FOOLS // Yoonmin

Chapter 2: Yoongi's POV

There's a heart stain on the carpet. I left it, I left it with you

The aroma of cheaply made and thoroughly burnt coffee invaded my senses as I glanced over my timetable one last time. I grimaced slightly, as I continued to sip my hot drink, ignoring Hoseok's excited chatter next to me. I wasn't overly sociable at the best of times, and certainly not in the early morning. This school was already overwhelming me, not that I'd ever outwardly show my own distress. It was classier than I was used to, having experienced my fair share of rowdy and uninterested teenagers who couldn't care less if I was writing in bass or treble clef. While it left me unprepared, I couldn't stop the faint glimmer of hope, that these students may reciprocate my passion for music. I gazed off into the corridor beyond the staff room, if I could just impact one student, I would be proud.

"Do you think it'll be alright?" Hoseok's concerned tone brought me out of my thoughts. I quirked an eyebrow at his question, realising I was still ignoring his distant babble. "Have you been listening to me at all?" his tone quickly shifted to one of slight irritation, as I continued to stare blankly at my friend. He let out an exaggerated sigh, "If this is how you show your appreciation for getting you a swanky new job, maybe I should stop doing you favours?" His grin was too wide for me to even pretend I believed his mock anger. I smiled slightly, he was right of course, I owed him a lot for this job.

"Sorry, I was just lost in thought. What were you saying?" I mumbled, turning my attention back to him.

"Working with Namjoon. Do you think it will be alright?" His eyes were transfixed on my expression, as if desperately trying to see how I felt. Being my closest friend, he knew how difficult it can be to read me.

"We're both adults aren't we? It'll be fine." I shrugged nonchalantly, my eyes avoiding his. It was in Hoseok's nature to care for me, but I didn't enjoy how weak it made me feel.

I jumped slightly at the sudden opening and closing of the staff room door, turning around to see Namjoon enter. I'd never seen him in his work clothes, he looked different... professional. His thick and round glasses were propped high on his face, his tan skin looked almost washed out in the pale blue of his shirt and his bright, dimple-laiden, smile was gone. I couldn't help but linger my eyes along his torso before we met gazes. He considered me for a moment, eyes trailing down my own work attire. I felt slightly embarrassed to be caught staring, but didn't show it. His eyes narrowed, and I thought I saw the slightest curl in his upper lip, before he swiftly moved to get himself some coffee.

"You're completely right, he doesn't seem bothered by it at all." Hoseok whispered, smirking at me. I groaned quietly, rubbing my eyes. The tension was so thick I could have cut through it with a knife. I felt Hoseok's hand gently rub my back, attempting to soothe me. It was only dawning on me now that I would have to endure these encounters every day, and I highly doubt they will get much easier.

My first classes were a tiresome blur, the students were more attentive here, but appeared apprehensive, as if giving me an incorrect answer would earn them a harsh punishment. Such an idea shouldn't exist in my classroom, expression was the soul of music, and I was delighted to see students gradually come out of their shells. I glanced at the clock that hung on the wall, it was still ten minutes until the next set of weary eyed students traipsed through my door. The room itself was white, but had been decorated by the former music teacher, who seemed to have the interior design skills of a four year old. Bright posters depicting different notes and scales lined the walls, they would be the first to go. I chewed my lip gently, imagining the places I would display posters and records of memorable musicians to inspire my students. My eyes finally settled on the grand piano, its beautifully polished black exterior contrasting the eye watering myriad of rainbow and white. I felt my own features soften as I looked upon it, the piano had always been my favourite instrument, it brought me happiness even in my darkest hours. I hadn't even had a chance to play it yet, but with the wait for my next class, the instrument called to me. I sauntered to the far corner of the room where it resided, my fingers gingerly grazing the keys. My smile couldn't be contained as I sat down in front of it, a warm feeling of familiarity filling my body. I began to play slowly, fingers dancing across the keys, as my ears filled with a dark melody I had once composed. I could almost feel the passion burn within me as I continued, my heart soaring as I built the pace and volume to the climax of the piece, like a storm about to crash with thunder and lightning. But just before the rumbling sound dispersed from the air around me, the tinkle of high and soft notes brought the conclusion, presenting an essence of hope within the composition of despair.

"Who wrote that?" A soft voice floated through the fading final note, snapping my eyes open in surprise. I turned slowly, my legs swinging over the piano stool, taking in the sight of the boy standing in my doorway. His creased uniform and ruffled hair gave him a scruffy appearance, quite unlike the well polished standard of other students I'd seen today. I raised an eyebrow at him, as he clutched his bag, shifting uncomfortably under my steady eyes. "Sorry..." His soft voice sounded again, eyes dragging to the ground, avoiding my own.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, trying to sound impassive.

"I'm in your next class. I was worried I wouldn't find this room so I came early. I didn't mean to interrupt..." His lip was caught between his teeth nervously. He wasn't as confident as the rest of these rich kids either. "So... Beethoven?" He looked up at me again through his fringe. A small smirk crept onto my face as I shook my head. He looked puzzled and furrowed his brow, trying to think.

"Me." I said calmly, certainly flattered he thought I compared to Beethoven in any way. His eyes widened at my answer.

"I wish I could play the piano..." He looked admiringly at the instrument behind me.

"That's why I'm here isn't it?" I gestured for him to enter the room, trying my best to appear warm and inviting, and probably failing miserably. Regardless, he walked to a desk in the back row, placing his bag next to it, as I returned to my own. "Do I scare you?" I asked, eyebrow raised once more. The boy shook his head, confused. "Then why don't you come to the front?" My eyes were more intense than ever, urging him to change desks. He nodded gently, walking to a desk directly in front of mine.

"I don't usually sit in the front." He mumbled, pulling a well used binder from his bag and placing it carefully on the desk. It's just as well, it looked like it would fall apart if hit by a slight breeze. I noticed his lack of laptop, every student was glued to their laptop here, the constant tapping of their plastic keys had begun to irritate me already. It was a refreshing surprise.

"Well, now you do." I sat down at my own desk, resting my chin on my hands. "What's your name?"

"Jimin."

"Ah, Jimin who has clearly never heard Beethoven in his life." I saw his lips twitch into a subtle smile as I marked his name off of my roll.

"I just thought it was... Breathtaking." Jimin's eyes were shifting back to the piano, as if reminiscing.

"Thank you." I nodded my appreciation to the scruffy boy. "Maybe one day I'll listen to a breathtaking piece you've composed?" I smiled at Jimin, who seemed to think the idea was ridiculous.

"I don't really have any talent musically, Mr Yoongi." Jimin gave a defeated sigh.

"You will. I promise." My smile only grew as Jimin looked excited. I was glad I definitely had one student eager to learn. However, his excitement was soon clouded by fear as the bell rang to signal the beginning of class, and an army of fresh faces marched into the room. Jimin looked dejectedly at his desk until the brief light he had in his eyes was gone. He looked lost.