I'm Fine | Lee Daehwi

Serene

I pushed the small, metal key into the lock and twisted it. When the click indicated it was opened, I pulled the white handle and entered, locking the door again so no one could get in.

I loved being in the practice room because it made me feel comfortable. Ever since I entered this school, my level of social skills deteriorated, which is pretty ironic because this was a performing arts school. Everyone was aiming to become well known in the entertainment industry one way or another. It takes me some time to get used to people. Three years later, I have a circle of nine friends- I think.

The practice room was one of the places in the school where I could be on my own without feeling awkward. Sitting alone in form at lunch just made me feel like the odd one out. In addition, I could talk to myself in here without looking weird. It was a habit that never died.

I slowly placed myself on the white leather bench behind the white grand piano and felt the coolness of the keys. I was happy to be able to play. I started playing the intro of the song. This was one of my favourite songs to play and soon my cue to sing arrived.

"Same bed but it feels just a little bit bigger now, Our song on the radio but it don't sound the same..."

I let my body feel the music as if engulfed me with warmth. The chords and lyrics automatically flowed out of me and It wasn't long before the song ended.

"...When I was your man."

I listened attentively to that final chord which rang in the air and a nostalgic feeling was created as the sun cast its rays through the window. I was at peace at that moment. My eyes were closed and I sat up straight in the chair, feeling relaxed and content.

Then the bell rang.

I flinched from the sudden loud noise which signalled the end of the day and I grabbed my stuff to return to the form room.

Everyone was still in there and I became the centre of attention when I opened and came in.

"Where have you been?" Jisung hyung asked.

"I went to the practice room because I needed the piano to find ideas."

"Why didn't you tell any one?"

"I did. I told Minhyun and Jaehwan hyung before i left."

"Oh. Well we're all going to Daniel's house to continue now, are you coming too?"

"I can't, it's my brother's birthday today."

"Okay, but I need you to continue working on the project tomorrow yeah?" I nodded. "We'll see you tomorrow then, bye Daehwi!"

"Bye guys!" I smiled and waved, watching then leave the classroom as the returned the goodbye.

Once they all left, the smile on my face was immediately wiped away, and only my expressionless face remained. Sometimes I feel invisible from the way they talk to me. I honestly don't know what went wrong. Last year, we were always going out together and having fun. Nowadays, I see pictures of the nine on Instagram and they're all having a good time without me. Worst of all, I never even knew that they planned to go out. I have become so oblivious to everything because no one ever tells me anything.

I abandoned my thought before it got worse and I swiftly escaped school. It was freezing outside and I had to walk home. I was not looking forward to it.

I tightly wrapped my scarf around my neck and zipped up my coat. I plugged in my earphones and turned on my playlist. I allowed myself to sing, not bothering to care about the people around me- I just wanted to enjoy this precious time I had.