BEGIN AGAIN

The Guy Playing The Piano

Solene

“GOOD MORNING, PEOPLE!” I walked into our homeroom, my voice echoing cheerfully as I greeted my classmates.

I’m in my 3rd year of high school, and I love every second of it. I’m an optimistic and extroverted person, and trust me, if I tell you that everybody in the school knows me, you should believe it. I mean, I walked through the gate this morning, and everyone was already greeting me. Yep. That’s who I am. But not because I’m the daughter of a tycoon who owns the school—I hate being acknowledged for that. I want people to like me for being me.

“Hi, Solene! Welcome back to school. How was your summer?” Dina asked while escorting me to my seat. She welcomed me at the front door, just so you know. And since we’re inseparable, we sit beside each other to share gossip.

“As usual,” I replied, rolling my eyes. She knows how my summers go. Every year, I spend the summer in London visiting my sister, who’s sick, and doing everything my father tells me. Last summer, he made me learn musical instruments. I developed an interest in guitar, especially bass, and also learned to play the piano. I even started writing songs. During my freshman summer, I had to practice fencing and taekwondo. I argued with my dad that I was a princess, and I didn’t need to protect myself because a prince would do that for me. But of course, he’s my dad—what he says goes.

Honestly, I liked my sophomore summer the best. I was with my godmother, and I learned to knit. I loved it.

“Yeah, lucky for you,” Dina replied, though her tone hinted at envy.

“Really?” I said with a playful smirk, dripping with sarcasm.

“Good morning, students! I know everybody knows me already, and I know you know your classmates by now, so let’s cut off the introductions and start the class discussion,” Mrs. Grandal announced, walking in with her usual no-nonsense attitude.

A collective sigh of disappointment echoed through the room.

THE WHOLE DAY went by like a blur. I participated in class, laughed with Dina, ate lunch, and caught up on life updates.

“Dina, you can go now. I have to clock into the music room. I’ll meet you tomorrow,” I said, bidding her goodbye as her driver waited for her.

“Babye! I need to go home early because my family friends are coming over for dinner. See you tomorrow, Solene,” she replied with a grin before walking away.

I walked through the hallway, heading to the music room. I had begged my father to add a music room to the school, so I could practice here, and he finally agreed. As I approached, I heard a piano playing softly. Curiosity sparked in me.

Who’s playing? I wondered, excitement bubbling in my chest.

I knocked twice, but got no answer. The melody continued. Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and saw a guy sitting at the piano, playing Enchanted by Taylor Swift—slowly, gently.

I was mesmerized. I wasn’t familiar with this guy, but he played beautifully. I tiptoed closer, not wanting to interrupt, and listened until he finished the song. I couldn’t help but applaud softly.

“Wow, that was amazing,” I said, trying not to sound too eager.

The guy turned, clearly startled. His eyes widened, and he looked at me with surprise.

“Thank you, Miss. I didn’t see you walk in,” he said, his voice shy and soft.

“Oh, ah… I knocked, but you didn’t hear me,” I replied, smiling. “Well, ahmm, I’m Solene. And you are?” I offered my hand with a bright smile.

“I’m Adrian. Nice to meet you,” he said, but he didn’t take my hand. Disappointed, I pulled back, but I kept smiling because—let’s be honest—this guy was cute. And I bet he’s even cuter when he smiles.

“Nice to meet you! I haven’t seen you around. Are you new?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

He nodded, his face expressionless.

“Oh, that’s great! Welcome to our school. I can give you a tour if you’d like,” I suggested enthusiastically.

“No, thank you. I can easily familiarize myself with the place. Are you going to use the piano?” he asked, his tone formal and distant.