VINTAGE MELODIES

HEART TO HEART

The weeks after Hanni and Minji's relationship became official felt like a dream to both of them. Every stolen glance, quiet conversation, and shared moment only deepened their connection. Minji, who once found it difficult to open up to others, now felt a newfound ease whenever Hanni was around. Hanni's lighthearted nature and unwavering love brought out a side of Minji she never thought she'd show. 

But Minji had a plan—one she hadn't shared with Hanni. When the school announced its annual talent show, Minji saw it as the perfect opportunity to do something bold, something she'd never done before. 

For weeks, she worked in secret. She practiced late into the night, perfecting every chord and every lyric, wanting everything to be flawless. She didn't tell Hanni because she wanted it to be a surprise—a grand, unforgettable moment that would show just how much Hanni meant to her. 

---

**The Day of the Talent Show** 

The school auditorium buzzed with excitement as students filed in, chattering about the upcoming performances. Hanni, dressed in a vibrant outfit that reflected her upbeat personality, dragged Minji to their seats near the middle of the crowd. 

"Can you believe how packed it is?" Hanni said, looking around in awe. "I heard some of the acts this year are supposed to be amazing." 

Minji smiled softly, her heart pounding in anticipation. She glanced at the stage, where the curtains were drawn, concealing the performers waiting behind them. 

"Yeah, I think this year will be... special," Minji said, her voice tinged with a mix of nerves and excitement. 

As the lights dimmed and the show began, Hanni was enthralled by the performances—dancers, singers, and even a magician took the stage, each act earning cheers and applause from the audience. Minji, however, was quiet, her fingers tapping against her thigh as she waited for her moment. 

"Hanni, I'll be right back," Minji said suddenly, standing up. 

"Where are you going?" Hanni asked, her brow furrowing. 

"Just... restroom," Minji replied with a faint smile. 

Hanni nodded, turning her attention back to the stage, completely unaware of what was about to happen. 

---

**Minji Takes the Stage** 

The emcee stepped onto the stage, holding the microphone with a grin. "And now, for our next performance, we have someone who's bringing a little rock and soul to the stage. Everyone, please welcome Minji!" 

Hanni froze. Her head whipped toward the stage, her eyes widening as the name registered. "Wait... Minji?" she whispered to herself. 

The curtains parted, revealing Minji standing confidently under the spotlight, an electric guitar slung across her shoulder. She was dressed in a sleek outfit that accentuated her natural coolness, her hair slightly tousled. The room erupted in cheers, but Hanni's heart was racing for an entirely different reason. 

Minji stepped up to the microphone, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on Hanni. She smiled softly, her gaze filled with a tenderness that made Hanni's breath catch. 

"This performance is for someone really special to me," Minji said, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart. "To the girl who's changed my life, who's taught me how to love and be loved—this is for you, Hanni." 

The audience let out a collective "aww," but Hanni didn't hear them. Her entire world narrowed to Minji, standing under the lights, guitar in hand, and the words that felt like they were meant only for her. 

Minji struck the first chord, and the familiar melody of *Heart to Heart* by Mac DeMarco filled the room. Her voice was steady yet raw with emotion, the lyrics pouring out with a sincerity that left no doubt about who the song was for. 

Hanni sat frozen in her seat, her hands clasped over her mouth, her heart swelling with love and pride. Minji's performance was mesmerizing—the way her fingers danced over the strings, the passion in her voice, and the way she glanced at Hanni as if no one else in the room existed. 

As the song reached its chorus, Minji's voice softened, her eyes never leaving Hanni: 
*"There's love in the air, don't fight it just keep breathing..."* 

Tears pricked at Hanni's eyes as she listened, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She couldn't believe Minji had done all of this—put herself out there, faced her nerves—just to show how much she cared. 

When the final note rang out, the auditorium erupted into applause, cheers, and whistles. Minji stepped back from the microphone, her chest heaving slightly from the performance. But her focus was solely on Hanni, whose face was glowing with love and admiration. 

---

**After the Performance** 

Minji made her way through the crowd, the applause still echoing in her ears. When she reached Hanni, the world around them seemed to blur. 

"You..." Hanni began, her voice trembling with emotion. "You didn't tell me you were doing this!" 

Minji smiled, her expression soft and a little shy. "I wanted it to be a surprise. Did you like it?" 

"Like it?" Hanni said, shaking her head in disbelief. "Minji, that was the most amazing thing anyone's ever done for me. I... I don't even have words." 

Minji chuckled, her nerves finally settling. "Good. Because words weren't enough to tell you how I feel. I figured music might do a better job." 

Hanni didn't hesitate. She threw her arms around Minji, pulling her into a tight hug. "You're incredible," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Minji. For everything." 

Minji hugged her back, her heart swelling with happiness. "Anything for you, Hanni." 

As they pulled apart, their eyes met, and the world seemed to fade away. Hanni leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Minji's cheek, her face glowing with love. 

The rest of the night passed in a blur of congratulations and smiles, but for Hanni and Minji, the real magic had already happened. They walked home hand in hand, the melody of *Heart to Heart* still lingering in the air, a perfect soundtrack to the love story they were writing together.