. I glare at each of them going my direction. Their eyes brushed pass me except for one. It’s the drummer… the- Wait! Is that… Minhyuk? His eyes met mine and it recognized me. I looked at him, shocked. Minhyuk, glanced down and continued moving forward, trying to catch up with his band mates.

 

          What happened? What did just happen?

 

“Junhee… What’s wrong?” Minjung noticed my sudden reaction.

“The-the, the last guy that passed us… That was… That was… Minhyuk.” I answered.

“What!?” my friend continued, “You befriended a CNBlue member?” she wondered placing her arm around my back.

“I-I don’t know…” was all I could utter as people’s whisper echoed in my ears.

 

~*~*~*~

What should I feel? It is really frustrating. I couldn’t make out my real emotions since the other day. I am confused, I think I was betrayed, I think I was tricked and I think they made a fool out of me. Ugh.

 

Classes ended minutes ago. Minjung and I are making our way out the school building and heading towards the gate. I kept on staring at my shoes involuntarily. My friend grabbed my hand and halted.

 

“Hey, are you alright?” concern filled the air.

“Mmm.” I nodded.

“Come on Junhee, you can share it to me.” She said.

 

I gradually glanced at her, “I just don’t know what to feel Minjung. I don’t know what I should feel towards him. If I should be angry or I should be purely disappointed.” I explained.

          “It is but normal Junhee. You are put in that place wherein you don’t know how you should react to a given circumstance.” Minjung began comforting me, “Although, I really did not like how that Minhyuk guy hid the truth from you, it makes me hate him and his band mates even more.”

          “Maybe he doesn’t want to tell it to me?” I blurted kind of defending my other ‘friend’.

“Whatever the reason, the damage has been done.” Minjung ended as we continued pacing forward.

          We made our way out the school premises. I noticed a Kyeowool student walking towards our path. He was familiar, too familiar.

          “Isn’t that Minhyuk?” my friend accidentally uttered, loud enough for him to hear.

 

          His head flew up and somewhat brightened when he saw me. The CNBlue member walked a few feet closer to me. He greeted Minjung with a shy bow and then looked back at me.

 

          He scratched his head and requested, “Junhee… Can we talk for a moment?”

 

I passively stared at him, “There is nothing to talk about.”

Minjung gazed at me with a bewildered visage. I assured her I know what I was saying and focused my eyes somewhere else. Minhyuk tried to catch my attention but I was just too stubborn to do so.

 

“It would only be for a moment. Please.” He sort of begged.

 

“I am sorry. We need to go.” I rejected, “Let’s go Minjung.” I concluded and dragged my friend away from him.

 

~*~*~*~

 

“Alright everyone! Let us go over the choreography one more time!” Eunae exclaimed. She diverted her eyes to me, “Junhee come over here and see if you will be satisfied on how they will look like performing.”

I bobbed my head up and down and ran to her side. “Okay… In 3, 2, 1, go!” she initiated and people began going over the steps I created. That’s all I did the whole week just to get my mind off Minhyuk. I kept on polishing the routine I made, obsessively, that Minjung really got worried about me. Although this time, I couldn’t pay so much attention, knowing that he can be just around the corner.

 

“So what’s your opinion Junhee?” our leader called out. It was long before I responded, realizing that they were already finished.

 

I kept averting my gaze unsure of what to say, “Uhm. It looks better than before.” and then I smiled at everyone. Eunae must have felt my uncertainty as she showed it through her subtle reaction. After giving out a few more pointers, she called for a half hour break.

 

“Hey get yourself together alright?” leader-ssi patted my shoulder and preceded someplace else.

 

Seconds after someone suddenly caressed my back. I spun around only to find him. I instantly looked down scared to know what happens next. Minhyuk tried handing me a small plastic bottle of Banana Milk. I was simply dumbfounded and just stared at it.

He withdrew the drink back to his side and initiated, “I’m sorry if I didn’t tell you. If you felt like I betrayed you in a way, that wasn’t my intention.” but I just kept silent.

 

“You also probably never want to see me again… So I just wish to let you know, that I like you. I don’t give a damn about this rivalry anymore either. W-we all love music… Why couldn’t we just get along?” He soughed, “I don’t care where you came from, and we are f-f-friends aren’t we? That’s all that matters to me.”

 

I had no idea what to say so I remained quiet the whole time plus it was the first time I heard him say he likes me. I am not sure if it means like-like-like though. I felt bad for not responding because Minhyuk seemed like he really wanted to hear from me. He breathed deeply, took my hand and forcefully gave me the beverage. I slowly lifted my head and saw him avoiding my gaze.

 

The rest of the CNBlue members came up to us, interrupting our -somewhat- conversation. One of them placed his hand on Minhyuk’s shoulder, “Hey, let’s practice.”

 

He glanced back at me still waiting for just even one word to come out but… I failed him. I simply couldn’t utter anything. He sighed once again and finished our small talk, “It was nice meeting you Junhee.”

 

Minhyuk… This is not the end isn’t it?

 

~*~*~*~

 

          Célébrer la Musique, today is the day. Students from both schools are gathering in one place at one time to listen to music.

 

          I am very nervous right now as if I haven’t practiced at all. This is really happening. I have to get myself together. I have to.

 

          “Hey why don’t you relax a bit?” my best-est friend Minjung pat me on my back and handed me banana milk. Involuntarily I remembered the exact moment Minhyuk was giving me the same beverage, trying to fix things between us.

 

          I felt really bad. I have thought a lot about what happened and I believe he is right. I shouldn’t care what other people think and I shouldn’t let this ‘rivalry’ hinder our growing relationship. I hated myself for not responding. Things would have been different since then.

 

          I was too engulfed in my own thoughts that I forgot Minjung was there. She was just observing me quietly. I smiled at her for no reason and thanked her for the beverage. She instantly hugged me and said, “Stop thinking about him for now and distract yourself with our performance.”

 

          I bobbed my head and cheerfully drank the banana milk she gave me.

 

          “This doesn’t sound right.” I kept murmuring to myself as I rehearsed alone, minutes before our turn. I consistently played my clarinet but I don’t seem to get the right melody. What is wrong with me?

 

          “You are playing the wrong chord.” Someone came up to me, “It’s A. You always forget that, that note is A.” the stranger allowed himself to lecture me.

          I did not hesitate to look up with a dismayed visage. I was about to talk back when I realized that it was Minhyuk. When our eyes met he immediately became unsure of what to say next.

         

          “You’re right.” I beamed and tried to play from the start. Wow, it sounds perfect. I glanced back at him still looking anxious.

          I sprung up and placed my clarinet on the chair. I bowed my head lowly and uttered an apology. I was very sorry to Minhyuk for giving him a hard time. He must have been really bothered by the way I reacted that day.

         

          “Why are you apologizing? There is nothing you need to feel regretful for.” He reassured, finally smiling brightly.

         

          “But--” Minhyuk surprisingly came a few feet closer, freezing me indefinitely.

 

“Just forget about what happened the last time.” The CNBlue member pursued, “We should start over…” he stretched out his hand trying to initiate a friendly handshake. Although instead of shaking his hand I abruptly embraced him. I let go just after seconds, comprehending I did such a bold move. I discerned Minhyuk’s shocked expression but I believe I was wearing the same look.

 

W-why did I hug him? I placed my hand over my chest and felt my heart beat fast. Minhyuk had no idea what to do as well. I think he did not see that coming, I also didn’t. We both began laughing out of cluelessness.  

 

“Sorry…” I added, still chuckling.

 

Eunae came from nowhere and we were both put into a halt, “I think you guys should continue later, we still need to perform, remember?” she requested.

 

We exchanged glances and our smiles never faded. There wasn’t much talk. In just a snap everything’s fine again. I have no clear idea how it happened but I’ll simply say it is ‘magic’ perhaps?

 

Everyone was preparing to go up on stage. This was the most awaited collaboration. No one thought it was possible… two different genres in music yet we were able to mash it up into one. I hope everything goes well.

 

The Kyeowool student and CNBlue member Minhyuk came to me, to wish me luck. I said the same thing, “Break a leg! I hope we all do well.” and grinned at him.

 

“All of you will orderly go up on stage alright?” a teacher in charge informed, “Then once everyone is settled, you immediately start.” He ended.

 

“Yes teacher!” we all replied in unison.

 

“I hope we can impress the audience Junhee.” Minjung hugged me, transferring her excitement to my body.

“I really hope we do. We all have been waiting for this chance.” I blurted.

 

I’ll play with all my heart and show them my passion. I am Jung Junhee, part of Yeoreum’s Marching Band! Fighting!

 

~*~*~*~

“That night was very special to you isn’t it?” his voice sweetly echoed in my ears.

“It was. Everyone in our school really liked us after that concert minus the fan girling and the drooling of course.” I giggled.

 

Minhyuk placed his arms securely on my shoulders and drew me closer to him. He lightly rested his head on mine and soughed, “Do you know the most special day in my life besides our marriage?” he asked.

 

I bobbed my head from left to right. He chuckled shortly and pursued, “Remember that day when you found out I was part of CNBlue?”

 

“Yes.” I replied.

“That same day I realized that I actually liked you…Junhee” he uttered.

 

What… He never shared that to me ever. This is the first time he did. I had no idea how to react but because of my ‘instincts’ my face was heated up and I felt butterflies in my stomach again.

 

“I was actually thankful you learned it that way. I would never have known I had deeper feelings for you.” Minhyuk gently caressed my burning cheek as he gazed at me so romantically. It has been a while…

He drew closer and gave me a soft but passionate peck on my lips. Kissing for us has been a norm but it was extra special today.

“Abuji! Why are you kissing mom in public again?” my eldest daughter complained.

“Inyoung, just go back there and play with your little brother okay.” He ordered.

“Don’t mind us honey.” I added.

Minhyuk glanced back at me and stated, “Now where were we?” He gradually leaned over attempting to kiss me again.

“That’s enough for now. People are staring.” I stopped him.

“But I want to kiss you longer.” He suddenly tried acting cute.

I laughed at him and said, “Save it for later.” while winking at him discretely.

 

“Saranghae. (I love you)” my dear husband Minhyuk boldly stated.

“Nado, saranghae.”

I never imagined we would end up this way. I thought our relationship was completely broken. However fate did its magic and now, the guy I assumed I would never like is now my husband. Because of music I met him.