Sang Hee’s POV

I held my cellphone tightly in my two hands against my heart, smiling like an idiot in the waiting room, leaning against the wall.

Jonghyun had texted me and I had replied back.

I couldn’t feel anymore blissful and giddy. There was nothing that could make me fall from this cloud of happiness I sat on. Even my anxiety had disappeared somewhere. I kept on thinking about the text he sent me; I truly believed everything he said.

If he said everything would be fine, I couldn’t help but believe it from the bottom of my heart.

To think there would be a day like this, where Jonghyun would’ve texted me. I had gone through so much ever since I met him, and now, things seemed like they couldn’t get any better.

Texting and talking with him during practices was fine by me. I didn’t dare expect more, because I was already so grateful to him for taking his time to talk with me. This was supposed to be enough to make me eternally happy.

Yet why did I feel like I wanted more?

The other instrument players were chatting amongst each other; they had already bonded between each other. I didn’t want to start barging in between their conversations, so I stayed silent.

But, as I held my cellphone against my heart, containing Jonghyun’s text, I felt reassured and less lonely, clinging onto his words as if I couldn't live without them.

I glanced at the wall clock. We were going to perform in ten minutes. Anxiety crept slightly into my heart; I clutched my cellphone tightly and hung onto his words. I felt slight relief that seemed to repel a part of the anxiety away; there was still some of it that clung onto my thoughts though.

I knew I couldn’t get rid of it now, even with Jonghyun’s comforting words in my mind.

I stood there, leaning against the wall, starting to feel tense. I straightened the black dress with laces I was wearing nervously. The other players didn’t seem the least troubled; they must’ve played so often they had gotten used to it.

I wondered if Jonghyun was also as comfortable with performing as they were. I immediately knew he was though, judging by the way he acted on TV. I couldn’t help but respect him even more after knowing that.

My cellphone suddenly vibrated, telling me I had received a text. My heart started pounding like crazy. Was it possible that Jonghyun had sent me another text?

I opened it, hopeful, but it wasn’t from him.

I was still happy to see the sender though.

“Sang Hee~. You’re about to perform, right? I’m looking at the event now on TV, and I can’t wait to see you play! I won’t even look at SNSD and will keep on searching for you! Kekeke

-Stephy ^w^”

I laughed slightly at the thought of Stephy ignoring SNSD and trying to find me in the background. I felt a bit more relieved to have Stephy’s support now, as well.

“Thank you Stephy~. I’m a bit anxious but Jonghyun told me it would be fine, so I can’t help but believe it! I don’t want to steal SNSD’s show though, so pay attention to them too! Kekeke

-Sang Hee”

A staff member opened the door and announced that we had to go on stage now, while the emcee was discussing with various artists. Everyone started making their way out, wishing each other “good luck”. Some of them also wished me the same on their way out, which I returned with a shy smile. I was grateful to them for paying attention to me, a new member.

I bent down to put my cellphone into my bag; my hands were now trembling with fear and nervousness. I closed my bag then got up and followed the line of instrument players. I could feel my knees trembling slightly.

As we walked down the hall, I tried to tell myself to stop being so afraid, because no one will notice me. As we neared the exit, I could hear the emcee’s voice. My heart started pounding frantically; my hands trembled even more.

It didn't matter that no one would notice me. They would pay attention to my playing instead. I couldn't afford to mess anything up. The pressure of succeeding crushed my lungs and shook my hands.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to play in this condition.

I could see the immensity of the stage. All the lights were turned off, since SNSD weren’t here yet. Everyone made their way on the stage towards their instrument.

A young woman in front of me turned around and gave me a smile.

“Good luck. Everything will be fine.” she whispered before raising her fist and mouthing the words “Fighting”. She then turned back and walked onto the stage, towards the clarinets.

This act gave me a new surge of hope; I felt renewed confidence. I climbed up the stairs towards the stage, remembering Jonghyun’s words in the text. I still found it amazing that Jonghyun, out of all people, had sent me encouraging words. I could feel my heart warm up towards the idea that maybe, possibly I was starting to become someone important to him.

But it wasn't the time to think about that.

I walked onto the stage, trying to conceal myself as much as possible. It was useless though; they couldn't see me. The crowd seemed like an immense prairie of black. I could see further away on the stage the emcee asking questions to this beautiful actress.

So this was how Jonghyun saw the crowd when he stands on stage.

I couldn't help but be slightly awed by the thought that I was going to live a similar experience to him. And somehow, I felt courage and inner peace fill my heart; I knew I could do it.

Everything will be fine. Because Jonghyun had said so.

Mood Song: Mistake [Live 21^st December 2010] – SNSD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVptd7UK1rE

I made my way towards the black electric piano and sat. The keys shone off some of the faraway lights. There were four seats set up a bit further from us, closer to the crowd; I immediately knew it was for the members of SNSD.

I could now discern the emcee’s voice clearly as he just finished talking with the actress. A silhouette appeared from behind the curtains and made their way towards the seats.

I recognized Sunny from SNSD, followed by Yoona and the others. Even in the dark, they seemed just as dazzling and beautiful as they appeared on TV; I followed them with my gaze, awed and mesmerized by their mere presence.

It was as if the idea of me playing for them finally struck me. Even as I had been told so many times I was going to play for them, seeing them now actually made the idea sink in. I was truly humbled and amazed that I was on the same stage as them.

Some sat on the seats while the rest stood up. The emcee now announced the start of the performance. My heart was pounding furiously; I immediately placed my trembling fingers on the keys.

I managed a quick glance around; the other players were all concentrated on their instruments.

The lights suddenly lit up the whole stage; I gazed back at my keys, panicked. My hands started trembling like crazy and my heartbeat had risen up incredibly.

I was the one who was supposed to play the first note, who was supposed to lead the song. I couldn't afford to take my time; I had to start now. There was no turning back now. I had to make this worthwhile and play just like I did during practices, if not even better.

Jonghyun visited my thoughts one last time. This performance was somehow my chance to prove to him that he wasn’t wasting his time by being with me. I could perform like he did. I wanted him to be proud, to be amazed by me.

I knew I could do it. Jonghyun believed in me; I couldn’t betray his trust.

All my anxiety slowly melted away as I could only feel calmness and gratefulness now residing in my heart.

The image of Jonghyun escaped my mind; only the piano mattered now. I played the first note, followed by the next one at the right rhythm. All the other instruments joined in. I slowly felt more comfortable, note by note. We all  created a perfect harmony of Mistake for So Nyeo Shi Dae to sing.

Jessica’s angelic voice soon echoed sweetly and melted with the notes we played. The only thing that filled my thoughts now was the constant need to continue the song and to make this performance perfect for everyone to enjoy. I wanted everyone to feel the sadness and longing from the lyrics, from their beautiful voices. I could feel inspiration overflowing my heart as the lyrics encouraged me to play my best.

A bittersweet smile soon took ahold of my lips as I realized I could relate to these lyrics.

I’m still at the same place
I’m weary from wandering by your side
Even today, as I was wandering
Days have passed again and again.
Now I’m here.
You know, you know that my heart is hurting

It’s my mistake for not making you love me more
It’s my mistake for loving you more than you love me
It’s my mistake for not making you love me as much as I wanted you to.

I knew I couldn’t have you

But my love for you just kept growing

It’s my mistake for
Waiting by myself
Regretting by myself
Loving you.

Even though my heart was aching
It’s my mistake for not letting you go
I’m such a fool
I knew I would get hurt and couldn’t let go
It’s my mistake

Even though it could be all my mistake
That’s ok. As long as you’re there…
Always…

Please forgive me for being like this
Forgive the person who loved you.

The crowd roared with applause. I knew it was destined for So Nyeo Shi Dae, but a smile still adorned my lips.

Who would’ve thought I’d be able to play for So Nyeo Shi Dae? And not even 2 months ago, I was but a normal commoner, dreaming about meeting Jonghyun again.

I was incredibly happy and proud of myself. I was overjoyed at what I had accomplished. I had played my first ever performance, and it was a success. It didn’t matter that I was only in the background. What truly mattered was that I was an essential part of this amazing performance.

And it was all thanks to Dae Myung, Stephy and Jonghyun’s support.

I owed all of them so much. How could I ever repay them?

A smile that felt eternal grasped my lips as gratitude softened my heart; I felt tears of happiness well up in my eyes. I covered my smile with both of my hands as I felt a single tear trail down my cheek.

Thank you so much everyone…

As we all entered the waiting room, praising each other, the manager congratulated all of us. He then put a hand on my shoulder and smiled warmly.

“You were astounding! You’re so young, yet you played like a professional out there. I don’t feel any regret at all for having you on our team!” he said with extreme contempt.

I couldn’t help but smile widely, extremely happy to be praised so. “Thank you…! I never thought I’d be able to play this well!”

“Well, see what you can do? I’m looking forward to having you on upcoming projects soon as well.”

The thought of participating in more events like this filled me with incredible joy. I was on the verge of disbelief as well. Everything just seemed to brighten up even more, even when I thought things couldn’t get any better.

Are things really allowed to be so bright all at once in life?

I bowed down and thanked him from the bottom of my heart. He gave me one last proud smile then went away to congratulate the others as well.

I walked over to my bag and picked it up. I immediately took my cellphone and checked my texts. Giddiness filled me as I saw that I had received two texts. I quickly opened them.

“Sang Hee-ah~~~! You were incredible! No mistakes at all! Not like I’m surprised though. ~ You even outshined SNSD kekeke. Looking so cute in that black dress! <3

-Stephy ^w^”

“That was amazing! You played it perfectly. I’m surprised you did no mistakes, knowing you and your clumsiness. Heh

I’m really happy for you though. I say we go and celebrate tomorrow at some random amusement park.

-Dae Myung”

There was no text from Jonghyun, but I knew he was on his way to Japan now. Yet I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. It had barely been twenty minutes, but I already missed him.

Nonetheless, Stephy and Dae Myung’s texts made the corners of my lips swerve upwards and my heart swell with happiness.

I typed both of them replies, the same smile stuck on my lips.

“Thank you! You’re probably one of the very few who even looked at me during the performance though~. I was a bit worried I would look weird in this dress, but I don’t think anyone else noticed it. Kekeke

-Sang Hee”

“See, I’m not that clumsy! Besides, you should have more faith in me, after having heard me play so many times before the auditions!

The amusement park seems like a good idea too! Let’s meet up tomorrow at 9! Actually, come over to my house and we’ll go! I’ve never been to Seoul’s amusement park, so I hope you can show me the best places kekeke.

-Sang Hee”

The perspective of spending all day relaxing and having fun with Dae Myung tomorrow after this nerve-wrecking yet amazing performance seemed really enjoyable.

I hadn’t been to the amusement park ever since I moved to Seoul, due to lack of friends sadly. Excitement and anticipation soon filled me as I realized I was going to go to there with Dae Myung, an amazing friend.

I put my cellphone back into my bag and made my way towards the exit.

Now if only I could see Jonghyun again…

Then everything would be truly perfect.

I wonder how long would he be in Japan?

Dae Myung’s POV

The two twins were sleeping on either of my sides, both of their heads on my lap. Super Junior M’s Perfection was subtly heard from the TV, but my attention was diverted somewhere else. I was holding my cellphone up at my eyes’ level, awed.

I reread her text again and again, a dumb smile stuck on my lips.

I was going to the amusement park with her tomorrow.

The simple thought of it made me incredibly happy.

She had never been to Seoul’s amusement park, so she was depending on me to show her the best rides.

It’s a good thing she chose me to spend tomorrow with.

She didn’t need that Jonghyun guy. She had me. And I’ll make tomorrow such a memorable day she won’t even have time to think about him.

I felt renewed by tomorrow’s prospect. I knew that I had to sleep early, so that I’d have the most energy to spend time with her tomorrow.

I put my cellphone back into my pocket then looked at the twins. My heart melted at their sight; they were really adorable, sleeping so soundlyand innocently. I could never erase the gratefulness, the happiness I felt at being their hyung.

I took the remote and closed the TV. I first took Chung Hee and cradled him in my left arm; I did the same with Kang Dae in my right arm. I then carefully and slowly made my way towards our room. They slightly shifted in their sleep, so I took even greater precautions lying them down in bed.

Seeing as how they were still soundly asleep, I gently placed the slim covers over them and gave each of them a faint kiss. I then closed the lights and climbed on my bed. It was a summer night, so I took off my shirt and flung it into my closet. I pulled the covers over me and closed my eyes.

My mind was prevented from resting though, soon filled with various thoughts, ranging from today’s performance to tomorrow’s outing.

Was it a date though?

I found myself enjoying the meaning of that word.

But as soon as I realized this happiness was caused by Sang Hee somehow, I sighed. I was still not used to feeling this giddy and happy for a girl. I'm still pretty certain this is just one of those temporary hormones working or something though. It'll probably pass soon enough.

Hopefully.

I couldn't help it though, in the end.

The image of her playing so emotionally and beautifully replayed in my mind. She looked really pretty in that black dress with laces. Then anticipation for tomorrow filled my thoughts; I started to wonder what we should do at the amusement park.

Maybe we should start by the roller coasters, then we could finish with the ferris wheel at night, when the city lights glowed like jewels. Or we could take a walk in the park at night, by the Han river.

Or maybe being spontaneous was a better idea?

After a while, I realized I was thinking too much to be able to fall asleep.

I wasn’t going to fall asleep anytime soon. I was going to have one of those nights where my brain would be unable to drift to sleep, because of the many thoughts occupying it. I really hated nights like these. I always end up extremely exhausted the next day, which I couldn't afford to be.

This was really my luck though, for this to happen right before tomorrow.

This night was going to be one of the longest nights I'd ever gone through my whole life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here it is! Chapter 23! Featuring the incredibly cute Dae Myung! <3 (Yes, it's the ulzzang Lee Chi Hoon again -fangirl now- LOL)

Wah~... I still can't believe I wrote so much ever since I started! I was so slow, when I had school. This just proves my point that I'm not as slow usually! I blame school! >o< I'm glad I'm on summer break though. Kekeke. <3

Hurray! Sang Hee did well during the performance! I was so glad for her, when I wrote this~. <3  I think this is a point in the story where her career as a pianist really takes off. Well, at least, it should be. xD

Dae Myung's reaction was cute in this one too! His denial seems a bit less tense. Does that mean he's slowly recognizing his feelings? Kekeke. I can't wait for the amusement park date now!

I had decided on using SNSD's Mistake a long long long time ago,but it didn't fit this atmosphere, because I changed some ideas on the way. Especially the lyrics. :< I'm sorry if it confused you guys!

Thank you all for continuing to support all along! <3 I love you all so so soooo much. ;~;!