Chapter Text
Despite the chill of the winter air and the cold wind it still didn't stop a sheen of sweat from breaking out on Jungeun's forehead. She slung the guitar case over her shoulder and squinted at the school map, struggling to find the auditorium. With a huff she shoved the map in her pocket and took out her phone to call her friend. It only took a few rings until a chipper voice answered her call.
“Jungeun! Did you find the auditorium?” Jiwoo greeted.
“I can’t, that’s why I’m calling,” she sighed, “I’m pretty sure I’ve circled this campus 3 times, how did you ever figure this place out?”
Jiwoo giggled into the phone, “When you’re a music major you have to. But if you’re still lost why don’t you ask a student to help you? Get here quickly too, I really need my guitar!”
“Alright, fine.”
With a slight grumble Jungeun said goodbye and ran a hand through her hair, looking around for anyone who could help her out. The campus was gloomy, cold and nearly empty aside from the few wilting trees. She sighed and walked forward towards a large building. There were windows with half-drawn blinds but light still peeked from within, catching Jungeun’s attention.
Hopefully someone’s in there, she sighed as she walked around to find an entrance. She approached a green door and reached for the doorknob, hissing slightly at the feeling of cold metal and turning it. Warm air greeted her immediately along with the faint sound of piano. She peeked her head in slowly and scanned the room, only being greeted by the sight of empty desk chairs and a few instruments laid about.
“Hello?” she called out. Her only response was the sound of piano coming from deeper within the room. Curious, she followed the sound to the back where a doorway led to a separate room but as soon as she walked in she stopped, breathless.
A woman sat at a sleek black piano,her fingers gliding across the keys and playing a sweet melody. Jungeun stared, transfixed by the song (woman) and felt hesitant to interrupt. Her sharp eyes stayed on the keys until she closed them and began to sing. Jungeun faltered, still unnoticed by the woman at the piano and felt her heart speed up at the sound of her voice.
It was calming, dream like and entrancing. Time almost felt still. She stood awkwardly in the doorway, gaze fixed on the woman and her heart beating in her ears. Her lips were parted slightly, a slight crease formed between her eyebrows as she focused on the piano.
She’s pretty, Jungeun thought.
Before any more time passed, a loud ringing erupted from her back pocket and Jungeun felt her heart stop. The woman jumped in her seat and whipped her head around, her eyes immediately locking with Jungeun’s.
Shit.
“I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she stammered out an apology as she declined Jiwoo’s phone call.
“Oh, no, it’s okay,” she smiled softly. “Can I help you?” she stood up slowly. Jungeun felt her cheeks warm as she approached her.
“I was just hoping you could help me find the auditorium,” she bit her lip anxiously.
“The auditorium?” she tilted her head, “Are you a new student?”
“Oh, no! No, my friend just asked me to bring her her guitar but I’m really not familiar with this side of campus,” she rubbed the back of her neck.
The girl immediately lit up, “You must be an art student then!” she clasped her hands together. “I can’t imagine how lost you must be feeling,” she laughed softly and walked past her, “Come, I’ll walk you there.”
Jungeun’s eyes widened, “You don’t have to!” she blurted, “I don’t want to interrupt whatever you’re doing.” She awkwardly glanced back to the piano. The girl followed her gaze and simply shrugged.
“It’s nothing. Come,” she waved her over.
“I’m Haseul, by the way,” she said as they walked side by side.
Haseul, a pretty name, Jungeun smiled to herself.
“I’m Jungeun,” she replied as she readjusted the guitar case on her back. “Since you’re also a music major, do you know Jiwoo?” she asked. Haseul raised her brows slightly before answering.
“Yes, actually. Do you?”
“She’s the one I’m bringing the guitar for,” she nodded towards it with a smile. Haseul smiled too before adjusting her scarf to hide her lower face. Jungeun let out a tired sigh, “She’s lucky I love her or else I wouldn’t be lugging this thing back and forth around campus.”
“Oh, are you two together?” Haseul looked at her. Jungeun nearly tripped at the question.
“No! No, she’s my best friend!” she protested. Haseul laughed into her scarf, her smile reaching her eyes as she pulled it down.
Even her laugh sounds melodic.
“I’m just messing with you, she’s mentioned you a few times. She says you’re a really talented artist,” Haseul smiled. Jungeun felt her cheeks warm up at the compliment.
“Ah, I don’t know if talented is the right word,” she laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. Haseul immediately rolled her eyes.
“That’s what all the amazing artists say! I bet you’re just being humble,” she squinted, “Are you working on anything now?”
Jungeun sighed deeply at the question, “I have a project due soon, but… I’m in a little bit of an art block.” She winced slightly at the phrasing, knowing that art block was more than little. It had been a month since Jungeun lost the passion she felt while drawing and painting, nothing she pictured or wanted came out right when she tried to put it to paper or canvas. It was frustrating, but Jiwoo insisted she just need a muse, an inspiration. Maybe a person, she glanced at Haseul.
Each breath she let out turned to white mist in the air, a faint tinge of pink dusted her cheeks and even the tip of her nose. Just the sight made Jungeun itch for a pencil in her hand. Their eyes briefly met before Jungeun quickly looked away.
“Maybe you just need a muse,” Haseul said simply. Jungeun had to let out a laugh. “What?” Haseul looked at her curiously.
“Nothing,” Jungeun shook her head, “It’s just Jiwoo always says the same thing.”
“Jiwoo’s smart, you should listen to her,” Haseul laughed. Jungeun rolled her eyes at Haseul and smiled. “But I do hope you find one, I know what it’s like to have a creative block. I always struggle coming up with songs, whether it’s the lyrics or the melody. I might need some new inspiration soon,” she worried at her lip.
Jungeun looked at her, taking in the curve of her nose, the outline of her cheekbones and the shape of her lips. There were moles peppered across her face in random places, small details Jungeun wanted to remember. For artistic purposes, she thought. “I think I might’ve found it already,” she said softly, out of earshot.
“The auditorium right around the corner,” Haseul’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“Oh, finally,” Jungeun groaned, “My shoulder’s killing me from carrying this around.”
Haseul opened the door for her as they reached the entrance, the loud clamor of drums greeting them as they stepped into the building. It didn’t take long for Jungeun to spot Jiwoo’s red head of hair among the students and call out to her. “Finally! Thank you so much, Dongdong,” she ran over and wrapped her arms around Jungeun. She groaned slightly at Jiwoo throwing herself at her and set the guitar down immediately.
A giggled followed behind her, “Dongdong?” Haseul smiled. Jungeun closed her eyes in embarrassment.
“That’s Jiwoo’s nickname for me,” she sighed. Jiwoo crossed her arms as she looked curiously between them.
“I didn’t know you two knew each other!” she grinned.
“Oh, no. Jungeun just asked for help finding the auditorium,” Haseul corrected her.
“Thanks again for helping me, Haseul,” Jungeun said, enjoying the way her name rolled off her tongue.
“It’s nothing, I enjoyed meeting you. I have to go now but, I hope I see you around again,” she gave a faint smile, her eyes meeting Jungeun’s for a moment.
“I hope so too,” Jungeun smiled back. As Haseul walked away, Jiwoo stared intently at Jungeun. “What?” she asked.
“You seem different, brighter. Did something good happen?”
Jungeun blinked at her, feeling her heart race at the immediate thought of Haseul. “I just… found a new muse is all,” she said, remembering the awe she felt when she stumbled into the piano room. Jiwoo’s eyes widened in excitement.
‘You did? That’s great!” she practically jumped up. “If you start painting again you better show me first,” she said with a serious look.
Jungeun laughed softly, “Okay, okay I will. By the way, do you know how to play piano?”