“-didn’t you hear? Eunwoo Oppa wasn’t at lunch today!”

“Where was he?”

“Is he okay?”

“What happened?!”

“I don’t know-”

I sighed, resting my cheek against the palm of my hand, as I gazed out the window. I wasn’t really listening to the girls chattering behind- they were always chattering so it didn’t matter. To be honest, I was more preoccupied with my own thoughts at the moment. I wasn’t sure how I felt about the whole situation… I had gone so long without anyone’s help or comfort… but now… Now I felt just a little bit lonely. I guess part of me wanted to be left alone, but another part wanted to be friends with him. Friends… it even sounded weird in my head. I shook my head. I should be focusing on school work-

“This is study session,” Ms. Park spoke up, eyeing the group of girls in the back, “Please remain quiet.”

The girls muttered some inaudible before returning to their worksheets.

I tapped my pencil against my desk, glancing at the clock on the wall behind me. 7:14. Stuffing my workbook into my bag, I slipped out of my seat. “Teacher? I have to go now,” I spoke barely above a whisper as the teacher looked up at me.

“Very well,” Ms. Park nodded.

The school hallways were nearly empty, and the few stragglers left were only out to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom. I couldn’t focus in the classroom… not with that many people around. So, like every other day, I hid in the abandoned music room.

I let out a long, slow breath and turned the corner to a battered looking door at the end of the corridor. Readjusting the straps on my shoulder, I shoved the door open and stepped inside- only to find that it wasn’t empty or quiet at all.

Six boys turned to face me, all in the middle of practicing a couple songs I had never heard before.

“Can we help you?” one of the boys smiled at me.

“U-um-” I stepped backwards, unable to think straight.

“Oh! Jangmi-ah!” a familiar voice spoke up.

“You know her?” the boy from before raised his eyebrows in surprise.

Eunwoo nodded, leaving his seat at the piano, “Yeah, she’s a friend of mine.”

My ears burned red. Friend?

“Oh,” the boy nodded slowly, “I’m Jinjin, by the way.”

“I’m MJ,” another boy perked up, grinning.

“I’m Moonbin,” a third boy smiled.

“Rocky,” a fourth waved.

“And I’m Sanha!” Sanha exclaimed.

I bowed a little, “Song Jangmi.”

“Wah… you’re so cute,” Jinjin laughed, stepping forward, “Where did Eunwoo find you?!”

“U-um…” my legs trembled as I tried to come up with words to string together.

“The roof,” Eunwoo cut in, “She helped me out with Sunghwi.”

“Ooooh…”

“Not really…” I muttered.

“Do you want to stay and watch?” Moonbin placed a hand on top of my head. I knew I was short, but not that short… until now.

“W-what?” I looked up.

“We’re forming a band,” Sanha added excitedly, “It’s called Astro!”

“Yeah, please stay and watch!” Rocky nodded, “You could be our first fan!”

Under so many eyes, I nodded slowly, “Okay-”

“Jangmi-ah,” Jinjin leaned forward, “How old are you?”

I glanced at Eunwoo anxiously, “U-um 17-”

“Wah… so you’re my Noona!” Sanha’s eyes widened.

“Come listen to our song!” MJ grinned, “Eunwoo just wrote it this afternoon!”

“Really?” I stared at Eunwoo in surprise.

It may have only been my imagination, but I swear I saw a faint trace of pink brushed across his cheeks.

“Sit right here!” Sanha pulled up a chair.

I nodded and sat, watching as the boys got in their places.

“This is ‘Innocent Love,’ by Astro,” Jinjin announced, and the music began to play.

 

My Tears Won’t stop

You Were my first Love

The reason why the break up was clumsy

was because you were my first love

In our places and the places we promised to meet

The fact that i won’t be able to see you again

I know of it well, I Know, I Know

Even though it was Puppy Love and I’m young, I know

I’m saying that break up were unfamiliar

You were My First Love, My Clumsy Love

My Love that I was thankful for

(hoo)

It hurts more than I think it would

looking at our photo album, I pray for your happiness

I’m always sorry that

I didn’t say earlier that

I Loved you and treasured you a lot

They’re shameless words, but

I want my image to remain as a fresh first love

it’d still be the same even

if we regret it,

us who can’t even do what we wanted

stop the useless tears

i’m alright even if i fall

it doesn’t show even though I’m suffering silently

The memories won’t leave me

you were my first love

I know that our love was clumsy

I’m sorry that I couldn’t Treat you better

even though we’ve broken up,

I sincerely hope that you don’t hurt

Please, Please, Please

(Please)

Even though it was Puppy Love and I’m young, I know

I’m saying that break up were unfamiliar

You were My First Love, My Clumsy Love

My Love that I was thankful for

(hoo)

The person who always cried

and smiled with me

The person I’m thankful for

You are my first love my perpetual love

(Woo)

You were My First Love,

My Clumsy Love

My Love that I was thankful for

I Hope you’re happy~

You have to be happy (You have to receive love)

As time passes (That you’ll be able to laugh)

My puppy love that became memories,

Thank You, My First Love

 

The song ended, and without realizing it, I smiled. I don’t know why, but it made me happy. That song… it made me really happy.

“Did you like it?” MJ asked suddenly.

I nodded.

“YES!” Sanha cheered.

“You’re our fan, right?” Moonbin stared at me intently.

I nodded again.

I guess… in a way this was the beginning of something big.