Unwritten Chords Of Love

The First Note

Hanni's phone was "buzzing".

It was her first day of high school—her first *real* day of high school—and she was practically vibrating with excitement. The hallways were a flurry of new faces and noisy chatter, and Hanni couldn't help but grin at the energy swirling around her. This was it—the beginning of a brand-new chapter, a fresh start, and the chance to make high school her own.

She adjusted her oversized backpack, swung her hair over her shoulder, and took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the whirlwind of the day. Of course, the morning was filled with typical first-day chaos: lockers that refused to open, lost schedules, and the occasional awkward introduction to people who would soon become friends—or at least, people she'd see every day in the halls.

But none of that mattered as much as the thing Hanni had been waiting for since middle school: *the music.*

In the days leading up to her first day, she'd heard rumors about the school's band—a senior group that had made a name for themselves at last year's talent show. Everyone said they were *amazing*. Hanni loved music. In fact, it was one of the few things that made her feel like she truly belonged, and this band—whoever they were—seemed like the perfect way to kick off her high school experience.

Her heart was still racing as she made her way to the courtyard during lunch. As she turned the corner, she heard it before she saw it: a steady beat, the hum of an electric guitar, and the unmistakable voice of someone singing with incredible passion. Hanni's steps quickened, pulling her toward the source of the music.

The crowd was gathered around an outdoor stage, students standing in small groups, some bobbing their heads along to the rhythm. Hanni pushed her way through the crowd, eager to get a closer look.

There, standing under the bright afternoon sun, was a girl with dark hair tied up in a messy bun, her back to the audience as she leaned into the microphone, singing with all her might. Hanni could feel the energy radiating off her, the way she commanded the stage without even trying.

*This is it,* Hanni thought, her eyes glued to the singer. The girl's voice was raw and powerful, effortlessly navigating between soft, haunting melodies and explosive notes that seemed to shake the very air around her.

When the song ended, the crowd erupted into applause, and Hanni's hands clapped enthusiastically, even though she had no idea who the girl was. The band exchanged high-fives, and the lead singer—*the one*—smiled at the crowd, a hint of satisfaction in her eyes. That smile felt like an invitation, like she was letting everyone in on a secret.

And Hanni was hooked.

She waited impatiently for the band to finish packing up their equipment, then, without thinking twice, made her way toward the stage.

"Hey!" she blurted out, walking up to the lead singer, who was now chatting with a couple of friends near the edge of the stage. "You were *amazing*! I love your voice!" Hanni's enthusiasm spilled out in waves, as usual. "I mean, seriously, it was like—like *magic*! You're so talented!"

The girl looked up, and Hanni felt her heart skip a beat. She was even more striking up close—tall, with a confident presence that felt almost effortless. There was something about her that made Hanni's words tumble out even faster.

"I—I think I'm in love with your voice! I "love" it!" Hanni exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "I've never heard anyone sing like that before. You're incredible."

The girl—Minji, Hanni quickly remembered from the crowd—raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the intensity of Hanni's declaration. But she smiled, a genuine, warm smile that softened her features.

"Thanks," Minji said, her voice low and smooth. "I'm glad you liked it."

Hanni couldn't stop smiling, a mixture of awe and sheer excitement bubbling inside her chest. "No, I'm serious. Like, I think I'm "in love" with your voice! You're amazing. You're like... exactly what I've been waiting for!"

Minji chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I appreciate that, really. You're a lot of energy, huh?"

Hanni felt her cheeks warm. She wasn't used to feeling embarrassed, but the words had come out so quickly, so boldly, that she felt a rush of self-consciousness.

"Sorry," she said, laughing nervously. "I guess I'm just... really excited to be here. It's the first day, and everything feels so new, you know?"

Minji gave her a reassuring look. "Yeah, I get it. High school's full of surprises."

And then, to Hanni's complete shock, Minji added, "I love you too, by the way."

Hanni's breath hitched, her eyes widening in disbelief. Minji was still smiling, her expression kind and open, but Hanni couldn't process what she'd just heard. She thought she might have misheard it, or maybe Minji was just being friendly, but the words echoed in her mind.

"She loves me?"

Before she could say anything else, Minji waved to a couple of friends who had been waiting nearby, her attention momentarily diverted. "I've got to run, but it was nice meeting you, Hanni. Hope you enjoy the rest of your first day!"

And just like that, Minji was gone, walking off with her friends, leaving Hanni standing there, staring after her, heart racing.

The words "I love you" bounced around in Hanni's head, and for a moment, she couldn't quite figure out what had just happened. Had Minji really meant it the way Hanni had meant it? Was it the same kind of love? Or was it just... kindness?

She wasn't sure, but one thing was certain: she was completely, utterly intrigued.

What had just begun as a simple admiration for Minji's talent was now something more. And Hanni had a feeling this would be the start of something she wouldn't easily forget.