𝐈𝐃𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄 • Lookism ✔

VX.

CHAPTER NINE
Break Free | 브레이크 프리

⚘( ၴႅၴ

The city hummed with restless energy under the cover of night. Neon signs flickered in rhythmic patterns, their lights bleeding into rain-soaked streets. Inside a dimly lit room, (Your name) sat on the edge of her worn-out couch, a pair of headphones clamped over her ears. Her fingers danced across the knobs of a sleek, compact mixer, the faint glow of LEDs reflecting in her eyes.

The beat she was working on filled the space with a hypnotic rhythm. Layers of melody, bass, and percussion melded together, the sound raw but promising. Music had always been her escape, a place where control was hers and the chaos outside couldn't touch her. Perhaps it was her own mayhem, the chaos doesn't exactly stay outside. But it filters through, reality wasn't often real. It was just another type of imagination.

The sharp buzz of her phone broke her focus. She frowned, pulling her headphones down around her neck. The screen displayed a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Hey (Your name)! It's Mira, the girl you saved at school?
I'm assuming you haven't saved anyone else, lol.
I just wanted to ask if you'd like to hang out tomorrow? Just chilling with some friends.

(Your name) stared at the message, her fingers drumming absently on the couch. Her first instinct was to ignore it. People didn't just message her out of the blue. Suspicion curled at the edges of her thoughts.

(Your name): Who gave you my number?

Her phone buzzed again, the response quick.

Mira: You gave it to me, remember? 

(Your name) frowned. Right. It sounded plausible, but anyone could name-drop. Her skepticism lingered until another message appeared—this time, a photo.

It was from the day she had saved Mira at school. The photo showed Mira and (Your name) outside the building. (Your name) was sitting on the grass with her mouth open from when she was saying something, and Mira's feet was just able to be seen beneath the picture.

She smirked despite herself. The photo was legit.

Mira: See? It's really me.

(Your name) sighed and typed back.

(Your name): Oh, sure, why not.

The response came back almost instantly, bursting with enthusiasm.

Mira: That's awesome! Is it okay if I bring some friends? They're excited to meet you.

(Your name)'s smirk widened, a rare hint of amusement flickering across her face.

(Your name): Yeah, I'm fine with that.

Mira: Cool! After school? After school.

(Your name) set the phone down, leaning back. She slid her headphones back on, trying to recapture her rhythm, but the moment had passed.

"Why are you grinning like an idiot?"

The sudden voice made her jump. She turned sharply, spotting a familiar figure leaning against the doorway. His thick glasses reflected the light, and his ever-present smirk curled his lips.

"Vin Jin," (Your name) said flatly. "What do you want?"

He strolled in without an invitation, his headphones slung around his neck like a trophy. "Saw the light through the door. Thought you were still making trash beats and figured I'd save you from yourself."