VINTAGE MELODIES

Charm

It was a rainy afternoon when Hanni and Minji found themselves sheltering under the awning of a small café on the corner near the school. The rhythmic tapping of raindrops against the windows created a comforting, almost melancholic atmosphere inside. They had been walking to the vintage CD store, a tradition of sorts, when the downpour caught them by surprise.

They sat at a corner table by the window, sipping on warm drinks. Hanni's fingers traced the rim of her mug absentmindedly, her eyes flicking over to Minji, who seemed lost in thought. The soft glow of the café lights illuminated Minji's face, making her look more serene than ever, and Hanni couldn't help but admire the quiet strength she saw in her.

After a long pause, Hanni finally spoke up, breaking the silence. "Minji, do you ever think about the future?"

Minji looked up from her cup, her expression thoughtful. "I do. Sometimes." She placed her mug down gently and leaned back in her chair. "But not in a way that worries me. I guess I just feel like... we're heading in the right direction. Like we don't need to have everything figured out right now."

Hanni smiled softly, her heart swelling at Minji's calm perspective. It was a feeling she often shared. "Yeah, you're right. We don't need to rush it. I think, for the first time in my life, I feel like everything is... right."

Minji reached out, her fingers brushing against Hanni's. It was a simple gesture, but the warmth from her touch was enough to make Hanni feel like they were both grounded, like they were exactly where they needed to be.

"You know," Minji began, her voice quiet but steady, "I used to think I had to hide who I was. And not just the music, but everything about myself. It wasn't until I met you that I realized I could just... be me. And not be afraid of how people would see me."

Hanni's smile widened, her heart swelling with pride. "I think you're amazing just as you are, Minji. You've always been incredible."

Minji blushed slightly at the compliment, but there was a sincerity in her eyes that made Hanni's chest tighten. "And you, Hanni. You've made me feel like I can be someone I've never even tried to be before. Not perfect, just real."

The way Minji said it made Hanni realize how far they'd come. They had come a long way from the tentative first steps of their relationship, from the awkwardness of keeping their feelings hidden, to this moment. It was something simple, yet profound—being together, being honest, and finally accepting that they didn't have to fit into anyone's expectations.

The rain outside started to slow, its intensity waning to a light drizzle. Hanni looked out the window, watching the streets glisten as they reflected the soft orange glow from the streetlamps.

"You ever think about what's next for us?" Hanni asked, her voice quieter now, as though the weight of the question had become more real.

Minji hesitated before speaking. "Sometimes. But I think... as long as we're together, whatever comes next, we'll face it together."

Her words were like a promise, a simple truth that made Hanni's heart feel at ease. Together, they could handle anything. Whether it was the future or the uncertainties of life, they would figure it out. Side by side.

"I like that idea," Hanni said, her voice soft but filled with certainty. "We don't need to know all the answers. We just need to keep moving forward together."

Minji smiled, her eyes reflecting the same quiet understanding that had always been there. "Exactly."

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**Later that evening...**

Hanni and Minji walked home under the cloudy sky, the remnants of rain still hanging in the air. As they walked in sync, their shoulders brushing occasionally, they talked about everything and nothing—sharing thoughts about music, school, and their future together.

When they reached their usual spot by the old tree near Minji's house, they stopped. The world around them felt still, as though everything had slowed down just for them.

Hanni turned to Minji, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Minji, there's one thing I want to ask you."

Minji raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

Hanni reached into her bag and pulled out a small, carefully wrapped gift. She held it out to Minji, her hands a little shaky with nervous excitement. "I've been thinking about this for a while," she said, her voice low. "I wanted to give you something. It's just... a little something to show you how much I care."

Minji took the gift, her expression softening. Slowly, she unwrapped it, revealing a small, delicate pendant—a silver necklace with a charm shaped like a vinyl record. It was simple but meaningful. Music had always been the bond between them, and the charm symbolized everything they had shared—the connection that had brought them together.

Minji's eyes widened slightly, and she looked up at Hanni. "Hanni, it's beautiful."

"I thought it suited you," Hanni said softly, her cheeks flushed with a mix of shyness and warmth. "I wanted you to have something that reminded you of... us. Of everything we've been through together."

Minji smiled warmly, her heart swelling with affection. "Thank you. I love it." She placed the necklace around her neck, the silver charm catching the light in a soft, subtle glow. "I'll wear it always. And every time I do, I'll think of you."

Hanni's heart fluttered at the words, the sincerity in Minji's voice making everything feel even more real. She stepped forward, gently cupping Minji's face in her hands, her thumb brushing along her cheek. "We'll always be together, right?"

Minji's eyes softened, her smile gentle and knowing. "Always."

As the night drew on, they stood there, under the quiet sky, the world around them no longer mattering. All that mattered was the connection they had, the bond that was unspoken but understood. The future no longer seemed uncertain—it was just a road they would walk together, hand in hand, whatever may come.

And for the first time, Hanni realized she wasn't afraid of the unknown anymore. As long as Minji was with her, she knew they would be alright.

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