During their walk to the train station on the next day, Min Ra decided to tell Amber about her encounter with the two sunbaes. After she heard it, Amber couldn't help but feeling a bit envious of her shy friend luck.

"Wow, while I have to compete with hundred others to get the spot, you're recruited by them. I'm so jealous of you." Amber pouted while shaking her friend’s arm enviously.

"They didn't recruit me," Min Ra denied fervently; however, her cheeks were blushing madly, "They only asked me to join the audition."

"It's the same," Amber shook her head in disbelief, "it's just like when you got scouted on the street by agencies. You already have special points from them."

Min Ra wasn't saying anything, but her cheeks agreed to Amber statement, as they glow bright red. Damn those thin and pale cheeks of hers. How was she supposed to hide anything she didn’t want to say if her cheeks always gave on whatever happened on her mind?

"So, are you going to apply for it? It will be great if we're both accepted in the band." Amber eyed Min Ra curiously. She knew that Min Ra had a thing for music, but the timid girl never said anything about applying to the band with her. However, the possibility of being in the same club with Min Ra thrilled her.

Min Ra looked down, unsure of what to say; she really didn’t want to discuss this. "Well," she started carefully, "I don't know. I... have never been in a band before. And I... know my limit."

Amber cocked her head to a side; confusion appeared on her boyish face, "You could always learn, because I think you have the talent. But... what is this limit you're talking about?"

Min Ra looked up at Amber's eyes, pondering whether she could tell her about it: the reason why she had decided to quit piano. The reason that made her rejected the sunbaes’s offers.

"What is it?" Amber hurried Min Ra to answer her question. She could see her friend was hesitating in answering her question; it seemed that this ‘limit’ Min Ra was talking about was something that deeply impacted the pale girl life.

Min Ra obsidian like-eyes locked with Amber’s warm-amber-eyes; she could see that her friends’ eyes weren't just showing pure curiosity but also genuine care.

I'll tell her, Min Ra decided.

"Umm... like I have told you before, I used to learn piano. It is a past tense; I no longer learn it anymore. I stop because... because... I have reached my limit."

Amber blinked; confusion crept on face. "What do you mean?" she asked confusedly.

"I... have reached the limit of my piano ability. I... failed at my last piano examination; I couldn't pass to the next level." Min Ra explained, and looked down to the road. Memories started to flow back at her as she recited her story. She remembered the deep disappointment in her tutor face when the examination result came out; the scolding she received from her father for failing an exam; the partitures she tore as she lashed out her frustration; everything was clear on her mind as if it was yesterday events.

They were walking in silence for a while, before Amber decided to interrupt it; she wasn’t satisfied with Min Ra’s explanation. "So... you decided to quit playing piano because you fail in one exam. What does this have to do with not joining the band? I mean, you seemed perfectly okay with playing the keyboard in the entrance ceremony. Not to mention being good at it as well." Amber asked Min Ra, and Min Ra halted her steps.

"It wasn't okay!" She exclaimed, but her eyes were fixed on the pavement. "It was you, making the teacher pick me to do it!" Playing a keyboard reminded her of piano, which further made her recalled the moments of her failure.

Amber stared at her, surprised. She never thought that Min Ra was burdened when she played at the entrance ceremony because she saw Min Ra played the keyboard passionately at that time.

The two then continued their walk to the station in suffocating silence. There were many people passing by them, but the tension in the air between them was choking them.

"I'm sorry." Amber told her, and Min Ra just nodded quietly.

The uncomfortable quietness blanketed them again.

"It's okay," she Min Ra said, breaking the silence, "I... shouldn't have blamed it on you. I... should have rejected it if I don't want to. I'm sorry." Min Ra expressed her regret. She didn’t mean to be angry at Amber or anything; it was just the talk about her failure in piano that ticked her off. She was also very afraid that Amber would be disappointed at her sudden explosion. After all, Amber was a friend that she really treasured.

"No, I am sorry. I should have asked you first instead of calling out your name without your permission." Amber apologized back, her head was hung low. Min Ra opened to talk but she couldn't find what to say, so she closed back and peeked at Amber.

They walked the rest of the distance in silence.

When Amber bid Min Ra goodbye at the train station, Min Ra only nodded weakly. She could see Amber sad expression as the said girl turned her back and walked toward the opposite directon. After hesitating for a while, she shouted, "Amber!!"

Amber looked back at her, blank faced.

"Good luck for the audition tomorrow!" Min Ra yelled as loud as she could. Her cheeks were red. She didn’t want their little fight to get into the way of their friendship.

Amber smiled and nodded, a smile was formed at the edge of her lips.

"Thank you!" She shouted back.

The two of them waved at each other before separating. Amber continued her walk to her home while Min Ra went inside the train station.

Min Ra was walking on the platform when she saw a tall guy with frizzy hair standing at the platform. It was Chanyeol again, how convenient. Why should I see him again just after I got into a fight with my good friend about the band? Min Ra thought in annoyance. However, she decided to be polite and greeted him first. "Good afternoon sunbaenim," she bowed.  “Min Ra-ssi!” a deep cheerful voice greeted her back.

"So you're going to ride this train too? Where is your stop?" He was alone, his backpack was on his left shoulder and his uniform was rather unkempt. Even in the midst of people, he still stood out because of his uncanny height.

Min Ra told him her station and Chanyeol clapped his hand in excitement, "Wow! It's the same station! We might be neighbors!" Min Ra just smiled at him; not knowing how to respond.

"Where do you live, exactly?" He asked her casually. His eyes, however, were showing some interest. Min Ra answered him; but due to her nervousness her answer came out as a whisper.

"What? Where?" Chanyeol lower her head to Min Ra's level, his left ear was only a few centimetres from Min Ra's face. Min Ra couldn't help but blushed at the proximity. She then whispered her address again.

His eyes went huge after hearing it. "Woah! There aren't many students from our school who live in our area since it is very far, but it turns out that I walked by your house everyday! How surprising is that! We should really go home together often!" He excitedly offered.

It was Min Ra's turn to have her eyes widened. She was shocked; a sunbae she barely knew just offered to walk her home. What is the meaning of this?

It seemed that Chanyeol realized the effect of his words that he quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do you any harm or anything," he waved his hands awkwardly, "It's just that not many students live in our surrounding. I usually go with Taeng--sorry, Taeyeon, I mean, she lives around there too. It's just today she had class duty. Usually we went through the same route as well. I think it will be nice if you go with us as well, I mean, it's kinda late and you're a girl. But if you don't want to then it's okay." He explained while his hands were flying everywhere, making various gestures.

He is only a really kind guy who even cares about the safety of a girl he just met.

Min Ra smiled. No wonder this guy was very much liked.

"If Taeyeon-sunbaenim is not bothered, I think it is a great offer." Min Ra squeaked.

"What?" Chanyeol lowered his head to her level again, and Min Ra blushed again. She repeated her answer.

He nodded eagerly. "Yeah, that's good. She’ll be happy to hear it: she adores you, you know."

Min Ra felt her cheeks felt hotter after hearing about Taeyeon adoration to her.

"You know, when you speak, you should be louder," He added, "especially in a noisy place like this, I could barely hear you."

Min Ra nodded.

The train arrived, so they both hopped into it. Chanyeol was tall, so he helped Min Ra, whose height is shorter than average, from being crushed by other passanger. The train was packed that both of them had to be sandwiched at a close proximity. Min Ra could smell Chanyeol's fresh cologne every time she took a breath; she blushed at the thought of their closeness.

"What kind of music do you like?" He asked her out of blue.

She looked up to him and answered, but he said, "What? Louder!"

"Classical! And some easy listening music too!"

He nodded in approval at her answer. "That's good. You should be at least that loud."

"What about you, sunbaenim?" She mustered some courage to continue the conversation with the gigantic sunbaenim.

"Pop, Rock, Rap, anything that Baekhyun sing--don't tell him that." His winked and put a finger in front of his mouth, gesturing 'don't tell him'.

Min Ra nodded again.

It's not like I'm going to talk to him anyway.

"So, what is so interesting about the music of the dead people?"

What? "Pardon me?"

"You know, the classical music. None of your favorite composer is still alive, right?" He grinned widely.

It's going to be a long ride home.

During the ride and their walk out of the train station, Chanyeol sunbaenim kept asking her questions like "What kind of foods do you like?" "What junior high did you go to?" "Do you have any siblings?", that made her felt like being in an interogation rather than just a friendly conversation. At first, Chanyeol sunbaenim seemed to be very sweet and caring, but after almost an hour with him, Min Ra felt that he was a bit too noisy and annoying. At least he didn't talk about the band, she thought. Min Ra was relieved when she finally arrived at the street to her house.

"My house is in this street. Thank you for today, Sunbaenim." Min Ra pointed at the street and bowed and Chanyeol nodded.

"It was really nice talking to you. Usually Baekhyun and Taeng would have complained that I was too noisy and stuff. But I guess, I'm not, eh?" He grinned at her brightly.

If you aren't my sunbae I would have said it too, Min Ra thought irritatedly, but she just smiled back at him.

"Goodbye, Sunbaenim," She told him. "Bye! Send my greeting to your parents!" And with that, Chanyeol continued his walk.

I barely know him and he sends greeting to my parents. Such an odd sunbae, Min Ra thought as she took a left turn, entering the street to her house.

As she was walking, she felt her phone vibrated. She flipped her phone opened. It was a message from Amber.

 I'm sorry, really really sorry. I really hope you will forgive me. :(

 Min Ra smiled at the text. She quickly replied it.

Don't worry. Didn't I told you that it's okay. I'm sorry too. :'(

After a few steps, she felt her phone vibrated again. Another message from Amber had appeared.

I'm sorry if this is out of blue, but, could you support me in the audition tomorrow? I'm really nervous. >_<

Min Ra stopped on her track. Should I go? But I might met Chanyeol-sunbaenim and Taeyeon-sunbaenim again there, she thought.

However, she remembered that during her trip home with him, Chanyeol didn't ask anything about the band to her. It seemed that he had given up on asking her about it, or maybe he was afraid of Taeyeon sunbaenim since she scolded him for being too persistant.

It won't hurt to come. Besides, this is my good friend asking for support. I should be helping her. Min Ra said to herself.

And with that in mind, she replied to Amber again.

Sure! Amber, hwaiting! I will definitely support you tomorrow ;)

See ya. XP

The audition was held in the campus main hall, the same hall where the entrance ceremony took place. The hall was mostly decorated in maroon color, with a huge wooden stage on the front and maroon seats arranged in a theater-like manner. Huge dark red curtains were hanged from the tall ceilings. The hall was quite spacious, as it could contain up to 400 people.

When Min Ra and Amber entered it, there were already some students in it. Taeyeon were sitting on a chair near the entrance, accepting applications brought by the applicants. Next to her was Chanyeol. He was holding a bowl with rolled papers in it. When Min Ra and Amber arrived in front of Taeyeon table, they both bowed and greet her.

"Hello there," Taeyeon nodded and smiled at the pair of girls. Amber handed her application form to the sunbae. "Just one application?" Taeyeon asked, surprised after she received the form. She exchanged look with Chanyeol and the said guy raised his brows. Min Ra felt her cheeks blushed. "Yes," Amber answered," she is here to accompany me."

"Oh... Okay. Well, good luck then, Amber-ssi. Please take the lot to decide the order of your performance. " Taeyeon nodded and smiled while putting Amber's application form along with the others.

"Here, take it," Chanyeol said to Amber, grinning while handing the bowl to her. Amber took a piece of paper and gave it to him. He opened it and laughed. He showed the number to Taeyeon and she broke into giggles as well.

"Oh my," he said between chuckles, showing Amber the number written on the paper, "I think you're going to be the last."

 The number "50" were written on it. Amber face fell upon hearing the news.

 "Don't worry, Amber-ssi," Taeyeon comforted her while still grinning widely, “we always save the best for the last. Please be patient."

Chanyeol then handed Amber a badge with the number "50" on it.

"Sure, Sunbaenim", Amber nodded, and dragged Min Ra to nearby seats.

"At least I got to see all the competitors I have, "Amber said after they were seated. She was busy putting the badge on her uniform. 

"Don't worry," Min Ra squeezed Amber's shoulder with both of her hands and looked at her seriously, "I'm always here for you."

The two looked at each other for a moment before laughing together. "You're so cheesy!" Amber said, laughing. Min Ra just smiled and put out her tongue in embarrassment.

When the audition finally started, the hall was filled with almost a hundred students. However, only a half of them were auditioning. The rest were either cheering for their friends like Min Ra did or simply wanting to watch the school band. The members of the school band were seated at the front row. Min Ra could see Chanyeol's frizzy hair, Kris's blonde hair, Suho's well parted hair, and Seohyun's silk like black hair. She couldn't see Taeyeon's but that was probably because the said sunbae was so short. However, Min Ra just realized that Baekhyun was missing from the group.

Min Ra poked Amber and whispered, "Hey, where is Baekhyun-sunbaenim?"

"He isn't here?" Amber whispered back and looked around. "Yeah you're right. I don't know where he went, though." She whispered to Min Ra.

"You're really observant about him. You like him, don't you?" Amber added in whisper.

Min Ra elbowed her friend while her own cheeks went red.

"Aish..." Amber rubbed her aching ribcage, "easy there, fella."

The audition was nothing like what Min Ra or Amber had expected. It seems that the circulating rumor was true, the school band always got many applicants not because there were many students who were interested with music but they were rather more interested in the members of the school band. More than a half of the applicants were girls, and they acted like nothing more than a fangirl wishing to be near their favorinte oppas. Their enthusiasms were high, but musically, well... they —really bad. The guys weren't better either. Seohyun was the goddess of their school; so many hoobaes were auditioning with the goal of being close with them. One crazy tone deaf student from Min Ra's class was even confessing his love to Seohyun while playing the guitar in an ear-wrecking song. Suho got pretty annoyed with the guy and immediately asked him to leave the stage even before he finished his song. The once nervous Amber had become relaxed after the audition went halfway. It seemed that she didn't really get any tough competitor.

However, there was this one dark-skinned skinny guy who managed to amaze the audience as well as the school band members with his guitar skill. Min Ra and Amber, along with other audience, clapped loudly after his performance. The dark-skinned dude just smirked before leaving the stage. Min Ra didn't remember his name, but she believed she had seen him once or twice around her class, so probably he is from a neighboring class.

It was when performer number 45 was called that Amber decided to go backstage and prepare. "Wish me luck," she said, holding both of Min Ra's hands. Although there weren't many people left in the hall anymore, Amber's hands were still somewhat cold. Min Ra nodded and looked at her seriously.

"Amber hwaiting!!"

Amber smiled at her cheering before standing up and leaving for backstage.

When participant number 47 was called to the stage, Min Ra heard someone was sitting on Amber's seat. Min Ra looked to her side and saw Baekhyun. He was sweating a lot that his brown hair and judo uniform were wet. It seemed that he had just finished practicing. Min Ra half bowed at him and squeaked her greeting. He nodded and greeted her back. He eyed her badge-less-uniform and asked, "You aren't auditioning?"

Min Ra shook her head. "I'm here to cheer for my friend."

"Good luck for your friend, then.'" He smiled at her. Min Ra's heart skipped a beat when she saw his smile.

Baekhun leaned back to his seat; his hands were crossed behind his head.

After a while, he spoke to her. "I'm not gonna pretend I didn't hear all the fuss our members making about your performance in the entrance ceremony. However, I never expected you to be so all high and mighty that you would refuse a humble sunbae's request to audition for the band."

Min Ra heart sunk after hearing it. They thought about her like that?

Min Ra bit her lip while answering, "I'm not... I didn't... It wasn't..."

Baekhyun straighten his back and looked at her, his dark brown eyes were piercing her. Min Ra felt like running away from him, but her feet just couldn't move.

Min Ra looked down, fidgeting on her seat, before she whispered, "I... It's not that I'm like that... It's just, I... I don't think I'm talented enough."

"I agree with you," he said, his tone was colder than ice," I don't really get why they all think of you so highly. I don't think you're all that talented too."

Min Ra bit her lip a couple time more, she could felt tears were on the verge of surging.

"But you like it, don't you?"

Min Ra was surprised at the question and the softer tone he suddenly used. "Pardon me?"

"You like music a lot, don't you?"

Min Ra was stunned. How did he know it?

"The way you played, it showed the passion you have for music. Though you seemed to be afraid in the same time, for some unknown reason." he explained, as if reading her mind.

Min Ra looked up and saw Baekhyun already sunk in his seat again, his eyes looking straight to the stage.

Min Ra opened , but no words came out. Should I admit it? She asked herself. What do you have to admit? Another voice echoed in her head. The fact, she thought, that I still like music; that I still want to play more.

She still loved playing piano. She really did. She was actually very delighted that she could play at the entrance ceremony, even if it was a keyboard, not a piano. She was longing to play music again, but she kept on lying to herself, saying that she should stop. She did it because she was afraid that she would be disappointed at herself when she learnt pieces that she would be too difficult to her to play. Because after all, she wasn't a musical prodigy or anything that matters, she was just a regular person learning music.

Tears started to fall from her eyes. "Yes," she admitted between sobs, her hand covering , "I still like music now. I still want to play the piano. But I... I... already reach the limit of my talent so I can't...I'm afraid I'll be disappointed at myself..."Min Ra cried harder, her shoulders were shaking.

Min Ra felt a heavy piece of cloth was dropped to her head, covering her crying face. It took her a while to realize that it was a uniform blazer, probably belonged to Baekhyun.

"Ya!" She heard him said, "Who needs talent?! Music is not about talent, it's about passion and working your off!"

Min Ra cried harder. Baekhyun grabbed her closer to him, making her blazer-covered-head leaned on his shoulder.

"Aishh....You should really stop crying," He sounded a bit desperate as he tried to comfort her by patting her back awkwardly, "Thanks God we're far on the back, but if you went any louder Chanyeol and Taeyeon will kill me."

"Listen," he said, "things like 'limits' are just excuses you made for yourself when you're just too lazy to work harder. If you really like it, you should fight for it, even when it means fighting your own thoughts and ego. Your biggest enemy is yourself, right?"

As Min Ra's cries slowly subsided, he removed his hand from her shoulder. When she finally stopped crying, she heard him sighed in relieve while grumbling in annoyance, "such a crybaby."

Min Ra wiped her tears with the sleeve of her shirt and took off the jacket from her face. The jacket fell to her lap and she saw Baekhyun's name written on it.

The silence between them was suddenly cracked by the loud sound of drums. Min Ra was startled that she dropped the jacket she was folding. She looked to the stage and saw Amber playing the drums. Min Ra was never a fan of drums because there wasn't a melody to it. She knew that one should be good at rhythm to be able to play drums, but she never thought that simply making rhythm with the drums could be so amusing, like what Amber did. Min Ra clapped and cheers excitedly when Amber finished. When she looked to her side, Baekhyun was already gone. It seemed that Min Ra was too captivated by Amber's drums playing skill that she didn't realize he was leaving.

Amber's bowed and went back to her seat. Min Ra hugged Amber when she arrived. "You were really good!" Min Ra complimented her. Pink coloring made it way to Amber cheeks, as she smiled sheepishly, "Thanks."

"Why are your eyes so red and puffy?" Amber asked her curiously. Min Ra just shook her head. "Nothing, I'm just sleepy." She lied. She knew Amber wouldn't buy it, but she couldn't picture herself telling the truth.

Seohyun came to the stage, concluding the auditions. "We are very thankful for your participation in this audition. We'll put the result at the student bulletin board next week. However, does anyone want to make a last minute audition? Anyone?"

Min Ra heart beat erratically.

Should I try? She asked herself. It had been a long time since she last played piano or keyboard. The thought of playing in a band had always been appealing from the beginning, especially after she saw the band performing on the Exhibition Day and knowing that Amber was going to apply for it too. But should she really try it?

"Okay, I'll be counting to one. Five..."

Min Ra felt herself palpitating even more. Baekhyun voice echoed on her mind.

"Things like 'limits' are just excuses you made for yourself when you're just too lazy to work harder."

"Four..."

Should I do it? Should I? Should I? Should I? SHOULD I??

"If you really like it, you should fight for it."

"Three..."

Min Ra looked right and left. When she caught Amber's eyes, she felt that Amber knew what she was thinking.

"Two..."

"Go for it!" Amber whispered loudly while pushing her back.

"Your biggest enemy is yourself, right?"

"One... Okay, that's..." Seohyun stopped as she saw a hand raised on the air.

All the members of the band stood up and look to the back, curious who was the one that made Seohyun stop.

Min Ra was standing with her hand raised. She felt she shrinked with all the look she received from the band members.

Taeyeon was surprised; her hand covering her gaping mouth, Chanyeol was grinning like he had won a jackpot, Suho was nodding in approval, Kris was indifferent, and Baekhyun seemed to be very amused. Seohyun recovered and called her to the stage.

Min Ra felt her every step were heavy.

What did I do?

The distance between her seat and the stage suddenly became very far. With everyone in the hall looking at her, could feel nervous sweat wetting her uniform. She went up to the stage and bowed to Seohyun. It seemed that the said sunbae also noticed her messed up appearance: puffy red eyes, tears stain on her cheeks, and a really red nose; that she asked Min Ra if she was alright. Min Ra quickly nodded. "I'm okay," she said.

The elegant looking sunbae then asked Min Ra to introduce herself and tell the audience what instrument she wanted to play.

Min Ra accepted the microphone and bowed. She nervously smiled before starting her introduction. "Annyeonghaseyo. My name is Park Min Ra. I want to do a keyboard audition. Please guide me well." She bowed again.

Seohyun nodded.

It took them a while to prepare the stage for Min Ra's audition. Min Ra couldn't help but becoming very nervous. She had no idea on what to play at the audition at all. The audition consisted of two parts: reading test, where the auditionee were asked to play a part of a composition given by the members; and free play, where the auditionee played a composition of their own choice. What song should I pick? Is there even a song that I still remember? She thought nervously.

"What do you want to start the audition with? The reading test or the free play?" Seohyun asked when the stage was set.

Min Ra gulped.

"The reading test, please."

Seohyun nodded. Suho-sunbanim took a piece of paper from a folder sitting on his lap, and gave it to his girlfriend. Seohyun took it, and put it on the keyboard in front of Min Ra.

"Don't be nervous, it's going to be okay." Seohyun whispered encouragingly.

Min Ra nodded.

I can do this.

Min Ra took half a minute then started to play the chords and notes written on the paper. Her hands were trembling when she hit the first note. She felt a burst of excitement inside her, along with the next notes she played. She made a couple mistakes, yes, but thankfully it was all minors.

Min Ra bowed after she finished the song and everyone clapped appreciatively.

"What song do you want to play for free play?"

The hall was blanketed with silence. Everyone's eyes were on Min Ra, and she swore she felt her body shrunk a couple centimetres because of that.

"I saw you in the entrance ceremony, you're pretty good with keyboard."

She remembered what Chanyeol said on the first day they met, and she took a deep breath.

"Can I play the school anthem?"

Seohyun seemed to be surprised, but she nodded in approval.

And so Min Ra proceeded to play it. Again, the sparks of enthusiasm filled her as she proceeded to play the notes. While her hands slid through the keys, she felt warm tickles on her stomach, her heart pounded fast with excitement. She still made mistakes here and there, but it was all enjoyable for her. She hit the last note perfectly and bowed. She heard people clapping as she went down from the stage.

Chanyeol went to her with an empty application form and asked her to fill it. Min Ra then took a seat near the stage. Meanwhile, Seohyun asked the audience, if there were anyone who wanted to take a last minute audition too. When nobody answered, the long haired beauty decided to conclud the audition.

"What make you change your mind all of a sudden?" Chanyeol-sunbainem asked Min Ra. The said girl looked up from her paper, trying to look puzzled but failed at it miserably. Her messed up appearance didn't help either. When Min Ra didn't answer, he continued. "Come on, don't hide it from me. It was Baekhyun, right? Aish... he even made you cry. The nerve of that kid." He sounded a bit angry and annoyed. Min Ra, who had completed the form, eyed him worriedly. She bit her lip, a habbit she always had whenever she was nervous. "I'm sorry..." she said, although she didn't understand why she was apologizing. Maybe she was intimidated by the anger radiating from the sunbae next to her.

"You don't have to. Him," Chanyeol pointed at Baekhyun with his head," on the other hand, will be sorry."

"Please don't," Min Ra begged. Eventhough he made her cried, Baekhyun helped her realized her still burning passion for music.

Chanyeol ran his hand through his hair. "Aishh..... He made you cry and you defend him? I don't know what kind of charm he worked on you." He shook his head in disbelief. He took the paper that Min Ra gave and went back to the seat near Taeyeon. The rest of the band member were tidying their stuff, preparing to leave the hall.

"Let's go." Amber suddenly appeared next to Min Ra. Amber took Min Ra's hand and effectively dragged her out of the hall.

The trip they took to the train station was filled with silence. Min Ra stole some glances toward Amber and she saw Amber being indiferent. This was something new, as Amber usually tried to strike a conversation everytime they walked together. So this time, Min Ra tried to start first.

"I watched your performance. You were really awesome." Min Ra complimented her honestly.

"Thank you." Amber answered her curtly. "You too." She added.

No one spoke a word afterwards. Min Ra kept stealing glances and Amber stayed muted.  However, it was Amber after all, so finally, she cracked.

"What make you change your mind?" She asked Min Ra curiously.

"Sorry?" Min Ra asked back, acting confused but totally failing on it.

"Aishh....." She half sighed, "Am I not a good enough friend to you?" Amber looked at Min Ra in frustration.

Min Ra didn't answer; she just looked at the tomboy girl in bewilderment.

Amber rolled her eyes. "I made you play keyboard for the entrance ceremony, and you didn't complain at all, even when you actually despise it. Back then in the hall, it was freakingly clear that you cried, but you lied to me. And now, you don't want to tell me the reason why you change your mind. Why can't you trust me?"

Min Ra hand flew to , as she realized her mistake. It seemed that Amber was hurt by her naturally closed personality.

"I'm sorry." Min Ra said apologetically.

Amber shook her head quickly. "No. I should be the one sorry. You are an introvert; I shouldn't push you to open up. It's just...I thought we're that close." Disappointment was clear in her voice.

Min Ra looked at Amber and wondered. What should I do? She asked herself. Her bond with Amber was still fragile; they've just known each other for two months. Min Ra always wanted to be Amber's close friend since she is very kind and friendly but it seemed her coyness had jeopardized their newly found friendship.

"It's not that I don't trust you. I honestly think you're a precious friend." Min Ra told her truthfully.

"I have never had many friends, much less close friends. Maybe that's why it was difficult for me to open up to people." She added desperately.

"I was always afraid, if I said it wrong, I might lose someone." Min Ra confessed at last.

"Real friends wouldn't leave because of some superficial stuff. They will stay. I wll stay."

Min Ra felt her cheeks grew hotter after hearing it. She felt really happy that Amber shared the same feeling of wanting to be a close friend with her. Maybe she would be able to call Amber her best friend someday; she was glad with just the thought of it.

"You're so greasy! Ew!" Min Ra playfully hit Amber's arm with both of her hand. Both girls broke into laughter afterwards. And so Min Ra told Amber about the whole incidents after Amber went backstage.

Amber eyes widen in astonishment after Min Ra told the short haired girl the whole story.

"No way," she said in incredulity," I can't believe Baekhyun actually grabbed you and you got to lean on him."

Min Ra rolled her eyes. "You do realize there is other stuff more important than that in my story, right?"

"Well, that kind of stuff is the best for making juicy gossips, right?"

Min Ra raised her brows.

Amber darted out her tongue teasingly. "Just kidding. Don't be so angry. I had always known that you actually enjoyed playing the keyboard, though."

"Really?" Min Ra asked, surprised.

"I don't know how to say it, but I guess, it just really shows in your performance."

Min Ra was even more astounded. It was the same like what Baekhyun-sunbaenim said to her.

"I bet what I said reminded you of him."

"Who?" Min Ra tried acting puzzled again, but her cheeks were betraying her as they went into a bright shade of red.

"You are such a bad liar. You like him so much, don't you? Aaah... so lucky of you, you got..."

"I don't like Baekhyun-sunbaenim!" Min Ra cutted Amber off, her cheeks were redder, if it was even possible.

"I never said anything about him, didn't I?" Amber raised her brows playfully.

Min Ra just opened and closed like a fish in the aquarium; all of her face was red.

"I can't wait to see if both of us get to be accepted in the band. It's going to be so much fun~~" Amber said in a sing-song voice.

I'm screwed, Min Ra thought helplessly.

TBC

A/N: I've been redoing this chapter for quite a while, and now it's done! still not much difference, though. ^^