VINTAGE MELODIES

A Growing Curiosity

That weekend, Hanni replayed the playlist Min had given her over and over. Each song seemed to hit something deep within her, as though it had been chosen just for her. She couldn't help but wonder more about the enigmatic employee. Who was he outside of "Rewind Records"? What did he think about when the shop was empty, when the music stopped, when the lights were off? 

By Monday, Hanni's curiosity was in overdrive. She wanted to know more, and she was determined to find out. 

---

At school, Hanni was buzzing with excitement. As usual, she dropped into her seat beside Minji, who was quietly doodling in her notebook. Hanni glanced at her, momentarily distracted by how peaceful Minji always seemed. The stark contrast between her vibrant energy and Minji's calm demeanor was oddly soothing. 

"Morning, Minji!" Hanni chirped, setting down her bag with a thud. 

Minji looked up, startled but composed. "Morning." 

Hanni tilted her head. "You know, I've been meaning to ask—what kind of music do *you* listen to? You're always so quiet, but I bet you've got some hidden favorites." 

Minji's grip on her pencil tightened slightly. She had to be careful with her answer. "I like a bit of everything," she said vaguely, hoping to avoid further probing. "It depends on my mood." 

Hanni's eyes lit up. "That's such a non-answer! Come on, give me something. Favorite artist? Favorite album? Anything?" 

Minji hesitated, debating how much she could reveal without giving herself away. "I guess I like Fleetwood Mac. "

"Rumours" is a classic." 

"Fleetwood Mac? Seriously?" Hanni asked, grinning. "You've got good taste, Minji. I'm impressed." 

Minji glanced at her, trying to suppress a small smile. "Thanks." 

---

The school day passed, and by lunchtime, Hanni's curiosity had fully shifted back to Min, the mysterious employee. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on. 

After school, Hanni made a decision. Instead of going home, she walked straight to *Rewind Records*. As she entered, the bell above the door jingled, and there he was—Min, standing behind the counter as always. 

Hanni approached with a mischievous smile. "Hey, Min! You're stuck with me again." 

Minji looked up, her heart skipping at the sight of Hanni's familiar grin. "Hey," she said simply, bracing herself for another lively conversation. 

Hanni leaned on the counter, setting her bag down beside her. "Okay, serious question this time. Why'd you give me that playlist? Like, did you just randomly pick songs, or is there a reason you chose those ones?" 

Minji swallowed hard, caught off guard. She hadn't expected Hanni to ask about the playlist so soon—or at all, really. "I just... thought they'd suit you," she said carefully, her voice low. 

"Sooo, you *do* think about me when I'm not here," Hanni teased, a playful lilt in her voice. 

Minji's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly looked down at the counter, pretending to adjust a stack of CDs. "I think about music," she deflected. "And what people might like." 

Hanni laughed, completely oblivious to Minji's nervousness. "Well, you nailed it. That playlist was amazing. I'm telling you, you have a gift." 

Minji felt a flicker of pride at the compliment but quickly buried it beneath her usual stoic exterior. "Glad you liked it," she murmured. 

---

The conversation shifted, with Hanni asking for more music recommendations and Minji carefully steering the discussion back to safe territory. But as the afternoon wore on, Hanni noticed something she hadn't paid much attention to before—a small silver bracelet on Min's wrist, the kind of delicate jewelry she hadn't expected from him. 

"Hey, that's a cool bracelet," Hanni said suddenly, pointing at it. "Where'd you get it?" 

Minji froze, her mind racing. The bracelet was something she always wore—it had been a gift from her grandmother, and she never took it off. But now that Hanni had noticed, it felt like another piece of her real identity was slipping through the cracks. 

"It was a gift," she said quickly, hoping Hanni would drop the subject. 

Hanni studied the bracelet for a moment longer, then smiled. "Well, it suits you. You've got good taste in accessories too, huh?" 

Minji let out a small, relieved breath. "Thanks." 

---

That night, Hanni lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. There was something about Min that felt familiar, almost like she knew him from somewhere else. It was a ridiculous thought, but it nagged at her all the same. 

Meanwhile, Minji sat at her desk, staring at the playlist she had written for Hanni. Every day, she felt the walls of her disguise crumbling a little more. Keeping the secret was becoming harder, especially as her feelings for Hanni deepened. 

For now, she decided to hold onto the secret a little longer. But deep down, Minji knew it was only a matter of time before the truth came out—and she wasn't sure what would happen when it did.