VINTAGE MELODIES

The Road Ahead

The road trip weekend had arrived, and both Hanni and Minji were buzzing with excitement. Hanni had packed a bag full of snacks, a mixtape of their favorite tracks, and a playlist to set the perfect mood for their little adventure. Minji, though typically reserved, found herself caught up in the anticipation. It wasn't just the trip itself—it was the fact that they would have time alone, away from the pressures of school and the prying eyes of their classmates. It felt freeing, like a moment just for them.

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**Saturday Morning**

Hanni pulled up in front of Minji's house in her small but reliable car, the engine purring softly. She honked the horn playfully, a mischievous grin on her face.

Minji stepped outside, her backpack slung over one shoulder, and Hanni couldn't help but notice how effortlessly cool she looked in her oversized jacket, black jeans, and vintage band t-shirt. Even in such casual clothes, Minji had a presence—an understated elegance that took Hanni's breath away every time.

"You ready for our great escape?" Hanni called out, leaning over the passenger seat with a big grin.

Minji raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth curving into a smirk. "As ready as I'll ever be. You know, I could've just driven myself," she teased.

Hanni shook her head dramatically. "No way. You're my co-pilot today. Plus, I already have snacks packed, so no backing out."

Minji laughed and slid into the passenger seat. "Alright, let's do this. Lead the way, captain."

As Hanni started the car and drove off, the familiar streets of their town quickly faded into the horizon. The scenery changed from cityscapes to open roads and stretches of farmland, with the sun shining brightly above them. The playlist hummed softly in the background, a perfect mix of mellow tunes and upbeat tracks, and the car felt like a private bubble of warmth and laughter.

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**An hour into the drive...**

The conversation flowed easily between them. They talked about everything from school to their favorite childhood memories, and sometimes, just enjoyed the comfortable silence between them. Minji couldn't help but notice how different things felt when they were away from their usual routines—there was no pressure to fit into the boxes others expected of them. Out here, it was just the two of them, and it felt... perfect.

"You know, I've never really been on a road trip like this before," Minji admitted, staring out at the passing landscape.

Hanni glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "Really? You're the type who'd seem like a road trip pro."

Minji shrugged. "I guess I've always kept things low-key. But this is different. I'm glad we're doing this."

Hanni smiled, her heart fluttering. "Me too. It's nice to just have time with you, without any distractions."

Minji looked at Hanni, her eyes softening. "I know. It feels like we've been building up to this moment for a while now."

The unspoken words hung between them, but Hanni didn't want to break the moment. Instead, she reached over and turned up the volume on the radio, the sounds of their favorite song filling the car. "Alright," she said with a grin, "I think this song requires a full-on sing-along. You in?"

Minji laughed, her nerves lightening. "Only if you promise not to laugh at me."

"No promises," Hanni teased, "but I'm game if you are."