Signs ch8: Bold Signs Like This

Chapter 8: Bold Signs Like This

FEW MONTHS LATER

“Can you explain why must I sing here?” Agnes stared at David with big eyes.

“Seulong’s request.” He answered shortly.

“Of all cafés in Korea, why did he choose Bishounen Café?” she whined.

“Why don’t you go ask him by yourself? He suggested nonchalantly. “He’s next door.”

She rolled her eyes as she passed him by.

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Rounds of applauses were heard as Seulong and Agnes bowed.

Seulong always liked to talk to the audience at his live performance, and this performance wasn’t an exception.

“You all might have known that Agnes herself co-composed Sign. She said Bishounen Café and this song have a special story. What is it, Agnes?” he turned to her.

Agnes startled. Seulong did say at the backstage that they’re going to talk a bit about this song, but she didn’t expect he’s going to ask this.

“Well… My first live performance of Sign was in Bishounen Band’s monthly performance and I got the inspiration for Sign here. It’s mostly written here too. Actually, the Sign I made at the first time was quite different from the Sign now.” She was hesitated whether she should talk about Jinwoon or not.

“Oh, really? How is it different?”

I hate this punk. “It was kind of a song for dying people,” she laughed nervously. The visitors burst out laugh too. “And then my composer rearranged it to the Sign now.”

“I see. Ladies, the name of Sign’s composer is Jung Jinwoon. Absurdly, I found the name Jung Jinwoon too in the waiters list hanging there.” Seulong pointed the wall behind the bartender.

“Ah, they’re the same! Jinwoon the waiter is the composer! I remember watching him and Agnes playing piano singing this song!” a woman near the stage exclaimed out.

Seulong clapped his hands. “Can we have Jinwoon to be on the stage?”

His request made Agnes’ eyes bewildered. I swear I want to kill him right now!

Then here he was. He flashed his renowned eye smile that fluttered her heart once again. She could feel her knees went weak.

“So, Jinwoon, why did you compose such a song?” Seulong asked. Truthfully, half of Agnes wanted to know too. Was it really because of Aya?

“Basically, it’s because the girl I liked couldn’t discover my feelings to her, even though I gave her signs.” Jinwoon grinned.

“Oh, it must be hard for you…” Seulong commented. “But maybe your signs weren’t clear enough for her to read?”

Jinwoon nodded in approval. “I think so. That’s why I come to conclusion that I should show my feelings in an explicit way.” He made his way and turned Agnes to face him. The crowd started to make some “Aaaaaw~” noise.

“It’s me, the one who’s crying like a fool

I’m in the dark room all day and all night and it’s not alright

Why can’t you understand my heart?

My heart tightens as time passes…”

Agnes could feel her heart pounded crazily as he sang the first rap part of Sign. What the heck is he doing?

Jinwoon jumped to the second rap part. The crowd went crazier when he took Agnes’ hands and knelt down.

“Don’t neglect me, I want you by my side, side.”

He ended his singing and took a small box out of his pocket. “I’m sorry for not showing my feelings clear enough to you at those times.” He opened it and offered it to her. It’s a simple yet elegant platinum ring. “This bold sign means ‘I love you, Agnes, will you marry me? Will you spend the rest of your life with me?’” he looked straight into her eyes.

Agnes shuddered. Never had she imagined this to happen. Now what? What should I do?

Then Jinwoon flashed his most charming eye smile, which caused Agnes’ knees could no longer support her body. He caught her just in time. However, it led his face to be just a few cm from hers.

“I love you, too.” She whispered softly.

Again, he flashed his renowned smile before tilting his head to give her a sweet kiss.

Everybody in Bishounen Café cheered and shouted their congratulations.

He straightened his back and secured her in his arms. “From now on, there’ll only bold signs like this.” He whispered. “Jihoon hyung, I quit!” he shouted to the microphone in his hand.

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FLASHBACK — a couple weeks before

“Seulong hyung!” Jinwoon walked closer.

“Whoa, Jinwoon! I thought you have quit being a part timer here since the girl you like getting married.”

“I’m not that desperate, hyung.” Jinwoon pouted. “Actually, I was asked to be a co-composer for a regular customer who happens to be a foreign singer.” He said happily.

Seulong rolled his eyes. “And you fall in love with her, am I correct?”

“Hyung!” he punched Seulong's arm as he giggled. “What are you doing here, by the way? I thought you’re busy with promotion now.”

“Why? Can't I visit my cousin’s café in which my other cousin works too?”

“Sorry for making you wait so long. “ David went back to his seat in front of Seulong. He surprised to see Jinwoon sitting beside Seulong.

“Ah, David, this is my cousin, Jung Jinwoon, he’s a part timer in this café. Jinwoon, this is Mr David Muljoto, the manager of my duet partner.” Seulong introduced them.

David straightened his seat and faced Jinwoon. “Jinwoon, I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m really curious. What did you do that my sister suddenly agreed to replace your version of Sign with Seulong’s while she insisted to keep it no matter what just few moments before?” David’s question made Jinwoon’s and Seulong’s eyes went bigger.

“I don’t get what you’re talking about, David.” Seulong frowned.

“This Jinwoon is the composer of Sign. Agnes had already recorded it with him before. I could sense she fell head over heels to him before out of blue she wanted to erase him from her life.”

"Wha..." Jinwoon was taken aback. “Seulong hyung, do me a favor please.”

THE END

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I told you doesn't sound that cheesy :D

Tell meeeeeee if it's too lame that you can't stand to read it XD

Signs ch7: Here Comes The Time

Chapter 7: Here Comes The Time

Time passed by quickly if you didn’t pay attention to it, Agnes thought. Her training would be over in three weeks and she would fly back to her country to promote her almost-done album. She’s excited but at the same time she couldn’t deny there’s part of herself wanting to stay in Korea.

She examined Bishounen Café closely. Jinwoon had taken her orders and would be back in ten minutes. She saw a group of teenage girls chatted and giggled over Chansung. That quiet waiter had his own charms, even though Agnes found Junho was way prettier than him. Obviously, Jinwoon was the best of all.

This café is sure very special. You can flirt with any handsome men without worrying his girlfriend would attack you. She laughed at her thought. I wonder if I could find another one somewhere else.

“What are you looking at?”

Jinwoon’s voice snapped her out. He put down her orders. And I wonder if I could find someone like you.

“Nothing particular.” She smiled groggily. She noticed his voice was nasal and he didn’t seem well.

“Well, enjoy the food. I’ve got to serve the others. Gosh, we’re flooded by visitors tonight.” He wiped his forehead.

“Isn’t that good for you?” she chuckled.

“Of course, I know…” he rolled his eyes.

She stood and touched his forehead. “You got fever.” She gasped. “You should rest.”

“Yeah but as you see, the café is flooded by those people. I’ll talk to you again later.” He excused himself.

Agnes ate her food while glancing at Jinwoon every five minutes. She couldn’t take her eyes off him. You might say it’s only a common fever, but no girls wouldn’t exaggeratedly worry if the one they liked sick—even if he only felt a little dizzy.

Her phone rang when she was in the middle of watching him for the th time. David, her display said.

“Yeah, what is it, David?” she was always a to-the-point girl.

“Make sure you’ll be at JYPE building before 9 tomorrow morning. You have to record Sign again.”

“Isn’t the album in finishing process now? What is with this nonsense so suddenly?” She annoyed.

“Only an additional agreement we’ve put into our contract. JYPE wants you to collaborate with Seulong. He’ll release a new mini-album, which will be released in our country too. They want you and him sing Sign together. That song will be included in his new mini-album as well. You will participate on his album promotion, so you’ll fly—“

“But I have recorded it with Jinwoon! Do you by any chance forget that?” she cut him.

“You will rerecord it tomorrow, what’s so hard about that? This is a rare chance for you, Agnes, and if you ever heard saying said, a chance like this may not come twice.” So typical David.

“I’m not going to replace the previous version.” She said sternly.

“Agnes, we’ve signed the contract.” He stated the same firmly.

“YOU signed the contract.” She said as a matter of fact.

“Agnes, stop being immature!”

“I am not, David. You stop being so money-oriented. Sign was composed by Jinwoon, I have recorded it with Jinwoon, and I have performed it publicly with Jinwoon. I will include Sign as my duet song with Jinwoon in my album, that’s final.” She insisted.

“Why are you so defending Jinwoon? He won’t loss anything since he’s still noted as Sign’s composer so he’ll still receive the royalty. Even if you keep the previous version, we have to find another singer since he can't join your album promotion, right?” he paused to breath. “And it took me months persuading Mr. Park until he finally realized Indonesia is a more potential market for Seulong. Now that he offered you a golden chance which may not come twice, you want to let it slip away?” he paused again. “You sure know this is your dream. This is what all our hard work for.”

“David,” she sighed. “I am not changing the version. I’ll make sure Jinwoon will join the promotion too.” She talked in final note.

“Agnes Monica Muljoto, what the heck is wrong with your brain? Are you lost your mind because you fell in love head over toes on that Jung Jinwoon guy?” he asked furiously.

Agnes startled a bit. “I’ll hang up—“

“You know better than anyone why you shouldn’t let love involved in your work.” David then hung up.

Agnes cursed at her phone as if she was cursing at her brother. That time, she overheard Junho cried Aya’s name. She turned to the front door and saw her friend, pale, being hugged by Yong. Agnes waved to him as the two walked, gesturing she wanted Aya to sit with her.

“Long time no see, Nez.” Aya greeted her in weak voice.

“You didn’t contact me at all. When did you return to Korea? How’s your wedding preparation?”

Aya gave her weak smile. “It’s cancelled.”

Agnes looked at her in horror. “No way.”

“It is… His parents can’t accept a sick daughter in-law.” She uttered bitterly.

Agnes frowned.

“I have cancer, Nez. I may not make it to the end of the year.”

Agnes’ jaw dropped. “B-b-but doesn’t Jay love you so much? Don’t you two love each other?”

“He does. And I do. He opposed the cancellation. He said he loves me unconditionally, he wants to marry me no matter what.” Aya’s eyes were glistened. “But I don’t want him being burdened by taking care of the sick me. I don’t want him to be a widower…” she explained slowly. “So I agreed with his parents.”

“Oh, girl…” Agnes stroked Aya’s hair. She gasped when she saw her lost some hair.

“I don’t regret my decision, however, I miss Jay so much, really…” Aya started to sob. Agnes was about to pull her to her embrace when Jinwoon suddenly stood by their chair.

“Ugh... Finally Jihoon hyung gave me—Aya?” he jumped back a bit.

“Jinwoon…” Aya stood up and hugged him tight. She cried hysterically in her hug.

Agnes eyes grew bigger. She felt a hard pinch on her heart.

“What’s wrong? Hey, Aya, calm down, tell me what’s wrong?” he asked gently as he caressed her back.

“I have nothing now… I’m over…” she whispered between her sobs.

“Hey, hey, what are you saying? You have me. I’ll always be by your side. I’ll never leave you.” He hushed her.

That’s it. The time Jinwoon finished his sentence, Agnes’ heart shattered. He had always liked her all this time, and he still likes her. Why must I be surprised?

She pretended wanting to go to toilet and went to the garden. She sat at the bench and stared at the black sky. She cried silently.

Everyone knew her as a strong, tough, determined girl. People thought it’s hard to find a match guy for her. Only David and a few people around her knew that she’s helpless when it comes to love. In all her secret relationships, she was always the one being hurt.

She had decided she didn’t want to be hurt anymore when she moved to Korea. That’s why she put it aside at first. However, you don’t decide when, where, or whom would you fall in love.

She knew she shouldn’t let her feeling to Jinwoon developed or she’d suffer double pain as he fell in love with Aya. She tried to remind herself the possibility of her heart being broken. Unconsciously, that made her filled her new album with brokenhearted songs.

Her phone rang. It’s David again.

“Yes, David?” she tried to compose her voice.

“I have an offer. You may keep Jinwoon’s version but you still have to rerecord it with Seulong tomorrow. I think we can have two versions of Sign in your album.”

She took out long breath. “Fine, I’ll be at JYPE building at 8. And there’s no need to have two versions, you can remove Jinwoon’s”.

David sensed something wrong with his sister. “What is it now? That Jinwoon guy rejected you? He cheated on you?”

“We’ve never been in relationship, David.” She sniffed.

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Seulong here is a soloist. Really can't help my self from putting him in XD

Signs ch6: Are you brokenhearted?

Chapter 6: Are you brokenhearted?

Jinwoon suddenly became even busier after that Bishounen Band’s performance. He spent more times together with Agnes. David and the producer of Agnes’ new album watched his duet with Agnes and were satisfied. They decided to include that song in the album. Jihoon and David agreed adjusting Jinwoon’s shift to Agnes’ practice and recording schedule.

This busy feeling was new for him, but he enjoyed it very much. He liked music very much and he had been dreaming to be a real singer. Another reason he hadn’t fully realized: he had used to hang around Agnes that he started to feel uncomfortable if he hadn’t seen her for a day.

He began to hate Wednesdays and Thursdays because she never visited Bishounen Café on those days due to her practice schedule and he couldn’t visit her either since he had full classes till afternoon and night shift at Bishounen Café. Junho and his fellow friends often teased him as they found him unconsciously prayed for Mondays coming sooner because he’d spend almost all the day with Agnes.

She might be a girl who’s unable to start conversation with people she didn’t really know, but once she felt comfortable with someone, she would be a very good companion. He figured that out after several times going out with her. Instead of being a knight who protects and does all the hard things for the princess, Jinwoon felt he had found a match partner when she’s by his side.

He didn’t know whether he were over Aya or not. People said first love never dies. However, her absence in his life didn’t feel like a big loss anymore. He didn’t feel any sting when he heard David said she had flown to her country to take care things for her wedding.

“Jinwoon, listen this.” Agnes pulled out an earphone to him when he served her order. “Something’s not right, but I can't figure out what it is.” She said. “Ah, so frustrating, I’ve been working on this song since yesterday that I’m lacking sleep.” She leaned back.

“You look tired.” He said as he sat next to her and plugged the earphone to his left ear.

“I’m all worn out.” She sighed. “Hurry, listen to it and tell me which part you think is the problem. My producer wants to exclude it from my album, but I have feeling I have to include this song. However, I know I have to fix it first and I need arguments to argue him but my brain is too tired to think while I need those things immediately so that’s why I need your opinion.” She explained in a breath. “Oh, I really need to sleep…” she whispered.

“My brain can't think any of good solutions in a tick. I have to think about it over and over. For the sake of time efficiency, you may sleep while I’m thinking.” He teased.

“Shut up.” She mumbled. Well, I have nothing to do while he is thinking. Guess five minutes sleeping won’t hurt.

He was in serious thinking when he felt something heavy on his shoulder. He turned to his left and grinned seeing Agnes’ sleeping pose. You may hurt your neck, girl. He pulled her to his embrace and placed her head on his shoulder. I thought you can't seem frail. He tidied her hair.

Since the first time he met her, she’s always looked strong. She pulled out her best on things she decided to do. She’s a little egoist, to be honest. She didn’t really listen to one’s suggestion on her work if she didn’t really have respect on them. Well, she hadn’t shown much expressions in front of him. They were limited to tough and full of passion looks only. He knew her career was good back there and she’s financially steady. Issues back then said she’s too independent that she needed no man in her life. Wonder why suddenly you wanted to fill up your new album with brokenhearted songs. Are you brokenhearted?

Jinwoon was taken aback with his thought. He stared at her closed eyes. “Do you fall in love with someone?” he asked weakly.

Signs ch5: Duet Song?

Chapter 5: Duet Song?

Agnes returned to the café two weeks after the day she handed Jinwoon her musical score. That Saturday night was a week before Bishounen Band’s monthly performance. Some waiters who would perform next week did some practice. This was also one of Bishounen Café’s appeals. At times like this, all waiters including part timers would work because there would be plenty of visitors—and that Saturday night wasn’t an exception.

“Jinwoon, Agnes has come.” Chansung called him. Jinwoon stopped playing drums. His face lightened. He grabbed some papers near him.

“Over here, girl!” he waved the papers. He dragged another chair to the piano.

“You’ve finished it?” Agnes sat next to him and checked the score. Sign, she read the title. “Wow, you filled the lyrics—hey, you changed almost all notes!” she protested and pouted.

He grinned. “Listen first, you’ll like it. Trust me.” He then played the song and transformed into sorrowful mode.

Slowly, her pout replaced by serious expression. Jinwoon did what he said. It wasn’t a song for dying people anymore, but still a brokenhearted song. He fastened the tempo. As his fingers danced on the piano keys, he sang the lyrics. He added some raps. The visitors’ attentions were slowly set on him. Agnes stared at him, examined his expression closely. He was really looked sad. Here comes those eyes from that day, she sighed. Are you that brokenhearted because of her? She felt the same mixed emotions came. Wanted to distract her thought, she joined him playing the piano and singing the last chorus.

People clapped hands when they finished singing. He faced her. “So?” he tilted. He had returned to his cheerful side.

“Well…” she nodded continuously. “You’re right, I like this. Very heartbreaking. Totally.” She whispered the last three words.

“Jinwoon, I think you should perform this song next week. You see, their responses are good.” Jihoon, the café manager commented. He always checked upon Bishounen Band’s practices.

“I’d love to, but this is a song of her, so…” he scratched his head.

“That’s okay, you rewrite the whole song, anyway.” She pouted jokingly. He pushed her lightly.

“I mean you perform it together with Agnes. Make this a duet song, I think that’ll be great. What do you think, Agnes?” Jihoon offered.

Her eyes grew bigger. “I’ve never thought of it as a duet song…”

“This will be a good opportunity for you too, your singing career. I’ll talk to your manager, is that okay?”

Ah, and you can tell how David will quickly approve this offer, she smiled.

Jihoon concluded Agnes agreed with his offer judging from her smile. “Guess you two need more time to practice together, then.” He patted Jinwoon’s shoulder.

Signs ch4: Can't You See My Signs?

Chapter 4: Can't You See My Signs?

After closing the café up, Jinwoon sat in front of the piano and read Agnes’ musical score for the th time. He got permission to stay up. That night he’s planning to rearrange the whole song.

He played the score, stopped, mused for a while, played the piano again, and then crossed out something on the paper. He swung his head to the rhythm as he played the piano. The times he got stuck, he tapped his fingers to the piano keys.

An hour later, Jinwoon played the whole parts he had rearranged. He tilted his head when he pressed the last key. It feels dry, he thought. The first arrangement had the feel of broken heart, but what is this? If I weren’t the arranger, even I myself wouldn’t know it’s a brokenhearted song. He sighed.

Once again, he read the chores. Agnes had written only the chorus part.

Can't breathe, it’s a mayday

Heart hurts, it’s a mayday

Time goes and flies by

Can you hear my sign?

Please look at me for one last time

I once shined but now I’m different

And I couldn’t say anything

And she said it’s about broken heart. He tapped the piano keys again. Speaking of broken heart… his mind examined himself. He was still in brokenhearted state, by the way. His love was ended before he could confess. Blame yourself for being coward all these times, said a voice in him. But couldn’t she sense my feelings towards her? Another voice countered. How could you expect her to find your feelings out while you’d been masking them oh-so-perfectly? mocked the first voice. But I did give her signs… Couldn’t she see my signs?

“That’s it!” Jinwoon exclaimed and hit the piano. Somehow spirits had filled him up and forced him to play the song in totally different notes. Sometimes he paused to write down the notes or the lyrics.

It’s me, the one who’s crying like a fool

I’m in the dark room all day and all night and it’s not alright

Why can't you understand my heart?

My heart tightens as time passes

Signs ch3: Lovely Side Job

Chapter 3: Lovely Side Job

Jinwoon tried his best to seem not bothered by the news. He managed to pass the phase when his fellows stared at him with pitiful look. They knew he’s fallen for her since the first time he saw her in the café. He still flashed his renowned smiling eyes to everyone every time. One who took a good look on him would know that most of those smiles were fake smiles. However, his fellows decided Jinwoon was going to be okay because he’d found a new side job he loved: co-composing songs.

Recently Agnes had been hanging out alone at Bishounen Café more often than ever. She would stay for two hours or so, order either mineral water or chocolate milk, and busy herself writing musical notes. She was composing songs for her new album. Jinwoon suggested this and that for her—he once joined bands back in his high school time but he quitted after he graduated. He had always had deep interest in music. Eventually, his music preferences were similar with Agnes’.

Jinwoon got the manager’s permission for Agnes using the café’s musical instruments. None played those instruments except Bishounen Band and they only performed on the last Saturday every month. On his break time, Jinwoon would play either guitar or drum to accompany Agnes playing piano. Sometimes they played piano together.

“A new song?” Jinwoon peeked on the paper Agnes was writing.

Agnes gave quick nod. “Yeah. This café is sure a better place to seek for inspirations. I always get stuck easily in my apartment and practice room.” She continued writing as she tapped her fingers following the rhythm from earphone plugged in her left ear.

Jinwoon put down a glass of mineral water. Since he’s been Agnes’ default waiter—Junho persuaded the others to make him this—he knew very well that if Agnes had ordered mineral water on her last visit, then on the current visit she’d order chocolate milkshake, and on the next visit she’d order mineral water again. It’s been regular so Jinwoon didn’t have to ask what she wanted to order.

“Do you bring the song-you-finished-before-this-song’s musical score? I want to play it. You hadn’t finished it on your last visit.”

She scanned papers in her bag then handed some papers to Jinwoon. “Tell me your opinion.”

Jinwoon went to the piano and played the song. The song was sad, totally sad. Its slow rhythm gave an impression of a ripping heart. It sounded like someone who was in the weakest state and couldn’t even ask for help, but still trying to cry out for help. Jinwoon felt gloomy filled up his soul and shivered.

“Yah Agnes, have you by any chance just broken up with your boyfriend or what?” he complained as he sat in front of her.

She stopped writing and unplugged her earphone. “So, how is that song?”

“Sounded like a song for dying people.” He pouted. “It wasn’t like this before!”

“I’m trying to make it as a song for the brokenhearted. It should be that sad, shouldn’t it?”

“Then it’ll be just another mere brokenhearted song. Oh come on, it didn’t even fit your image.”

“I once had a song like this, and it’s quite popular.” she countered.

“Yeah, the single song of your last mini album which wasn’t as successful as the others.” He reminded. Jinwoon did some research on her the night she agreed to let him co-composing her songs and listened to all her previous songs.

Agnes grunted.

“Let me rearranged this one. I promise it’ll still be a song for the brokenhearted, but it won’t be this desperate.” He offered.

She raised her eyebrow. “Are you kidding me?” She had never liked anyone trying to rearrange her own songs.

“Yah, yah, you agreed to have me co-composing your songs, remember? I’m doing my job.”

She grunted again. “Fine, but I don’t think I’m gonna use your composition.”

“Of course, you will.” He smiled victoriously.

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Signs ch2: Those Teary Eyes

Chapter 2: Those Teary Eyes

To her surprise, the photo shoot could be finished earlier so that Saturday afternoon Agnes had returned to Korea. Even though no one invited her, she was curious to see Bishounen Band’s performance, especially Jinwoon’s.

It was 7.30 pm when she arrived at Bishounen Café. Silently she slipped in the crowd. Tables with best view to the stage were all seated. Agnes managed to get a chair in front of the bartender. The view wasn’t good, but she could see Jinwoon clear enough from the spot.

His voice was deep, but not that deep and not a husky one. Although he only wore simple sky blue shirt and black jeans, he’s still as gorgeous as ever. Agnes noticed he didn’t take off his smile along his performance. She could tell whom his gaze was landed on most of times: Aya. Her heart stung a bit, but she tried to focus on his performance and ignored it.

Round of applause was heard as he bowed to the audience. Agnes was walking towards him when she saw Aya talked to him.

“Why didn’t you tell me you have that wonderful voice? You’ve never sung for me too.” She pouted.

“Well, you’ve never asked me…” he smiled shyly.

“Then you have to sing at my wedding!” she exclaimed happily.

Agnes automatically stopped. Did I hear right?

“Y-your w-wed-wedding?” Jinwoon stuttered. He looked confused.

“Yes.” Aya smiled widely. She introduced the man sitting next to her. “Jinwoon, meet my fiancé, Jay. We’ve just engaged last week.”

Jinwoon shook Jay’s hand awkwardly. “Nice to meet you.” Jay said.

“Nice to meet you too.” Jinwoon faked a smile. “Congratulations on your engagement.” He added.

Aya spotted Agnes’ figure standing a few steps away. “Agnes? Hey, Agnes, is that really you?” she tilted her head.

Snapped out, Agnes continued her walk. “Hi.” She greeted them.

“I thought you are still in Indonesia. Why are you here?”

“The photo shoot ended early. David said I shouldn’t paused training too long and sent me back. He didn’t fly back with me so I skipped practice tonight and… here I am.” Agnes shrugged.

“Tsk, David… Ah, by the way, this Jay is my fiancé.” Aya chuckled and hugged Jay’s left arm.

Agnes slapped Aya’s arm. “How could you two didn’t tell me you’re dating? Don’t you consider me as your old classmate?”

“I didn’t know you two are working together here.” Jay said evasively.

“You didn’t ask.” Aya added shortly.

“I eavesdropped to your conversation before and I heard you’ll get married soon. When and where will the wedding be held?” asked Agnes.

“The parents are still looking for the date.”

From her eyes corner, Agnes could see Jinwoon was getting uncomfortable with the topic. “Guys, I think I should go. The band needs me.” He excused himself. Agnes stared his back slowly disappearing in the crowd with mixed emotions. Stung, mad, disappointed, yet sad.

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Signs ch1: Those Smiling Eyes

Chapter 1: Those Smiling Eyes

Singing has been the thing Agnes like the best ever since she was born. She is a singer now, famous and respected as a talented one. Her career is good, her albums and singles were sold above 500,000 copies in average—except her last mini-album. It was released six months ago and sold around 200,000 copies. Truthfully, it was good enough for singers at her age. However, David, her manager who’s also her elder brother, didn’t think so. The market was more into bands, he thought, and he came to conclusion that she needed some breakthrough.

An invitation for Agnes to sing in Asia Song Festival that was held in Korea was the beginning of his plan on her breakthrough. Somehow, he assigned her to a well-known major agency, JYPE, to get special training. So there she is, working out her body to satisfy her manager’s ambition—and hers, in fact. The switching from somebody in her country to nobody in this country wasn’t easy, but she had never complained about it.

Being trained for almost half a year, she got used to her new life well. Breakfast - singing practice - dancing practice – lunch - language course - dancing practice - singing practice – dinner – singing practice was her usual routine. With that schedule, how could she visit Bishounen Café so often? Well, if you had an assistant named Aryani Sutowo, it would be very much possible.

Aya, that’s how she is called, was an old friend of Agnes back then. She has been a regular visitor to Bishounen Café since her family moved to Korea when she was in Middle High and was crazy about its sweets. The fact that it’s located only 500 m away from the agency building gave her reason to drag Agnes to Bishounen Café every time she had chance, like this time.

“Welcome-“

“Yo! Chans, how are you?” Aya cut him off. Side by side with Chansung, she walked to a table near the garden. Agnes followed them quietly. Not long after the two sat, another waiter popped up to greet Aya.

“Where have you been? You haven’t visited us for a long time.” He stood by the table.

“Don’t exaggerate, Junho! It’s just a week!”

Agnes knew Aya made friends with all waiters and chefs and even the manager of the café. All those good-looking waiters treated her as if she’s one of them. However, Agnes noticed someone’s gaze upon Aya was more than that. His smiling eyes said his feelings and it’s slightly clear to read that for him, Aya was a princess. It’s a big lie if Agnes said she’s not bothered by it—since she’s used to be the princess for everyone back then. Yet her manager’s big plan and her tight schedule—and her haughtiness—made her put it aside.

Jinwoon, the waiter with those smiling eyes joined their table a moment later. It wasn’t the time to eat nor have tea so there were only a few people in the café and the waiters could have short break. “So, what you two are doing now?” he asked.

“Basically, I help her doing things as usual.” Aya sipped her drink. “She’s flying home tomorrow to do photo shoot and performance, right Nez?”

Agnes nodded.

“Ah, that means you’re going to miss Bishounen Band’s performance again, Aya?” Yong asked. “You know, Jinwoon will be the main vocal in the next performance.” He added.

“EH? Really? You’re main vocal, Jinwoon?” Aya shocked and got excited. Jinwoon smiled widely. Her eyes widened. “I will not miss it!” she exclaimed.

Jinwoon raised his eyebrow. “You said Agnes will fly home.”

“She is, but I’m not.”

Agnes could see sparkle on his eyes when Aya said she’s not flying home with Agnes. 'Crap that smiling eyes!'

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