So that's our plan.

I'm going to the biggest pianist in the world. I'll beat my mother and make it in life. I don't need her, I have Chae and that's it.

I decided to pay her hospital bills. Yes, that was me. My Eomma gives me a lot of money. She thinks she can apologise to me with cash. So instead of it wasting away, I used it for a good cause.

She's happy. Her mother ended up getting stable and is in her own apartment again. Their apartment is nice, it's small and cosy. I thought it'd be messy, but it's quite the opposite.

She also owns a piano, I'm not surprised. Despite their lack of money, a few expensive products are lying about. They may have been gifts or just something Chae had bought for herself since she's the one working.

Right now, I'm being told Chaeyoung's baby stories as I sit with her mother, drinking a cup of tea and waiting for Chaeyoung to bring down our work.

She's happy with her mother, so I decided to move our lessons to her house. That way, she can be close to her mother and I can learn how to beat mine.

I've gotten quite good. I can play with both hands and am currently learning a couple of pop songs. I'll go into classical soon, Chae just said it was a bit difficult and I should start with something easier.

"I know it was you." I stopped drinking my tea at her mother's words.

"I'm sorry. I don't get you. What do you mean?"

She put her tea down, smiling at me. "I know it was you who paid for my bills. I was asleep, yes. But your voice is something I can't forget."

I put my cup down, mirroring her smile. "You caught me, " I chuckled.

"How can I pay you back? Does my chipmunk know?"

"No need, ahjumma. Chae is happy and that's all. And, no. She doesn't know. I don't plan on telling her." I picked my tea back up, crossing my legs when I took a sip.

"I appreciate your kindness, but I have to pay you back." I sighed.

Like mother like daughter.

"How about this. I would like you not to tell her. I want this to be a secret I take to my grave." She gave a warm-hearted smile. "She's been a big help and I found out she was struggling. The least I could do, as a friend, is help her."

"I'm happy my daughter has found a caring person like you." I wasn't caring at the start. I was a total jerk to her, and I'm sure if you found out, you'd probably slap me. "Have you ever thought of dating her?"

Huh?

Dating Park?

I never thought of that. I've only ever thought of each other as friends. Dating her? I can see it, but I doubt it. We're the total opposite of each other. Plus, I doubt I'd be able to not get annoyed with her. That's impossible with such a cheery girl.

I was about to answer when she came from the room. "Sorry, it took so long. I couldn't find the sheets so I had to print new ones."

Chaeyoung sleeps on the couch. She told me, her mother needed the bed more than her. Honestly, I may buy them a new house. It's cramped in here even for two.

"It's okay, " I said, standing up. "Shall we start?" Chaeyoung nodded and I seated at the piano. My back no longer hurts doing this, and I've started to become a natural. Even Chaeyoung says I'm becoming better than her. That's an achievement.

"Here." She put down the sheet music. "Play." I took a glance and it's an artist she likes. These days, she's been humming to a lot of Lewis Capaldi. I don't know why. That guy just makes depressing songs.

I started to play the keys and I felt everything slow down when she started to sing the lyrics. I stared at her, she was looking right back at me. My hands were still working the piano, but my mind was somewhere else.

Her eyes.

"And now the day bleeds."

They're so beautiful.

"Into nightfall,"

So magical.

"And you're not here to get me through it all."

They're pulling me in.

"I let my guard down."

Shall I let my down? Shall I risk falling for this girl?

"And you pulled the rug."

She's a girl. What would they think? What would Eomma think?

"I was getting kinda used to being someone you loved."

I'm going to risk it. I'm going to risk it all for her. I didn't even realise I was moving towards her, she was too. Our faces were coming closer and I closed my eyes. I want her. I want those lips.

Her mother walked in and we awkwardly and quickly moved away from each other. "I heard the nice singing! So I brought snacks." She set down a tray of biscuits, sandwiches and fruit on the table.

"Thanks, Eomma." I glanced at her. She just pretended as nothing happened but her face tells otherwise. It's bright red.

"Keep up the good work, kiddos!" She showed us a thumbs up, leaving the room.

I glanced at Chaeyoung who was composing herself. I could tell her heart was beating madly.

Or maybe I'm just hearing my own.

We almost kissed.

"U-Uhm. What was that?" She asked. "We almost... you know... Kissed?" I was about to answer when she stopped me by waving her hands. "That's okay! Let's just pretend nothing happened. We were just too caught up in the moment! It's okay, " I'm confused. Is she convincing me or herself? "Let's forget, okay? We're just friends and we're both girls. We don't like each other."

Ouch.

Why did my heart just shatter?

I gave her a forced smile and a small, "okay..." before turning back at my keyboard. I heard her take a couple of deep breaths and I started playing.

If she wants to stay as friends, I have to forget my feeling.

I have to forget I'm falling for her.

I have to forget how nice of a person she is.

Those plump lips,

That warm smile,

Those soft, blonde locks,

Those eyes that captured me,

I should forget.

It's better for us that way.