Unwritten Chords Of Love

Unraveling the Melody

Hanni had never been one to linger in confusion for long. Usually, if something was bothering her, she'd tackle it head-on, no questions asked. But this—what had happened with Minji—was different. It wasn't something she could solve with a few simple words or a burst of energy.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized that love, at least the kind she'd been feeling, wasn't something that could be neatly packaged into a single, easily defined moment. There was no handbook for how to navigate the space between *crush* and *admiration*. And as much as Hanni wanted to figure it out, she wasn't sure what to do with the mix of emotions swirling in her chest.

The days passed in a blur of schoolwork, lunchroom chatter, and band practice. Yes—Hanni had managed to get herself invited to a few of Minji's band sessions, mostly because she'd pestered Minji's bandmates about how much she loved their sound. Eventually, they'd relented and let her tag along as a sort of unofficial "groupie," even though she couldn't play an instrument to save her life.

Still, she didn't mind. Just being in the same room as Minji, hearing the way she commanded the stage with every note, was enough to keep Hanni coming back.

But with every practice session, Hanni felt herself getting more tangled in her own feelings. Minji was always friendly—warm, funny, and encouraging. She'd often make small talk with Hanni, offering advice or complimenting her on her energy. But there was always a distance, a boundary that Hanni couldn't quite cross. And every time Minji smiled at her, Hanni couldn't help but feel a little unsure whether that smile was just a reflection of friendship or something more.

It was a Wednesday afternoon when Hanni finally decided to face the music—literally and figuratively.

She stood by the side of the music room, watching Minji and her bandmates practice their newest song. The melody was upbeat, catchy, and yet, there was an underlying complexity to it that Hanni couldn't quite put her finger on. She was lost in the rhythm, tapping her foot, when Minji caught her eye and grinned.

"Come on, Hanni!" Minji called, motioning for her to come closer. "You're the one with all the energy. Don't just stand there—get in here and feel the beat!"

Hanni hesitated. Her usual enthusiasm was clouded with the weight of her thoughts. But then, as if on impulse, she walked over and stood next to Minji, grinning back.

"Alright, alright, you got me," Hanni said, trying to push the confusion aside. "I might not play anything, but I can *definitely* feel it!"

Minji laughed, her voice easy and light. "That's what I like to hear." She leaned toward Hanni, her tone suddenly softer. "You've got a good vibe, Hanni. I've been thinking about that since the first time we met."

Hanni's heart skipped at the way Minji had said that. It was the same kind of compliment she had given her before, but now it felt... more personal. *Vibe*. It wasn't just her energy—it was something deeper, something Minji noticed about her.

And yet, Hanni couldn't help but wonder if she had misinterpreted it. Was it possible that Minji just liked having her around? Or was there something more there, something she hadn't quite figured out?

"I'm glad you think so," Hanni said, smiling a little shyly. "I mean, I don't really know what I'm doing, but it's fun to just be part of it all."

The band played through the song again, and Hanni found herself swaying with the rhythm, losing herself in the music. As much as she wanted to focus on the *love* she had for Minji—on what was or wasn't happening—she couldn't help but feel lighter, more alive when she was with her. The music had a way of making everything else fall away.

But then, after practice, when the band started packing up, Hanni lingered by the door, feeling the weight of what she still didn't understand.

"Hey, Minji," Hanni said, her voice slightly more hesitant than she intended. "Can I ask you something?"

Minji paused in the middle of wiping down her guitar. "Sure, what's up?"

Hanni took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "I know we've talked about this before, but... I just want to make sure I'm not, like, getting things wrong. About the love thing."

Minji looked up from her guitar and tilted her head, her expression curious but patient. "What do you mean?"

"I just..." Hanni trailed off, trying to figure out how to put it into words. "I guess I'm trying to figure out what kind of love I'm feeling. I don't know if it's just admiration for you as a person, or if it's something more. But sometimes, it feels like there could be something else."

Minji was quiet for a moment, and Hanni held her breath, unsure of what she was expecting in return.

"I think..." Minji began slowly, setting her guitar aside and stepping closer. "You're trying to figure out a feeling that doesn't need to be figured out all at once." She paused, giving Hanni a small, understanding smile. "Love isn't just one thing. It can be a lot of things. Like, I love you for your energy, for the way you make everything more fun. But I don't think it's the same kind of love you're thinking about, the kind that's like... crush-love."

Hanni's chest tightened, but it didn't feel bad. It felt... *clarifying*. "Yeah. That's kind of what I was thinking. But it's hard, you know? Because I've never really felt like this before."

Minji nodded, her eyes warm with a knowing understanding. "I get it. It's not always easy to figure out. But sometimes, love is just about appreciating someone for who they are—*as they are*. Not about labels, or trying to make it fit into something specific."

Hanni took a deep breath, letting the words sink in. She had known that love could be complicated, but hearing Minji put it so simply—so clearly—was like a light flicking on inside her.

"I guess I've just never thought about it like that," Hanni admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I always thought love was supposed to be... *one thing*. But
maybe I've got it wrong."

"You don't have it wrong," Minji said, her voice kind. "You're just figuring it out, just like everyone else. And that's okay."

Hanni smiled at that, feeling lighter than she had in days. For the first time in what felt like forever, the confusion in her chest began to settle, replaced by something simpler: understanding.

"Thanks, Minji," she said, her voice soft. "You always know exactly what to say."

Minji smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling. "It's just about being honest with yourself, you know? And with others."

As they walked out of the music room together, Hanni felt the weight of the past few days lift off her shoulders. The love she felt for Minji wasn't what she'd originally expected, but that was okay. Maybe it wasn't about a grand, sweeping romance. Maybe it was something quieter, something more complicated.

But that was alright. Hanni was learning, and that was enough for now.

The music played on. And for the first time, Hanni didn't need to have all the answers.