JAZZ BAR

As Dami was walking like every evening through the streets of the city, neons were lightening her path towards her apartment. Like every time, it felt a little dull. Deep down she knew the obvious reason why : always trapped in the routine, she got that strange impression her present life tamed her in that boring person who tried her best. Don't get her wrong, she was happy with her job but something was off. She knew she had nothing to complain about... Yet here she was, head down, shoulder down, fatigue menacing in her body while walking in that too familiar path. 

Her legs were moving like muscle memory to her aim. 

Until something caught her attention. It wasn't much but it was enough to make her doubt her defined itinerary. A color, it was just a color in a small street offered on her path everyday after work but she never crossed it. Today seemed different. The scenery was magnetic almost.

She could have chose that alternative street before, in her three years spent in the city, though she didn't. It was today and only today, she felt the need to go that way - despite being in a rush to go home and finish her late work...  

In the middle of Fall, while the air was colder with each passing day, the leaves scattered around on the ground ; that single warm color surely coming from a sign caught her attention. It was calling her almost.

Calling her. She laughed at her own delirious state : blaming it on her long day at work definitely playing with her sanity. She should head back to her apartment, get over with her last project left and go to sleep. 

Nonetheless, it didn't stopped her from moving towards that color. It was indeed a sign. For a bar. As she was approaching it, she could hear the music escaping the walls.

It was smooth and slow. Piano, something like a bass and a voice. A voice that caught Dami off guard. A feminine voice so soft yet so powerful. Instantly she wanted to go inside to see the face belonging to the voice. She stopped walking. 

Facing the doors, she was certain to look like an idiot being all paralyzed in front of a bar. 

She looked down at her watch. 9 pm. She sighed a little defeated at her decision already made. To be honest, she took it the moment she discerned that sweet feminine voice. It was late, she was tired and yet she stepped inside the bar confidently. Letting the smell and warm sensation of the lounge bar invading all her senses. 

She breathed deeply to take in the moment, smiled as soon as her eyes fell on the stage and slowly she walked without any noise still watching the stage.

The woman standing in the middle of it, her eyes closed as she spoke the sweet words of jazz in the mic, moving her head lightly to hypnotize Dami as she continued her quiet footsteps towards the counter. 

Briefly looking around to noticed the other few people on the bar chatting and minding their business. How in the world could they talk when this show was on? In a way, Dami understood it. She didn't felt like she had to look at the singer. She just wanted to. It wasn't imposed. It was an invitation.

Yes, something like an invitation to take her brain off work and enjoy a sweet moment in a warm bar on that cold Autumn evening. 

When she decided to turn her head to the barmaid, she asked for a coffee before sitting on a stool with her back against the counter. She just wanted to enjoy the show. It felt good to be in another place than her routine.

Soon Dami's eyes shut too and she brought the coffee cup to . A good shot of caffeine to help her survive the night that was about to come. Or that was already there but she chose to ignore for about a little hour.

The voice was so soothing and soft, it was like the incarnated comfort itself. Dami truly sensed the warmness of the place in that moment ; not sure if it was the heaters from the bar, the hot coffee in her hands or the voice. Maybe it was all of that mixed together. Either way, she was wholly wrapped in that enchanting yet down to earth feeling of peace. 

The moment Dami opened her eyes again, her look fell on that figure on the stage. Who was shooting a piercing gaze straight into hers. A light shiver run down her spine. Then smile followed. The singer didn't seemed to mind getting caught in her staring action. Instead, Dami saw a hint of amusement in the smile.

Maybe even a pride of making Dami shut her eyes to focus on her voice. And once again, the singer made that same action again. She put a end to the staring contest to hid her cat eyes behind her eyelids. And once again Dami interpreted the movement as an invitation to do the same and join her in that dazzling moment of music. 

The singer wasn't some sort of temptress whose voice can be used as power, no, she was more of a healer. A soft and delicate vow to love and calmness. Dami felt safe in that moment with her guard down and her eyes closed, absolutely unaware of what was around her. Other than the voice. Yet here she was, fully trusting the environment, breathing completely and steadily again as the music softly came to an end.

Then the voice stopped singing but talked as tenderly as her music to announce a short break filled in by the pianist only. A few clapped in the room and the singer made her way down the stage. 

Even if the voice was missing, Dami didn't feel like it. Somehow she could still hear it lingering around the place, so she turned around on her stool and asked for a second coffee.

"Drinking coffee alone at night in a bar?" Dami heard another voice than the barmaid's, this time coming from her side and watched the woman a few seconds before on the stage coming towards her. She had cocked an eyebrow and gave a little smile at Dami. She couldn't help but notice the singer checking her out, maybe just examining she was still in her work suit. She was sure the bar had that fair amount of businessmen and women coming at night to release the tension just like she was doing for the first time in forever.

To be fair, it was really the perfect place to do so. The woman sit beside her, looking at the barmaid,

"Can I have a glass of water, Siyeon, please?"

"Right away." She said while deposing the coffee in front of Dami.

"So, what's your story?" The singer smiled turning her head to Dami, resting it in her palm.

"Nothing much really. Long day at work." She answered simply. "And it's not yet finished. Long night ahead." She returned the smile and tried her best to keep it as daring as possible.

"I see." The other snapped and drank her water, looking like she was deep in thoughts. "The bitter caffeine to help you staying all night to finish whatever project you're on?" She asked but it was more of a fact.

"Touché." 

The singer turned her head again. "So I guess, you just wanted to drop by but not staying long before having go home? Just a quick coffee."

Dami nodded. "You're good at this." She laughed a bit embarrassed at her cliché state. 

"What a shame, my next song is perfect with a glass of Chardonnay." She exaggerated her sad expression. Was she trying to flirt to make her stay ?

"Don't listen to her, she will make you stay the whole night if you're not being careful." Siyeon, the barmaid, stepped in to warn Dami. "Run while you can." She whispered and winked at her playfully before going back to another customer.

"Sorry." She singer smiled. "I can't help it." She finished her glass of water before proposing her hand. "I'm Handong by the way. I'm the owner of this place and Siyeon should watch ." She spoke the last part of the sentence louder so the barmaid could hear it. She did but only responded by sticking out her tongue.

"I'm Lee Dami." She took the hand inside hers and shook it.

"Nice to meet you Dami." Handong looked deep in her eyes.

"Likewise Handong." 

"I'm afraid you don't have time for another drink?" 

Dami looked at her watch and responded with an apologetic smile. She really had a lot of stuff to finish tonight... "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be." Handong cut her off throwing her hand to stop her. "But promise me you'll come by another time to drink something else than a coffee and enjoy the music fully?" 

Charming. That was the perfect word Dami found to describe her. Handong was charming. Flirty even. It was only at that moment that Dami took the time to fully look at her. A black cocktail dress hugging her body perfectly and complimenting her wholly. The make up on her eyes bringing a fatal touche to her sweet aura. Blond straight hair barely touching her shoulder. Despite all those good reasons, Dami found her way back to those thin red lips, fully showing a sweet and caring smile. Of course with an ounce of tease.  

It was hard to say no to her. Dami didn't even wanted to try, to be honest.

"I do. I'll try to come another time when I'm more free."

"Work is that hectic, hu?" Handong inquired.

"You have no idea..." Dami sighed while standing up before putting the money on the counter.

"That's too bad... I could almost be jealous of it."

Dami shot a curious look at her while putting on her coat. Clearly amused by the shameless flirt.

"You know, if you can't even make a little time for a few of my songs... It' wouldn't be hard to feel jealous if you don't have time for me."

She really was straightforward. Dami liked it. "I'll find the time." She stopped at that, asking herself if it was a good idea to compete with the other. "But will you?" She dared to say.

This time it was Handong who wore a questioning look. 

"If I make time for your songs, will you make the time to share a drink with me?" There, she asked it. She shot her chance. It wasn't really a date or anything. It was her answer to the flirting. If the singer truly wanted to see her around another time, was it because she wanted to flirt more? Or just to have another customer.

Judging by Handong's eyes and lips, Dami got her respond. The singer bit her lower lip slightly, almost as her way to hide her growing smile. Her eyes on the other hand, were hard to hide. She nodded. "It would be my please." She said in a more steady and lower voice. It was a fact, nothing to doubt. 

Dami looked delighted. "I'll see you soon then." She suggestively spoke.

Handong stood up and smiled. "Good luck with your work tonight." She paused. "You'll need it."

Dami was about to turn around and leave but stopped and added a last time "I do. I really do. Thanks Handong." She laughed a bit at her miserable night ahead but the other's sweet words gave her a bit of courage. Before making a movement with her head and thanking Siyeon on the other end of the counter, Dami finally turned around and headed toward the exit.

As soon as she stepped outside, the fresh air of the night shook her away from her little cocoon she had been in for almost an hour. An unexpected hour but more than welcomed in her day. Not from a work perspective, though. Dami put her coat up against her neck, she e last time and saw on the other side of the large glass window, Handong was smiling at her. 

Dami would definitely have to find the time to come back. Or she would make the time.

On that she hurried to go home, already aware she would have to stay up for a few long hours before letting her body to finally rest.

Sometimes her job was really torturous.

And she really felt that with the last strike and a long yawn as she finished to check for any mistake left on the paper. She looked at the clock : 2 am. Great, only four hours of sleep for another night... She stood up and undressed while thinking of the good aspect of those kind of nights is that the moment you lay down your head on the pillow you instantly fall asleep. No time to think, no time to regret. Just fully welcoming the little of rest you can get. 

What a way to live. She heard herself thinking before laying down and letting sleep taking over.

THE COCKTAIL SONG

After a couple of weeks, Dami was finally able to leave work at a reasonable hour. She even had time to go back to her place to change before going to the bar. She had been waiting for this opportunity since Handong asked her to come back.

But work had been work : as complicated and nerve-wrecking as always. 

Tonight was a good night to go out and enjoy the free time. Dami welcomed it entirely. Happy to know she could come back home early and have a whole night of sleep. She deserved it more than ever.

As she made her way to the bar, she couldn't help but look up in the sky and notice that the trees were almost already bare. Making a thin scarlet carpet below her feet, as if it was showing the way and welcoming her in the velvet cocoon of jazz.

The music reached her ears earlier in the street than the last time. This time, without hesitating, she fully grabbed the handle of the door and stepped into that much wanted place.

The scene was different from the last time, it took Dami by surprise. A full band was on the stage : piano, bass, guitar, saxophone, drums and lastly but not least... Handong was standing up, whispering in the microphone as her hips moved to the beat. People were in front of her, dancing too but the whole place was more crowed. Ah, it was Friday... Maybe it was the reason why there were a lot more customers tonight.

Dami removed her coat and moved to the counter where she found her last seat empty.

"Hey, what can I get you?" 

Dami turned and recognized that last barmaid. Who seemed to do too. 

"Uh..." Hesitating for a few seconds before she gave up fully, "A whiskey?" 

A nod. 

When the glass was presented to her on the counter, Dami realized it really had been too long since she had a moment like that. Work had been eating all her time. But not tonight. Tonight it was about celebrating the time off. No worries, just that attractive glass of amber liquid and that music. 

Never in the world, she would have expected to enjoy jazz this much. Until now she judged it to be for rich or upper class pedantic people. Those who look down at others, those who think are better than everybody else because they don't listen to their kind of music.

This time around, Dami was intrigued by the simple fact that everybody on the stage seemed to have fun. Seemed to communicate in some sort of stares or smile as they played to each other. It was amusing to watch but also very appeasing to listen. In a way it felt more complete than the last time, with the more instruments, it felt more of a show than a background music. Maybe that explained why people were fully on dancing in front of the stage.

For a brief moment Dami thought Handong had spotted her right before she closed her eyes again and smiled as she finished the song. Not very sure of it, though. While the pianist finished her turn as people applauded in the room, Handong made her way to the piano and whispered something in her ear.

The notes on the instrument changed, the other musicians looked at her and after a few more chords they started playing along. Handong made her way back to the mic and connect her eyes with Dami's. Which made the latter lose her breath for a few seconds. 

Then Handong sang. In mandarin. Dami, surprised for another time this evening, smiled widely as she notice a slight change of tone in the singer's voice. Somehow it was more... deep, more low, more steady, more y. Definitely more y. 

What seemed crazy to Dami was how in some parts, a hint of vulnerability, of lightness or elegance was showing. How could she be all of that in just one voice, in just one song? How was that even possible to pass all of those emotions?

She had absolutely no answer for that. Jazz was only recently in her life and Handong seemed like a mystery. A good one. Maybe not a mystery, but rather more a surprise. She didn't know. What she was sure about though, was how she loved that voice. How it seemed in perfect harmony with the music, with the instruments, the place, even her drink...

Handong waited for a few seconds before sending her a wink and fully immerse herself in the music. Dami smiled. Amused by how easy the singer flirted with her.

Looks like a fun night has been announced, she thought while bringing her glass up in the air for Handong to see. 

"Cheers." Dami mouthed before bringing the glass to her lips.

THE SHADOW OF YOUR SMILE

About half an hour spent only by focusing on the music while sipping her drink, Dami couldn't help but ask herself if Handong would keep her promise. She did promise to find some time to come back to the bar and listen to her in return of sharing a glass with the singer.

And as if Handong were inside her mind, in that very moment, the singer excused herself after thanking all the musicians on the stage before exiting it. A lot of people applauded soon replaced more sweet notes of piano. Just like that, everything seemed to return to the insouciance of the night and people were back to dancing or talking... 

Then Dami saw Handong coming closer to her. She didn't know if she swayed her hips this smoothly on purpose just to try to fluster Dami, or if it was just a result of the tight skirt the singer was wearing ; either way it made Dami look. And it made Dami enjoy looking.

Something in the eyes. Handong had those sort cat eyes, clearly playful and yet full of care and honesty. Yes, she was breathtaking and amazingly beautiful with those dresses and shirts and fancy attitude, Dami could only admit it. But something more was drawing her to the singer. It was specifically that down to earth and kind aura of her.

"Good evening, Dami." Handong reached her and smiled genuinely.

"Good evening Handong." Dami stood up from her seat and looked around to invite her next to her only to realize there was no free place left. Handong understood her intentions and offered her hand to Dami.

"Come, I have a table where we can have a little more privacy."

Dami nodded and took her stuff before taking a light hold of Handong's hand. 

The singer turned to the barmaid "Siyeon, would you be a sweetheart and bring me something fresh and sweet?" She looked at Dami and her empty glass. "What do you want?"

She sensed the hesitation on the other's end. Dami didn't know ahead she would be ordering a second drink, and she was a bit lost as her younger years - of a college drinker - were behind her.

Handong squeezed the hand and added to Siyeon, "And something nice for the lady."

"Shall we go?" Handong looked for any more sign of uncertainty from Dami. 

She nodded and smiled as a silent reassurance.

The table was indeed a bit in the back but still very much in the whole bar's ambiance. It was just in a corner and it brought a more reclused space. Handong sat down and looked up as Dami waiting for her to do the same in front of her. 

She was wearing a satisfied smile. "I'm happy to see you Dami, I'm glad you came."

"Well, I finally found a moment. I'm glad to be here too." She answered almost unconsciously avoiding Handong's first few words.

The singer caught that. Her smiled transformed into an amused smirk.

"You're that busy. What to you do for a living by the way, I never asked."

"I am... But today I got off work earlier for the time in... at least a few months. I'm an architect."

"Oh I see. Do you work on you own?"

"I have associates, but since we're only taking off it's the most difficult part I guess. It takes a lot of time and dedication."

Handong put her chin on her palm's hand and examined Dami. "Do you like what you do?"

"I love my job, yes. I just wished to have a better schedule. But like I said, it's not supposed to stay like this forever." Dami answered confidently.

"Good." Handong smiled then moved when Siyeon came to bring the drinks. "Thanks." 

"Thank you." Dami added.

"So, Handong I made you a gin fizz." Then she turned to Dami "And I made you an old fashioned. If you like whiskey, you're gonna love it." And on that she bowed a little before going back to the counter.

"This is the best barmaid I ever had." Handong stated as she watched her employee leaving the table.

"Since when do you work here?" Handong really seemed to own the place. In all different meanings. When she walked around, she was the queen, she seemed to know everybody : customers and employees. Furthermore, she had that attitude of someone who clearly felt good and confident. It was her home, her work, her own safe place in a way. And people could sense it. At least Dami did.

"As the owner : for a year. But I used to work here as a pianist and then as a singer, since... 6 years."

Dami opened her eyes big a little surprised at the answer. It sure was a long time. "How old are you?"

"Are you trying to say I'm old?" Handong joked.

"No! No, it's just that you don't look like you've been working here for 6 years."

"That's because I worked here as college student. I'm only 26. I took over after I graduated."

"Oh that explains a lot..." Dami understood better why she seemed so comfortable around the place and how it was second nature for the singer. She sure loved this bar to take it over. "You seemed to care about this place." She stated.

"Well, that's my little heaven." She smiled.

Dami looked around and nodded. "It does feel like it."

"Thank you..." Handong genuinely took the compliment. 

"And I must say, the music... your voice... It's amazing. It really feels nice and I don't know, safe?" Dami ended her sentence as question, not really sure of how to put it. "I'm sorry, I know nothing about music..." She added a bit embarrassed as she scratched her nape.

"That's okay, don't worry. Nobody needs to know music to enjoy it. That's what I like about it."

"True." Dami admitted. A little silence fell in between them. "So... mandarin? You can sing in mandarin?"

Handong chuckled. "Well, yes. I'm Chinese actually."

"You are?" She sure was full of surprise. Nothing seemed like the first impression shows of the singer. Not as intimidating, but sweet and caring. Not fatal but goofy. And Dami welcomed each and every one of those revelations. Sensing like she was taking a step towards the singer each time.

"Yes. I came to Seoul to study and well... I never really left." She gesture the room around them.

Dami nodded and smiled. Now she knew that she fell in love with this place just like Handong did.

"So how is your drink?"

"Really good." Dami enthusiastically answered. "Siyeon was right."

"I'm glad. Make sure to tell her, she loves compliment." And Handong winked while laughing at her joke.

Dami had a weakness for this goofy side of Handong. Maybe it was because it was such a huge contrast with what she sees on the stage. Maybe it was the love of music that made her look so confident and radiant when she sings. Or maybe, just maybe Handong was feeling safe enough around Dami to let her playful side shows.

"I'll sure do." Dami responded with a stupid whipped smile on full display. "So, why jazz?" She inquired. It's not that she didn't understood why Handong chose it, because it clearly was a perfect match. Complimenting her voice and her person. Dami was curious about the 'how jazz'. How did she ended up coated up in that type of music. A music as much as old-fashioned than it was timeless. 

The whole paradox of it could be sensed in the bar. Something out of the world yet so much true and realistic and balanced. It was that tiny bit of tension between the two poles that aroused her curiosity. She couldn't help it. 

Jazz wasn't Dami's first choice. She even doubted it was anyone's first choice actually. Obviously she was wrong and she understood it the minute she felt magnetically attracted by that music floating in the air a few weeks back.

"Are you really asking me why jazz? In a jazz bar?" Handong laughed out loud. She wasn't mocking Dami, she just never expected that question. After all, she never forced Dami to come inside her bar. She assumed of the other to enjoy it at least a little. Maybe she misjudged her? To be honest she didn't know a lot about the businesswoman, she didn't seemed out of place the first time she saw her step inside her bar. Or maybe a bit new to it...?

"I am. Why is that funny?" Dami smiled as the singer's laughed reached her a little. As a proud feeling of making the beautiful Chinese singer laugh, washed over her.

"It's not. Hum, I'm sorry." She tried to straighten her face then looked at her glass in front of her and squinted her eyes as she thought about the question. "I guess..." She paused again. "Damn that's a hard question.."

"Sorry, you don't have to answer. We can move to another subject." Dami suggested but then Handong looked at her with another daring gaze coming straight into her soul.

"No no. Here, I think I found an answer. Jazz, for me, is like a love language." A smiled appeared back. "Almost every classical jazz song is an ode to love. I like that. I like the fact that people come into my bar and have a taste of what love can be. Or what love should be."

Dami's heart stopped for a short instant. She didn't know what she wanted to get from that flirt with Handong, she didn't really know the other's intentions either. And the love words just spoken made her question something. Did she had a taste of love when she came inside that bar? Then she cocked an eye and defied Handong, "And what love should be?"

"You and your damn difficult questions..." She joked again before taking a moment to truly thing about the meaning of her job and what she wanted with it. "I am no one to say what love is. But what I wanted to say is that... Love should be calm and soft and... somehow appealing. I like to think of it like a warm feeling you dive in completely." Her eyes were still deep into Dami's.

"I felt that." Dami's responded catching Handong a bit off guard. "When I came in for the first time. I felt like I dived into a soft and secure and warm place."

"Then I guess I did a pretty good job?" The singer giggled showing a little sign of shyness.

"I guess you did." Dami confidently answered.

Handong looked at her hands then her half full glass. "Plus, there's something in jazz that is joyful. Something that keeps me going. I like sharing that with the customers."

"But what do you do when you feel sad?" Dami guessed she couldn't just always be that optimistic, lively singer. So her mind only made the next step on its own.

Handong looked up. Somehow her discussions with the businesswoman were a contest of how much and how many they could surprise the other. Dami's honesty was a good one for Handong. Since she used to be that kind of person, having to face someone as open and true was a bit of a challenge for her. She wasn't prepared for that. "Those kind of nights, I don't sing. I let my musicians on their own."

"So the ambiance is always bright?"

"No, I want it to be realistic. Sometimes we have requests. Sometimes my pianist wants to play more sad or peaceful tunes... So it happens. But I don't know if it could really define the bar."

"Okay. I get it." Dami simply said, satisfied by the answer.

"Why do you ask?" Handong couldn't quite put a finger on how the other was that curious about the bar and her job. The few times she exchanges with customers, it was often her who would carry the whole conversation. A few questions were sometimes shot about the place but nothing as deep as Dami wanted to know.

"You seem very close to this bar... Like it's you home? Sorry if I'm going a bit too far, I might be wrong. But I just asked that to know how you would manage your emotions when you want to keep the place bright and joyful. Wouldn't that affect you sometimes?" Again, the honesty made Handong heart pound louder.

But she caught on the concern Dami's words were carrying. "Like I said, we don't mind if we play sadder or calmer songs... In a way, jazz had that tendency of melancholia too. And music is such a wide box of emotions. Only fools could limit it to only one." She wasn't sure if her reassurance words were working. Maybe it was too abstract. Maybe she ended up mixing up the flirt and the honesty on the way. She wished she could have been clearer.

But Dami understood. She didn't got how or why, but it spoke to her. Once again she was satisfied with the answer and she congratulated herself on getting a good feeling about the bar in the first place.

It felt like a home. 

Maybe not hers, but definitely Handong's.

"Okay, I understand. It's not very correct to say it, but I wonder what the place looks like on one of those sad nights." She wondered it the lights would feel like darker. If the drinks would taste different. If the flirt were going to turned off a bit, to let the space free.

"You are full of surprise, Lee Dami." Handong spoke with a clear startled expression all over her face.

"And you aren't?" She shot back at an attempt of a joke. "I'm not the one singing in mandarin in a jazz bar on Friday night."

"What's so surprising about it?" Handong bit her lips to stop the growing grin spreading. She straightened her posture and faced Dami locking eyes with the businesswoman. To see if she could try to disturb the other calmness. 

But she didn't. "Maybe it isn't for you. But in my poor monotone life, it's a surprise."

"I'm glad to be a surprise in your life, then." She daringly smiled. 

Dami kept the glaring contest and dived into the Chinese beautiful dark eyes. Handong didn't flinched. She understood the needed silence to flirt through that contidition. The first to avoid the the gaze would lose... Thought no matter the winner, they were both proving a certain amusement in that kind of flirt.

Not very sure if it was a very conventional type of flirt... Dami just enjoyed that daring intimacy as Handong just liked to be next to the other and be able to fully look at her. Most of the time, from her place on the stage, she could only imagine reactions or eyes. Right now she didn't had to do that. Even more, she didn't have to sing to provoke a sweet reaction from Dami. 

Then Dami smiled as she seemed to give up and looked down at her watch.

Handong got what that meant. "Already?"

"I'm afraid so... It's kind of late, I lost track of time."

"I'll take it as a compliment."

Dami looked up and paused. "In the kind of schedule I live in, it is. It's a huge compliment." And they were back with the tease and compliments spoken out loud.

"Well, thanks..." Handong chuckled and turned her head to hid the menacing blush. She sighed. "Will I see you again?" She suddenly asked. Dropping all flirt and teasing, she just doesn't wanted Dami to leave yet. She had been waiting for her for the past couple of weeks but now she had no certitude to see her again unless Dami wanted to come back.

Handong was clearly confessing she enjoyed Dami's company and wanted more. Dami wanted it too, but still unsure of what her work would be like in the near future she could only promise to do her best. Wanting to come back wasn't the problem, of course she wanted to. "If you want to?"

"Of course I do." Handong pressed to say.

Dami, standing up to put her coat back smiled warmly at Handong. This girl was precious, she thought to herself. "Work is still hectic but as soon as it slows down, I'll make sure to stop by."

Handong wasn't really satisfied with the answer, she fought the urge to give the businesswoman her phone number, but deep down she knew it would be a little too pushy. She didn't wanted to be too much. She had to be content with what Dami gave her as an answer. So she stood up and nodded. "Fine. I'll wait." She softly answered. 

Dami came closer to her. Handong froze at the sudden closeness then felt two soft lips pecking her cheek. She turned her head as Dami stepped back. "Good night, Handong. I'll see you soon." 

Then she smiled one last time before making her way out of the crowded bar. Leaving a flushed Handong with her hand tracing the spot Dami just touched with . 

AUTUMN LEAVES

8.30 pm and still stuck in her office. Dami sighed at her desk and looked down on the draws she was working on. Due for next week, a big project, a lot of money involved... The clients were pleased with her plans and yet her perfectionist side wanted to go further and do better.

There was no one left in the office beside her. Only the lights of her desk and the one in front of the elevator were on. Dami kept looking around until she got an idea. She grabbed a random paper on her desk and wrote something on it, leaving it on top of her project file.

She smiled to herself at the sudden decision but with that she stood up and happily left the place. She just took her next day off. Finally she would let herself sleep in and that particularly was already lightening her soul of her fatigue.

On her way home, in the capital's cold streets, Dami kept asking herself if she should stop by the bar. It was on the road - almost - and she was kind of missing Handong. She could definitely use a fresh beer and some music right now. Only, Dami thought she was looking like a mess, still in her work outfit, clearly tired...

But to hell her insecurities : it was now or never.

Approaching the bar, Dami noticed the neon sign changed of color. It wasn't red anymore, it was a purple close to blue. Not a cold blue but a warm blue. The blue of a sky in the early morning. A blue full of hope for a coming day. Also deep and heavy as the sky immensity. 

A pretty color, Dami thought as she opened the door and got welcomed by that velvet smell of Siyeon's cocktail and light perfume Dami assumed was Handong's. 

This time, there wasn't more than ten people in the bar. The music was quieter than usual, only a piano was softly bringing a light note to the surrounding. To Dami's surprise, Handong wasn't on the stage nor in the room. Nowhere to be found. 

So she walked to her usual place in front of the counter and saw Siyeon turning around. A simple smile,

"So, what would that be tonight?" She asked.

"A beer, please?"

"I can do that." She answered as she moved around the bar to bring out from behind, a bottle. Once she opened it and place it on a card on the wood counter she noticed Dami's eyes scanning the place. "It's her day off. She's not singing tonight, but I saw her earlier. Maybe she's in the back. Do you want me to go check?"

Dami didn't know what to respond, she didn't wanted to impose herself, especially if it was Handong's day off. But at the same time, she came here to see the Chinese girl for a moment.

At the silence, Siyeon smiled and said "I'll be right back." She chuckled and left to the back of the bar.

Dami was a bit embarrassed but decided to not think too much about it as she drank her first sip of the cold beer in her hand. And for a moment she could feel the tension of all her daily life falling down. All pain cured. All stress disappearing. Just a moment of pure calm. A few light notes on the piano and the outside world were only a vague memory. 

It was an addictive sensation. If she had knew the power of this place sooner, she would have come way more often. If she had knew it would had been that easy to get her mind off things...

"Good evening, Dami." She heard Handong leaning beside her on the counter. Dami didn't had to turn to flash a smile. The voice she wanted to hear again, that smell invading her senses... Yes, she was definitely in love with this Jazz Bar. And with that low and charming voice too.

"Good evening to you too, Handong. I didn't know it was your day off." She begun to explain she was sorry to disturb her little peaceful time. 

"Don't worry." Handong cut her off before she could say anything more. "It means I'm all to yourself tonight." 

Dami finally turned her head only to see how close the singer was to her. In a way, she fought the urge to put her hand on that petite waist and bring her even closer... But how inappropriate that would had been. Instead Dami just locked eyes with her.

"Do you want to move to a more private place? Or do you want to stay here?"

Dami knew the answer she would give but just shrugged to let the other decide instead. Deep down, wanting Handong to take back her hand to guide her over a better table.

 "Then come on, let's move." Handong made a little sign with her fingers to indicate Dami to follow her.

"So, you're here earlier than usual." Handong started off while she offered a seat to the other businesswoman. "It's nice to see you. I missed you." She didn't even tried to hid it, Handong was a honest person and in that moment she felt like it was the right thing to say. Shoving down the tiny bit of fear to make the other girl run away because of her bluntness.

The fear didn't last long, though, as soon as Dami let out a chuckle, Handong understood there was nothing to be afraid of. "Well, I missed you too. And I came directly after work, I kinda thought you could tell." She gesture a her state and her clothes, the perfect moment for the singer to use the opportunity to check her out.

"You do look like you're just out of work." Handong leaned over the table and focused on Dami's tie before grabbing the knot to loosen it a little. Dami obviously froze at the movement but once she understood what she was doing, she joined Handong's hands and opened up the first button. 

Dami smirked at the surprise effect she did on Handong's sudden move. To her surprise it didn't flustered the singer. She only leaned back on her seat and locked eyes with Dami.

The playful tension was palpable again. No, it wasn't a game. They both knew they were interested - not in full details though- but it was enough for them to surf on that teasing part of the meeting. In a way, it was also keeping a steady pace in the interaction. The flirt was slowly building up. And it was intoxicating. The want, the need, the anticipation... All so good to feel. 

After all, it's been a while since Dami didn't had some sort of action in her life. She wasn't looking for anything, she had been too busy to do so. Something felt different with this encounter, though. It felt easy and pleasant. That's why the playful side didn't scared her off, it wasn't a bad sign. It didn't mean no real interest nor superficial lust. 

It was curiosity. And care too.

"I wanted to take my head off of work for real. That's why I took a day off tomorrow." Dami added.

Handong shot her a surprise look. 

"What?" Dami asked amused.

"Nothing, I just thought you were some kind of workaholic. Apparently I was wrong if you can take days off." Handong joked.

"I don't think I am. Or if I am I didn't see it coming." Dami honestly answered. "But lately I've been a bit tired of it. I guess I don't have the stamina I had when I was younger."

When Dami mentioned her age, Handong realized she didn't know it. Last time she came to the bar, Dami turned the conversation towards the singer. And in that very moment the businesswoman knew more about the singer than the contrary. Damn, she was good... Handong didn't even saw it happening.

"Are you that old, grandma?" Handong pressed to ask in mocking tone.

"I'm... I'm actually a year younger that you."

Handong feign a shocked and hurt expression. "That's mean, you're telling that I'm old then?"

"I didn't, you just interpreted that way." Dami retorted.

"Fine..." Handong shrugged it off giving up the argument. "So now, you're all free from work, happy ending!"

"Not sure I'm free from work, but I definitely want to take some time off it more often."

"I'll happily help you with that, if you want." Handong sweet smile showed her genuine want to see more of her.

"You already do, believe it or not."

The smile didn't budge from Handong's face. "I'm sure it's the power of jazz." She changed subject.

"Well, your voice certainly plays a part but that's not all. I'm kinda sad I don't get to hear you tonight..." Dami faked a pout. It was all childish behavior after all.

"That's because I have to rest my voice sometimes if you want me to keep helping you." She winked. "Do you want anything else?" The singer asked when she noticed the empty beer bottle on the table.

"Are you trying to get me drunk?" 

"No... never. I hate drunk people."

"And yet you own a bar."

"True. But that's because I own a bar that I hate drunk people. They always end up making scenes or hitting on girls... I'm glad I have a good team by my side to keep things in order."

"Does it happen often?"

"Luckily no. We're more of a place to... chill? Look at you, your here for a nice time. Not to get drunk. So it's rather rare."

"Who told you that I didn't wanted to come here to get wasted?" Dami asked confident in her idiocy.

"You ordered coffee the first time I saw you." Handong retorted unfazed.

And Dami laughed. "Right, I forgot that part."

The gaze Handong was almost always holding on Dami could easily feel intimidating. And most of the time, Handong's targets would blush or hide their faces behind her hands. Or something like that. To be fair, the singer was well aware she had that kind of power in her eyes and she always made sure to use it at her advantage.

Yet again with Dami it seemed different. She wasn't the typical customer in need of an adventure. She didn't appeared to be rich or anything fancy either... She was just here to find peace. And she kept on coming to see Handong. 

Somehow the owner of the bar felt like Dami came here for all the right reasons. Not that she was the one and only good reason why people should come to visit her bar. No, of course not. She wasn't that full of herself.

The fact that Dami came to found a place away from her 'real world', and the fact she sticked around for the music. The fact that Handong had so much more to show her. The drinks, the place on special Sunday night, the music around Christmas time... All of this was Handong's work and she felt like someone was seeing that.  

FLY ME TO THE MOON

Handong and Dami talked for a few hours, forgetting all notions of time. Enjoying that particularly charming moment of a relationship when it's about getting to know someone, telling the most relevant things about ourselves... That moment when you feel you can be anyone but unique at the same time. 

An horizon of possibilities offered in front of your eyes and yet you have to chose one answer. Everybody knows what the answer would had been in that case. Dami wasn't hiding it in any way. She liked Handong and she was showing it. And Handong was more than happy to respond to it. 

They both equally wanted to ask endless questions. They wanted to go as far as possible, to know if they could find the tiny little details that could push them off. They didn't find any yet.

Then people started to leave the bar and Dami made the mistake to look at her watch for the first time that evening spent with Handong.

The singer grimaced, knowing it was pretty late already. But chose to not complain this time.

"Wow, time flew by..." Dami breathed out. "I guess I'll should be going."

Handong only nodded with a polite smile until something came to her mind. "Can I... Can I maybe walk you home?" She hesitantly asked.

And for once Dami didn't seemed surprised. She just smiled and softly responded "I would love that."

Handong flashed a little timid smile and her eyes closed for a few seconds, almost like she was thanking someone up there. It was really cute to Dami.

"I'll be right back, let me grab my coat." Handong said while standing up and disappearing to the back. This time, Dami looked up to the sky and felt truly happy to have found that cute singer in her way on an unexpected evening. An evening that wasn't like her, she wasn't the type to make sudden decisions, in three years of working in that architect office, it never occurred to her to take days off, to take another road to go back home... and yet...

She didn't really know what happened that night, but she was glad it did. Handong was now that fresh breath, that bubble of joy... That confident and playful woman that drew her towards something different than her too well known boring life.

Never she minded that boring side of hers, but right now she wanted more. She wanted Handong. She wanted to share more time with her, to do different things. To try out things. Such as jazz...?

"Here, I'm ready." Handong came back wrapped in a long and brown coat that made her as human as divine possible."Shall we go?" Her smile was the cutest thing on earth. 

Dami nodded and grabbed her bag before making her way to the door. 

"Siyeon? I'm leaving now, is that okay if you to the closing? If you need anything just call me, okay?" Handong said while stopping on the way.

"Okay boss! Good evening, bye Dami!" She waved at Dami, totally understanding they were leaving together.

"Bye Siyeon, thanks for tonight."

"My pleasure. Take care of the boss." She nonchalantly added before going back to her bottles and glasses.

At first it was weird to walk side by side with Handong on the cold street of Fall, but more Dami thought about it, the more she realized it was just a question of habit. And she could totally get use to it. The company was more than she could wish for, the fresh air was more than welcome after the drinks shared in that warm cozy bar.

She was feeling alive in between two moments of stress and work. Now she found time and place to let peace fall in. It felt like a miracle. Pure bliss.

"I don't live that far." Dami detailed. "I just hope you don't live on the other side of town, because there's no way I'll leave you wander in the streets at that hour in the night."

"A gentlewoman, I see..." Handong joked. "Don't worry I live in the same street as the bar."

"So you basically live at the bar."

"Almost." Handong laughed "But not really. That's what I like about working at a bar, we open only at night. That way I can have the rest of my day."

"Isn't the lifestyle a bit tiring?" Dami curiously asked.

"Are you really asking me?" Handong turned her head in one swift motion. "Of all person, you ask me that? Girl, your lifestyle seems ten time worst than mine... I'm fine." 

Dami looked down, faking a defeated expression. "I know, I know..." Dami pouted.

"No... Don't pout! I can't resist it when you pout!" Handong playfully punch her shoulder while laughing. But only Dami seemed to notice what she really just said. 

Maybe it was a game after all. Of who could flirt the most without actually calling it flirt. It was paradoxical world they entered in which words were ruling but non spoken were louder. The rules of the game were easy to Dami but Handong seemed to just break it. Did she won the game or lost it? 

"You can't resist it?" Dami pushed it.

"You know what I meant..." Handong murmured, continuing to walk forward while Dami just stopped.

"Hum... It's that way." Dami pointed a street. A groan escaped the singer throat and followed Dami just like she was child who literally just lost a game.

Dami took all her courage and laced her arm around Handong's waist. Finally. What she wanted to do since a few hours ago. "Don't sulk..." She whispered in her ear. "And don't get lost, we're almost there." 

"Fine..." Handong did her best to not blush. She was more than happy to share that contact with Dami. Because she was warm when the weather was so cold but also because she could enjoy her perfume while feeling the other's hand tightly holding on her body.

After a few minutes spent in silence - but really it was because they were too focus on the other's body - Dami stopped in front of a door. "That's me." She whispered, afraid to end the moment. She spoke the words but didn't broke the contact, it was her way of showing her intentions. 

She smiled when she understood that Handong got the message. Instead of stepping back, she came closer to Dami's body and hugged her, puting her head on the smaller girl's shoulder. She sighed at the warm emanating from under the coat. Handong thought she could fall asleep in that position. She tasted a sweet peace.

Dami put her other hand on the top of her back and draw circles. Slowly.

They both could sense something was happening. They didn't dare to budge, afraid to break the intimate moment. But also afraid that if they parted that could give them an opportunity to... Reach for the other's lips. What is too soon? Or maybe not the right place? 

So much unresolved questions. With only one clear thought, they wanted more. It felt right. 

"Do you want to come in...?" Dami tried. Maybe if they were elsewhere, maybe if they talked about it first... Maybe there was just a little something missing. She was willing to try to find it and correct it.

Handong nodded against her shoulder still not moving. Dami took out her keys and opened the door, looking for the singer's hand to guide her to her apartment. 

"Can I offer you something to drink?" Dami whispered when she closed the door to her apartment. "I'm afraid I won't have a lot but..."

"Water would be fine, thanks." Handong timidly answer removing her coat.

"Right, okay, water. I'll be right back." Dami left to enter the kitchen. 

Handong used that free time to look around the place. Very tidy and clean with the exception of a full messy table with a lot of papers and drawings on top of it... Well and simply decorated. It looked like Dami's place. Cozy and humble. Nothing extravagant.

She came back to the living room with two glasses of water and handed one to Handong who took it.

"Sorry, it's a bit of a mess on the table... I work better on the table than my desk. Do you want to move to the couch?"

Handong walked to the couch and sat while tapping the space right next to her. Dami obeyed and smile while doing so. They were very close. They could be touching if they weren't so tensed.

"What?" Handong turned towards Dami who she caught on the smile.

"I think you're the first girl I invited here..." She chuckled.

"I don't believe you." Handong deadpan said. Dami was so good-looking, so charming, well behaved, a true gentle woman... It was unimaginable to think she didn't make all girls around her fall for her. Then... "And men?"

It made Dami laugh out loud then stopped to apologize before explaining, "No, no man either. Apart from friends, nope. You're definitely the first I bring up here." That's when Dami decided to relax a bit on her seat and let her leg touch Handong's. It was so subtle, so irrelevant. Yet that changed the whole dynamic of the moment.

Handong's breath got caught in and instantly after she breathed out shakily. She looked up and search for any direction in Dami's eyes. The respond laid in the other's smile until she put a hand lightly on the singer's knee. 

"Is that okay?" Dami asked for permission. 

Handong smiled. That gentle side was melting her heart. "More than okay." She answered before leaning towards Dami, "And what about that? Is it okay?" She whispered looking down at Dami's lips. She hers in anticipation.

But her need didn't got answered right away. She got the time to read the smile growing on the other's lips and saw Dami's hands coming to get a hold on her glass. Slowly putting it on the table in front of them.

Hands free, she used one to guide Dami's head returning to hers. 

It happened all smoothly, Handong made the move to close the space between them, she leaned down her head just to taste Dami's lips on her own. A soft kiss, entangled in warm silky lips... Just enough of a taste to need more. She moved against them, trying to find the perfect way to show her interest, her want, her need. 

Dami smiled in the kiss and brought her hands on each side of the Chinese waist. She sighed as soon as Handong moved on her lips and Dami responded. It was bliss to share that moment of search. Together in it, they were looking for some entente. To say they were on the same page. A testimony to more. 

Until Handong broke the kiss, out of breath, putting her forehead on Dami's. She sighed. "I've been waiting for this..." She admitted.

"Well... I did too..." Dami chuckled but before she could move to kiss Handong again, the singer stopped her by putting a single finger on her lips. Dami moved back, clearly surprise by the action contradicting the words. She looked for an answer to her silent question.

Handong didn't budge but knew what was happening. Sighing again, "It's just that if... If I kiss you again, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to stop."

What was the problem with that, Dami thought. It was clear they enjoyed each other. It was also confirmed that they both wanted it so... Then Handong looked up and the way her eyes were showing the first specks of uncertainty Dami saw, made her brain stop working. She removed her hands from the girl. Until Handong grabbed them and placed them again on her waist.

"Maybe we could talk first? Just to know if we're on the same page?" Handong whispered, not sure it was a matter of intimacy or embarrassment.

A nod bought Dami the time to think about what was the situation. Then she understood it and blamed it on her lack of experience in the past three years. "Like I said, you're the first girl I invited here... If you're afraid of being just a one night thing, then... Don't?" Not sure if her words were the right ones. She was a bit insecure herself, she didn't expected that turn of events. But in a way, it proved her the honesty of the singer. That very hesitant moment proved her the true intentions. "I don't want you to think I just want you that way. Well... I obviously want you that way." She figured opening her heart was the right thing to do, matching Handong's vulnerable state. "But not only?" She paused to look at the singer, to catch any more kind of fear. "If you want to leave, of course you can. I won't force you to do anything. We can meet another time to talk if you want." She started to rumble at the other's silence. "Just... I might not be the perfect match, I'm busy with my work, I don't really know how to pick on girls... But, I know that I don't want a single night with you." She looked down, letting down all her guards.

Handong put a finger below her chin and made her look at her. "Maybe you don't know how to pick on girls, but you're really good at it." She tried to lighten the mood.

"Of all the things I said, you only retain that?" Dami caught on the humorous tone and decided to play with it.

"No..." Handong chuckled. "I'm just glad we're on the same page. I don't want a one night stand with you. You're captivating, I like spending time with you... I don't how you do that but somehow you balance my world."

"You do too. You balance my workaholic daily life. You even changed it! Look at me, I took my day off."

Handong smiled.

"That means you can stay for the night." Dami precised.