Piano Keys And You
Title: piano keys and you
Rating: pg-13
Pairing: baekhyun x oc
Words: 4, 829
Warning: -
Summary:
The song was a masterpiece, it was beyond perfection.
Piano Keys And You
Miyoung found herself drowned in the exquisite playing of a particular unidentified male. Her feet had taken control her body and had dragged her body to the music room. She quietly pushed the door open with little force by her fingers and stood by the wooden entry struck in awe of how his long fingers race over the pearly white ivory pristine keys. His face showed concentration and a soft tender smile played on his lips. Joy emanated from his whole being and she felt an undeniable charm radiating from the boy.
She knew who it was, from the person’s silhouette. Byun Baekhyun - her classmate for 2 years and her younger brother, Sungjong's piano teacher. He was a shy and quiet boy that lived perpetually in his own little wonderland and if she recalled vigilantly, they had never really held a real conversation before.
There were times when Miyoung would wave to him eagerly but he would return the greeting with much hostility and nonchalance or sometimes treat her as glass and ignore her. Well, he was always impassive to mostly everyone whom was not part of his circle of friends and Sungjong for her younger brother himself had stated very much that Baekhyun was a good guy. (This saying came from a 10 years old.)
“Hyung treats me very well - sometimes, he brings me yummy pastries and candies that we both love. He always reminds me to give noona some too! Remember the cotton candy? You love them, right?”
Everyone in school knew Baekhyun was a piano prodigy; he had won endless awards since young and Miyoung bet that if he had displayed all the trophies and certificates, he would have to get at least 5 shelves. Piano was his pride; his self-proclaim other half of him; his best friend; his buddy; his life.
However, Miyoung has never gotten to listen to him making endearing music because she was simply that unfortunate and never got a chance to. She has to go for her weekly Sunday service whenever Sungjong has lessons. Despite that, she has heard many tales of the incredible Baekhyun from her brother - he had been bragging about how godly and astonishing his piano tutor was. Miyoung replied that it would a lovely honour to have an opportunity to witness it herself.
And it was definitely an honour because he was a fucking god upon witnessing him play the instrument.
She felt inferior to him as she was a pianist herself but she was nowhere good as him. In fact, she felt as though her 4 years of learning was nothing compared to him and a pout formed on her lips. She envied his skills - he had a legitmate affinity with his best friend, of course. She continued spying on him and he had no idea he was being observed for the past 5 minutes.
Miyoung noted that Byun Baekhyun has flawlessly beautiful, long and slender fingers. Though, she had been his classmate for the past 2 years, she was not close enough to him to notice his fingers. But now, she had a more vivid view and she spotted a mole on his left thumb, just below his fingernail.
He should be a hand model and earn thousands of bucks. Miyoung made a mental note to suggest that thought to him. Okay, moving on…
Her jaw dropped agape when she witnessed with her own eyes, how his fingers move at the speed of Olympic winner, Usain Bolt. Yet, pressing the keys with the elegance and sophistication of a ballerina. She was enthralled by how impressive her own classmate was - he was so perfect. No, scratch that, he was beyond description.
Miyoung was flabbergasted at how fast she had fallen how his skills and his overall wondrousness. The crystal clear familiar melody echoed in the enclosed room that accommodated no one but her and him. She caught the melody quickly and hummed silently in her mind as he played. The song was a masterpiece, it was beyond perfection and Miyoung wondered which composer and period was it from because she had never heard it in her whole entire life but the melody was so contagious.
She soon memorized the tune and melody for Baekhyun had played it repeatedly for 10 times. He wanted to perfect the introduction and move on with….. the lyrics. Miyoung didn’t know that he was going to sing and was not prepared for another surprise.
Miyoung’s heart pounded at a high speed and she felt adrenaline rush through her body, from her head to her toes. Baekhyun stopped playing and he gave his fingers a little exercise. Taking a sharpened pencil, he scribbled indecipherable words on the staff paper. Then, he played from the top again.
It then struck her that he was composing a song, considering the fact that he kept on playing the same melody again and again and writing on his messily scribbled staff paper. Her excitement level increased and an unknown bubbly feeling took over her emotions. She anticipated for his work of art.
A jovial voice derived from his mouth as he inserted lyrics into the piano instrumental. Closing his eyes, he put his mind, heart and soul into the lyrics and expressed his feelings with a fluttering heart. He had captivated her heart just like that. Just like his piano playing skills, his voice was breath-taking beautiful and gorgeous. She took a minute to wonder how in the world someone could be so talented and beautiful.
“I'll make this clear
I will always be here
I love you I do I do
So smile you have me for life
I love you I do I do
I do”
Abruptly, the singing ended and Miyoung woke up from her admiration. The smile on her lips vanished into thin air when she realized that she had been caught red-handed. Panic and fear struck her body and her feet stood paralyzed to the ground.
Baekhyun retreated his hands from the white grand piano and turned around with a menacing look plastered on his face.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath, continuing to shoot daggers at the sinful Miyoung. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his face.
“Hello there,” Miyoung smiled meekly with a small wave towards the pianist who was now pissed with her for eavesdropping. She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse and waited for his response that never came. She had hoped for him to say hello and maybe say her name too because she simply wanted to hear how different and special her name would sound from him. But sadly, the retort from him was not what she had hoped.
Baekhyun ignored her greeting and inquired with a frown on his cute face, “How long have you been here?”
“Erm… 5 minutes ago?” She glanced at her watch for confirmation and nodded at her own answer.
“Get out now,” he growled which caused Miyoung to flinch aback at his harshness. The resentment in his voice was palpable. “Why is he so mean?” She thought and remembered that Sungjong had always told her that Baekhyun was extremely nice to him. It was so contradicting. Unfortunately, she herself had gotten on Baekhyun’s bad side and she felt uncomfortable as she didn't like offending anyone. Why was he being so difficult...?
“I’m so sorry,” she bit her lips, worrying for her well-being. Guilt pinched her in her chest and she thought that maybe she shouldn’t have eavesdropped on him. But the tune that rolled off the piano lifted her heart immediately and she couldn’t fight the temptation. “I’m so sorry,” she repeated again but she somehow knew that he wouldn’t accept the apology, with that fuming look on his face so she decided to scram far far away from him. She fled out of the music room with red ears and a soaring altitude of bashfulness.
Back at the piano room, Baekhyun was fuming mad at his carelessness. He grew furious at himself for forgetting to lock the music room and letting Miyoung get a sneak peak at his creation.
✈
Miyoung wore a genuine smile while glancing at her red watch. 10 minutes before 1400; 10 minutes before Sungjong's piano was going to end; 10 minutes before Baekhyun takes his leave.... and 10 minutes were all she had before Baekhyun escapes within her reach.
She had 10 minutes to present Baekhyun with a cupcake before he leaves empty-handed.
Apparently, her Sunday service took place an hour earlier because there was a baking class organized for the teenagers onwards and luckily for Miyoung, the whole event ended earlier than she had expected. Thus, she rushed home with a container that carried her freshly baked red velvet cupcakes that was also packed nicely. Her stomach churned at the thought of the mouth savouring every single bit of the pastry.
She hoped Baekhyun would like it.
Upon finally reaching her doorstep, she fished out for her house key in her pouch and she found it a nuisance because she was running out of the precious time.
She glanced downstairs and did a victory dance in her head at the fact that Baekhyun's pair of blue Converse shoes was still there. Baekhyun's still here! She suddenly felt like a little girl again.
“Thank you for today, hyung!”
“No problem, just remember to practice okay? Pay extra attention to your dynamics and your left hand for Canon in D has to be softer, got it?”
The door cracked open and Sungjong and Baekhyun came in view. Miyoung stopped rummaging in her messy pouch and lifted her head up to meet her classmate and her brother. Both teenagers just stared at each other blankly for moments before a perky Sungjong cut in.
“Noona!”
Baekhyun recoiled his hand from Sungjong's head which Miyoung took it that he had been playing with the younger's hair.
“I guess I'll see you next week, Sungjong-ah,”
“Yep, thank you agai- oh Noona, are those cupcakes? Can I have one?” Kids' attention spans were oh so short.
“Bye,” Baekhyun ruffled Sungjong's however with his eyes locked with Miyoung's. His eyes spoke affection and genuine care - there were no trance of aloofness and dislike. His elongated fingers lingered on Sungjong hair, she had noticed. She couldn’t help but smile at the warming sight. Baekhyun seemed to have like Sungjong a lot.
“Bye, hyung!”
Sungjong was right about Baekhyun being extremely nice towards him. He shuffled in the house with his bouncy hair and Miyoung grinned at the heart-warming sight. Baekhyun swaggered away from Miyoung with big strides and Miyoung remembered her purpose for rushing home.
“Baekhyun! Wait up!” She liked how his name rolled on his tongue - it had a foreign and exotic feeling. She saw him halt immediately but only turn around after much hesitance.
“What?” How cold.
Miyoung hurried to Baekhyun with a smile, still and passed him a cupcake, her still gasping for air and beads of perspiration on her forehead. Baekhyun’s expression softened at the supposedly abhorrent view but he felt that Miyoung was full of genuine. He saw a girl with true intentions and tried his best to refrain from smiling.
“Here, have it! I made it just now,” She took out a cupcake from the container and passed it to him with both hands. A proud beam was plastered on her face as she read his expression. Would he accept it? It was also sort of an apology gift for the other day when she eavesdropped at his playing.
“I don’t want it - I don’t have a sweet tooth,” which was weird because Sungjong had said that Baekhyun likes pastries and candies. Hence, was Baekhyun trying to be nice or did he really not want it?
“But, it’s for you,”
Miyoung didn’t know what was the reason that eventually led to Baekhyun accepting it with a thank you... It could be the disappointed puppy-dog eyes that caused him to relent or that he wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible. Whatever the reason was, Miyoung didn’t care. All she cared about was that he actually accepted the cupcake! However, he had to add, “If you think this is a way to bribe me to forgive you, then don’t bother because I’m going to throw this away.”
Miyoung prayed that he wouldn’t because she had specially made it for him and she had put all her heart in it to make it edible. Take note that she actually has absolutely no talent for baking.
After he had taken her leave, she went into her house and thought deeply as to why she wanted him to accept her cupcake so desperately. Wait, why did she even yearn for him to have it in the first place? And why would she be upset if he didn’t accept it? Was it really a plain apology gift? Or was it something else….?
She had no idea.
✈
Miyoung ran down the stairs upon realizing that she was going to extremely late for church and she would miss the singing of gospel if she didn’t hurry up. Discerning that she had snoozed her alarm clock for the nth time in her dreamy state, she jolted out of bed and got ready. She peeked at her watch warily and realized that it was 10:24am. Only 10:24am - and she was so tensed up though the starting of service only started at 11:00am. Rolling her eyes in frustration and also in relief, she dawdled down the stairs while letting out a huge loud yawn.
But her footsteps halted immediately when she was greeted by Byun Baekhyun sitting on the couch whom had put down his phone and now judging her at her unsightly manner. It was out of the norm to see your classmate you sort of fancy (Yes, she fancies him. Finally, she realizes) in your own living room, looking slick and perfect as ever while you look dishevelled. Pure embarrassment much.
“Erm…. hi?”
“Hey, Miyoung,” She felt something twitch in her heart and realized that it was a good feeling - Byun Baekhyun was the cause of it.
“I’m a bit early,” He scratched his head, “Sungjong is still getting ready so I’m stuck here. You’re going for church?” Inquiring, he glanced at his watch and realized that it was still very early.
Internally, Miyoung thought that Baekhyun has very poor time management - he was an idiot. Piano lessons were scheduled at 11am… and Baekhyun had already arrived so much before time. He was such a mysterious weirdo to her.
“Oh, Baekhyun, brunch is ready! Miyoung-ah, come have some food before you leave,” Miyoung’s mother appeared from the kitchen and placed plates of pancakes and sandwiches on the dining table. Both of them shuffled to the table awkwardly and expected a deadly awkward lunch.
“Baekhyun-ah, maybe you should come early every week to have brunch together. After all, you two are friends right? We’re family,” Her mother chirped merrily as she munched onto the sandwich.
Chuckling with genuine joy, Baekhyun nodded with an imperceptible blush on his face. However, Miyoung was stuck in a sticky situation of dilemma. Were they friends…? She didn’t know what their relationship could be labelled as. Friends? Acquaintances? Strangers….?
She buried the uncanny word “strangers” into the back of her mind because she would be thwarted if Baekhyun had only thought of her as a stranger. She concluded that they were friends - distant friends.
“Oh, and Miyoung?” Baekhyun whispered softly and Miyoung swore her skin tingled at his voice and her heart skipped a beat- she hoped that there was nothing wrong with her.
“The cupcake was delicious, I love it.”
I love it. I love it. I love it. I love you.
Miyoung’s heart fluttered at his statement with a bubbly feeling that started from her toes to the upper body. Although she really had no talent for baking and she even admitted that her cupcakes sucked to the bloody core because she herself had tried the ones she baked and she puked it out because it was too unbearable to be even forced down her throat.
♡
“4pm, tomorrow.”
Miyoung reread the pink card over and over again, each time attaining more clues and observations. Finally, she came to a conclusion that whoever had wrote the card had neat handwriting; the pen used was a ball-point and it was in the colour of blue; and at the bottom, it signed there: anonymous which had triggered her curiosity and brought it to a higher level. Also, she felt like tearing her hair out because she had no clue of who the person was.
And why in the world didn’t the person put an address or a damn location? Meet where? Fuck this, she cursed under the breath and chucked the card aside to her bed. She fell on her bed with a loud thud and let out a loud sigh. She found solace under the covers and gave her plushie a tight embrace.
“Do you know who it might be?” She inquired the inanimate bunny and knew she wouldn't be getting an answer or else she would scream at her talking toy. “And do you know where the place is because it wasn’t stated….”
“I think I know who it is but I don't want to get my hopes up. It might not be him but it might also be him. Oh, what do I do?” She snuggled her head into the plushie and a sigh escaped from her lips again. She was dying of curiosity and was deadly eager to find out the mystery.
She kicked her quilt aside and it lowered onto the floor. She muttered a sorry to her quilt and went down to get a bottle of strawberry milk as a stress reliever. Exiting the kitchen, her ears picked up a simple melody from the right - Sungjong’s little piano room. Since he was very into piano, their parents had specially assigned a room by the living room for him. He would have piano lessons with Baekhyun there every Sunday at 1000 sharp or earlier because Baekhyun always turns up earlier than scheduled. Sometimes, he would even have an early lunch or brunch with the Lee family but to Miyoung’s dismay, she wouldn’t be at home - she only had gotten to eat brunch with him together once but she felt overwhelmed when she remembered him telling her that he loved the cupcake that she had given him.
Though he could keep lying but that wasn’t what mattered then. All it mattered was that Baekhyun has never once left her mind and he has been driving her insane with all the thoughts of him.
“Sungjong,” she called out softly and proceeded to sit by the bench beside her brother.
“Ah, noona, I’m trying to compose a song but it’s not going well,” a cute pout formed on his lips as he carried on pressing the keys, trying to create a melody.
“Why are you suddenly composing? It’s hard, isn’t it?”
“Baekhyun hyung said it’s a challenge that we should accept. I’m composing this for you, Mummy, Daddy and hyung - hyung said composing a song for people you treasure is really touching so I want to try,”
Miyoung’s ears perked up at Baekhyun’s name and she inquired further, “So does Baekhyun compose his own pieces?”
“Yeah, he even played for me once and it was really nice,” Sungjong rested his fingers on the piano keys and kicked off with a C Major. While playing, he spoke with tenderness and warmth evident in his voice. “He dedicates this piece to the person he loves.”
Miyoung suddenly realized that the piece Sungjong had just played was the same song Baekhyun was playing the other day. No wonder he was so pissed at me, this piece was particularly composed for another person and I interrupted halfway in the process.
☂
Miyoung roamed around school, hoping to coincidentally meet the person who wanted to meet her. That would save all the trouble for her. It was impossible to find out where the location of the meeting was. It could be in school or anywhere outside.
She hoped it would in school or else it would be finding a pin in a haystack. Strolling down the half-empty hallway with a cup of coffee in her right hand, she glanced at her watch: 3:52pm. Having ended class about 10 minutes ago and gone to grab a soothing drink from the canteen, she was now wandering aimlessly in school. Antsy, she slurped down her coffee and took out her phone. The clock stated 3:54pm but a message diverted her attention from the clock.
Music room. - From an unknown number. Miyoung placed her hand on her chest, with her other one supporting her phone. With frozen legs, she felt a tug on her heart. Moments later, her lips curled into a bright smile because she finally realized what was happening. Excitement and elation bubbled in her heart and she lifted her hand to give her flustered red warm cheeks a brush.
Skipping to the music room with a risk of a paroxysm of emotions, Miyoung tried to compress her overflowing feelings and emotions. Calm your tits, he wouldn’t like to see you with a face as red as beetroot, Miyoung reminded herself and she picked herself up with poise and elegance from there.
Edgy, she clenched her fist into a ball as tight as possible and fidgeted with the hem of her pink blouse with her other hand. She was trying to cover up the evidence that she knew about the surprise before reaching the destination. If he was going to surprise her, then she had better play along to avoid his despondency. However, no matter how hard she compressed her spasm and her overwhelming feelings, there was one thing she was unable to epitomize - her smile.
Upon reaching the music room, she took in a deep breath and pushed open the door. A grin crept onto her face involuntarily and she didn’t bother hiding her delight. Baekhyun came into view - he propped himself in a straight posture and rubbed his hands together for luck that he would actually appreciate. Baekhyun bashfully flashed her quick smile over the piano and Miyoung beamed back, sensing his nervous twitching of his left eye and his lips being pressed and marked by his teeth.
Slowly and hesitantly, Baekhyun began playing with his face scrunched up in concentration and also in anxiety - for he absolutely did not want to screw up in front of the person he has liked for such a lengthy period of time. Plus, he had practiced his own composition for many weeks already. If he screwed up, then it would all be over.
Miyoung felt her lips curve into a huge genuine smile at the sight of Baekyun composing an original song for her. She found herself more relaxed and even swayed to the placid and gentle tune that rolled off the piano keys and bounced off the four white walls. Opening his mouth to sing, he glanced warily but tenderly at Miyoung and she melted at the eye contact. He let out a boyish smile that reached his crescent-shaped eyes.
She realized it was the same piece she had eavesdropped the other day. No wonder he was so pissed at her - she had ruined the surprise even way before she had guessed.
“Love will be our song
Let this love be known”
Miyoung was smiling from ear to ear, unable to hide her happiness and bliss. Feeling something stir in the deepest crevice of her heart, she thought as if Baekhyun was holding a string attached to her heart and was giving it a yank.
She focused on his heavenly voice and his beautiful talented musically inclined playing of the piano. The way he showcased his feelings and the emphasis on the lyrics made Miyoung’s stomach churn drastically and the way she had witnessed his magical fingers raced from octaves to octaves and all over the 88 piano keys made her feel like she was luckiest girl in the world for having someone so amazing, someone that she likes dedicate a song for her.
She listened to the lyrics that contained so much emotions and she knew Baekhyun meant every single word. Digesting every word in her mind, she mouthed the lyrics that she had remembered from that day.
“I'll make this clear
I will always be here
I love you I do I do
So smile you have me for life
I love you I do I do
I do”
I love you too, she whispered as she felt her heart swoon at the heartening words that came out from Baekhyun’s mouth. Beauty emanated from every word he sang. His voice spelled perfection and she didn’t know how one could be that remarkable and stunning.
“If you feel lost
Let me remind you that my love shines and I will always find you”
She didn’t even realize that she was tearing until she felt her cold tears roll down her cheeks and her tears had started to obstruct her view of beautiful Baekhyun. B for Beautiful.
“I love you I do I do
I do”
He ended the song gently and Miyoung’s ears picked up his awesome vibrato. He stood up and she ran to him and brought him into a tight embrace, so tight that he could only chuckle at her silliness. He elevated his hand up and gave her hair a little ruffle and returned the hug.
“How was it?” He spoke and the intimacy of them two sent chills down Miyoung’s spine. His warm breaths on her neck made her jump slightly. She was certain that her heartbeat was as loud and erratic as a pinball machine. She nuzzled her head into his broad chest and grinned brightly upon inhaling his musky boy scent.
Her fingers found their other matches and she grasped onto his flawless fingers and whispered, “I love your fingers and how mind-blowingly awesome you play the piano,” she heard the boy clear his throat shyly and chuckled, “That was extremely beautiful and lovely and you are so amazing and perfect… and I just- did you meant what you sang?”
She lifted her head and stared at Baekhyun’s brown hypnotizing orbs. “I meant every particular word I sang,” he nodded and smiled with redness attacking his ears.
“You’re so cute,” she giggled at the sight of bashful and coy Baekhyun.
“Do you know why I turn up early for piano lessons? That’s because I know you have church and I wanted to see you so I always come early in hopes to see you, even just for awhile. Truthfully, your cupcake wasn’t nice… But it touched my heart, knowing that you made it for me so I was really grateful so no matter how inedible the food you give me, I’m forever thankful and say it’s delicious because it really is - I can taste your hard work and genuine sincerity. And the other day, you eavesdropped me playing - actually, I was really pissed because you spoilt your own surprise and it was no fun anymore.”
Baekhyun chuckled slightly and Miyoung grinned at him, “And I need to apologise for the many times I was hostile towards you, I just didn’t know how to talk nicely to you. You know I’m awkward, right? I hope you can forgive me because I feel really guilty that you’re so nice to me and I’m such a jerk.”
Miyoung shook her head and told him that she never had once held a grudge against him. Reaching out for both of her hands, he brought it to his lips and pecked it softly. Moving away from her, he handed her a pink balloon out of nowhere and handed it over to her. Before she could even inquire his weird antics, he pointed to the ring that was attached at the bottom of the string. He searched for her eyes for permission and her face lit up at the sight of a ring. She nodded animatedly and almost burst into tears when he inserted the ring on her finger and it fitted on her just perfectly.
He bent down to match her eye level and whispered into her left ear, “There are two things I love most in this world besides my family. Piano keys and…. you. I love you, I really do.”
“I love you too,” she whispered back with confidence and kissed him on the lips lovingly; their lips sealed in the promise of an infinite love. Both of them held their breath and no one spoke, no words were needed.
Love is everything; Love is God's finest work of art; Love will be their guide through the darkness and difficulty -Baekhyun would be the light and Miyoung would be the guide.
Rating: pg-13
Pairing: baekhyun x oc
Words: 4, 829
Warning: -
Summary:
The song was a masterpiece, it was beyond perfection.
Piano Keys And You
Miyoung found herself drowned in the exquisite playing of a particular unidentified male. Her feet had taken control her body and had dragged her body to the music room. She quietly pushed the door open with little force by her fingers and stood by the wooden entry struck in awe of how his long fingers race over the pearly white ivory pristine keys. His face showed concentration and a soft tender smile played on his lips. Joy emanated from his whole being and she felt an undeniable charm radiating from the boy.
She knew who it was, from the person’s silhouette. Byun Baekhyun - her classmate for 2 years and her younger brother, Sungjong's piano teacher. He was a shy and quiet boy that lived perpetually in his own little wonderland and if she recalled vigilantly, they had never really held a real conversation before.
There were times when Miyoung would wave to him eagerly but he would return the greeting with much hostility and nonchalance or sometimes treat her as glass and ignore her. Well, he was always impassive to mostly everyone whom was not part of his circle of friends and Sungjong for her younger brother himself had stated very much that Baekhyun was a good guy. (This saying came from a 10 years old.)
“Hyung treats me very well - sometimes, he brings me yummy pastries and candies that we both love. He always reminds me to give noona some too! Remember the cotton candy? You love them, right?”
Everyone in school knew Baekhyun was a piano prodigy; he had won endless awards since young and Miyoung bet that if he had displayed all the trophies and certificates, he would have to get at least 5 shelves. Piano was his pride; his self-proclaim other half of him; his best friend; his buddy; his life.
However, Miyoung has never gotten to listen to him making endearing music because she was simply that unfortunate and never got a chance to. She has to go for her weekly Sunday service whenever Sungjong has lessons. Despite that, she has heard many tales of the incredible Baekhyun from her brother - he had been bragging about how godly and astonishing his piano tutor was. Miyoung replied that it would a lovely honour to have an opportunity to witness it herself.
And it was definitely an honour because he was a fucking god upon witnessing him play the instrument.
She felt inferior to him as she was a pianist herself but she was nowhere good as him. In fact, she felt as though her 4 years of learning was nothing compared to him and a pout formed on her lips. She envied his skills - he had a legitmate affinity with his best friend, of course. She continued spying on him and he had no idea he was being observed for the past 5 minutes.
Miyoung noted that Byun Baekhyun has flawlessly beautiful, long and slender fingers. Though, she had been his classmate for the past 2 years, she was not close enough to him to notice his fingers. But now, she had a more vivid view and she spotted a mole on his left thumb, just below his fingernail.
He should be a hand model and earn thousands of bucks. Miyoung made a mental note to suggest that thought to him. Okay, moving on…
Her jaw dropped agape when she witnessed with her own eyes, how his fingers move at the speed of Olympic winner, Usain Bolt. Yet, pressing the keys with the elegance and sophistication of a ballerina. She was enthralled by how impressive her own classmate was - he was so perfect. No, scratch that, he was beyond description.
Miyoung was flabbergasted at how fast she had fallen how his skills and his overall wondrousness. The crystal clear familiar melody echoed in the enclosed room that accommodated no one but her and him. She caught the melody quickly and hummed silently in her mind as he played. The song was a masterpiece, it was beyond perfection and Miyoung wondered which composer and period was it from because she had never heard it in her whole entire life but the melody was so contagious.
She soon memorized the tune and melody for Baekhyun had played it repeatedly for 10 times. He wanted to perfect the introduction and move on with….. the lyrics. Miyoung didn’t know that he was going to sing and was not prepared for another surprise.
Miyoung’s heart pounded at a high speed and she felt adrenaline rush through her body, from her head to her toes. Baekhyun stopped playing and he gave his fingers a little exercise. Taking a sharpened pencil, he scribbled indecipherable words on the staff paper. Then, he played from the top again.
It then struck her that he was composing a song, considering the fact that he kept on playing the same melody again and again and writing on his messily scribbled staff paper. Her excitement level increased and an unknown bubbly feeling took over her emotions. She anticipated for his work of art.
A jovial voice derived from his mouth as he inserted lyrics into the piano instrumental. Closing his eyes, he put his mind, heart and soul into the lyrics and expressed his feelings with a fluttering heart. He had captivated her heart just like that. Just like his piano playing skills, his voice was breath-taking beautiful and gorgeous. She took a minute to wonder how in the world someone could be so talented and beautiful.
“I'll make this clear
I will always be here
I love you I do I do
So smile you have me for life
I love you I do I do
I do”
Abruptly, the singing ended and Miyoung woke up from her admiration. The smile on her lips vanished into thin air when she realized that she had been caught red-handed. Panic and fear struck her body and her feet stood paralyzed to the ground.
Baekhyun retreated his hands from the white grand piano and turned around with a menacing look plastered on his face.
“Shit,” he muttered under his breath, continuing to shoot daggers at the sinful Miyoung. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his face.
“Hello there,” Miyoung smiled meekly with a small wave towards the pianist who was now pissed with her for eavesdropping. She fidgeted with the hem of her blouse and waited for his response that never came. She had hoped for him to say hello and maybe say her name too because she simply wanted to hear how different and special her name would sound from him. But sadly, the retort from him was not what she had hoped.
Baekhyun ignored her greeting and inquired with a frown on his cute face, “How long have you been here?”
“Erm… 5 minutes ago?” She glanced at her watch for confirmation and nodded at her own answer.
“Get out now,” he growled which caused Miyoung to flinch aback at his harshness. The resentment in his voice was palpable. “Why is he so mean?” She thought and remembered that Sungjong had always told her that Baekhyun was extremely nice to him. It was so contradicting. Unfortunately, she herself had gotten on Baekhyun’s bad side and she felt uncomfortable as she didn't like offending anyone. Why was he being so difficult...?
“I’m so sorry,” she bit her lips, worrying for her well-being. Guilt pinched her in her chest and she thought that maybe she shouldn’t have eavesdropped on him. But the tune that rolled off the piano lifted her heart immediately and she couldn’t fight the temptation. “I’m so sorry,” she repeated again but she somehow knew that he wouldn’t accept the apology, with that fuming look on his face so she decided to scram far far away from him. She fled out of the music room with red ears and a soaring altitude of bashfulness.
Back at the piano room, Baekhyun was fuming mad at his carelessness. He grew furious at himself for forgetting to lock the music room and letting Miyoung get a sneak peak at his creation.
✈
Miyoung wore a genuine smile while glancing at her red watch. 10 minutes before 1400; 10 minutes before Sungjong's piano was going to end; 10 minutes before Baekhyun takes his leave.... and 10 minutes were all she had before Baekhyun escapes within her reach.
She had 10 minutes to present Baekhyun with a cupcake before he leaves empty-handed.
Apparently, her Sunday service took place an hour earlier because there was a baking class organized for the teenagers onwards and luckily for Miyoung, the whole event ended earlier than she had expected. Thus, she rushed home with a container that carried her freshly baked red velvet cupcakes that was also packed nicely. Her stomach churned at the thought of the mouth savouring every single bit of the pastry.
She hoped Baekhyun would like it.
Upon finally reaching her doorstep, she fished out for her house key in her pouch and she found it a nuisance because she was running out of the precious time.
She glanced downstairs and did a victory dance in her head at the fact that Baekhyun's pair of blue Converse shoes was still there. Baekhyun's still here! She suddenly felt like a little girl again.
“Thank you for today, hyung!”
“No problem, just remember to practice okay? Pay extra attention to your dynamics and your left hand for Canon in D has to be softer, got it?”
The door cracked open and Sungjong and Baekhyun came in view. Miyoung stopped rummaging in her messy pouch and lifted her head up to meet her classmate and her brother. Both teenagers just stared at each other blankly for moments before a perky Sungjong cut in.
“Noona!”
Baekhyun recoiled his hand from Sungjong's head which Miyoung took it that he had been playing with the younger's hair.
“I guess I'll see you next week, Sungjong-ah,”
“Yep, thank you agai- oh Noona, are those cupcakes? Can I have one?” Kids' attention spans were oh so short.
“Bye,” Baekhyun ruffled Sungjong's however with his eyes locked with Miyoung's. His eyes spoke affection and genuine care - there were no trance of aloofness and dislike. His elongated fingers lingered on Sungjong hair, she had noticed. She couldn’t help but smile at the warming sight. Baekhyun seemed to have like Sungjong a lot.
“Bye, hyung!”
Sungjong was right about Baekhyun being extremely nice towards him. He shuffled in the house with his bouncy hair and Miyoung grinned at the heart-warming sight. Baekhyun swaggered away from Miyoung with big strides and Miyoung remembered her purpose for rushing home.
“Baekhyun! Wait up!” She liked how his name rolled on his tongue - it had a foreign and exotic feeling. She saw him halt immediately but only turn around after much hesitance.
“What?” How cold.
Miyoung hurried to Baekhyun with a smile, still and passed him a cupcake, her still gasping for air and beads of perspiration on her forehead. Baekhyun’s expression softened at the supposedly abhorrent view but he felt that Miyoung was full of genuine. He saw a girl with true intentions and tried his best to refrain from smiling.
“Here, have it! I made it just now,” She took out a cupcake from the container and passed it to him with both hands. A proud beam was plastered on her face as she read his expression. Would he accept it? It was also sort of an apology gift for the other day when she eavesdropped at his playing.
“I don’t want it - I don’t have a sweet tooth,” which was weird because Sungjong had said that Baekhyun likes pastries and candies. Hence, was Baekhyun trying to be nice or did he really not want it?
“But, it’s for you,”
Miyoung didn’t know what was the reason that eventually led to Baekhyun accepting it with a thank you... It could be the disappointed puppy-dog eyes that caused him to relent or that he wanted to get rid of her as soon as possible. Whatever the reason was, Miyoung didn’t care. All she cared about was that he actually accepted the cupcake! However, he had to add, “If you think this is a way to bribe me to forgive you, then don’t bother because I’m going to throw this away.”
Miyoung prayed that he wouldn’t because she had specially made it for him and she had put all her heart in it to make it edible. Take note that she actually has absolutely no talent for baking.
After he had taken her leave, she went into her house and thought deeply as to why she wanted him to accept her cupcake so desperately. Wait, why did she even yearn for him to have it in the first place? And why would she be upset if he didn’t accept it? Was it really a plain apology gift? Or was it something else….?
She had no idea.
✈
Miyoung ran down the stairs upon realizing that she was going to extremely late for church and she would miss the singing of gospel if she didn’t hurry up. Discerning that she had snoozed her alarm clock for the nth time in her dreamy state, she jolted out of bed and got ready. She peeked at her watch warily and realized that it was 10:24am. Only 10:24am - and she was so tensed up though the starting of service only started at 11:00am. Rolling her eyes in frustration and also in relief, she dawdled down the stairs while letting out a huge loud yawn.
But her footsteps halted immediately when she was greeted by Byun Baekhyun sitting on the couch whom had put down his phone and now judging her at her unsightly manner. It was out of the norm to see your classmate you sort of fancy (Yes, she fancies him. Finally, she realizes) in your own living room, looking slick and perfect as ever while you look dishevelled. Pure embarrassment much.
“Erm…. hi?”
“Hey, Miyoung,” She felt something twitch in her heart and realized that it was a good feeling - Byun Baekhyun was the cause of it.
“I’m a bit early,” He scratched his head, “Sungjong is still getting ready so I’m stuck here. You’re going for church?” Inquiring, he glanced at his watch and realized that it was still very early.
Internally, Miyoung thought that Baekhyun has very poor time management - he was an idiot. Piano lessons were scheduled at 11am… and Baekhyun had already arrived so much before time. He was such a mysterious weirdo to her.
“Oh, Baekhyun, brunch is ready! Miyoung-ah, come have some food before you leave,” Miyoung’s mother appeared from the kitchen and placed plates of pancakes and sandwiches on the dining table. Both of them shuffled to the table awkwardly and expected a deadly awkward lunch.
“Baekhyun-ah, maybe you should come early every week to have brunch together. After all, you two are friends right? We’re family,” Her mother chirped merrily as she munched onto the sandwich.
Chuckling with genuine joy, Baekhyun nodded with an imperceptible blush on his face. However, Miyoung was stuck in a sticky situation of dilemma. Were they friends…? She didn’t know what their relationship could be labelled as. Friends? Acquaintances? Strangers….?
She buried the uncanny word “strangers” into the back of her mind because she would be thwarted if Baekhyun had only thought of her as a stranger. She concluded that they were friends - distant friends.
“Oh, and Miyoung?” Baekhyun whispered softly and Miyoung swore her skin tingled at his voice and her heart skipped a beat- she hoped that there was nothing wrong with her.
“The cupcake was delicious, I love it.”
I love it. I love it. I love it. I love you.
Miyoung’s heart fluttered at his statement with a bubbly feeling that started from her toes to the upper body. Although she really had no talent for baking and she even admitted that her cupcakes sucked to the bloody core because she herself had tried the ones she baked and she puked it out because it was too unbearable to be even forced down her throat.
♡
“4pm, tomorrow.”
Miyoung reread the pink card over and over again, each time attaining more clues and observations. Finally, she came to a conclusion that whoever had wrote the card had neat handwriting; the pen used was a ball-point and it was in the colour of blue; and at the bottom, it signed there: anonymous which had triggered her curiosity and brought it to a higher level. Also, she felt like tearing her hair out because she had no clue of who the person was.
And why in the world didn’t the person put an address or a damn location? Meet where? Fuck this, she cursed under the breath and chucked the card aside to her bed. She fell on her bed with a loud thud and let out a loud sigh. She found solace under the covers and gave her plushie a tight embrace.
“Do you know who it might be?” She inquired the inanimate bunny and knew she wouldn't be getting an answer or else she would scream at her talking toy. “And do you know where the place is because it wasn’t stated….”
“I think I know who it is but I don't want to get my hopes up. It might not be him but it might also be him. Oh, what do I do?” She snuggled her head into the plushie and a sigh escaped from her lips again. She was dying of curiosity and was deadly eager to find out the mystery.
She kicked her quilt aside and it lowered onto the floor. She muttered a sorry to her quilt and went down to get a bottle of strawberry milk as a stress reliever. Exiting the kitchen, her ears picked up a simple melody from the right - Sungjong’s little piano room. Since he was very into piano, their parents had specially assigned a room by the living room for him. He would have piano lessons with Baekhyun there every Sunday at 1000 sharp or earlier because Baekhyun always turns up earlier than scheduled. Sometimes, he would even have an early lunch or brunch with the Lee family but to Miyoung’s dismay, she wouldn’t be at home - she only had gotten to eat brunch with him together once but she felt overwhelmed when she remembered him telling her that he loved the cupcake that she had given him.
Though he could keep lying but that wasn’t what mattered then. All it mattered was that Baekhyun has never once left her mind and he has been driving her insane with all the thoughts of him.
“Sungjong,” she called out softly and proceeded to sit by the bench beside her brother.
“Ah, noona, I’m trying to compose a song but it’s not going well,” a cute pout formed on his lips as he carried on pressing the keys, trying to create a melody.
“Why are you suddenly composing? It’s hard, isn’t it?”
“Baekhyun hyung said it’s a challenge that we should accept. I’m composing this for you, Mummy, Daddy and hyung - hyung said composing a song for people you treasure is really touching so I want to try,”
Miyoung’s ears perked up at Baekhyun’s name and she inquired further, “So does Baekhyun compose his own pieces?”
“Yeah, he even played for me once and it was really nice,” Sungjong rested his fingers on the piano keys and kicked off with a C Major. While playing, he spoke with tenderness and warmth evident in his voice. “He dedicates this piece to the person he loves.”
Miyoung suddenly realized that the piece Sungjong had just played was the same song Baekhyun was playing the other day. No wonder he was so pissed at me, this piece was particularly composed for another person and I interrupted halfway in the process.
☂
Miyoung roamed around school, hoping to coincidentally meet the person who wanted to meet her. That would save all the trouble for her. It was impossible to find out where the location of the meeting was. It could be in school or anywhere outside.
She hoped it would in school or else it would be finding a pin in a haystack. Strolling down the half-empty hallway with a cup of coffee in her right hand, she glanced at her watch: 3:52pm. Having ended class about 10 minutes ago and gone to grab a soothing drink from the canteen, she was now wandering aimlessly in school. Antsy, she slurped down her coffee and took out her phone. The clock stated 3:54pm but a message diverted her attention from the clock.
Music room. - From an unknown number. Miyoung placed her hand on her chest, with her other one supporting her phone. With frozen legs, she felt a tug on her heart. Moments later, her lips curled into a bright smile because she finally realized what was happening. Excitement and elation bubbled in her heart and she lifted her hand to give her flustered red warm cheeks a brush.
Skipping to the music room with a risk of a paroxysm of emotions, Miyoung tried to compress her overflowing feelings and emotions. Calm your tits, he wouldn’t like to see you with a face as red as beetroot, Miyoung reminded herself and she picked herself up with poise and elegance from there.
Edgy, she clenched her fist into a ball as tight as possible and fidgeted with the hem of her pink blouse with her other hand. She was trying to cover up the evidence that she knew about the surprise before reaching the destination. If he was going to surprise her, then she had better play along to avoid his despondency. However, no matter how hard she compressed her spasm and her overwhelming feelings, there was one thing she was unable to epitomize - her smile.
Upon reaching the music room, she took in a deep breath and pushed open the door. A grin crept onto her face involuntarily and she didn’t bother hiding her delight. Baekhyun came into view - he propped himself in a straight posture and rubbed his hands together for luck that he would actually appreciate. Baekhyun bashfully flashed her quick smile over the piano and Miyoung beamed back, sensing his nervous twitching of his left eye and his lips being pressed and marked by his teeth.
Slowly and hesitantly, Baekhyun began playing with his face scrunched up in concentration and also in anxiety - for he absolutely did not want to screw up in front of the person he has liked for such a lengthy period of time. Plus, he had practiced his own composition for many weeks already. If he screwed up, then it would all be over.
Miyoung felt her lips curve into a huge genuine smile at the sight of Baekyun composing an original song for her. She found herself more relaxed and even swayed to the placid and gentle tune that rolled off the piano keys and bounced off the four white walls. Opening his mouth to sing, he glanced warily but tenderly at Miyoung and she melted at the eye contact. He let out a boyish smile that reached his crescent-shaped eyes.
She realized it was the same piece she had eavesdropped the other day. No wonder he was so pissed at her - she had ruined the surprise even way before she had guessed.
“Love will be our song
Let this love be known”
Miyoung was smiling from ear to ear, unable to hide her happiness and bliss. Feeling something stir in the deepest crevice of her heart, she thought as if Baekhyun was holding a string attached to her heart and was giving it a yank.
She focused on his heavenly voice and his beautiful talented musically inclined playing of the piano. The way he showcased his feelings and the emphasis on the lyrics made Miyoung’s stomach churn drastically and the way she had witnessed his magical fingers raced from octaves to octaves and all over the 88 piano keys made her feel like she was luckiest girl in the world for having someone so amazing, someone that she likes dedicate a song for her.
She listened to the lyrics that contained so much emotions and she knew Baekhyun meant every single word. Digesting every word in her mind, she mouthed the lyrics that she had remembered from that day.
“I'll make this clear
I will always be here
I love you I do I do
So smile you have me for life
I love you I do I do
I do”
I love you too, she whispered as she felt her heart swoon at the heartening words that came out from Baekhyun’s mouth. Beauty emanated from every word he sang. His voice spelled perfection and she didn’t know how one could be that remarkable and stunning.
“If you feel lost
Let me remind you that my love shines and I will always find you”
She didn’t even realize that she was tearing until she felt her cold tears roll down her cheeks and her tears had started to obstruct her view of beautiful Baekhyun. B for Beautiful.
“I love you I do I do
I do”
He ended the song gently and Miyoung’s ears picked up his awesome vibrato. He stood up and she ran to him and brought him into a tight embrace, so tight that he could only chuckle at her silliness. He elevated his hand up and gave her hair a little ruffle and returned the hug.
“How was it?” He spoke and the intimacy of them two sent chills down Miyoung’s spine. His warm breaths on her neck made her jump slightly. She was certain that her heartbeat was as loud and erratic as a pinball machine. She nuzzled her head into his broad chest and grinned brightly upon inhaling his musky boy scent.
Her fingers found their other matches and she grasped onto his flawless fingers and whispered, “I love your fingers and how mind-blowingly awesome you play the piano,” she heard the boy clear his throat shyly and chuckled, “That was extremely beautiful and lovely and you are so amazing and perfect… and I just- did you meant what you sang?”
She lifted her head and stared at Baekhyun’s brown hypnotizing orbs. “I meant every particular word I sang,” he nodded and smiled with redness attacking his ears.
“You’re so cute,” she giggled at the sight of bashful and coy Baekhyun.
“Do you know why I turn up early for piano lessons? That’s because I know you have church and I wanted to see you so I always come early in hopes to see you, even just for awhile. Truthfully, your cupcake wasn’t nice… But it touched my heart, knowing that you made it for me so I was really grateful so no matter how inedible the food you give me, I’m forever thankful and say it’s delicious because it really is - I can taste your hard work and genuine sincerity. And the other day, you eavesdropped me playing - actually, I was really pissed because you spoilt your own surprise and it was no fun anymore.”
Baekhyun chuckled slightly and Miyoung grinned at him, “And I need to apologise for the many times I was hostile towards you, I just didn’t know how to talk nicely to you. You know I’m awkward, right? I hope you can forgive me because I feel really guilty that you’re so nice to me and I’m such a jerk.”
Miyoung shook her head and told him that she never had once held a grudge against him. Reaching out for both of her hands, he brought it to his lips and pecked it softly. Moving away from her, he handed her a pink balloon out of nowhere and handed it over to her. Before she could even inquire his weird antics, he pointed to the ring that was attached at the bottom of the string. He searched for her eyes for permission and her face lit up at the sight of a ring. She nodded animatedly and almost burst into tears when he inserted the ring on her finger and it fitted on her just perfectly.
He bent down to match her eye level and whispered into her left ear, “There are two things I love most in this world besides my family. Piano keys and…. you. I love you, I really do.”
“I love you too,” she whispered back with confidence and kissed him on the lips lovingly; their lips sealed in the promise of an infinite love. Both of them held their breath and no one spoke, no words were needed.
Love is everything; Love is God's finest work of art; Love will be their guide through the darkness and difficulty -Baekhyun would be the light and Miyoung would be the guide.