K.H.J | To HongJoong,

                                    

                                          


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The classroom was buzzing with excitement as students shuffled around, preparing for another day of high school. It was the start of the semester, and the usual chatter filled the air, laughter and conversations overlapping. Amidst the crowd, a young girl with soft, chestnut hair tied into a messy ponytail sat near the window, staring outside as the sunlight streamed through the glass. This was Lee Y/N. She was in her final year of high school, and like most students her age, she was both excited and nervous about what the future held.
Y/N had always been a bit introverted, preferring the quiet comfort of books and music over the social chaos of school life. But she had her small circle of friends, people who understood her and didn't push her too far out of her comfort zone. As the bell rang, signaling the start of class, she adjusted her headphones around her neck and sat up straighter, preparing for the long day ahead.
That's when he walked in.
Kim Hongjoong wasn't a typical student. He had transferred in just a few months ago, and though he wasn't exactly quiet, there was something mysterious about him that intrigued people. His hair was always slightly tousled, and his style was more laid-back and creative than most students. He was known for being passionate about music, often staying after school to practice in the music room.
Y/N had heard about him but never really interacted with him. Until today.
"Excuse me, is this seat taken?" a voice asked, pulling Y/N out of her daydream.
She looked up, and her eyes met Hongjoong's. For a moment, she was taken aback. His eyes were warm, and there was an easy smile on his face that made her heart skip a beat.
"Oh, um, no. You can sit here," she stammered, quickly moving her bag off the chair beside her.
"Thanks," Hongjoong replied, sliding into the seat. He pulled out his notebook, but before he started writing, he glanced at her headphones. "What are you listening to?"
Caught off guard by the question, Y/N hesitated for a moment before replying, "Just... some indie music."
"Nice. I'm into that too," he said, his smile widening. "I'm Hongjoong, by the way."
"I know," she replied shyly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm Y/N."
And that was how it started—innocently enough, with shared music interests and casual conversations. Over the next few weeks, Hongjoong seemed to pop up in Y/N's life more often. They would bump into each other in the hallways, exchange small talk in class, and before she knew it, they were eating lunch together.
One afternoon, after a long day of classes, Y/N found herself sitting on the steps of the school courtyard, watching the sunset. Hongjoong appeared out of nowhere, plopping down next to her with a playful grin.
"You always sit here after school?" he asked.
"Sometimes," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's quiet, and I like watching the sunset."
He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze shifting to the horizon. "I get that. Sometimes, I stay late in the music room just to avoid going home. The quiet is nice."
Y/N looked at him curiously. "You don't like going home?"
"It's not that," Hongjoong said, shrugging. "I just feel more at peace when I'm working on music. It's kind of my escape."
She nodded in understanding. She didn't know much about Hongjoong's life outside of school, but there was something about the way he talked about music that made her realize it wasn't just a hobby for him. It was his passion, his purpose.