******
The first few days at Willow Heights felt like a blur for Na-young. between finding our classes, navigating the sprawling campus and trying to blend into the sea of designer clothes and polished shoes, she had little time to think about much else. Still, the brief encounter with Ji-ho Yoon lingered in her mind like a song couldn't quite forget. By Friday, Na-young had settled into something of a routine. She spent her lunches alone, studying or catching up on assignments in the library, where did towering shelves provided her with some much needed solitude. it was easier that way-no awkward stares or forced conversations. As the bell rang signaling the end of another day, Na-young gathered her books and headed towards the music building. Despite her desires to keep a low profile she couldn't resist the pull of the school's music room. Before Willow Heights, Na-young I'd only ever practice on an old keyboard which you found at a thrift shop. The thought of playing on a real piano, with it's ivory keys and perfect resonance, made her heart race with anticipation.
She walked into the dimly lit music hallway grateful for the silence. The grand piano sat in the middle of the room, untouched since she has seen Ji-ho playing it earlier that week. Na-young hesitated for a moments settling her booksbdown and running a finger lightly over the keys. The feeling was describable.
She sat down, pressing a single note, then another, slowly easing into a melody she had memorized years ago.
Lost in the music, Na-young didn't notice when the door correct open behind her. It wasn't until she heard a soft chuckle that her fingers froze mid- chord.
"Not bad,''
Na-young spun around to see Ji-ho leaning against the door frame, his arms crossed. His expression was amused, but his eyes were sharp, watching her closely. "I - I didn't know anyone was here," she stammered, standing up quickly feeling embarrassed for being
caught.
Ji-ho raised an eyebrow "why stop? it's not like you are breaking any rules," He walked over to the piano, sitting down on the bench beside her as if it were the most natural thing to do in the world. "Play," he said gesturing to the keys.
Na young hesitated. There was something about the way he looked at her,as if he was testing her, waiting for her to mess up. But despite the nerves tightening in her chest,she couldn't walk away now.
Taking a deep breath,she placed her fingers on the keys and begun to play. The melody was simple but her heart poured into every note. As the music filled the room,Na Young forgot about Ji Ho sitting beside her, forgot about the unfamiliarity of the grand piano. For those few minutes,it was just her and the music.
When the last note faded,Na Young glanced at Ji Ho. His expression has shifted,no longer amused,but thoughtful. He stared at the keys,his fingers brushing lightly over them.
"You've got talent," he said,his voice quieter than before."But you're holding back."
Na Young blinked,taken aback."What do you mean?"
Ji Ho leaned forward, playing a quick succession of notes with effortless precision.
"You're playing it safe."
Na Young frowned."Not everyone has the luxury of taking risks."
He looked at her then,his gaze intense.
"Sometimes,you have to make your own."
The words hung in the air between them. Heavy with meaning. Na Young didn't know what Ji Ho was trying to say_ or maybe she did,but didn't want to admit it.
Either way,his words echoed in her mind long after he stood up, leaving her alone once again with the grand piano and a melody she wasn't sure how to finish.