VINTAGE MELODIES

The Perfect Melody

The days following Minji and Hanni's confession were a dreamlike haze. Everything felt lighter, brighter, as though the world had rearranged itself to reflect the happiness blooming between them. Though they hadn't officially labeled what they were, there was an undeniable shift in their dynamic—small touches lingered a little longer, smiles were softer, and the space between them felt charged with quiet affection.

---

**One afternoon at the vintage CD store...**

Minji had just finished reorganizing the vinyl section when the familiar chime of the bell over the door made her heart skip a beat. She looked up to see Hanni walking in, her usual upbeat energy lighting up the room.

"Guess who brought snacks for her favorite employee?" Hanni teased, holding up a bag of pastries.

Minji smirked, pretending to glance around the store. "Your *favorite* employee, huh? Where's this lucky person?"

Hanni rolled her eyes with a laugh, walking straight to the counter where Minji stood. "Ha ha, very funny." She leaned against the counter, her eyes twinkling. "Anyway, I figured you could use a break. You've been working too hard."

Minji couldn't help but smile at Hanni's thoughtfulness. "You're going to spoil me, you know."

"That's the goal," Hanni replied with a wink, pulling out two pastries and handing one to Minji. "Also, this place needs a little more fun. Do you have any music recommendations for today? Something happy."

Minji raised an eyebrow, leaning down to sort through a stack of CDs. "Happy? That's surprisingly specific coming from someone who insists on dramatic ballads 90% of the time."

"Hey! I'm versatile," Hanni said, crossing her arms. "But I need something upbeat—something that fits
this mood."

"What mood?" Minji asked, teasingly.

Hanni leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "The mood of liking someone so much it's almost annoying."

Minji froze for a moment, the words sending a warm flush to her cheeks. She recovered quickly, pulling out a CD and holding it up. "Here. Try this. It's a little indie, but it'll match your vibe."

Hanni took the CD, examining the cover with curiosity. "You always know the good stuff," she said, her tone softening. "Guess that's why I can't stop coming here."

Minji felt her pulse quicken, but she kept her composure. "Well, I'm glad you do. The store feels a lot less lonely when you're around."

Hanni smiled, and for a moment, they simply looked at each other, the silence speaking volumes. Minji could feel the unspoken promise in the air, and it made her chest tighten with both nervousness and excitement.

---

**Later that evening...**

As they walked home together after Minji's shift, Hanni pulled out her phone and scrolled through her playlist. "So, what's your go-to song right now? I need to add it to my 'Minji Recommends' playlist."

Minji chuckled, surprised. "You have a playlist for my recommendations?"

"Of course! You have amazing taste," Hanni said with a grin. "It's basically my soundtrack whenever I miss you."

The words caught Minji off guard, and she stumbled slightly on the sidewalk. Hanni immediately steadied her, concern flickering across her face.

"Are you okay?" Hanni asked, her hand resting lightly on Minji's arm.

Minji nodded, her heart pounding. "Y-yeah. I'm fine.
Just... didn't expect that."

Hanni tilted her head. "Didn't expect what?"

Minji hesitated, then decided to take a leap. "Didn't expect you to say things like that so casually. You have no idea what you do to me sometimes."

Hanni's expression softened, and she stepped closer, the playful air between them giving way to something more serious. "Minji, I don't want to hold anything back anymore. I mean it—everything I say. You make me happy, and I don't want to hide that."

Minji felt her breath hitch, and for a moment, the world seemed to fall away. She wanted to say something—anything—but the words felt caught in her throat. Instead, she reached out and took Hanni's hand, intertwining their fingers. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes.

Hanni smiled, her thumb brushing lightly over Minji's knuckles. "I guess this means I'm doing something right."

"You are," Minji replied softly. "More than you know."

---

The weekend brings an unexpected twist...

Hanni had invited Minji over to her house for a "movie night," but Minji quickly realized it was more than that when she arrived. Hanni had set up a cozy little space in her living room with blankets, fairy lights, and a selection of snacks that looked like it could feed a small army.

"Okay, this is... a lot," Minji said, her eyes wide as she took in the scene.

Hanni shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. "I wanted it to be special. You deserve special."

Minji felt her heart melt at the sincerity in Hanni's voice. "It's perfect," she said, sitting down on the couch. "But now the pressure's on for me to pick the right movie."

They ended up watching an old romantic comedy, laughing at the cheesy dialogue and poking fun at the over-the-top gestures. But as the night went on, the laughter faded into comfortable silence, the two of them sitting closer and closer until their shoulders touched.

Minji turned to look at Hanni, who was watching the screen with a soft, contented expression. The glow of the fairy lights cast a warm hue over her face, and Minji couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked.

"Hanni," Minji murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hanni turned to her, their faces now only inches apart. "Yeah?"

Minji hesitated for a moment, then gathered her courage. "Thank you for being so patient with me. I... I've been scared to let myself feel this way, but you make it easy."

Hanni's eyes softened, and she reached up to gently tuck a strand of hair behind Minji's ear. "You don't have to be scared, Minji. I'm here. For you."

And then, without thinking, Minji leaned in, her lips brushing softly against Hanni's. It was a brief, tender kiss, but it felt like the culmination of every unspoken feeling between them.

When they pulled apart, Hanni was smiling, her cheeks flushed. "I was wondering when you'd finally
do that."

Minji laughed, the sound light and carefree. "I guess I couldn't wait any longer."

As they settled back into the couch, hands entwined and hearts full, Minji felt like she was finally where she belonged—with Hanni, in a moment that felt like the perfect melody to their unfolding story.