The Youth Symphony

CHAPTER 3

As soon as she stepped into the classroom, all eyes are on her. Being famous used to be her dream but now, she feels like she doesn’t have any privacy. Everywhere she goes, everything she does and says; people will always find out and try to hog her personal life. It was hard to deal with it at first but she soon get used to it.

“Heeyoung, here.” Jihye waves her hand. As if the world is on slow motion, Heeyoung slowly looked up to Jihye. Someone who have been watching her every moves is getting really frustrated so he rush to her and dragged her to where Jihye is seated.

“You’re really slow!” Jinyoung complaints. Heeyoung rolled her eyes as she already know that he loves to tease her and Jihye. Jihye softly pat the chair beside her. For a second, her heart is filled with warmth once again when she’s with them. They’re like her guardian angels that were sent by Hyunsik to take care of her. Jihye hugged her as Heeyoung sat on the chair. Jinyoung scowled and rolled his eyes but deep down, he’s glad that Heeyoung is slowly healing. He wants nothing but the best for his cousin.

“You surely deserve a hug!” She cutely smiled at Heeyoung before fishing her phone out of her bag, “look at this. You are trending on every social media platform and there’s a lot of positive comments. Do you want to read it?” Jihye offered as she doesn’t wait for an answer from Heeyoung and entrust it into Heeyoung’s hand. It’s the least she could do to cheer her up. She knows that Heeyoung isn’t feeling really well because of the incident. Of course, It have been quite a while since it happened but the pain resurfaced and it would take a long time to heal completely. Heeyoung diligently read all the comments and she feels quite satisfied with it until she reads one comment that genuinely make her feel better.

“Even though she’s struggling emotionally after such a big loss, she had never show her true emotions in public. Sometimes I wonder if she is alright but I’m just a fan and all I can do is pray for the best for her. Stay strong, Heeyoung. We’re always here for you no matter what.”

“Are you free today?” Jinyoung questioned right after she finished reading and she wished she could slap that smug smile off his face.

“Yes why?”

Jinyoung and Jihye gave each other a knowing look. “Well, can we hang out at your place? It’s been a while and I miss your soft bed. Also, it’s been a while since we had dinner together. Pretty please?” Jihye asked while making a cute face that had everyone’s heart melting at the sight of it but Heeyoung glanced at Jinyoung who seems like he doesn’t know how to act. He’s so in love with her that it’s so obvious to everyone.

Heeyoung nods her head. “Yeah sure!” Jihye squealed in excitement and thanked her. That’s when the teacher walked in but instead of being alone, she had a boy by her side. Everyone were whispering about him and same goes to Jihye, she nudges Heeyoung over and over again while the girl bends down to get her book out of her bag. “What is wrong with you----”

She finally rose her head up and saw the boy. As if she got struck, she froze in her seat, eyes welling up with tears as she saw him. “He exactly looks like Hyunsik. Does he have a twin?” Jihye whispered softly as she try to read Heeyoung’s expression. Keyword being try because she’s crying but she isn’t sure what the girl might be feeling. She harshly wiped her tears away by using the sleeve of her shirt. It’s absurd to even think of someone dead going back to life. Jihye then glance at Jinyoung who’s all froze up. The boy who is standing besides the teacher look exactly like his dead friend. Many thoughts were rushing to his mind. What is this weird coincidence? Or did Hyunsik faked his death and caused all these commotions just so he could make a surprise? He look at his cousin, Heeyoung that is totally dumbfounded by the situation right now. Who is he? The same question kept on messing with her head. But based on his appearance, Heeyoung can tell that he’s totally different from Hyunsik. Hyunsik was a sweet person and he always smile whenever he met a new person but this guy looks like that he have a tough and rude behaviour. The way he didn’t even smile and glared at everyone as if they were his enemies before he looked at Heeyoung. They suddenly made an eye contact and Heeyoung tried her best to avoid it because she could sense that something is definitely wrong with him.

“Good morning class. Before we start the class, I’d like to introduce a new student. So please, introduce yourself.” The teacher said and asked him to introduce himself. Heeyoung waited for his name and where he’s from and also where he live. It sounded like a stalker but she swears that she’s not one of it. She’s just curious.

“My name is Lee Hyunseung and I’m from New York.” He shortly introduce himself and that’s it. She only know his name and where he’s from. But his name is similar to Hyunsik and the ‘seung’ is the only thing that makes it different. It made her question more about his real identity, she really wants to get to know him as well because he looks like he knows Heeyoung as his eyes would always land on her. The teacher smiled and asked him to sit beside Heeyoung. It’s Hyunsik’s seat. It used to be and have always been empty but now, someone is sitting on it. Hyunseung made his way to the seat and sat down. Heeyoung took a few secret glances at his side profile. She can’t believe how much resemblance he have with Hyunsik. If she hadn’t know that he passed away and this guy showed up, she might have thought that he is actually Hyunsik. Then, her eyes trailed down from his face to his wrist. He saw a few scars on them.

Frowning, she tried to recollect the memories because it seems so familiar. “Where and when did I saw a scar like that? Why can’t I remember anything?” She mumbled something to herself and trying to recall where did she ever saw that scar.

“Jung Heeyoung… I know you are interested in him but please pay attention to me okay?” The teacher teasingly call her out and made her blush out of embarrassment. “By the way, congratulations on your great achievement in your career. I’m so proud of you, Heeyoung.” The teacher praised her as he knows that she have been topping all social media platforms and she’s currently at the peak of her career. She thanked him and they continue their class like normal. Hyunseung secretly lay his eyes on her. He thinks that she’s really pretty.

“She’s prettier than I thought.” He mumbled.

After a long day at school, Heeyoung finally had the time to rest so she decided to take a long bath to relax her mind. Many thoughts were lingering in her mind, especially on why the scar seems so familiar to her. Why can’t she seem to remember anything. She is slowly losing her composure because of how frustrated she gets.

“Forget it! You won’t be remembering that Jung Heeyoung. He’s totally a different person. He’s not Hyunsik and he will never be. How dare you even compare him to someone else? WHat are you, a cheater?” She scold herself, slowly putting some sense into herself.

Heeyoung released a heavy sigh of frustration and she continue her warm bath while waiting for her friend and cousin as they went out to buy food.

The bell rings repeatedly and Heeyoung groaned. She got out of the tub and wrapped her body with the bathrobe before going to open the door.

She throw her white slipper at Jinyoung out of anger. “I’m already so mad as it is! You just had to make it worse, don’t you?!” Heeyoung scold him as she feels really annoyed. Everything seems to be ticking her off. Jinyoung pouted and stomped his feet but entered the house nonetheless. Heeyoung just rolled her eyes and looked at Jihye who is holding their food. She immediately help her friend and serve the food together. They had a peaceful night together and she didn’t feel as mad as she was before. Maybe she was just being irrational.

“What do you think about Lee Hyunseung?”

Jihye sudden attack had the others stopping what they were originally doing. Heeyoung placed her chopsticks down and turned to Jinyoung.

“Jinyoung… do you know something about him?” Heeyoung asked but unfortunately, Jinyoung shake his head as he didn’t know anything. “I think I met him somewhere because I saw his scar and it seems really familiar. I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before but I don’t know where or how or when.” Right after she finished, the silence got cut off by Jihye’s phone ringing. She answered the call and it seems like Jihye has to go back home as she throws them a dull smile.

Heeyoung smiled. “Never mind, I’m okay with that. I think Jinyoung should bring you back home since this area is pretty scary at times like this.” She winks at him as a sign for him to use this golden opportunity.

“It’s okay Heeyoung. I can walk home by myself.” Jihye insisted. Heeyoung pinch Jinyoung’s arm and he whined in pain. They got into eye contact and she signals him to do what he has to do through her eyes.

“No I will go with you. It’s really dangerous out there. Besides, you’re so small. Anyone could pick you up and kidnap you.” Jihye rolled her eyes. Jinyoung finally stood up, “I’m leaving, Heeyoung. Sorry for not helping you to clean up the mess we have made.” Heeyoung hummed and gave him one last wink as a good luck charm. Things might change after tonight. Who knows? They then leave the house, leaving her alone. The feeling of loneliness came to her again as soon as the house became quiet. Heeyoung clean up the mess and get prepare to sleep. She feels really sleepy and she fall asleep almost instantly after she laid her head on her pillow.

“Do you want to play with me?” The little boy asked little Heeyoung. What is this? Is this a dream again? “What’s your name?”the boy asked.

“Jung Heeyoung.” She timidly answer him and the little boy gave her a wide smile as he tried to approach her. She was really shy when it comes to meeting new people.

“You don’t have to be shy. I’m just a boy. I don’t bite unless they’re really mean.” He giggled afterward which caused Heeyoung to smile too. They had fun together and Heeyoung is happy that someone is being nice to her. They held hands and played all sort of things together. However, the happiness didn’t stay long when Heeyoung’s mom called her name as they need to leave. It was sad but they eventually bid goodbye to each other with a solemn expression on. Heeyoung looks at her mom and Mrs Jung chuckle a bit because the girl is pouting.

“Do you want to spend more time with him?” Mrs Jung softly asking her. Little Heeyoung aggressively nod her head, making her mother smiled and approached the little boy. She knelt down to his level. “Dear, why don’t you come with us? Don’t worry, I’ll send you home later.” She offers the boy. When she was expecting the boy to say no because they were strangers, he did the unexpected. His eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Really?!” He asked innocently and Mrs Jung nods her head. She held her hand out to him and they were about to leave when someone stopped him.

“You little brat!! Where are you going? Don’t you dare follow this evil family!” A middle aged woman that came out of nowhere suddenly scold him. She snatched his hand out of Mrs Jung’s hold and dragged him away. Heeyoung sadly look at her mom and Mrs Jung gently ruffled her daughter’s soft lock before kneeling in front of her.

“It’s okay. We’ll see him again next time. Trust me.” Mrs Jung comforted her daughter and they headed home with a moody Heeyoung.

That night, when Heeyoung is supposed to be asleep, she couldn’t do so as her heart is racing rapidly against the confine of her ribs. She heard a few knocks on her window so she decided to open it and that’s when she saw the boy. He looks so weak and there are a ton of scratches on his skin. She runs to her mom and tell her about him. Mrs Jung immediately get to him and wrapped a warm blanket around his cold body as she brought him into the house. Mrs Jung was totally in shock by the state he’s in.

“What happened to you? Who did this to you?” Mrs Jung asked as she cradle the weak boy in her embrace. “I’m so sorry this happened to you. But don’t worry, you’re here with us now. I’ll protect you.”Mrs Jung gently caressed his cheek. “What’s your name, dear?” She softly asked.

“It’s Hyun---”

The dream was interrupted by the phone ringing. She looks at the caller ID, it’s Heesung. She answers the call.

“Hello? Sorry disturbing you but I just want to check whether you’re still alive or not.” Heesung told her the reason he’s calling her.

“Don’t worry big bro. I’m still alive and I just had dinner and sleep but you just ruined it.” She complained. Heesung laughed heartily.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to. Just want to make sure that you are okay.” He told once again. Heeyoung smiled at the way he’s being concern over her even though they are like Tom and Jerry most of the time.

“It’s okay bro.”

“Before I end the call, I’d like to inform you that dad is actually coming back this weekend.” He informed about their dad’s arrival.

“Really?! I can’t wait to see him.” They both laugh and they ended the call after an hours of just useless arguments and a few insults here and there. Suddenly, Heeyoung hear someone rings the bell. She feels weird. She bravely looked at the intercom and it’s a boy. She couldn’t make out the face as the light in front of the door is broken and she hadn’t had the chance to get someone to fix it. Frowning, she didn’t know what to expect. Is it Jinyoung? Why did he come back? Did he left anything here?

So, without thinking twice, she opened the door, not even looking at the person standing before her, “how could you left something behind, you silly---” Heeyoung rose her head up and was taken aback as the boy standing before her is Lee Hyunseung. He had his luggage with him too. “You….”

The three friends look at Hyunseung with a suspicious feeling. The three of them humming together to think about what the theory was about this boy, who was really mysterious, and who sent him here. Hyunseung feels really scared as the three of them are staring at him without saying a word since the class ended. Heeyoung sighs heavily as she thinks there is no use when they stare at him like that. She decides to ask him something to make him a friend.

"Did you have any friends here?" Heeyoung curiously asked him, and he slightly shook his head. " Well..?"

"You can be friends with us... I'm Jung Jinyoung, and the girls beside me are Jihye and Heeyoung." Jinyoung interrupted her and slightly threw out his annoying smile to Heeyoung, and she rolled her eyes as she slowly turned around to him. Hyunseung smiled at them as he got a friendly smile from Jinyoung and Jihye, while Heeyoung was still processing what happened last night.

Heeyoung was dumbfounded when she saw Hyunseung standing in front of her. Both of them were brought to an awkward silence. Heeyoung stares at his face and throws an awkward smile at him.

"Are we going to stand here with your awful smile?" Hyunseung finally broke the awkwardness. Heeyoung was clueless about why he came to her house, and yet she was still unsure of letting him enter the house. But it was already late, and she had no choice but to let him enter her house. Hyunseung entered the house while dragging his luggage and trying to look around the small and luxurious apartment.

"I’m sorry if this question makes you uncomfortable or mad at me." Heeyoung finally started to say a word to him, and he turned his head to her. Heeyoung was startled as he softly smiled at her. Not because her feelings scared her, but because his smile was really similar to Hyunsik's, and for some reason, she was blushing and pushing herself to her senses. "What are you doing here?" Without hesitation, she asks him.

"Someone told me to stay here for temporary reasons, and don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m just a kind and handsome boy who wouldn’t harass you." He explained. Heeyoung rolled her eyes as he admitted that he was a handsome boy. "So... where’s my room?" He asked softly while looking around the house. Heeyoung starts to smile at him as she feels that he’s not the person that she used to think.

"Follow me…. Fortunately, we have an extra room for guests, so...

"We?" He interrupted her. Heeyoung throws her confused expression. "Is there another person who lives here beside you?" He asked because he was curious.

"Ohh... no. Just me live here, but I just can’t stop reminding my late boyfriend who supposed lived here when he was alive." She replied with the awkwardness of what she did. Hyunseung just nods his head as he understands her feelings. Heeyoung opened the door and switched on the lights. "Here’s your room... I'm not sure if you like it or not, but I hope you like it." She said this while smiling at him as she started to feel comfortable with him. "So if you didn’t have to ask, I will let you rest and see you tomorrow morning." She excuses herself and leads the way to her bedroom, but she feels like he stopped her as he’s holding her wrist. Both of them locked their gazes, and their hearts beat so fast when they stared at each other. Hyunseung immediately let go of her hand and cleared his throat.

"Sorry…. "May I know your name because it may be awkward when I call you girl?"

"Ohh…. Sorry… I just forgot to introduce myself... I’m Heeyoung, Jung Heeyoung." Heeyoung awkwardly introduced herself, and she’s trying to avoid making eye contact with him.

"Nice name… I’m Hyunseung…. "I bet you already know about it."

"Y-yeah… You just introduced yourself at school, so if you want anything just call me." She quickly closed the door as she ended the conversation with him. Heeyoung releases a relief sigh and calmly heads to her bedroom, but something interrupts her as she sees a Polaroid on the floor. She picked up the Polaroid and noticed that it was the same person who appeared in her dream. It was shocking, but she's even more intrigued to find out the person's identity.

“Who are you?”

“Show your true self.”

“And help me to sort everything out.”