from the start | jake sim

10

Seoyun's POV

I held my chest as I stared at my instructor nervously. "You'll do well Seoyun, you just have to relax." She shot me an encouraging smile.

She gave me one last pat on my back before leaving, and I was left at the backstage alone.

I bit my lips nervous while playing with my fingers. When the curtains closed, I quickly took my violin and went out onto the stage.

"Next, we have Yang Seoyun who will be playing Vocalise by Sergei Rachmaninoff." I heard applause and the curtain opened.

I took a deep breath before closing my eyes and playing the violin like how I've practiced.

When I was done, there was a moment of silence. I opened my eyes slowly and saw some people tearing up, before they started applauding.

A small smile crept up on my face as I faced the audience, and I did a bow before exiting the stage.

When the recital ended, all of us exited to the main hall where all the guests were waiting. When I got out, I immediately saw my parents and I rushed over.

"You did so well, I'm so proud of you!" My dad pulled me into a hug, "That piece was absolutely beautiful." I grinned.

I looked over at my mom, "You did great." She smiled slightly, as she gave me a slight pat on my arm.

My mom, or my aunt, isn't the most expressive or affectionate towards me but I could feel her love today.

Jungwon pulled me into a hug, "Noona, you should be a professional violinist!" I chuckled and I was about to ruffle his hair when he caught my wrist.

He eyed me, "Oh, sorry young adult. I almost forgot the rule." His smile grew, "It's alright, because you did great!"

Just then, I spotted Jake at the corner of my eyes. I excused myself and went towards him, "H-Hey!" Jake said as he waved slightly.

I smiled, "Why do you look so awkward?"

"Because he thinks you're pretty." I looked over at the guy next to him, "I'm Niki, his roommate, his best friend, his wingman, and hi-"

"He's just someone." Niki eyed him.

I let out a chuckle, "Nice to meet you Niki." I shook his hand and he smiled.

"Did you know Jake play the violin too?" I looked over at Jake who was stunned, "You do?"

Niki scoffed, "I apologise for his behaviour, but yes he does." He eyed Jake, while Jake was avoiding his eye contact.

"So Jake, what do you think of my performance?" He pursed his lips, "It was really, really beautiful. Vocalise was also one of my favourite piece to play." I smiled.

"I'm glad you liked it, and I'm glad you came." Niki was grinning from ear to ear next to him, "Oh and thank you Niki for coming too."

Niki bowed slightly, "My pleasure."

"Oh, bougee." I said, and he chuckled. "I tried."

I looked around, "Well, I'll l-" Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned to see Jay with a smile. "You did so well, I teared up."

I smiled, "Hey, I can sense the sarcasm."

Jay's eyes widened as he shook his head, "I'm serious! I really teared up! Do you want to see my napkins from earlier?"

I scoffed, "Anyways, this is for you." He handed me a bouquet of flowers again. "I thought I told you n-"

"I know you told me not to gift you anymore things but I want to do it." I pursed my lips, "So are you not going to take it? It's getting awkward."

I let out a sigh as I took over the bouquet, "Fine."

Jay looked around, "Where's your parents? I'd like to say hi to them." I led him to my parents after bidding Jake and Niki goodbye.

Jake's POV

Niki nudged me, "That Jay guy is definitely leading in the competition. Are you just going to stand still and do nothing?"

I eyed him, "He can chase her all he wants. Besides, I'm not part of it."

"Yeah, because you're kicked out." Niki rolled his eyes, "Look! he bought her flowers and even met her parents. Can't you learn a thing or two from Jay?"

"Jay and Jake, yet the both of you are so different." I let out a sigh, as I walked off, leaving Niki behind.

I walked out of the place, and I went to a nearby convenience store to get some drinks. I sat by the window, as I sipped on my bottled water.

I felt my phone vibrating and I looked down to see Niki calling me, but I ignored his calls. Maybe it's because he's right, Jay is the better one.

"Jake?" I turned to see Chaeyeon and Hana.

"What are you doing here?" Hana asked. I held up my bottled water, "Drinking water."

"You came for Seoyun's recital?" I nodded, "And you said you didn't like her?"

I furrowed my brows, "Attending her recital doesn't mean I like her." Chaeyeon eyed me, "So what do you think of her?"

"She's alright." Hana nodded, "You should join us, Jay is treated all of us to a meal in celebratory of Seoyun's performance." Chaeyeon nodded.

I shook my head, "I have my water."

"That's your dinner?" I shook my head, "I have food at home." I lied.

"Well, if you change your mind we are eating at the restaurant down the street." I nodded, and they bought their things before leaving the convenience store.

I stared at the people passing by with happy faces, and I stared at my bottled water. "Why am I disappointed? I don't even like her." I frowned.

"If there's free food, why shouldn't I go?" I slammed the bottle against the table as I stood up, "Right? I'm Jake Sim. He might be Jay Park but I'm Jake Sim!"

I was about to walk towards the door when I saw the staff looking at me. "Sorry." I bowed slightly, before leaving the store.

"Restaurant down the streets? There's a hundred restaurants he-" I stopped walking when I saw a familiar figure through the windows.

I took my phone out and he hung up my call.

"Nishimura Riki!" I cursed under my breath as I budged into the restaurant, and all eyes were on me as I stood in front of them.

Jay smiled, "Jake, right? Sit down." He ushered me to an empty seat next to Chaeyeon, which was also in front of him.

And he sat next to Seoyun.

The entire time they were chatting and chuckling among themselves, and they seem so happy and exhilarated.

Just then, Chaeyeon nudged me as he leaned towards me.

"It's so obvious that you're jealous."

11 December 2023