VINTAGE MELODIES

First Steps as Friends

After Minji's confession, the dynamic between her and Hanni shifted in a way neither had expected. Knowing that Minji and Min were the same person added a layer of depth to their connection, but it also left both of them feeling awkward. Hanni felt a strange mix of excitement and nervousness around Minji, especially now that she knew who Minji really was beneath the quiet school persona and the confident "Min" identity. And for Minji, the relief of being honest with Hanni came with a new worry—she wasn't sure what Hanni's expectations would be now.

The weekend rolled around, and for the first time, Hanni invited Minji to hang out—not at *Rewind Records*, but at a local café known for its retro decor and vintage-inspired vibes. The two of them met up on Saturday afternoon, both dressed a little more carefully than usual, hoping not to reveal how nervous they actually were.

When Minji arrived, she spotted Hanni already at a table, sipping on a milkshake. She looked vibrant, her usual colorful accessories and stylish outfit brightening up the café. Hanni waved her over with a grin, and Minji couldn't help but smile back as she walked over.

"Hey!" Hanni greeted her with enthusiasm. "Glad you made it!"

Minji slid into the seat across from her. "Thanks for inviting me. This place is nice."

Hanni leaned in, clearly excited. "I thought it'd be our thing. Somewhere that's *not* the CD store."

Minji smiled, feeling her nerves settle. "I like it. It feels like a fresh start."

---

They talked over milkshakes and fries, chatting about everything from music to movies. Without the pretense of "Min," Minji felt free to share more about herself—her favorite books, her love of drawing, and even some of her dreams for the future.

"I always knew you were artistic," Hanni said, leaning her chin on her hand as she listened to Minji talk about her love for sketching. "I mean, you're always drawing in class. You ever think of doing something with it?"

Minji shrugged, a bit shy. "I thought about maybe designing album covers. Or even posters for concerts. Something where I can mix my love for art
and music, you know?"

Hanni's eyes sparkled. "That's so cool! I can totally see you doing that. Honestly, it'd be amazing if you designed one for *Rewind Records*. I'd totally buy something like that."

Minji's cheeks flushed at the thought. "Maybe I'll give it a try."

Just as she was starting to feel comfortable, Hanni's expression turned more thoughtful, and she leaned forward with a curious glint in her eye. "Okay, I have to ask. How did you even come up with the whole 'Min' thing? Did you plan it, or did it just... happen?"

Minji laughed softly, looking down at her milkshake. "Honestly, it just happened. When I started working at *Rewind*, people assumed I was a guy because of the way I dressed. I didn't bother correcting them. It felt easier to just... go with it. People expected different things from Min, you know?"

Hanni nodded, understanding. "And did you ever think about just... not pretending?"

Minji hesitated, then shrugged. "I thought about it, but... I kind of liked being seen that way. It was like I got to be a different version of myself. More confident, more outspoken. People looked up to Min."

Hanni reached across the table, lightly tapping Minji's hand. "You know, you don't need to be Min for people to look up to you. I already think you're pretty awesome as you are."

Minji looked down at her hand, where Hanni's fingers had gently brushed hers. The warmth lingered, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest.

---

As the afternoon turned into evening, they wandered to a nearby record shop Hanni had been wanting to check out. It wasn't as special as *Rewind Records*, but they had fun flipping through old records, laughing over cheesy album covers, and sharing song recommendations. Hanni's bubbly energy was infectious, and Minji found herself letting go, laughing more freely than she had in a long time.

At one point, Hanni held up a record with a grin. "This one's a classic. You have to listen to it if you haven't already."

Minji took the record, studying the cover. "Looks vintage. You think it's worth the hype?"

"Oh, absolutely," Hanni replied with a playful gleam in her eye. "But if you listen to it, you have to think of me. It's a deal."

Minji laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Alright, deal."

---

As they left the record shop and walked down the street together, Hanni glanced up at the sky. "You know, this was fun. I didn't realize how much I missed just... hanging out with a friend."

Minji looked at her, surprised. "You don't have other friends?"

"Oh, I do," Hanni said, waving her hand dismissively. "But not like this. Not like *you*. You get me in a way I don't think anyone else does."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they continued walking. Minji felt the weight of Hanni's words and couldn't help but feel a warmth spreading through her chest. She'd never had a friend quite like Hanni, either. Someone who made her feel like she didn't have to hide any part of herself.

As they reached the corner where they'd go their separate ways, Hanni turned to Minji with a playful smile. "So... same time next weekend?"

Minji grinned, nodding. "I'd like that."

"Good," Hanni replied, giving her a little wave. "See you Monday, then. Don't be late!"

Minji laughed as she watched Hanni walk away, her heart feeling lighter than it had in ages. This wasn't just a friendship; it was the beginning of something important, something that felt genuine and true.

As Minji walked home, she realized that she'd never felt as free as she did that day with Hanni. She was herself, wholly and completely, and for the first time, that felt like enough.