The days that followed felt brighter for both Jungkook and Chaeyoung. They had exchanged numbers before parting ways, and their conversations carried on through texts-about music, books, and their dreams. Each message felt like a thread weaving their lives closer together. Yet, neither of them had suggested meeting again, both hesitating, unsure if they were moving too quickly.
Jungkook sat in his small apartment, strumming his guitar absentmindedly. The melody Chaeyoung had played that night still echoed in his mind. It had inspired a tune of his own, a soft ballad laced with longing and the bittersweet beauty of fleeting moments.
Unable to resist, he grabbed his phone and recorded a snippet.
> *"This is what you inspired. Not perfect yet, but I couldn't help thinking of that song you sang."*
He hit send before he could overthink it, his heart thumping in anticipation. Minutes later, his phone buzzed with a reply.
> *"Jungkook... this is beautiful. You made this?!"*
> *"I had some help,"* he typed back, grinning.
> *"If you mean me, I call that a collaboration,"* she replied, adding a winking emoji. *"I want to hear the whole thing someday."*
> *"How about tomorrow? I'll bring my guitar, and we can share some music."*
For a moment, there was no response, and Jungkook worried he'd overstepped. But then her reply came.
> *"Deal. Meet me at Han River Park at 5?"*
The next evening, Jungkook arrived at the park, his guitar slung over his shoulder. The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sprawling green space. Chaeyoung was already there, seated under a tree with her own guitar. She waved when she saw him, her smile lighting up the moment.
"Hey," she greeted as he approached. "I wasn't sure if you'd show up early or late."
"Early," he said with a laugh. "I didn't want to risk missing this."
They settled under the tree, their guitars resting between them. For a while, they simply played, sharing snippets of songs and unfinished melodies. The river shimmered nearby, and the air was filled with the distant hum of laughter and passing conversations.
"I think your melody needs lyrics," Chaeyoung said after Jungkook played his latest tune. "Something about connection... about two people finding each other in a big, chaotic world."
"Like us?" he teased, though his voice carried a hint of sincerity.
Her cheeks flushed, and she laughed softly. "Maybe."
They worked together, their ideas bouncing back and forth effortlessly. Jungkook marveled at how seamlessly their creativity blended, as if they were always meant to make music together.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, their song was nearly complete. Chaeyoung hummed the final note, her eyes meeting Jungkook's in the twilight.
"This feels special," she said quietly, her voice almost drowned out by the soft rustling of the leaves.
"It is," he replied, his gaze steady. "Because of you."
For a moment, neither of them spoke, the unspoken emotions hanging in the air. Then Chaeyoung broke the silence with a playful grin. "Come on, let's play it from the top. One more time before we call it a night."
As their voices mingled with the strumming of their guitars, Jungkook felt an unfamiliar but welcome warmth spread through him. He didn't know what the future held, but tonight, with Chaeyoung by his side, it felt like the beginning of something extraordinary.
---
End of chapter 3
