Hard-To-Reach [TaeSung/Kkeomchiz]

Chapter - 05

The room was filled with the loud strumming of guitars, rhythmic drumming, and laughter. After jamming for what felt like hours, the group finally paused, catching their breath. Jaehyun wiped sweat off his forehead and leaned back against one of the couches, grinning.

"Alright guys, let's take some rest and play games?" he suggested, grabbing a game controller from a nearby shelf. "And do not tell professors about this... That we play games in this room" taesan and leehan nodded taking a look at jaehyun

Leehan was already stretching his arms. “I’m down! My hands need a break from the Piano.” They all gathered around the table, ready to start the game. But just as they were settling in, Taesan stood back, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You guys go ahead,” he said, holding onto his guitar. “I think I’m going to keep playing for a bit.”

Jaehyun gave him a curious look. “You sure? We’re about to get competitive over here.”Taesan smiled softly and nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure. I just feel like playing a bit more.”

Sungho, who had been quiet for most of the afternoon, noticed the way Taesan’s eyes seemed to light up whenever he touched the guitar. There was something deeper there... a quiet passion that Taesan was still trying to fully express. Sungho put down his controller and walked over to where Taesan was sitting.

“I’ll join you,” Sungho said casually, picking up another guitar that was leaning against the wall.Taesan looked a bit surprised. “You don’t have to, I know you probably want to relax.”Sungho shrugged and smiled. “I’d rather jam with you. Plus, it’s always fun playing music with someone who really enjoys it.”

Taesan’s face flushed slightly as he looked down at the guitar in his hands. “I’m not really that good, though. I’m still learning and trying to figure things out.”Sungho adjusted the strap on his guitar and gave Taesan a reassuring nod. “That’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere. I’ve been playing for a while, so if you want, I can help you out... teach you a few things.”

Taesan’s eyes lit up at the offer, though he still looked a little hesitant. “You’d really do that?”“Of course,” Sungho replied, strumming a few chords to test the sound. “I can already tell how much you love music. It’s cool to see that kind of passion in someone. So, how about I show you some techniques and then we can try playing something together?” Feeling a little more confident, Taesan nodded eagerly. “Yeah, I’d love that.”

While others were lost in their game, throwing playful jabs at each other over who was winning, Sungho and Taesan sat together in the corner of the room, focused on the music. Sungho started by showing Taesan some tips on finger placement and smoother transitions between chords. He patiently walked him through a few basics, offering advice but always with encouragement.

Taesan’s initial nervousness faded as he began to relax, letting the music guide him. For a moment, he forgot about everything else... the stress of college, the pressure to fit in, even the others in the room. It was just him, the guitar, and Sungho’s steady guidance. After a while, Sungho suggested, “Let’s try playing a simple song together. I’ll play rhythm, and you can join in when you’re ready.”

They began playing, the sound of their guitars blending smoothly together. It wasn’t perfect... Taesan hit a few wrong notes and stumbled a bit, but every time, Sungho would smile and encourage him to keep going.The music filled the room, creating a peaceful contrast to the energetic gaming session happening nearby. There was a quiet understanding between Taesan and Sungho as they played... a shared connection through the music.

As they finished the song, Taesan looked up at Sungho, his expression filled with a mix of gratitude and excitement. “Thanks for this. I’ve always wanted to get better at playing, but I wasn’t sure how.”Sungho nodded. “No problem. We can keep practicing whenever you want. You’ve got potential, Taesan. You just need to trust yourself more.”