I Love You Oppa

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: "The Unexpected Encounter"

The early autumn morning in Seoul arrived with a crispness that was both invigorating and chilling. Jellaine Torres woke up to the sound of her alarm blaring, a reminder of the busy day ahead. She had barely managed to get any sleep, her mind racing with thoughts of her new classes and the lingering tension with her fellow students, particularly Hyun-woo.

Today was a significant day—her first major presentation at Haneul Arts Academy. It was a chance to showcase her talent and make a strong impression. Jellaine had been preparing for weeks, pouring her heart into her rehearsals and hoping that her performance would stand out amidst the sea of talented peers.

She dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit, a modest black dress paired with a red scarf that added a splash of color. Her long, dark hair was styled in loose waves, and she took extra care with her makeup, wanting to look polished yet authentic. As she looked at her reflection in the mirror, she could see a mix of nerves and excitement in her eyes.

The campus was buzzing with activity as Jellaine walked to the auditorium. Students and faculty were moving about, their conversations creating a backdrop of chatter and anticipation. Jellaine’s heart pounded with every step, her mind racing through her routine. She clutched her music sheet tightly, her fingers trembling slightly.

When she arrived at the auditorium, the room was already filled with students and faculty members. The stage was set for the presentations, and the air was thick with anticipation. Jellaine took a deep breath and scanned the room, her gaze landing on Hyun-woo, who was seated with a few other prominent students. He appeared engrossed in a conversation, his demeanor confident and relaxed, a stark contrast to Jellaine’s jittery nerves.

“Hey, Jellaine,” Soo-ah said, approaching her with a supportive smile. “Nervous?”

“A bit,” Jellaine admitted, managing a small smile. “But I’m ready. I’ve practiced a lot.”

Soo-ah offered a reassuring nod. “You’ll do great. Just remember to breathe and enjoy the moment.”

Jellaine’s name was called, and she felt a surge of adrenaline as she made her way to the stage. The spotlight hit her, and she could feel the weight of the audience’s gaze. She positioned herself at the piano, her fingers hovering over the keys, and began her performance.

The notes flowed from her fingers with grace and precision. As she played, Jellaine lost herself in the music, the familiar rhythms providing a comforting refuge amidst her nerves. The audience was silent, their attention focused solely on her performance. For a moment, everything else faded away, and Jellaine felt a profound sense of connection with the music.

When she finished, the auditorium erupted in applause. Jellaine stood up, her cheeks flushed with a mix of relief and pride. She took a bow, her heart still racing from the intensity of the performance. As she walked off the stage, she felt a sense of accomplishment, despite the lingering anxiety about how her performance would be received.

Soo-ah greeted her with a wide grin. “That was amazing, Jellaine! You really nailed it.”

“Thanks, Soo-ah,” Jellaine said, her smile reflecting her relief and gratitude. “I’m so glad it’s over.”

The day continued with various presentations and performances, each more impressive than the last. Jellaine found herself observing her peers, their talents showcasing the diversity and skill within the academy. Among the students, Hyun-woo’s performance stood out, his charisma and technical prowess earning him an enthusiastic reception.

As the day wound down, Jellaine was preparing to leave when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around to find Hyun-woo standing behind her, a somewhat serious expression on his face.

“Jellaine,” he said, his voice carrying a note of curiosity. “I wanted to talk to you about your performance today.”

Jellaine’s heart skipped a beat. “Oh, really? Was it okay?”

Hyun-woo’s expression softened slightly. “It was more than okay. It was impressive. I didn’t expect you to play with such emotion and skill.”

Jellaine blinked, caught off guard by his compliment. “Thank you. I’ve been practicing a lot. It means a lot to hear that from you.”

Hyun-woo nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “You have a unique talent. If you ever need help or advice, let me know. We’re all here to support each other, after all.”

Jellaine was taken aback by his offer. The tension between them had been palpable, and this unexpected gesture of kindness was a surprising turn of events. “I appreciate that, Hyun-woo. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”

As they parted ways, Jellaine felt a mix of confusion and relief. Hyun-woo’s demeanor had shifted, and she wondered what had prompted this change. Despite the uncertainty, she was grateful for the gesture and felt a renewed sense of determination.

The evening was spent in quiet reflection. Jellaine returned to her dormitory, her mind replaying the events of the day. She was still processing Hyun-woo’s words and the unexpected turn in their dynamic. The excitement of the day’s events had settled into a contemplative calm, and she found herself pondering the future.

As she prepared for bed, Jellaine took out her journal and began to write. The act of putting her thoughts on paper was a comforting ritual, a way to organize her emotions and reflect on her experiences.

“The day went better than I expected,” she wrote. “Hyun-woo’s compliment was unexpected, and I’m still trying to understand what it means. The performance was a success, and I feel proud of my work. I’m slowly finding my place here, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received.”

With her thoughts organized, Jellaine set her journal aside and turned off the lights. She lay in bed, the city’s lights casting a gentle glow through her window. The journey ahead was still uncertain, but she felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. The unexpected encounter with Hyun-woo had added a new dimension to her experience, and she was ready to face whatever came next with an open heart and a resolute spirit.

As she drifted off to sleep, Jellaine felt a sense of peace wash over her. The challenges of the day had been met with resilience, and she was beginning to carve out a place for herself in this new and vibrant world. With each passing day, she was learning more about herself and her path forward, and she was ready to embrace the journey with courage and grace.