Unkind Fate: Jaebum

☑️ Chapter 3: Coward

After messing another key, I stood up from the chair and went near the window to get enough oxygen to breathe in.

I decided to participate on the audition. But things don't go as easy as I thought. Not playing piano for a year made my fingers stiff, making myself a complete mess.

I went back on my chair and give another try. I tried to relax myself and pressed the first key. My mind still recalls the chords, the rhythm and the melodies but my fingers aren't as graceful as before.

"This is not working," I mumbled to myself and closed the piano cover.

"So, are you going to quit?"

I stood up upon hearing his voice again.

"W-what are you doing here?", surprised by seeing JB again.

"You, why are you here?", he asked, not answering my question.

"Oh, JB, you're here?" Mr. Cho, piano mentor just arrived and his greetings to JB just made me confused even more.

"You two know each other?" my mentor asked, who just probably caught us talking awhile ago.

"We used to be friends" JB said, looking straight at me but not giving any facial expressions.

used to be friends?, I repeated in my head. What does he mean by that? Are we no longer friends? I mean, yes, I left him but it doesn't mean I totally forgot our friendship.

Somehow, I felt offended and hurt. But guilt win over.

"I see", my mentor said, not trying to dig into details. "Well, Hara is my student before."

JB was left in awe, probably realizing that he might also be Riah's professor.

"Ah yes, I just visited Mr. Cho", I quickly said, giving him a hint before my mentor could spill the real reason why I was here.

"I really hope she can go back at music school. I've lost two great students last year and it's really sad."

I looked at JB but he avoided my stare, trying to hide the pain from his eyes. I know he knew who were those two.

I averted my gaze to Mr. Cho because if I look at JB a little longer, I might probably cry again and I don't want that to happen. I don't want them to put in shock to see me suddenly crying.

"I will go back one day, Mr. Cho", I gave him a hopeful smile.

He once asked me to go back in music school but I don't think I'm ready yet. I'm trying to go back with my life but I'll do it slowly. That school reminds me of Riah and I think going back there won't help me. I'm not trying to erase Riah from my memory. I just wanted to build myself again and if I'm already whole and complete, I can embrace my past with acceptance.

"I understand. You are always welcome in my studio anyway. You can play piano whenever you want."

I felt relieved hearing that.

"By the way, I'm working on a song with JB's group."

My eyes widened.

"Your friend is going to debut!"

I wanted to hug JB right away and express how glad I am that he's finally going to debut. But with the situation with us right now, I don't think I can. I didn't even know if I still have the right to be considered as his friend.

"I think I have to borrow JB for the mean time. I'll let you talk and catch up later", Mr. Cho said.

"No, it's okay", I quickly answered. "There's nothing for us to catch up on to", I said but feeling regret as soon as it left my mouth.

"I don't think so", JB said in oppose. "I know you have some stories to tell."

Mr Cho laughed, amused with our exchange of words.

I seated at the piano studio for like an hour, not giving another attempt to play the piano again.

A mixture of disappointment and frustration is what I'm feeling right now. I feel like if I missed another key, it will be the end of me.

Maybe I am not ready to play piano again. Maybe not until I'm fully recovered.

What will I do in the audition then? I don't have any talent aside from playing piano. I guess, singing but...

"Why are you not playing?", JB suddenly came in.

I stood up and place the strap of my bag on my shoulder, "I have to go."

But he grabbed my wrist, "Don't run away."

"I'm not."

"Can you explain why you left without any words?"

"I j-just..." I looked away, trying to find the right words. "I just don't have the courage to face the people I've hurt."

"You're so selfish, you know?" he said.
"Yeah, I know and I'm sorry"

"We all suffered from Riah's loss but it wouldn't be as hard as it is if you didn't left. Friends should've been each others' strength in the hardest part of their lives."

I looked at JB and see the pain in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry if it took me one year to finally said it. "

I left. I didn't even give him the chance to talk more nor explain more on my part.

I just left again.

I was being a coward once again.