JAEHEE - The reflection of the sunset
The school festival was coming to an end and most of the students had gathered in the main courtyard for the closing bonfire. However, you had escaped the noise and were in the music room on the third floor, which was completely empty. You sat near the window, watching how the sky was tinged with orange and violet tones.
The living room door opened slowly, breaking the silence.
“Ah, I knew I would find you here” Jaehee said, poking her head out with a shy smile.
He was wearing an impeccable uniform, although he had taken off his tie and the sleeves of his shirt were slightly rolled up. In his hands he held two cans of cold soda. He walked towards you and handed you one of them.
“Thank you, Jaehee. Shouldn't you be downstairs with the rest of the group?” you asked, taking the can.
“Too many people for today” he admitted, sitting on the edge of the desk that was next to your chair “In addition, the committee had me running all day with the sound equipment. I needed a little peace... and a good conversation”
Jaehee looked at the grand piano that rested in the center of the living room. He got up, approached the instrument and pressed a couple of keys gently, letting the notes resonate in the empty space.
“Do you remember the melody we were practicing last week?” he asked, looking at you sideways with a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.
“Of course, although it was difficult for me to keep up in the second part” you replied, approaching too.
“Come, I'll show you how it was going” he said, making a space for you on the piano bench.
You sat next to him. Jaehee placed her hands on the keys and began to play a soft and leisurely melody. The sound was warm, fitting perfectly with the sunset light that came in through the window. As he played, his usually cheerful expression became concentrated and calm.
“Now you, enter the third half” he said in a low voice, without stopping playing.
You placed your hands next to his and began to play the accompaniment chords. Although at first you doubted a little, Jaehee's constant rhythm guided you easily. His hands crossed a couple of times on the keyboard, and in one of those transitions, his fingers brushed yours, sending a slight shock of nervousness down your arm.
They finished the piece at the same time, letting the last note vibrate in the air until it disappeared. The living room was silent again, but this time it felt different, much closer.
Jaehee removed her hands from the piano and turned to you, resting her back on the keyboard. He looked at you with a sincere smile, one of those that made his eyes narrow slightly.
“You see, it wasn't that difficult” he said, breaking the silence “You just needed a quieter environment. You play very well when you don't have the pressure of the whole class looking at you”
“It's easier when I play with you” you confessed, feeling that your cheeks warmed up a little under the reddish light of the dying sun.
Jaehee widened his smile and nodded softly, keeping your words in his mind. He got up from the bench and walked to the window, contemplating the last rays of light before night fell completely.
“The festival is over, but the music room will remain free on Mondays after classes” he commented casually, although his tone betrayed the expectation “We could continue practicing that song. What do you say?”
You looked at his silhouette cut out against the sunset sky and smiled, knowing exactly what your answer would be.
“It's a deal, Jaehee”