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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Love in the Ice

The weather was hot. I went to the nearest cold beverages machine. I got two cans as Changmin wanted one. Then I saw him.

He’s walking to the machine too. I examined his figure. He gained more weight.

He froze ten steps away from me.

His player yet warm look then removed by an awkward one. I swore, our fans would still be swooned even with that face.

I didn’t expect to meet him here. I knew he’s in Korea to film, but I didn’t know the set was around here. We’ve never been able to wander around without guards even with disguise--or are they able now?

None of us said a word. We were in awkward silence until Changmin came whining.

“Hyung, where’s my--“ he also frozed seeing him. “Yoochun hyung…” he said faintly.

“Oraenmanieyo.” Yoochun bowed slightly.

Changmin and I bowed back. “Oraenmanieyo.”

We haven’t seen each others for months and all we said was only ‘long time no see’. One could tell how much I wanted those precious times back.

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Oh yeah, I know this theme is sensitive.

How I Become A Key

Kekekeke~ silakan ketawa kalo merasa drabble ini lucu, tapi kalo nggak lucu mohon jangan tabok saya #hidesbehindKey

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"Why did you vote for Jinwoon instead of me? His rap isn't even nearing me and he can't dance at all! Are you MY friend or HIS friend? Do you find him charming?"

She only rolled her eyes.

"Why didn't you give your vote to me? You know how much I dreamed to be school representative at this?"

"I know Kim Kibum, you told me a thousand times."

"Then WHY?"

"Because you can't join that competition."

"WHY?"

"Because you'll have been busy doing exhausting training in SM Entertainment by the time the competition held."

"W-what?"

"They sent the letter of acceptance this morning. I took it from your mailbox, sorry... I was checking your newspaper as usual when I waited for you coming out of the house then I found it and I wanted to suprise you."

"I... I... Oh my goodness, thank you God!"

"I hope you won't forget me once you become famous celebrity."

"Of course I won't!"

"And Kibum, I've created a stage name for you."

"What is it?"

"KEY."

"Key?"

"Yes, Key."

"Why Key?"

"Because you are the Key to my heart."



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This is supposed to be cheesy, so don't throw up, please :D

Lean on Me

Aku mendorong pintu kamar sedikit.

Seperti yang sudah kuduga, Shiwon sedang bekerja di tempat tidur. Ia berkutat dengan laptop di pangkuannya. Beberapa kali ia membetulkan letak kacamatanya yang turun.

Aku memandanginya lekat.

Shiwon adalah orang yang luar biasa sibuk. Ia bekerja sepanjang hari dan masih harus melanjutkan pekerjaannya di rumah. Ia pergi ke kantor pagi-pagi setelah menurunkanku di kos Lolli-chan. Meskipun ia selalu tiba di rumah lebih dulu dariku, tetapi ia harus berjibaku dengan ganasnya jalan raya dan macet yang menguras tenaga. Pekerjaannya memang hanya di dalam ruangan saja dan tampak tidak membutuhkan banyak tenaga, tetapi aku tahu ia harus memutar otak lebih keras dari orang-orang lain di kantornya.

Dengan semua keadaan itu, Shiwon masih bisa tersenyum setiap kali aku memanggilnya. Ia berusaha untuk mendengar cerita dan keluhanku dengan penuh perhatian. Sekuat tenaga ia menahan diri agar tidak menguap di hadapanku walaupun aku bisa dengan jelas melihat kelelahan tergambar di wajahnya. Jika ia benar-benar tidak kuat menahan kantuk, ia akan meminta maaf lalu membiarkanku melanjutkan cerita sementara ia tertidur di bahuku.

Dan lihatlah aku sekarang.

Shiwon tak pernah sekalipun mengeluh atas banyaknya pekerjaan yang harus ia selesaikan atau betapa menyebalkan bos dan koleganya. Aku? Baru menghadapi orang-orang banyak tingkah itu saja aku sudah disorientasi. Baru menghadapi tugas beruntun dan keharusan berpartisipasi dalam sekian banyak kegiatan itu saja aku sudah patah arang. Baru menghadapi tekanan sebesar itu saja aku sudah sangat ingin kembali ke zona nyamanku.

Aku memandangi Shiwon dengan nanar. Perasaanku campur aduk.

Shiwon berhenti menatap layar laptopnya dan menoleh kepadaku. Secara otomatis ia mengembangkan senyum lembutnya.

Aku tidak bisa lagi menahan emosiku. Mataku mulai berkabut.

Shiwon meletakkan laptopnya di nightstand dan menyingkirkan berkas-berkasnya. Ia menepuk-nepuk kasur di sebelahnya.

“Come here, my dear.”

Aku menghambur ke dekapan Shiwon. Napasku memburu seperti orang yang menangis, tetapi aku tidak menangis. Mataku hanya berkaca-kaca, tapi aku tidak menitikkan air mata.

Shiwon mengelus dan menepuk punggungku perlahan. Aku merasakan kehangatan menjalar ke seluruh tubuhku. Perlahan-lahan napasku menjadi teratur.

“You know, everything happens for a reason.”

Aku mengangguk-angguk.

“You know too that you can always come to lean on me.”

Aku mengangguk-angguk lagi. Kemejanya kusut karena anggukanku berulang-ulang.

Aku menghela napas panjang. Mataku mulai berair.

Mengapa aku harus takut kalah dan ingin melarikan diri? Padahal aku tidak akan pernah benar-benar terluka. Aku mungkin akan jatuh dan merasakan sakit, tetapi tidak akan lebih dari itu. Shiwon tidak akan pernah mengizinkan aku terluka. Pada akhirnya pun, aku harus selalu kembali padanya.

Jadi kenapa aku harus menyerah atas hal ini?

Shiwon menepuk-nepuk punggungku untuk meredakan isakan tanpa suaraku. Ia mengecup kepalaku.

“You know you have me.”

Aku mengangguk-angguk.

Thank God I have you.

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Try to guess what is Shiwon's relationship with the main character? ㅋㅋㅋ