VINTAGE MELODIES

Harmony

Hanni couldn't stop smiling as she and Minji made their way back through the softly glowing streets, still buzzing from the magic of the evening at the music café. The streetlights cast warm circles on the pavement, and the gentle hum of the city filled the quiet space between them.

As they walked, Hanni kept replaying Minji's performance in her head. The honesty and vulnerability in Minji's voice had given her a glimpse of a deeper part of her that Minji rarely showed, and Hanni couldn't shake the feeling that she had witnessed something truly special.

"You know," Hanni said, breaking the silence, "I don't think I'll ever forget tonight. That song you sang... it felt like it was just for me."

Minji's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but her smile was soft. "It was," she admitted quietly. "I've wanted to share that side of me with you for a while. I'm just glad you were there."

Hanni's heart raced at Minji's words, and for a moment, all she wanted was to stay in this perfect moment forever, just the two of them under the night sky. But a part of her also sensed that something was shifting, as though they were both standing on the edge of something unknown yet exhilarating.

As they reached Hanni's house, she hesitated by the front gate, not wanting the night to end. She glanced up at Minji, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the porch light.

"Do you... maybe want to come in for a bit?" Hanni asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know it's late, but..."

Minji looked surprised, but then she nodded, her expression warm and open. "I'd like that."

---

**Inside Hanni's Room**

Once inside, they climbed the stairs to Hanni's room, where posters of bands and photos lined the walls. Hanni's space was vibrant and full of personality, just like her, and Minji felt a strange comfort in being surrounded by the little details of Hanni's world.

Hanni motioned for Minji to sit on her bed, and then she settled next to her, feeling a slight thrill at the closeness between them.

"So, this is the place where all the magic happens," Minji said, smiling as she took in the atmosphere of Hanni's room.

Hanni laughed, playfully rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right. Most of the time it's just me procrastinating on homework or daydreaming."

"Daydreaming about what?" Minji asked, her tone light but curious.

Hanni hesitated, her eyes flickering over Minji's face, wondering if now was the time to finally say what she'd been holding back. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts, and decided that there was no better moment than this.

"Daydreaming about things that make me feel... happy," Hanni said slowly, her voice soft. "About being around people who make me feel like I can be myself. And lately... that's been you, Minji."

Minji's eyes widened slightly, and a warmth spread across her cheeks. For a moment, she seemed lost for words, but then her gaze softened, and she reached out, her hand gently covering Hanni's.

"Hanni... I never thought anyone would see me that way," Minji said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've always kept to myself because I thought that was the only way to feel safe. But with you... it's different. You make me feel like maybe I don't have to hide."

Hanni's heart swelled at the words, and she gave Minji's hand a gentle squeeze. "You never have to hide from me, Minji. I want you to know that."

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging in the air. Then, Hanni felt a surge of courage, and without thinking, she leaned closer, closing the small space between them.

Their faces were only inches apart, and for a heartbeat, they just looked into each other's eyes, the world around them fading away. Then, slowly, almost shyly, Minji leaned forward too, and their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss.

It was a kiss filled with all the things they hadn't been able to say—fear, hope, and the thrill of finally finding someone who understood. When they finally pulled back, they both smiled, their eyes shining with the same mix of surprise and happiness.

"Guess that wasn't just daydreaming," Hanni murmured, her voice full of warmth and quiet joy.

Minji chuckled, her own smile soft and radiant. "No, I guess it wasn't."

As they sat together, hands intertwined, Hanni knew that whatever the future held, they would face it together. They didn't need all the answers right now. For tonight, just being here, sharing this quiet, beautiful moment, was more than enough.

And in that moment, Hanni realized she wasn't just happy—she was home.