"Okay. That would be all for today. Class is dismissed," Taeil satisfyingly announced to his students.
"By the way, don't forget your final project," he added as he closes the piano's fallboard.
"And, you will be p-"
"-performing at the school's auditorium for the whole school to see," his students cut him off. This made Taeil face the class with a confused look.
One student spoke. "Mr. Moon, you don't have to tell us that everyday. It makes us more pressured." One by one, students nod their heads in agreement.
Taeil felt the sudden drop of the once happy atmosphere of the class.
A sigh escaped his lips. Then he smiled.
He clapped his hands to get their attention.
"I'm sorry for reminding you of it everyday," he started. "I never thought that it gives you an additional pressure. But I know that you'll do good on your finals. Actually, you are all getting better every day."
He got up from his red cushioned seat and moved closer to the class. "And remember this..." Flashing an encouraging smile, he said, "...just enjoy your performance."
And with that, the whole atmosphere lightened up. Everyone was saying they'll do their best and will surely enjoy their performance.
Soon, the room was empty after the students left one by one.
Taeil followed after collecting his score sheets and went to the faculty room to get his things.
He now proceeded to his usual walk to Mr. Gonzalez's restaurant for his part-time job. The restaurant is just three blocks away from the school and one will only take 20 minutes to reach it by foot.
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As usual, the streets are flooded with many people going home either from work or school or just having a walk or going to another job just like him.
As he traversed the busy street, Taeil suddenly remembered how he started to work at the restaurant.
It started after his graduation.
"Oh. Is that young boy, Taeil?," Mr. Gonzalez asked Mrs. Moon in awe.
"Yes, he is. It's a long time since you last saw him." Mrs. Moon answered with enthusiasm. She looked at the boy who was passionately playing the piano. A smile adorned her face.
"Taeil, can you come here for a second? I have someone to introduce you." Mrs. Moon called the boy who just finished playing the piano.
"Robert, this is Taeil." Mrs. Moon gestured towards Mr. Gonzalez. "Taeil, he is Mr. Robert Gonzalez, a close friend of your father. He owns the Italian restaurant where your father used to perform."
Taeil, trying not to be awkward, extended a hand to greet the man. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir."
Mr. Gonzalez took his hand for a shake. "So formal," he commented with a smile.
"Will you perform at my restaurant?" Mr. Gonzalez was still taking ahold of the boy's hand and he noticed that it suddenly loosened after hearing his offer. He then let go of his hand.
A total shock was written all over Taeil's face. Same as with his mother but immediately regained it.
"B-but... I'm not that good. It would be bad for your restaurant," Taeil hesitantly replied. "Also... I don't know if I could be as good as my father." He lowered his head not letting the man see his confused face.
"You know what, that's what your father told me when I said the same words back then." Taeil lifted his head, eyes widened.
"But the customers and guests immediately loved him after his first performance. And, I know that he really loved playing the piano." Mr. Gonzalez smiled recalling the memories of his good friend.
With just those words, Taeil felt how his father was really loved even though he doesn't have that many memories with him.
He suddenly turned his head to face his mother when he felt her hand grasped his arm.
"Only if you want." A small smile was seen in her face which somehow encouraged him. Though still confused, there's a part of him that wants it, but he's not that confident.
"I'll think about it, sir." Taeil faced Mr. Gonzalez. "Can you give me at least after our graduation day?" Since graduation day is not that long.
"I'll take your word for that. I know you'll come up with a great choice." Mr. Gonzalez answered with a wink.
Since that day, Taeil has thought of the offer thoroughly. He wanted to give it a try. More importantly, he wanted to feel how his father felt when performing for a crowd and relive his father's memory through playing the piano. This was the main reason why he loved the piano.
Then, the graduation day came and Taeil decided to accept Mr. Gonzalez's offer.
He's still not sure if he'll be good at this but he wanted to discover it himself.
He doesn't know if his father would be happy with his decision, but his mother assured him that he'll probably be more proud.
"Good evening, Taeil," a charming waiter greeted as he entered the restaurant.
"Oh, Jungwoo. Good evening," he replied with a surprise. "Are you feeling better now? I heard you have been absent for a while because you were sick," he questioned.
"Ah... Yes. I'm fine now. Thank you for the concern." He flashed a smile assuring Taeil of his condition.
"Don't overwork your self." He patted Jungwoo's shoulders. "By the way, where is Mr. Gonzalez?", he asked suddenly.
"I think, he is at the kitchen checking the food preparations. Maybe he's still there." Jungwoo replied recalling the last time he saw the owner.
"Okay. Thank you. Got to greet him before it gets busy." Taeil then left Jungwoo to greet the owner.
As always, the restaurant is packed with many customers, most of them were regulars. And, the rest of the night were spent performing for the guests and customers of the restaurant.
