Music Lovers (Taennie Version)

10

Lisa and Fred closed on their house, they all returned to Seoul, and together they made the most of their dwindling time, really making it count.

Most days, the sisters saw each other. For lunch, or a walk to the park, or to accompany Lisa to a doctor visit when Fred was tying up loose ends at work, or just to sit on their living room floor packing household items and potted plants into cardboard boxes. One Saturday, they hit their favorite art museums and another night they met at their favorite Korean corn dog place and stayed out talking until the staff started cleaning up for the night.

And then December came and Lisa and Fred moved on a Thursday.

~~~~~~~

The day after New Year's Day, Jennie makes her way over to Itaewon Music Store. She was able to take half a day off from working at YG, where the learning curve has been brutal, but after so many years knowing exactly how to do her job and observing her colleagues, the challenge has been exhilarating. She almost hates to miss work today, but if she's going to be out of the company, at least she'll still be surrounded by music.

Jennie takes her time walking, enjoying a surprise bout of sunshine that melts the snow into slushy lumps on the sidewalk, the feeble warmth seeping into her padded winter coat. She's still two blocks away when her phone vibrates in her pocket. Tugging her glove off, she swipes the phone unlocked and reads Lisa's message.

At the music store already?

In about one minute

Did you get my present yet?

Since when do we do presents for mom and dad's anniversary?

Since we have to be apart for it

Well I didn't get you anything

That's fine. Facetime later?

Of course

But send a pic when the present gets there

Jennie replies with a thumb-up and a heart emoji, drops her phone and gloves into her pockets and shoulders the door open. Stepping into the familiar dusty warmth of the music store, her chest stings. It's hard to be apart today from Lisa. It's the first time Jennie has had to do their traditional homage to their parents without her. 

And then the sharp ache, like she's brushed up against the blistered part of her heart. Tae should be here, she thinks to herself. She hasn't avoided thinking about him, like she used to do with her exes. Even if it hurts, when he shimmers across her mind, it's like remembering a favorite song. One that left you gutted at the last note, but also one that changed you forever. 

Jennie heads straight to the counter to check in for her reservation of a listening booth. The same cashier from last year attends to her and that's enough to fill Jennie up with a pleasant sense of belonging. 

"I'm sorry," the lady says, "the booth is taken."

"But I made a reservation," Jennie says, her voice dripping with disappointment. 

"You can see if the person is done," the cashier suggests, a smile tugging across her lips.

Most people would politely wait or knock on the door of the booth. What Jennie does is march to the listening area and pull the door open, unwilling to back down.

"Sorry!" they say in unison.

Her heart stops. 

It's him.