[2024] SeolBo - Compilation of Short Stories

First Steps Under the Stars (1)

Hyunjung stood on the stage, the final notes of the ballad lingering in the air. Her voice, rich and emotive, had captured the audience, leaving them in a quiet, reflective mood. She glanced out at the crowd, feeling a sense of fulfillment. Singing was her passion, and moments like these made all the practice worth it.

As she stepped down from the stage, her best friend and drummer, Sojung, nudged her. "Great job. You had them all in tears."

Hyunjung smiled, feeling a flush of pride. "Thanks."

"Now let's enjoy the rest of the festival," Sojung said, leading her towards the audience area.

Just then, the next act was announced. "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Rhythm Fusion dance club!"

Hyunjung's attention was immediately drawn to the stage. Jiyeon, the star of the dance club, took her position, her face serene and focused. The music started, and Jiyeon began to move. Her body flowed with grace and precision, every movement telling a story. Hyunjung was mesmerized. She couldn't take her eyes off Jiyeon, captivated by her talent and beauty.

"Hey, stop drooling." Sojung teased, noticing her friend's entranced expression.

Hyunjung blushed, quickly looking away. "I wasn't staring."

Sojung laughed. "Yeah, right."

Hyunjung tried to play it cool, but her eyes kept drifting back to Jiyeon. There was something about the way she danced, the way she commanded the stage, that left Hyunjung completely spellbound.

After the festival, Hyunjung and Sojung decided to grab dinner at a nearby restaurant. They found a cozy table by the window and started discussing their performance.

"So, are you really going to pretend you weren't staring at the girl the whole time?" Sojung asked, raising an eyebrow.

Hyunjung sighed. "She was amazing, okay? I couldn't help it."

Sojung chuckled. "You should talk to her. Who knows? Maybe she noticed you too."

Before Hyunjung could respond, the door to the restaurant opened, and in walked Jiyeon and her best friend, Juyeon. Hyunjung's heart skipped a beat as she watched Jiyeon scan the room and then head towards a table—right next to theirs.

"Oh my god," Hyunjung whispered, trying to act nonchalant. "She's here."

Sojung grinned. "Looks like fate is giving you another chance."

Jiyeon and Juyeon sat down, chatting animatedly. Hyunjung stole glances at Jiyeon, feeling her nerves spike every time their eyes almost met. She tried to focus on her food, but Sojung's amused expression wasn't helping.

Finally, Jiyeon noticed Hyunjung's nervous glances. She smiled, enjoying the attention. Leaning over to Juyeon, she whispered something, and then turned to Hyunjung. "Hey, you're the singer from the festival, right?"

Hyunjung nearly choked on her drink. She quickly composed herself, turning to face Jiyeon. "Uh, yeah, that's me. I'm Hyunjung."

"I'm Jiyeon. I saw your performance. You were incredible," Jiyeon said, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.

Hyunjung blushed, her eyes involuntarily drifting to Jiyeon's lips, which were curved into a bright, cute smile. "Thanks. Your dancing was amazing too. The audience couldn't take their eyes off you."

Sojung snickered, trying to hide her amusement. Jiyeon noticed but didn't comment. Instead, she leaned a little closer, her voice soft and teasing. "Is that so? I didn't think I was that captivating."

Hyunjung swallowed hard, feeling her palms get sweaty. "You really were. I mean, you are."

Jiyeon smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners and her gummy smile making Hyunjung's heart race. "Thanks. That means a lot coming from someone as talented as you."

There was a moment of silence, filled with unspoken words and shared glances. Juyeon, ever the extrovert, decided to join the conversation. "So, Hyunjung, do you and your band perform often?"

Hyunjung nodded, grateful for the shift in attention. "Yes, we do. We try to perform at all the college events and some local venues."

"That's awesome! You guys were really great," Juyeon said with a bright smile. "Maybe you could perform at one of our dance club events sometime."

Hyunjung's eyes lit up. "That would be amazing! I'd love to."

"Perfect! We'll definitely talk more about it," Juyeon said, her enthusiasm infectious. "By the way, do you guys come here often?"

Sojung shook her head. "Not really. This is actually our first time."

"Ours too," Jiyeon said, her eyes never leaving Hyunjung. "It's nice, though. Maybe we'll both become regulars."

Hyunjung nodded, her mind racing for something else to say. She wanted to ask for Jiyeon's number, to find a way to keep this conversation going, but the words stuck in her throat.

Jiyeon, sensing Hyunjung's hesitation, decided to take the lead. As the conversation continued, she subtly reached for a napkin and a pen from her bag. When Juyeon mentioned they should be heading out soon, Jiyeon scribbled something on the napkin.

"We should get going," Jiyeon said, standing up and giving Hyunjung one last teasing smile. "It was great meeting you, Hyunjung."

"You too," Hyunjung managed to say, her heart pounding.

As Jiyeon and Juyeon walked past their table, Jiyeon casually slid the napkin onto Hyunjung's table. "By the way," she whispered, leaning close to Hyunjung's ear, "call me sometime."

Hyunjung looked down at the napkin and saw Jiyeon's number written on it. She felt a rush of excitement and relief, a huge smile spreading across her face.

Sojung watched the exchange, barely containing her laughter. "Looks like you got what you wanted after all."

Hyunjung laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I guess I did."

As Jiyeon and Juyeon left the restaurant, Jiyeon glanced back and caught Hyunjung's eye, giving her a playful wink. Hyunjung's heart soared. She couldn't believe her luck, meeting Jiyeon like this and exchanging numbers.

Sojung nudged her as they walked out. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Hyunjung's smile widened at the thought. She couldn't wait to see Jiyeon again, to get to know her better.