The soft chime of piano notes flowed beautifully from the campus music practice room, echoing through the empty hallway. Jimin, who had just finished his dance class that evening, stopped in front of the glass door of the practice room. His eyes were locked on the figure sitting at the piano—a man with jet-black hair and strong shoulders, even though he was slightly hunched over, his fingers dancing gracefully over the keys.
"Who is he?" Jimin whispered to himself, captivated by the natural harmony of the man's playing. There was something indescribable in the melody, as if it carried a story left untold.
Unconsciously, Jimin kept watching, his gaze fixed on the fluid yet deeply emotional movement of the pianist's fingers. A mysterious aura surrounded him, as if the outside world ceased to exist whenever he was with his piano.
"Hyung! Why are you standing there like a statue?" Jungkook's voice suddenly shattered the silence, making Jimin jump in surprise. His best friend appeared out of nowhere, flashing his signature mischievous grin, his hands full with energy drink bottles.
"K-Kook, you scared me," Jimin muttered, quickly averting his gaze from the practice room, trying to act casual.
But Jungkook was too sharp. He followed Jimin's line of sight, catching a glimpse of the man inside before grinning knowingly. "Ohh… So this is what had you mesmerized? Don't tell me you have a crush on him, hyung?"
"What? No way!" Jimin denied immediately, his cheeks heating up.
"Just admit it, I won't tell anyone." Jungkook chuckled, crossing his arms. "But I get why you're drawn to him. He's got that effortlessly cool vibe… like…" He paused, thinking for a moment before snapping his fingers. "Like a tragic main character in a drama."
Jimin scoffed, but he couldn't deny Jungkook's words. The man inside the practice room did seem like someone with a deep story—someone layered with mystery.
"If you're that curious, just go in and introduce yourself," Jungkook suggested, nudging Jimin's shoulder playfully toward the door.
"I can't!" Jimin's eyes widened in panic. "I… I wouldn't even know what to say. Besides, he looks busy."
"Oh, come on, hyung! How is someone as persistent as you in dance class losing to a little nervousness? You need to be brave. If not now, then when?"
Jimin fell silent, weighing Jungkook's words. He stole another glance at the man inside, still completely immersed in his music. His heart pounded, but he knew Jungkook had a point. If he didn't take a step forward now, he might spend forever wondering.
Taking a deep breath, Jimin steeled himself. He stepped closer to the door, his hand hesitating just above the glass, ready to knock. But just before his fingers could touch it, the music stopped.
Yoongi—the name written on the schedule board outside the room—lifted his head for a brief moment, staring blankly at the small window on the door before standing up from the piano bench. He walked toward the corner of the room, tidying up a few music sheets.
Jimin panicked. He immediately took a step back, nearly bumping into Jungkook.
"Why are you backing out?" Jungkook whispered, half-laughing.
"I can't do it, Kook!" Jimin whispered back. "He's too… intimidating."
Jungkook let out a dramatic sigh, patting Jimin's shoulder with a teasing smirk. "Then let's make it our mission to hype you up, hyung. Nothing is impossible."
Jimin huffed, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He stole one last glance at the practice room before walking away with Jungkook.
Deep down, Jimin made a promise to himself—one day, he would muster the courage to approach that man.
But for now, he was content with remembering the way that piano sounded—how it captivated him—and how, for the first time, Yoongi made his heart race like this.