VINTAGE MELODIES

Cracks in the Facade

Saturday afternoons at *Rewind Records* became a ritual for Hanni. She would stroll into the cozy store, her mood already high, and strike up casual conversations with Min, the "mystery employee." Each visit felt like uncovering a new layer to his—or rather, her—character, and Hanni found herself more drawn to him with every passing interaction.

Minji, on the other hand, was beginning to feel the weight of her dual identity. Each time Hanni walked into the store, it became harder to maintain her stoic demeanor. Hanni's natural charm was impossible to resist, and Minji couldn't deny the growing warmth she felt whenever Hanni flashed her that radiant smile.

---

On her next visit, Hanni arrived with a new level of determination. She had spent the week hyping herself up, convincing herself that today was the day she would ask Min a personal question—something to pierce through his air of mystery. 

"Hey, Min!" she greeted cheerfully as she leaned against the counter.

Minji looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of Hanni's bright energy. "Hey," she said softly, slipping into her "Min" persona with practiced ease. 

Hanni set her bag down and grinned. "So, I've been thinking. You're always recommending amazing music to me, but I've never actually asked—what's "your" favorite album?" 

Minji blinked, caught off guard by the directness of the question. She hesitated, racking her brain for an answer that felt authentic without giving too much away. 

"I guess... it depends on my mood," Minji replied after a moment, her voice low and steady. "But if I had to choose, probably "Blue" by Joni Mitchell. It's timeless." 

Hanni's eyes widened with delight. "No way! I "love" Joni Mitchell. That's such a solid pick. I didn't know you had such a soft side." 

Minji smirked faintly, hiding the nervousness bubbling beneath the surface. "Music tells you a lot about people," she said simply. 

"Well, I'm learning something new about you every day, Min," Hanni teased, resting her chin on her hand. "At this rate, I'll figure out all your secrets." 

Minji froze for a fraction of a second before quickly schooling her expression. Hanni's words hit closer to home than she realized. 

---

The next Monday at school, Hanni was as chatty as ever, recounting her latest visit to "Rewind Records" to anyone who would listen. Minji, seated quietly at her desk beside her, tried her best to focus on her notebook, but it was impossible not to overhear. 

"I swear, Min is "so" cool," Hanni said, her voice full of admiration. "He's got this calm, mysterious vibe, but he's also super thoughtful. Like, his music taste? Flawless. And I just know there's so much more to him than he lets on." 

Minji's cheeks flushed slightly, but she kept her gaze fixed on her notebook. She had become an expert at masking her emotions, but today, the praise felt different. Hanni wasn't just talking about the "mystery employee"; she was talking about *her*. And for a brief moment, Minji allowed herself to feel the warmth of Hanni's words. 

"Maybe I'll ask him to hang out outside the store," Hanni continued, half-joking. "Do you think he'd go for it?" 

Minji's heart nearly stopped. The thought of Hanni wanting to spend time with her beyond the walls of *Rewind Records* filled her with both excitement and dread. What would she even say? How would she explain herself if Hanni ever found out the truth? 

---

That evening, Minji sat alone in her room, replaying the day's events in her mind. She had never intended for things to get this complicated. Working at the store had always been her way of escaping the monotony of school life, a quiet space where she could be herself without fear of judgment. But now, Hanni was blurring the lines between her two worlds, and Minji didn't know how much longer she could keep up the act. 

As she stared at the stack of CDs on her desk, a thought struck her. Maybe it was time to create a small connection between her two identities—something subtle, something Hanni wouldn't immediately pick up on. Minji reached for a blank notebook and began scribbling down a playlist, carefully curating songs that she felt expressed her feelings—about music, about life, and, if she was honest with herself, about Hanni. 

---

The following weekend, Hanni walked into *Rewind Records* with her usual bounce. Minji was ready for her, though her nerves were on edge. 

"Hey, Min!" Hanni called, her smile lighting up the dim store. "I hope you've got something good for me today." 

Minji nodded and reached under the counter, pulling out a small envelope. Inside was the playlist she had made, handwritten on a piece of paper. 

"What's this?" Hanni asked, her curiosity piqued. 

"A playlist," Minji replied, keeping her tone casual. "Just some songs I thought you might like." 

Hanni's eyes sparkled as she took the envelope. "No way—this is so cool. You really made this for me?" 

Minji shrugged, feigning indifference. "You're always asking for recommendations. Thought I'd make it easier for you." 

Hanni beamed, clutching the envelope like it was the most precious thing she'd ever received. "Thanks, Min. You're the best." 

As Hanni turned to browse the shelves, Minji felt a strange sense of relief. For now, she could keep her secret safe, but she couldn't ignore the growing connection between them. 

Little did Minji know, the playlist would only deepen Hanni's curiosity—and their bond. The cracks in her carefully constructed facade were beginning to show, and it was only a matter of time before everything came to light.