VINTAGE MELODIES

A New Rhythm

The weekend felt like it was touched by magic. Hanni carried the memory of her night with Minji as if it were a secret melody only she could hear, a song that played on repeat in her mind. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt the warmth of Minji's hand in hers, the soft, fleeting brush of their kiss, and the feeling that somehow, her world had expanded in a way she never could have imagined.

Monday morning came, and Hanni was practically skipping on her way to school. As she approached the building, she scanned the courtyard for Minji, her heart thudding in anticipation. Just as she was beginning to wonder if she'd been too obvious, she caught sight of Minji by their usual spot under the big oak tree, her gaze soft and slightly shy.

"Hey," Hanni said, smiling brightly as she approached.

Minji glanced around to make sure no one was watching too closely before her face lit up with a warm smile of her own. "Hey."

They walked together in companionable silence toward their homeroom, exchanging glances that carried the weight of their new, unspoken connection. It was thrilling and surreal, like they were part of a story that only the two of them understood.

---

**In Class**

As they took their seats, Hanni could feel the quiet thrill of Minji's presence beside her. For the first time, every small gesture—when their elbows accidentally touched, when Minji passed her a pen—felt charged with new meaning. She couldn't help but smile as she tapped her pen rhythmically on her notebook, thinking of how much had changed between them in such a short time.

When the teacher called for everyone's attention, Hanni's hand brushed against Minji's under the table. Minji's fingers closed around hers for a brief second, a quick but tender gesture that sent a rush of warmth through Hanni's chest.

Their classmates, lost in their own worlds, had no idea. But for Hanni, each little interaction felt like a secret promise, a spark hidden in plain sight.

---

**After School Plans**

By lunchtime, Hanni could barely contain her excitement. She turned to Minji with a grin as they were walking out of the classroom. "Do you want to go to the record shop after school? I've got a surprise for you."

Minji raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "A surprise?"

Hanni shrugged, doing her best to look nonchalant. "You'll see."

The rest of the day passed in a blur, Hanni's mind bouncing between the excitement of what she had planned and the quiet, comforting presence of Minji beside her. Finally, the last bell rang, and they both practically bolted out of the classroom.

---

**At the Record Shop**

The familiar scent of old vinyl and coffee greeted them as they stepped into the vintage record shop. The place was dimly lit and cozy, just as Hanni remembered, with rows of records lining the walls and soft music playing in the background. Hanni pulled Minji toward the counter where she had hidden her surprise behind a small display.

"Close your eyes," Hanni instructed, grinning as she watched Minji's expression.

Minji rolled her eyes playfully but complied, closing her eyes. Hanni carefully lifted a small record out from behind the counter and placed it in Minji's hands.

"Okay, open them!"

Minji's eyes flew open, and she gasped when she saw what she was holding. It was a rare, limited-edition vinyl of one of her favorite artists—an album she'd once mentioned in passing as something she'd never been able to find.

"Hanni," Minji breathed, her eyes wide with amazement. "How did you find this?"

Hanni shrugged, smiling with a mix of pride and affection. "Let's just say I've got connections."

Minji laughed, and for a moment, they were simply two people caught in a shared moment of joy, the world outside the record shop fading away. She turned the vinyl over in her hands, her fingers brushing reverently over the cover.

"This is... amazing," Minji said, looking at Hanni with a depth of gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you."

Hanni felt her cheeks heat up under Minji's gaze. "I just thought you deserved it," she replied, her voice soft. "For all the times you've introduced me to new music, for everything."

Minji's expression softened, and before Hanni knew it, Minji reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from Hanni's face. "You have no idea how much this means to me," Minji whispered, her voice barely audible.

For a moment, they stood there, close enough to feel each other's breath, surrounded by the gentle hum of music and the quiet atmosphere of the shop. Hanni's heart pounded as she looked into Minji's eyes, feeling as though she were falling all over again.

---

**A New Understanding**

As they left the shop, Hanni and Minji walked side by side, each wrapped in their own thoughts, though the silence was anything but uncomfortable. There was a new understanding between them, an unspoken bond that felt stronger with each passing moment.

"Hey, Minji?" Hanni asked as they walked along the familiar street.

Minji looked over at her, her gaze calm and steady. "Yeah?"

"I know things are still kind of... new. But I just want you to know, I'm really happy we're here. Together."

Minji's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "Me too, Hanni. More than you know."

They reached Hanni's street corner, and Minji paused, her hand lingering near Hanni's. She hesitated for a second before finally taking Hanni's hand, squeezing it gently. It was a small gesture, but it held the weight of everything they'd shared, every unspoken feeling.

"See you tomorrow?" Minji asked, her voice warm.

Hanni grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. "Absolutely. Same time, same place."

With one last, lingering smile, Minji turned to go, her steps light as she walked down the dimly lit street. Hanni watched her go, feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness and peace.

As she headed back home, Hanni couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed. They had found something beautiful and real, something that made her heart race and her world feel a little brighter.

In the quiet of her room that night, Hanni lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling with a silly, contented smile on her face. She didn't know where the future would lead them, but for now, she was content. Whatever came next, she was ready—as long as Minji was by her side.