I stood there, motionless, observing her as she made her way up the stairs. A maid was on the way down. She stopped and greeted her.

 

“Happy birthday Jessica-ssi.”

 

What Makes a Rock Star

 

Chapter 7

(Fluff)

 

I stood behind Jessica as she did her usual routine, which was to take out letters off her locker. As soon as she finished, she walked away without even giving me a glance. I followed behind her quietly, glaring at every student who dared to look at us with curiosity.

 

We’ve been like this since last night. I know what happened was my fault but come on! It’s her fault too!. Plus, how will I know it’s her birthday yesterday? So I won’t say sorry. That’s final.

 

Besides, I just need to bear this so-called preparation for her contest. When it's finished, I’m done with her anyway.

 

She stopped suddenly and faced me with the cold expression. The other students were again giving us utmost unwanted attention and I felt uncomfortable.

 

“I’m listening. Now talk.” She said with a straight face.

 

“What? Why will I talk?” I asked her, surprised and flabbergasted at the same time.

 

She sighed. “Well, you waited the whole night outside my room. You gave me that awful tasting Ma juice this morning. You keep opening the door of the car for me, which you never did before. And now, you’re following me. Just tell me you’re sorry, okay?” 

 

“Who said I’m sorry?” I countered.

 

She sighed. “Okay then.” She turned around and continued walking. I followed her. “You do know that you don’t need to go walk me in class right?”

 

“Huh! Who said I’m walking you to class? I’m just going in the same direction.”

 

I lied.

 

I AM walking her to class. I’ve been doing that for the past two days that I instinctively do it now without even thinking.

 

“Where are you going then?” She asked and raised an eyebrow.

 

“Music room.” I blurted the first room that came on my mind. Luckily it’s in the same direction of her classroom.

 

“Okay.” She said. “I’ll see you at practice then. But anytime before that, please don’t bother me.” Please? Did she just say please?  

 

“Why not?” I asked demandingly.

 

“I’m just not in the mood for that Yu….jin.” She said weakly.

 

Unusually, she bowed at me before entering her class. I seriously wanted to stop her but the intrigued gazes of the other students outside her room stopped me from making myself look pathetic. I sighed to myself. She’s obviously still upset about last night.

 

What should I do now?

 

Then suddenly I saw three female students approaching me. “Oooooohh. Looks like the Nerd and the Ice Princess had a fight. Seems like the Ice Princess will get tired of you soon.” Said one of them and clung on my arm. “You know, I never knew you're such a cutie. The school uniform REALLY suits you.” She said suggestively and played with my tie. I gave her an unamused expression. She was obviously flirting with me.

 

Well, it couldn’t be helped. Without the UGLY clothes Jessica insisted I wear, I might say that even with the glasses and the bow cut, I looked quite good. 

 

“Ahmm. Would you mind? I need to go.” I said as I tried to squirm out her grip while scowling at the other girl. But even before I could get her off me, another one hopped her way to me and clung on my other arm.

 

“Oppa, if I were you, I’ll stop meddling with that girl. You know she has a really bad reputation around here.  I don’t even know why you keep sticking around her.” I raised my eyebrow because of her statement. “Just hang out with us instead.” She offered.

 

“I rather hang out with myself. Move or I’ll throw the two of you out the window.” I said coldly. They didn’t even budge.

 

Jinjja? Jessica is right. The less attention, the better.

 

“Kwon Yujin, right?” Said the other girl with long straight standing in front of me. “I’m Go Hara. Nice to meet you.” She said and extended her hand to me confidently.

 

“Yeah. Whatever. I’m not really asking though.” I couldn’t help myself saying as I stare at her hands, reluctant to take it.

 

“Woah! For a nerd, you are VERY grumpy.” Said the first girl in an awed expression but still not taking her arms off mine.

 

Hara smiled and brought her hands down shamelessly. “I’m the student council president. Those two are the student council treasurer and secretary” She said pertaining to the two beside me. “We would like to discuss something with you. Come join us later for lunch.” She said authoritatively like I couldn’t say no.

 

I looked at her blankly. “Answer is no. Now would you two take your hands off me? You’re crumpling my uniform.” I said glared at the other two. The two instantly cowered and ran to the back of Hara, hiding.

 

“Dress as a nerd, act like a gangster. We thought wrong about you.” Hara said, impressed.

 

“Well, I couldn’t care less about what you think about me. Can I go now? I have things I need to attend to.”

 

She smiled knowingly. “Sure. But just so you know, this doesn’t end here. We’ll see you later. Come on Seungyeon, Jiyoung.” She said and took their leave.

 

I rolled my eyes and continued walking, ignoring the curious stares of the students. As I walk I can hear the students mumbling.

 

“Did you see that?”

 

“Yeah.” 

 

“That nerd just denied Hara’s invitation! How could he? No one ever rejects the Queen!”

 

I smirked. So that girl was the Queenka eh? Now, I wonder what she needs from me.

 

---

 

I walked as fast as I could to the music room as soon as the last afternoon class ended.

 

I have to admit that the hours passed really slow without Jessica around.

 

Okay. Don't get me wrong. I’m not missing her or something. I just don’t have anything to do.

 

I slowed my pace when I’m near enough. I don’t want her to see that I hurried.

 

The door of the room was ajar and I could hear music coming from the inside. I peeked at the slit and discovered Jessica singing while playing the piano. I opened the door slowly and walked towards her, trying not to make a sound. Her voice was shaky, her tensed back facing me as she played.

 

I couldn't help but notice how different she played compared to how she played in the house. Everything about her now screamed nervousness and tension.

 

I was to approach her when suddenly she hit a wrong note and banged the keys in frustration. “Aish! How am I going to win like this?!” She cursed under her breath.

 

She brought her hands to her head like she’s having a headache before sighing and starting again. “Let’s do this Jessica! Show that Baldy you can do it!” She chanted to herself. She stretched her shoulders and flexed her 'lady biceps' before putting her fingers back to the keys. I couldn’t help but smile at her antics.

 

Seeing how hard she was trying, I instinctively stood behind her and rested my hand on her shoulder to help her relax. She jerked and stopped playing. She cautiously looked up, surprise was evident on her face when she saw me. I smiled at her. She frowned like a frustrated child.

 

“What do you want?” She said, shrugging my hands off.

 

I sat beside her, my back facing the piano. I crossed my arms as I looked at her expectantly. “Play it again. This time, relax.” 

 

She scowled but obliged anyway. One moment later, she started playing again, her eyebrows furrowed as she played. I could still sense the tension coming from her. It was stronger than before.

 

She hit a wrong note and stopped playing. I saw her frowning in disappointment. “I can’t do this.”

 

I sighed. Since when that determined girl who blackmailed me into this contract to make her win turned into a hopeless piece of walking frustration?

 

“Who says? Now scoot. I have something in mind.” I said.

 

She scooted and looked down, fidgeting as faced the piano. I tried to ignore her sullen mood and placed my hands on the keys. “When you play, enjoy it. The more anxious you are, the harder it’ll take for you to play. Let the music engulf you but don’t get eaten. Just enjoy and sway with it.” I said and gave her a thoughtful smile.

 

She sighed. “It’s not that easy. Okay?” She said, frustrated.

 

“Nothing great is easy to achieve. Now I’ll try arranging something with the intro. Pay attention and apply it. It’s much easier. And think it’ll suit your voice.” I said thoughtfully.  

 

She looked at me like I just said something ridiculous. Suddenly, she stood up and posed like the eagle style, you know the one we used to see in martial arts movie. Believe me, she looked ridiculous.

 

“What now?” I asked, a little annoyed.

 

“What planet are you from and what did you do to Baldy?!” She asked, looking at me violently.

 

“Ha.Ha. Sooooo funny Jessica.” I said sarcastically.

 

She raised her eyebrows suspiciously. “Baldy will never say those words and he will never ever help me relax! So reveal yourself, IMPOSTOR!” She screamed accusingly.

 

I just rolled my eyes and gestured to her to sit. “Shut up and pay attention. I’ll start now.” I said impatiently.

 

She clicked her tongue and sighed. “Just when I thought I could have fun.” She said before sitting dejectedly.“But I’m not really in the mood to play.” She complained.

 

“I’m not telling you to play. I’m telling you to watch me play and apply it later.” I said matter of factly.

 

“That’s just the same.” She mumbled to herself sulkily.

 

I smiled to myself. I sort of missed Jessica’s annoying antics. I felt good having someone to bicker with.

 

I closed my eyes and inhaled. It’s been a while since I used the piano. Since rock is our band's genre, I, most of the time, used my guitar to compose a song. I just hope my piano skills were not as rusty as I thought.  I exhaled and opened my eyes. Without a pause, I let my fingers glide on the keys and started playing.

 

Too much of my surprise, I was not rusty at all. It felt as easy and as natural like before. I constantly looked at Jessica as I played, looking if she was paying attention.

 

But she’s not.

 

Instead of looking at my fingers but she’s looking at me in awe.

 

I brought my face near her and she shrinked her neck to her shoulder while looking down shyly.

 

“I told you to pay attention didn’t I?” I said as silently as possible as I played. She nodded cutely before trying to compose herself back to looking closely at me.

 

I let myself be indulged by the warmth feeling of playing the song.

 

“Now isn’t that much better? That is how you should play the piano. Let the music flow. No need to copy the exact tone, tempo and other elements of the song.” I said as soon as I finished playing.

 

“Music is the expression of yourself and how people express themselves differs from each other. Own the music. And to do that, you must change it according to how you’re feeling as you play, according to what you want to say with your song or according to how great the love you feel as you play. Because that’s the main purpose of music; to communicate what the mouth can’t say, the body can’t do but the soul screams to be heard.  The music is only yours when you make it out of your own emotions. Own it. Feel it.” I said with all sincerity and passion.  I felt a sudden burst of confidence.  Given my current musical state, believe me, I don’t know where those words came from. 

 

I smiled at Jessica who, like me, was surprised by what I just said.

 

“Okay. Now, I changed my mind about you playing it. Just do it later. I’ll start again and this time you sing. Okay?” 

 

“Do I really have to?” She asked, hesitant to sing.

 

“Duh! Of course. Don’t worry It’s just me in here. I’m your trainer; you can mess up all you want.”

 

“I can mess up all I want so you can make fun of me. How soothing.” She countered sarcastically.

 

“What? Can’t I at least take revenge for my abused hair that you constantly make fun of!?!” 

 

She chuckled. “Okay fine. But I’m not sure if I can do well, okay? Don’t expect too much.”

 

“Of course! I've already seen the worst, remember?” I teased. She scowled but I just laughed at her.

 

I faced the piano once again. I glanced at her and saw her nodding at me. I started playing. Jessica’s voice blended with the sound of the piano. Just what I thought, she could totally rock this song. I glanced at her constantly as she sang. The passion was there. It was always there. But there was something about the playing that makes her falter whenever she sings while playing it.

 

I closed my eyes as I played, savoring the harmony of the music and realized that I’m enjoying the song. Our music.

 

Once again I felt that familiar sense of worth and happiness that music once gave me.

 

The song ended without either of us making a single mistake and as I opened my eyes, it felt like I’m seeing the epitome of innocence in front of me when I saw Jessica smiling to herself happily. “That was great!” She exclaimed and faced me with both satisfaction and amazement in her eyes.

 

I smiled proudly. “See. I told you. Now we proved that you have no problem singing.”

 

I observed her. Her smile illuminated her face, making it prettier. Suddenly I wanted to hate myself for what I am about to say next.

 

But I needed to. That’s our contract. I’m here to make her win.

 

“Listen Sica, do you really have to sing while playing. Don’t be offended, okay?; I just thought it’ll be better if you’d sing while someone accompanies you. You can do both well but I’m afraid that you struggle when you play and sing together.” I said truthfully.

 

Her smile turned into a bitter one.

 

“Don't take it too personally.” I said. 

 

“It’s okay. I know it. I just… I just need to do it alone.”

 

“Why?” I asked which made me want to bite my tongue as soon as the question came out of my mouth.

 

A glint of sadness came in her eyes as she looked down. “No one would want to play for me.” She said.

 

“Why not?” I asked curiously.

 

She did not answer. There was a sad look in her face. The sight makes something churn in my stomach.

 

“Okay. Look. Forget it. You don’t need to have one if you don’t want to.” I said in an effort to cheer her up.

 

Only, she didn’t.

 

“Do you really think I can’t win it alone?” She asked sadly. My eyes widened in panic. I could see tears starting to form on her eyes. She’s about to cry! Again! Oh my freaking god!

 

“I-I-I didn’t mean it t-that way. I just thought it’ll be much better that way!” I answered almost instantly and with urgency.

 

“But you sound like I really need it….” She frowned and started sniffing.

 

Not again, please.

 

“Who says? I’m your trainer. You need no one to win! No one, I must say!” I stood up in the chair with conviction. I peeked at her from the corner of my eye and saw her still sniffing, biting her lower lips to stop herself from crying.

 

“Really?” She asked with a cracked voice. I nodded stupidly. “If that’s true, then I’m good enough for the contest right?” I nodded again. ‘Anything, just so she doesn’t freaking cry.’ I thought. “Then I don’t need to practice right? Because, I’m good?” She asked, pouting with innocent puppy eyes.

 

“Yeah. Yeah you don’t need to.” I agreed, nodding my head continuously.

 

“Then you’ll take me out today, right?”

 

“Yeah. Yea… Wait? Take you out? What do you me…”

 

“See. You’re lying.” She said sulkily and started sniffing again.

 

“Wait! Okay! I’ll take you out!” I said in urgency before she could start crying.

 

She smiled at me. I squinted.

 

I think….. I’ve seen that smile somewhere before.

 

Her smile went all the way to her ears.

 

Something is wrong here.

 

She raised her foot and rested it at the top of the chair. I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat.

 

What did I get myself into this time?

 

“Squat.” She commanded. I hung my mouth wide open, not quite understanding what she meant. “I said squat.” She said a smirk playing on her lips.

 

“Squat. Squat. Yeah. Yeah. I’m squatting.” I said almost talking to myself as I crouched before her.

 

The hell is happening?!

 

I jerked when I felt Jessica suddenly jumping at my back. I instinctively anchored my arms on her thighs, not to let her fall. “What are you doing?” I asked.

 

“We’re going somewhere.” She said an innocent/evil smile on her face.

 

“Why are you at my back then?”

 

“Hehehehe. We are going somewhere...

 

But today... you will be my ride.” 

 

 

---

Thanks for upvoting Laguna* jess1218* abbyoonyulsic. I really appreciate it!!!

Thank you all for reading.

Please do comment.