*still in flashback*

I stepped into the familiar corridor, a routine journey I embark upon each weekday. Along the path, the male students' eyes remain fixed on me, their gaze unwavering, as if entranced by my presence. It was a scene I've grown accustomed to, their admiration for my beauty evident. Yet today, their fascination seemed to intensify, leaving me puzzled as to the cause.

"Jieun-ah!!!" A voice echoed through the corridor, pulling my attention. I turned to find three female students, Shin Ye Eun, Kang Min Ah and Cho Yi Hyun making their way towards me. They were my close friends. Wait, correction: they were my supposed close friends, or more accurately, friends in name only. I knew they befriended me for one reason alone – to bask in the attention of the male students. The proof was obvious: they never bothered to contact me beyond the confines of the school grounds.

Ye Eun flashed a smile at a few male students before her gaze shifted to me, catching her slightly off guard. "Yaa, Jieun-ah, you look different today," she remarked.

"Yeah, I noticed it too. Aha! I know why. You're not wearing your hair tied up today," Min Ah observed.

"Hmm... my hair tie is missing." I confessed, disappointment was clearly seen on my face.

"Missing? How did that even happen?" Yi Hyun interjected, her eyes widening as she blinked rapidly, as if she was in disbelief. But I knew, she wasn't really cared; she was just putting on that expression for aegyo.
(*Aegyo: cute show)

I shrugged. "Molla."  And together, we strolled into the classroom.

Unnoticed by me, a lone boy with round spectacles stood at the corridor's end, murmuring to himself, "She looks extra beautiful with her hair down like that." A wide smile played on his lips as he adjusted his glasses, revealing the name 'Jeon Jungkook' stitched onto his school uniform.

____________

Mr. Rapmon was teaching math in front of the class. I tried to take notes of what he teaches in my notebook, but every time I bent down to write, my rebellious locks cascaded onto the page, an unruly distraction.

"Ugh, stress!" I murmured, annoyed with my loose hair. My mind races, trying to recall the last time I wore the hair tie. "Where's actually my beloved hair tie? I think I still had it yesterday when I was playing with mochi at the park. Hmmmm~"

__________

Kringggggggg!!!!!

The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. As the last of the students trickled out, I made my way to a special spot. Finally, I stood before a big door, hand poised to turn the handle. With a creak, it swung open, revealing a hidden gem: my sanctuary, my dream stage.

Stepping inside, the embrace of the cold air envelops me, yet providing warmth and melting away every ounce of stress that clung to me today. The stage unfurls ahead, illuminated by the gentle radiance of the overhead lights, seemingly inviting me to share in its enjoyment and excitement.

Setting down my school bag, I ascended the steps to the platform, each footfall echoing in the empty space. At the center, I reached out and grasped the microphone, feeling its weight in my hand. With a deep breath, I bring it to my lips, testing the waters with my voice.

After making sure the microphone was in good condition and its volume matching my voice, I began to sing while imagining rows of eager faces, my devoted fans filling every seat before me.

Yes, my dream is to become a singer. Ever since I was a kid, I had a passion for singing. Although my mother wasn't very supportive of that particular interest of mine and firmly ingrained in my mind that education is more important, ensuring a better future as a woman, yet I still insist. I didn't abandon my passion, instead, I turned it into a hobby.

Every Monday and Wednesday, I came to this school auditorium to sing. Because this building is far from other buildings, I can sing as much as I want without being heard by anyone.

~Pilyeonegeseo domangchyeo run on
Nawa jeo kkeutkkaji gajwo my lover
Ilbureo naranhi gil ileun uri du saram
Buseojidorok nareul kkok ana
Deo saranghi naege ipmatchwo lover
Our love wins all, love wins all
Love, love, love
Love~

After belting out the last note of my favorite singer's song, I felt a rush of euphoria flood through me. My chest rose and fell with each breath, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins from hitting those challenging high notes. It wasn't easy; it demanded every ounce of my energy. But as I stood there, basking in the afterglow, a sense of profound satisfaction and joy enveloped me, painting a radiant smile on my face.

Suddenly, the air was filled with the sound of applause—sharp, crisp claps that echoed through the room. I squinted, trying to find the figure behind the gesture. As if on cue, the stage lights illuminated a path, leading my gaze to a guy descending the staircase from the audience area. Bathed in the glow of the spotlight, he moved with determination guiding each step...

...the steps that bringing him closer to me.

Finally, after taking only a few moments, he reached the bottom of the stairs. As he stood before me, his presence radiated a combination of strength and vulnerability, making it impossible to look away.

But then, recognition flooded through me, widening my eyes in disbelief as I realized who he is. "Kim Taehyung?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my surprise.

"Annyeong, gwiyeoun yuryeong," he greeted warmly, his smile lighting up the room.
(*gwiyeoun yuryeong means 'cute spirit' as Jieun looks like a spirit/ghost when she covered her face with her long hair at the park yesterday)

In this moment, the embarrassing episode from yesterday's park encounter with him unfolded before my eyes in vivid detail. Oh no, why did it have to be him again?

With a sense of urgency, I snatched my bag and dashed towards the exit, my heart pounding with embarrassment.

But then, as I reached out for the door handle...

"Your hair tie..." Taehyung words pierced through the air, halting my movement as if frozen in time. Slowly, I released my grip on the handle, my mind racing with a mix of emotions between embarrassment and desperation.

I whirl my body around to confront him, now standing just a few paces ahead. Right then, I notice his hand, holding something familiar. It's my hair tie, nestled securely in his palm. Apparently, he was not lying.

"You dropped this hair tie at the park yesterday. So I picked it up and kept it to return it to you,"  he explained, his voice sounds sincere.

'How could I have been so careless as to not realize my hair tie fell off?' I wondered hardly since I'm usually very sensitive to my belongings. What's wrong with me yesterday?

With reluctant steps, I approached him and tried to snatch my hair tie back from his hand. However, I failed miserably as he deftly evaded my attempt.

Our eyes locked. "Return it to me," I demanded.

"If you ask nicely," he replied, but then his smile morphing into a taunting grin.

"Ugh! He's just playing around." I muttered under my breath. "Give it back to me!" I demanded, lunging for it once more, but he deftly dodges my outstretched hand.

My frustration mounts with each failed attempt. Yet, simultaneously, a surge of determination propels me forward; I'm not gonna give up. However, just as I press on, he suddenly raised his hand high in the air, deliberately making it more difficult for me to reach.

This guy! Is he a utility pole or something? Why does he have to be so tall?

"I won't let you snatch anything from me again," he asserted, a playful yet sincere smile playing on his lips. I know he might be referring to how I rudely snatched Mochi from his hand yesterday. But I'm undeterred; my focus remains fixed on my hair tie. I'm getting it back, no matter what! I won't allow my beloved belongings to stay in the hands of this guy.

But unexpectedly, in an instant, my balance wavered as I stood on tiptoe, inadvertently nudging against his frame, sending us both tumbling to the ground.

Now, my body is on top of his, my heart racing uncontrollably. Oh no! What luck do I have today? Was yesterday's not enough?

Thump! thump! thump! thump! thump!

As moments passed, I suddenly became aware of not just one, but two distinct heartbeats resonating in the air right now. One beat rapidly, mirroring the rhythm of my own heartbeat, yet unmistakably separate.

It can't be...

...Taehyung's heart races because of me?

Quotes for this chapter:

"The heartbeat is the rhythm of life, the drumbeat of existence."
-Unknown-

Cameo in this chapter:

Shin Ye Eun (Actress)

Kang Min Ah (Actress)

Cho Yi Hyun (Actress)

Rap Monster ( BTS)

To Be continued...

Total: 1492 words