Indifference | MiShu

Part III

Oppa led me to a coffee shop nearby where there are booths at the back that offer some privacy with its low walls. He ordered for the both of us since he knows what I want and I'm new to this place.

Few minutes after, a serving of one iced-Americano and a cup of hot chocolate, with one burger and one apple pie was served to our table.

"So, shall we eat first or do you want to start the lesson now?" He asked me. Showing his charming smile, as always.

"We can eat first, Oppa. It'll give us both the energy that we would surely need. Especially you, since I know you're gonna have a hard time teaching me."

He chuckled, "Nah. I heard you sing before, and I also taught you once or twice back at the academy, I know you're good at following and a quick learner."

"Ah.. Thank you."

We started eating and Oppa told me a few singing tips all the while. We spent quite some time in the coffee shop before we decided to go someplace quiet. He drives us to the park at six o'clock and opens the door of the car for me.

The place made me feel a mixture of emotions. It gives me the creeps, since the surroundings was dark with only a few working street lamps providing a way for us to see where we're walking, but also some peace, because this is the most tranquil place I've ever been in this city. The dorm would never ever become quiet since Yuqi and Shuhua were there.

There's a lot of benches scattered at the side and some picnic tables here and there. Maybe I could appreciate the place more in the daylight. But right now, my goal is to learn and not to gawk at the view.

"Okay. Shall I hear you sing once again?" Seo Ho-oppa asked after we chose a bench to sit on. Somehow, I felt comfortable with him, maybe because I've known him before. He's not trying to make some moves with me, which is what I was hoping for right from the start since I'm not really looking for a relationship right now, I want to focus in training.

I sang a song he recommends for me to try, with the same technique as the original singer, and ask me what I think, whether the song suits me.

"Shouldn't oppa be the one to answer that? Why are you asking me?"

"Well you see, we're trying to change your style and part ways with the old technique you got used to. In order to do that, not only me as the vocal coach and as the one who's listening to you should feel that the style suits you, you yourself should be able to feel it as well. That's why I'm asking you right now, what do you think?" Seo Ho-oppa is serious right now, he really seems professional when it comes to teaching.

His question made me think of my singing, "I think the song selection is good, but it's not for me."

"Okay, good. You understand the beauty of the style, yet you also know what you want. That's a good start."

"How would I know that I'm not reverting back to my go-to preference, you know, the technique that I always do? The one I learned from YGU?"

He thinks about it for a second, choosing carefully how to word it, "If it makes you comfortable and safe, that's when you know you're reverting back. What you're using now is the style taught to you that, as you said it, was already ingrained in you. You need to go out of your comfort zone in order to discover your own, unique style."

I nod at his advice, amazed at how wise he thinks and looks right now.

"That's some pretty good words, oppa. I'll remember that."

"Good. Did I become too serious, though?" He asks standing up, offering his hand for me.

I picked up my bag from the floor and took his hand, "Yeah. I was actually starting to get intimidated by you."

He adjusted his glasses and chuckles, "Sorry about that. I got carried away and thought of you as my student back at the academy."

"Well, technically, you're still teaching me, so I totally get what you mean."

"It's getting late, let me give you a ride home. If that's alright?" He led the way to where he parked the car, and once again opens the door to my side before walking around to the driver's seat.

We went back to the university since the dormitory was inside the school ground.

"Thank you, Sir. I mean, oppa." I teased before quickly shutting the door of his car, but not after hearing his playful, "Yah!"

Only a few students were walking outside the dorm, and since ours was located at the third floor, I was panting when I reached for the keys inside my bag.

I was about to turn the knob when someone from the inside turned it as well. It was Shuhua. She doesn't seem too surprised maybe because I was the only one missing inside, but I, on the other hand, was a little bit startled.

"Omo. Shuhua-ya. Are you going outside?"

"No." She coldly answered.

"Then, why did you open the door?"

"Isn't it obvious? Of course, I'm going out. Stupid." She just mumbled the last word, but I heard it clearly, and I was seriously hurt by it.

"S-Sorry." I stepped aside to let her out, and I entered the dorm leaving the door open for Shuhua, but there's no one in the living room. Maybe they're resting already? I checked in our room, but the beds were all neat and undisturbed. What's going on?

I changed my "hip-hop" clothes to a more comfortable ones, a simple black hoodie and a pair of shorts.

Even the kitchen was clear except for a note in the fridge that says, "Miyeon-unnie. We're going out. We'll be back later before curfew. Let's watch a movie together next time :P" - YUQI

I heard some footsteps and the door closing. It couldn't possibly be the girls since I would hear Yuqi's voice miles before they even reached our dorm, so it must be Shuhua. She's back already?

I went to check the living room and our eyes met for a while, she seems annoyed for some unknown reason, more so than when we're eating lunch earlier.

"Shuhua-ya, are you okay?"

"I can't believe they left me in here because I was asleep." She sat at the sofa and crossed her arms, obviously upset. I noticed a box of pizza on the coffee table, with two burgers and a liter of orange juice.

"I'm sorry about that."

"It's not your fault. Don't apologize." Yeah, she's right. Why am I apologizing, anyway?

"Did you get out because of that pizza?"

"Yes. I'm hungry." She said and started opening the box.

I watched her open the box of pizza quickly, but struggled to open a sachet of ketchup.

"Pass it over, let me open it for you." I said offering my hand. She hesitated at first but eventually gave in to my offer.

"Thanks. Unnie." She seems embarrassed, but I found her not able to look at me, cute.

"You're welcome. Here."

She squeezed some of the ketchup to a slice and bite into it.

While chewing, she glanced at me, "You're not eating?"

I didn't know she's willing to give me some of her foods, I'm so touched, that's why even though I'm not that hungry because of my food-involved-lesson with Seo Ho-oppa, I accepted her offer.

"C-Can I have some?"

"Of course. I can't eat all of that, you know?" Shuhua asked, her annoyance totally disappearing, thank goodness.

I think this is the chance to clarify my misjudgment of her character, right? We're all alone in the dorm so the girls won't know, but why am I nervous to ask? Am I afraid to hear from Shuhua how much she hates me? Do I even want to know? What if she really does hated me right from the beginning? Am I gonna cry? Probably not, but it sure is gonna hurt a lot if my assumption is right.