"So... this is my studio," Chan introduced her to his little chamber of wonders, where he created masterpieces. Soojin walked in, clutching the strap of her handbag. She observed how different instruments and EDM devices were kept neatly in their spots, how the studio was tidied and clean, and how easily she recognized the background of Channie's Room episodes. The green wall, and the couch, the computer chair -- it made her feel nostalgic. 

"Do you... still do Channie's Room episodes?" she slowly asked. 

Chan pursed his lips, shaking his head, "Ever since we started, you know... living together,  I stopped." 

"Why?" 

"I just did not have the energy." 

She felt incredibly guilty for stealing the comfort of other Stays because of things she did not intend to do. Damn you, Ae Ra, for dragging everyone into this mess. 

"I'm sorry, Chan." 

He looked at her, "It's not your fault, Soojin. It never was. And I might start again with the lives, so relax," he smiled at her. Her tense shoulders eased at that, and he continued, "Come, sit." 

She timidly walked toward the black couch and sat on it, taking off her handbag and placing it to the side. Chan sat on his chair and turned it around to face her, trying his best not to make it awkward. He did not know what to talk about with her, but he was vexed to make it work. 

"How does it work? The guitar, I mean," she asked, and he was glad that she did. 

"You don't know how to play it?" he calmly questioned, and she shook her head. 

"I've only ever seen others play it. It's kind of tough to form the chords, I believe. Isn't it?" 

Chan chuckled, making her heart flutter after a long, long time, and he spoke, "It was difficult when I began, but once you learn it, it becomes really easy and fun." 

"Can I try?" she showed a small smile. 

"Oh, sure!" Chan stood up to bring the guitar off its stand, and tuning the strings, he handed it over to her, saying, "You want a guitar pick for that? I think that'd be easy for a beginner." 

"Yes, please." 

He handed it to her, and then sat beside her; so much so, that she could feel his warm skin against her cold arm. He placed his hands on hers, shifting closer to her, and as she was out of breath for a moment, he simply explained, "I'll place your fingers for C major. It's an easy one." 

"O-Okay," Soojin spoke hesitantly, and when he held her left hand, his fingers spreading her fingers on the strings and correctly placing them on the designated spots, she bit her lower lip in anxiety. 

She had only ever dreamt of being handled so softly and carefully by a man, the touch so gentle and the grip so firm yet loose. This sudden treatment of care left her speechless, because she had never felt such loving touches. She did not even know whether Chan was honest in his intentions since she could not bring herself to trust him again; for she had also trusted her parents when she was younger. 

After all these years, it was hard to trust. Her parents and Ae Ra and, to some extent, Chan had left a sour taste in her mouth about the topic of trust, and now that Chan was willing to make a life with her, she did not know what to do. 

"Good," he spoke, the warmth of his fingers leaving her skin as he pulled his hand away, having placed her fingers on the strings, "Now run the pick down the strings." 

Soojin did as she was told, and she surprised herself at the beautiful sound that emerged from the strings. A big smile crept up her face, and she looked at him gleefully.

Chan widely grinned, seeing her smile fully, and then lightly clapped, "Well done!" 

And for a brief, very brief moment, it seemed as if nothing had ever gone wrong. 

(a/n: after the entire toxicity of this story, i think this was very cute 

you're not ready for what's coming, though ;)))) 

YOU ALL ARE SO CUTE!!!! After i updated after so long, y'all really appreciated the story and I so much, i almost shed a tear T_T 

DID YOU LIKE THIS? what opinion do you have about their relationship? 

thanks for reading! i love you!)