red threads ✗ svtᵒᵗ¹³

3

For some odd reason, you felt more jittery and more nervous right now compared to all the past times you had performed in front of a row of judges or a room filled with an audience.

You were currently on stage and slightly forward so the two people who came with could hear properly because you weren't using a microphone or the speakers. The spotlight however was working and it was pointing down right at your figure positioned as you were about to play.

Glancing up, you locked eyes with Jeonghan who was obviously already looking at you, and when he noticed, a smile filled with encouragement and eager anticipation was directed towards you.

Shyly, you looked away and proceeded to make eye contact with Hiyyih who as per usual, was sporting her bright smile.

It's fine. There's only two of them watching. It's just Hiyyih. And even if you had just met Jeonghan less than 30 minutes ago, you could tell he wouldn't get mad at you if you ever end up jumbling a note.

With that thought, you took a deep breath before playing a song you knew by heart. A song where you didn't have to look at a music sheet for the notes to play. Because you had played it countless of times. Because it was the song's lyrics that had become your refuge when you would shut yourself from the world. Lyrics that gave you hope that no matter how long, you would eventually find your soulmate. And always, a small part of you would always have hope despite you not having a red string of fate like the others.

As you hit the last note, you let out a shaky breath you didn't even know you were holding. You brought the violin and bow down to your sides, eyes closed because you already knew it by heart.

Like usual, your heart was racing after playing the instrument, after performing.

You only opened your eyes after you heard the sound of people clapping. Vaguely, through the light shining down on you, you could see two figures giving you a standing ovation.

Hiyyiu quickly started to go up the stairs as you hurriedly returned your violin and bow in the case, knowing what the younger girl was about to do.

Just in time too. As she neared you, you could feel the pride practically emitting off of her. It hit your heart with full force and because of it, you couldn't help but grin. At the same time, Hiyyih jumped at you, winding her arms around you. She was taller than you and she had been running to you. You would have fallen back until you felt a strong gust of wind push your back forward to keep you from falling.

Although you hugged the girl back, your eyes looked around as much as you could from the hug to try and find where that gust of wind came from.

"I can't believe you were this good! I should have asked you to perform earlier," Hiyyih excitedly said before pouting before letting you go.

"It wasn't that good Hiyyih..." You mumbled.

"Unnie, I love you. A lot. But shush."

You were about to speak but you noticed from behind her that Jeonghan was now walking on the stage with a smile that mirrored Hiyyih's earlier. From the way he was looking at you with hidden pride yet a wistful glint, you weren't able to maintain the eye contact and returned to look at Hiyyih who was still beaming.

"Gonna brag to oppa," She sing-songed happily.

When Jeonghan reached you, you couldn't help but glance at him and you subtly sucked in a deep breath at the raw feeling of missing someone that had just practically smacked you in the face.