String in My Guitar - Bbangsaz

Chapter 01 - Old fashioned Kim Minji

The melodious tones of the wooden string instrument filled the confines of the van as Minji strummed her guitar from the comfort of the passenger seat, her feet casually propped up on the dashboard.

"Why don't you join or start a band, Minji? You've been playing guitar for about 6 years now," Kim Minju, her older sister, inquired, fully aware of Minji's unwavering passion for music. Minji's love for music was evident in her daily routine; she devoted countless hours to practicing her guitar, mastering various songs with dedication and precision. Often, her siblings would join her in impromptu jam sessions, their voices harmonizing in perfect synchronization late into the night. Aware of Minji's talent and the joy she derived from playing, Kim Minju couldn't help but encourage her sister to take the next step and share her musical gifts with a wider audience.

"And plus, you have a really good voice," chimed in Kim Minjeong, the middle child of the Kims, offering her own encouragement to Minji. "Haven't thought of it yet, maybe in Australia I might find one or create one," Minji responded, her gaze returning to her guitar as she contemplated the idea. Lately, she had been delving into the music of one of her all-time favorite artists, Elvis Presley, studying his iconic songs with fervor. Among them was the timeless classic, 'Can't Help Falling in Love,' a melody that resonated deeply with Minji's soul. From her childhood days, Minji had been enamored by Elvis Presley, often mesmerized by his legendary status as the King of Rock. Now, as she immersed herself in his music once more, she couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of admiration and inspiration stirring within her.

Minji often found herself strumming along to Elvis Presley's songs and harmonizing with her grandparents. However, her musical influences extended beyond the King of Rock. Artists like Queen, Air Supply, Starship, NSYNC, APO Hiking Society, and Green Day also held a special place in her heart and musical repertoire. Each of these diverse acts contributed to her love for music and shaped her musical tastes in unique ways.

Minji's appreciation for classic music may seem old-fashioned to some, but to her, it's pure gold—especially in the eyes of her beloved grandparents. They were the ones who instilled in her a love for these timeless tunes, fostering a deep bond through shared musical experiences. Whenever the opportunity arose, Minji delighted her grandparents by serenading them with their favorite songs, a gesture that never failed to bring joy and warmth to their home.

"Are we good to go, my little MJs?" Minji's dad greeted her with a smile as she settled into her seat in his van.

"Yes, Dad." They answered.

"Minji, you gotta keep that guitar and sit at the back with your siblings. Your mom's on the way and we're good to go," her father instructed, prompting Minji to obediently stow her guitar and move to the back seat alongside her siblings.

"Hello, girls! Everything ready?" Their mom greeted cheerfully as she meticulously inspected each piece of luggage inside the van.

"Yes, mom. Everything's ready."

""What about your things? Your snacks? Your bags? Please do check every necessary thing you bought in your bags before we go, and Minji, is your guitar there?" Their mother's tone was tinged with nervousness as she double-checked that everything was in order before their departure. Before their mom could start bombarding them with questions again, their father leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her lips, a tender gesture to soothe her nerves. "Calm down, Darling, everything's settled. Okay?" he reassured her, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

"Disgusting."

"Right in front of my precious guitar?"

"Please don't do that again in front of us, it's cringe."