Chapter Text
Seoul Academy. The name alone carried a weight that few could match. Nestled in the heart of Gangnam, it was the epitome of luxury, where the children of the elite were groomed to take on the world. From the pristine marble floors to the grandiose architecture that blended modern sophistication with classic Korean aesthetics, every inch of the academy screamed prestige. The campus stretched out like a palace, with well-manicured gardens, crystal-clear fountains, and a glistening facade that reflected the blue sky. It was the kind of place where students arrived in chauffeured cars, wearing uniforms tailored to perfection.
As the bell rang to signal a short break, students flooded out of the classrooms, a sea of navy blazers, crisp white shirts, and polished shoes. Among the crowd, a tall, striking figure stood out— Ryu Seon Jae , a third-year student who exuded effortless charm. Standing above 6 feet, with dark, sleek hair and a sharp jawline, Seon Jae was used to the attention he garnered. He was, after all, one of the academy’s most sought-after students—not just for his looks, but also for his talent as a singer and pianist in the school band, Eclipse.
Seon Jae was casually leaning against a column near the central courtyard, scanning the area when he saw her. Sitting by the school fountain, seemingly lost in her own world, was a girl he had never seen before. She had long, dark hair that cascaded in gentle waves, a delicate headband keeping it in place. Her uniform was pristine, but what stood out was how she wore it—like she was the main character in a movie, completely unaware of her own allure. She had a small, focused frown as she scribbled on a sheet of music paper, occasionally humming a few notes and adjusting her headphones.
Seon Jae’s breath hitched slightly. Who is she? he wondered, trying to act casual, but he found himself unable to look away. There was something mesmerizing about how immersed she was, completely at ease by the fountain, tapping her foot to the rhythm playing in her headphones.
Before he could make sense of what he was feeling, a hand covered his eyes from behind.
“She might melt, you know.”
Seon Jae instantly recognized the teasing tone. Baek In Hyuk, his best friend and the lead guitarist of Eclipse, was grinning mischievously as he uncovered Seon Jae’s eyes. “You’re annoying, do you know that?” Seon Jae retorted, rolling his eyes. “I’m not looking at anyone. I’m just… admiring the fountain.”
“Oh, the fountain, huh?” In Hyuk said, stretching the words sarcastically. He glanced over at the girl by the fountain and raised an eyebrow. “She’s pretty, though. Can I talk to her then?”
“Who? ” Seon Jae scoffed, trying to sound nonchalant. “Go ahead, see if she’ll talk to you.” But as In Hyuk moved forward, Seon Jae’s eyes darted to him, clearly curious to see what would happen next.
In Hyuk smirked. “She’s the new transferee from Seoul International School,” he began, looking back at Seon Jae with a grin. “I heard she’s the daughter of Legacy Music Group. You know, the biggest label in Seoul. She’s quite the catch, I’d say.”
Legacy Music Group. Even Seon Jae knew that name. The label that managed some of the biggest acts in the country. Whoever this girl was, she was definitely from a wealthy and influential family.
Seon Jae shrugged, feigning disinterest. “What are you saying? I’m not interested. She’s probably spoiled.”
In Hyuk let out a chuckle. “Maybe not as spoiled as you, ” he shot back, earning a playful nudge from Seon Jae.
“I’m not spoiled! If anything, your mom still feeds you with airplane gestures.” Seon Jae smirked, causing In Hyuk to glare at him. “I’m not! Anyway,” In Hyuk said, brushing off the comment, “you want me to ask her name? I can go over there. If it’s okay, I’ll pursue her. She’s very pretty, anyway.”
“Up to you, I don’t care, ” Seon Jae said, leaning back, but his eyes betrayed him as they subtly followed In Hyuk’s movements.
With a confident stride, In Hyuk approached the girl, who still had her head buried in her music sheet, her fingers lightly tapping along to a beat only she could hear. She looked completely engrossed, her lips moving softly as she hummed to herself.
“Hi! I’m In Hyuk, ” he said, putting on his most charming smile. “Seoul Academy’s best guitarist. Ever heard of Harmony Strings? I’m their only son.”
The girl slowly looked up, her eyebrows knitting in mild annoyance. She pulled off her headphones, revealing her delicate features, and raised an eyebrow. “I’m doing something,” she said, her tone flat, “do you mind?”
In Hyuk’s confident grin faltered, and Seon Jae had to stifle a laugh from afar. “Oh, uh, sorry,” In Hyuk stammered. “I just wanted to get to know you. Heh.”
“Why? Do we have to? ” she asked, tilting her head slightly.
“Well… no… but my friend, over there—” In Hyuk pointed back at Seon Jae, who froze momentarily before pretending to be busy on his phone. “I think he likes you. Can you tell me your name, at least? I’m trying to be a good friend here. Help me out?”
The girl’s gaze shifted to where Seon Jae stood, and their eyes met for the briefest moment. Her expression softened, but only slightly. “I’m not here to have a boyfriend,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact, “but to study.” She glanced at Seon Jae, who quickly looked away, a hint of a blush creeping up his cheeks. “ Now, can you let me finish my music?”
In Hyuk raised his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay. Sorry. I guess I’ll see you around.” He turned and walked back, his shoulders slumped slightly.
When he reached Seon Jae, he let out a sigh. “Damn. She’s a tough one. I bet you’re gonna have a hard time. She looks like a man-hater.”
Seon Jae shrugged, still trying to act unfazed. “I guess she just doesn’t like you.”
“Yeah, not everyone will like me,” In Hyuk said, laughing. “But still, a lot of girls do!”
Seon Jae rolled his eyes at In Hyuk’s teasing, but as they headed inside, he couldn’t help but glance back at the girl by the fountain. She was still immersed in her music, her head gently bobbing to a beat only she could hear. Seon Jae’s lips curled into a small, amused smile, but the moment she moved as if she might look up, he quickly turned away, trying to act as if he hadn’t been staring at her for the past few minutes.
As the day went on, he found himself subconsciously stealing glances through the glass windows that lined the corridors. Her classroom was directly across from his, and every time he shifted in his seat or got up to stretch, his eyes would wander to see if she was there. He caught fleeting glimpses of her—sometimes scribbling on a notepad, other times adjusting her headphones, her lips mouthing words silently.
He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but there was something about the way she moved, the way she seemed to create a world of her own, that drew him in. Cute. He thought, but quickly shook off the feeling whenever she happened to look his way. Whenever she did, he’d casually look at something else—like the clock or the book in his hands—as if he hadn’t been watching her for the past ten minutes.
But every time she went back to her own little world, Seon Jae would find himself smiling, his heart fluttering just a little bit more.
As the final bell rang, students poured out of their classrooms, ready to end the day. Seon Jae’s eyes lit up when he saw her exiting hers. Without a second thought, he bolted out of his seat, leaving In Hyuk behind.
“Hey, where are you going? ” In Hyuk called out, but Seon Jae was already halfway down the hallway, his eyes fixed on the girl.
She walked with her music sheet and pen in hand, still wearing her headphones. As she strolled, she hummed softly, the melody escaping from her lips, and it made Seon Jae’s heart skip a beat. She was so absorbed that she didn’t notice the bench directly in her path. Seon Jae’s eyes widened, and without thinking, he quickened his pace. Just as she was about to walk straight into it, he reached out and gently grabbed the strap of her bag, pulling her to a stop.
“Careful,” he said, his voice softer than usual, trying to mask the concern he felt.
She looked up, startled, her big, curious eyes locking onto his. For a moment, she seemed confused, but then she nodded, her cheeks flushing just a bit. “ Thanks, I didn’t see that.”
Seon Jae’s heart was racing, but he maintained his calm demeanor. “Be careful, ” he repeated, this time slower, savoring the moment. “You wouldn’t want to hurt that pretty head of yours.”
She blinked, slightly caught off guard by his words, and then bowed her head. “Thank you, ” she said, her tone soft but genuine. “I’ll be more careful.”
He let go of her bag, and they stood there for a moment, the world around them seemingly slowing down. She glanced at him, and for the briefest of moments, there was a small, almost shy smile on her lips. But just as quickly, she turned away, adjusting her headphones, ready to head out.
As she began to walk away, Seon Jae found himself wanting to say more, but before he could muster the courage, a sleek, black limousine pulled up in front of the school gates. She walked straight towards it, the driver opening the door for her with a respectful bow. Without a word, she slipped into the car, and it drove off, leaving Seon Jae standing there, a wide grin spreading across his face.
He clenched his fists, pulling them back in a small, victorious gesture, as if he had just won a prize. “ Yes! ” he whispered to himself, feeling a strange warmth spread through his chest.
“So you met her, huh?”
Seon Jae nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard In Hyuk’s voice right behind him. He quickly straightened up, trying to play it cool. “It was nothing, ” he said, shrugging.
In Hyuk raised an eyebrow, a knowing grin on his face. “Right, nothing. I saw her name earlier when I talked to her by the fountain.”
Seon Jae’s eyes flickered with curiosity. “Oh?”
“Lim Sol.” In Hyuk said, drawing out the name as if it were a melody. “Cute, right?”
Seon Jae let the name roll around in his mind for a moment. Lim Sol. He liked the way it sounded. “You’re useful after all,” he said, giving In Hyuk a light shove on the shoulder.
“Well, I aim to please,” In Hyuk said with a dramatic bow, before nudging Seon Jae back. “But hey, since it was nothing, can you give me a ride home? I miss your Porsche.”
Seon Jae narrowed his eyes playfully. “You just want to ride my car, don’t you?”
“Maybe.” In Hyuk grinned, not even bothering to deny it. “But come on, let’s go. We can talk about how you’re already falling for Lim Sol on the way.”
“I’m not falling for anyone,” Seon Jae retorted, but his cheeks betrayed him as they turned a light shade of pink.
As they slid into Seon Jae’s sleek, black Porsche, In Hyuk immediately sprawled out comfortably, acting like it was his own car. Seon Jae rolled his eyes as he started the engine, the smooth hum of the vehicle filling the air.
“You know, I’m really glad I approached her first,” In Hyuk said, adjusting the seatbelt. “Because now I know her name, and I know she’s not interested in you. ”
“Interested?” Seon Jae scoffed, taking a turn down the road. “Why would she be interested in me? I don’t even know her.”
In Hyuk smirked, tilting his head to observe his friend. “Yeah, right. But you were definitely interested back there, running across the hallway like a scene out of a rom-com.”
Seon Jae tightened his grip on the steering wheel, a slight grin forming on his lips. “Just making sure she doesn’t hit anything, that’s all.”
“Sure, sure,” In Hyuk said, chuckling. “Lim Sol, huh? Pretty name for a pretty girl. But don’t think I didn’t see that look on your face when she got into that limo. You practically had hearts in your eyes.”
Seon Jae’s grin widened, and he couldn’t help but laugh. “Shut up, you’re reading too much into it.”
“Maybe. But you’re smiling like an idiot, so I must be onto something,” In Hyuk said, poking Seon Jae’s cheek.
Seon Jae swatted his hand away playfully. “Okay, okay, you win. Maybe I’m curious about her. But you’re still not getting another ride for the rest of the week.”
In Hyuk laughed loudly, patting the dashboard. “Then I’ll savor this one. Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor, though. You just wanted to show off your car in front of Sol.”
Seon Jae’s ears turned a bit red, but he kept his eyes on the road, a small, satisfied smile tugging at his lips. “Whatever helps you sleep at night, Hyuk.”
As the car sped down the road, Seon Jae’s thoughts drifted back to Lim Sol. Now that she was attending Seoul Academy, he found himself already looking forward to seeing her around campus. Maybe it would be at the fountain again, or during the breaks between classes, or even just passing by in the hallways. The thought of those small, unexpected moments made his heart race a little faster, and he couldn’t help but smile to himself. It was a feeling he hadn’t had in a while, and he was almost excited at the prospect of it—of her.
Seon Jae pulled up to his home, the sleek, black Porsche gliding smoothly into the driveway of a grand, gated estate. The house was nothing short of a mansion—modern, yet elegant, with large glass windows that offered a glimpse of the luxurious interior. The manicured lawns were adorned with delicate fountains, and the entrance was flanked by two grand marble columns, giving the whole place an air of sophistication.
As he parked, he caught a glimpse of the living room through the large bay windows. At the center of the room stood a magnificent white grand piano, its surface polished to perfection, reflecting the warm, ambient lights from the crystal chandelier above. Beside the piano was a series of trophies and awards, their gold and silver plaques gleaming under the lights—a testament to the musical legacy of the Ryu family. A large, framed photograph hung above, showing a younger Seon Jae with his parents. His father, Ryu Gun Deok , a renowned international pianist, stood proudly with a stoic expression, while his mother, Kim Mi Young , a celebrated Broadway singer and actress, beamed with a radiant smile.
As soon as Seon Jae stepped inside, he was greeted by the maids, who bowed slightly and welcomed him home. “Welcome back, young master.”
“Thanks,” Seon Jae replied, offering a small nod as he made his way up the grand, spiral staircase that led to his room. His room was a spacious, luxurious sanctuary with a soft, deep-blue color palette that exuded calm and elegance. The walls were adorned with framed posters of classic music concerts, and a sleek, high-tech music system sat atop a mahogany desk, ready to play whatever he felt like. To the side, there was a separate walk-in closet—a small room of its own—lined with rows of neatly hung suits, casual wear, and shoes, each pair more expensive than the last.
Seon Jae tossed his school bag on the plush, king-sized bed, sank down on the soft mattress, and let out a content sigh. Without even thinking, he pulled out his phone and opened Instagram, his fingers quickly typing out a name he’d been curious about all day— Lim Sol .
It didn’t take long to find her profile. She had quite a following—no surprise there, considering who she was. But what caught his attention wasn’t the number of followers; it was the photos she had. Most of them were subtle and artistic, often featuring snippets of music production—mixing consoles, synthesizers, handwritten scores, and close-ups of her hands working on a laptop. She had an eye for detail, even in her posts, and that only intrigued him more.
As he scrolled, one particular photo made him pause. It was a candid shot of her in a yellow sundress, standing beside a tech booth by the beach. She wore vintage headphones, her hair tousled slightly by the sea breeze, and she was looking off to the side, smiling as if she was lost in a beautiful melody only she could hear. The sun cast a warm glow on her skin, and the soft colors of the photo made it look like a scene out of a dream.
Seon Jae’s heart skipped a beat. He found himself staring at the photo for longer than he intended, a soft smile spreading across his lips. “Wow,” he whispered to himself, feeling an unfamiliar warmth bloom in his chest. He quickly took a screenshot and saved the photo, his smile widening as he hugged a pillow, burying his face in it like an excited puppy. “Why am I acting like this?” he mumbled, still grinning.
As he rolled over on the bed, his thumb accidentally brushed against the screen, and before he realized it, he had double-tapped the photo, sending a red heart floating up. His eyes widened in panic. “Oh no, no, no—what did I just do?” he muttered, frantically trying to undo it, but it was too late. The photo was already liked.
Just then, there was a gentle knock on the door, pulling him out of his mini-crisis. “Son, come outside. It’s time to eat,” his mother, Mi Young, called from the hallway.
Seon Jae sat up straight, still flustered. “Yes, Mom! I’ll be out in a few,” he called back, quickly locking his phone and trying to regain his composure.
“Okay, make it quick. Dad’s here,” Mi Young added before walking away.
Seon Jae took a deep breath, glancing once more at his phone screen, still showing Sol’s Instagram profile. He couldn’t help but smile before putting it away and heading downstairs.
The dining room was another example of the Ryu family’s refined taste. A long, elegant table stretched across the room, set with fine porcelain dishes, silver cutlery, and cloth napkins folded into perfect shapes. The room was softly lit by a chandelier, casting a warm, golden glow over the various traditional Korean dishes laid out—kimchi stew, bulgogi, japchae, and an array of side dishes that made the meal look like a feast.
Seon Jae’s father, Gun Deok, was already seated, his posture straight and dignified. Mi Young sat next to him, her eyes lighting up when she saw Seon Jae approach. “You look happy today,” she said, noticing the slight bounce in his step. “Something good happened at school? You don’t look tired today.”
Gun Deok glanced up, noticing his son’s smile. “You look like you won a lottery. Why are you smiling like a fool?”
Seon Jae tried to keep a straight face, but as he began to place food on his plate, the smile crept back. “ Me? Why? No, Dad, Mom. Nothing happened,” he said, feigning nonchalance. But the way he spooned a generous amount of rice onto his plate betrayed his cheerful mood. “Really.”
Mi Young laughed softly, exchanging a knowing look with Gun Deok. “Really?”
Gun Deok’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s going on?”
Seon Jae just shrugged, but the smile never left his lips. He wasn’t about to tell them about how he spent the day swooning over Lim Sol’s Instagram, after all.
“By the way,” Gun Deok began, his tone more serious, “we have a dinner party tomorrow. Don’t say you can’t come. You’re our only child, and everyone in the music scene will be there. Their families will be there, too.”
Seon Jae sighed inwardly. “But I have advanced piano lessons tomorrow, Dad,” he said, trying to sound as responsible as possible. He always found these formal parties a bit dull. “I’d rather take my lessons. Plus, I’ll be tired from school, ” he added, putting on an exaggeratedly tired expression.
Mi Young chuckled at his antics. “ I already rescheduled it because I knew you’d say that,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Seon Jae’s shoulders slumped. “Please, Mom? Dad? I don’t want to see In Hyuk the whole day, and I really don’t like formal parties,” he said, his voice dropping into a whiny tone, his puppy eyes in full effect.
Gun Deok shook his head. “Not tomorrow night. The dinner party is being hosted by Legacy Music Group. They’re an acquaintance, and their whole family will be there.”
Seon Jae’s eyes lit up, and he froze mid-chew. “Legacy? The whole family?!”
Mi Young nodded, still a bit puzzled by his sudden excitement. “Yes, son. Why? Do you know them?”
Gun Deok raised an eyebrow. “Yes, the whole family. Why do you look so shocked? It’s not the first time you’re attending one of these parties.”
Seon Jae’s mind raced, remembering what In Hyuk had said earlier. Lim Sol was the daughter of Legacy Music Group. “Okay. I’ll be there,” he said, his tone suddenly eager. “What are we wearing? A suit? Where’s mine? I need to look good.”
Mi Young and Gun Deok exchanged shocked glances. “Huh? ” Mi Young asked, tilting her head.
“What? Why? ” Gun Deok added, looking even more confused.
Seon Jae just continued to smile, a giddy look on his face. “Okay. I’ll come tomorrow. Where’s my suit? Can I see it? ”
Mi Young chuckled, shaking her head in amusement. “Whoa, slow down,” she said. “Finish your food first, then I’ll show you.”
Seon Jae almost choked on his rice in his excitement, quickly finishing his meal as his parents watched him with a mix of amusement and confusion.
Mi Young smiled warmly as she watched her son practically inhale his food. “He’s acting like a little kid,” Gun Deok said, shaking his head in amusement.
“It’s cute,” Mi Young replied, her eyes twinkling. “I don’t remember the last time I saw him so excited about a dinner party.”
Seon Jae barely registered their conversation. He was too focused on finishing his meal, eager to get upstairs and see the suit he’d be wearing to the event. The thought of seeing Lim Sol at the party made his heart flutter with anticipation. He didn’t know why he felt so giddy, but he wasn’t about to question it.
“Done!” Seon Jae exclaimed, putting down his chopsticks with a satisfied grin. “Now can I see the suit, Mom?”
“Slow down, Seon Jae. We’re not going anywhere tonight,” Gun Deok said, laughing. “It’s just a party. Why are you acting like this?”
“I just want to look good, okay, Dad?” Seon Jae said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably. He caught the amused looks his parents exchanged and groaned. “Can you please just show me?”
Mi Young chuckled and nodded. “Alright, alright. Let’s go, ” she said, standing up from the table. Gun Deok followed suit, still shaking his head in disbelief.
Upstairs, Mi Young led Seon Jae to his walk-in closet, where a sleek, tailored suit hung on a velvet hanger. The suit was a deep, royal blue, with fine silver accents that gave it a touch of elegance. It was simple yet sophisticated, the kind of attire that would stand out without being too flashy.
“Wow,” Seon Jae said, running his fingers over the fabric. “It’s perfect.”
“Of course it is,” Mi Young said, smiling. “ Only the best for my son.”
Seon Jae quickly changed into the suit, adjusting the collar as he looked at himself in the full-length mirror. The suit fit him perfectly, hugging his frame in all the right places. He turned from side to side, admiring how sharp he looked. For a moment, he stood there, straightening his tie, looking every bit the composed, elegant young man he was expected to be at these events.
But then, his composure cracked, and he couldn’t help himself. He leaned in closer to the mirror, tilting his head slightly as if imagining what he’d say to her. “Hi, Sol.” He tested out a calm, suave tone, giving a small nod. “Hey, Sol… looking forward to the party?” He tried again, this time with a casual smile.
Then, he broke into a grin and started playfully overacting. “Hi, Sol! You look stunning tonight!” He said, winking at his reflection and throwing in a pair of finger-guns. “Wow, Seon Jae, really? Finger-guns?” he muttered to himself, rolling his eyes at his own antics.
He tried another approach, giving his most charming smile, “Hey, Sol. Fancy seeing you here,” and then immediately groaned, covering his face with his hands. “Too cheesy,” he mumbled, but he couldn’t stop the giddy excitement from bubbling up.
One last time, he straightened up, practiced a smooth, confident nod, and said to his reflection, “You’ve got this, Seon Jae. Just… don’t be weird.”
Mi Young peeked in through the doorway and saw him, stifling a laugh. “What are you doing?” she asked, barely containing her amusement.
Seon Jae immediately stopped, his cheeks flushing red. “Nothing, Mom! Just, uh, making sure the suit looks good.”
Mi Young raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Well, it looks great on you. Now, stop playing around and get ready for tomorrow. We need you to be on your best behavior.”
Seon Jae nodded, still feeling a little embarrassed but secretly thrilled. “I will, Mom. Thanks.”
As Mi Young left, Seon Jae turned back to the mirror one last time. “You’re going to see her again,” he whispered to his reflection, smiling softly. “Tomorrow.”
He changed out of the suit and carefully hung it back up, treating it like it was made of gold. After changing into his comfortable clothes, he plopped down on his bed, reaching for his phone again. He still couldn’t stop thinking about Lim Sol, and before he realized it, he was back on her Instagram profile, scrolling through her photos.
As he gazed at the beautiful picture of her in the yellow sundress, he whispered to himself, “I wonder what you’ll wear tomorrow, Lim Sol…”
Just as he was about to put his phone away, it vibrated with a new notification. Instagram: Direct Message from Lim Sol.
Seon Jae’s eyes widened, and his heart almost stopped. Panic surged through him as he remembered the accidental like. “Oh no… no, no, no!” he muttered, feeling like the ground was about to swallow him whole. Did she see it? Was she about to call him out on it? His mind raced through a million embarrassing scenarios, each worse than the last.
He sat up straight, clutching his phone with sweaty hands, his face flushing. The screen glowed brightly in the dim room, mocking him with the new message notification. Part of him wanted to ignore it, throw his phone across the room, and pretend this never happened. But he couldn’t do that. He had to know what she had said.
With his thumb hovering over the screen, he took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. His heart pounded, and a nervous laugh escaped him as he whispered to himself, “Please don’t be about the like… please don’t be about the like…”
Despite his panic, a hint of excitement crept in. Sol had messaged him, and whether or not it was to scold him for his clumsy thumb, he was still dying to see what she had to say.
He bit his lip, hesitated for a moment longer, and then—his thumb slowly moved towards the message, his heart racing as he braced himself for whatever was to come.