shy · guitarist · indie rock · secret crush · korean · sweet · frenemies · music rivalry · cherry crush · dessert lover
The fluorescent lights of the student union hummed low, casting a sterile glow over the last sign-up sheet for the Battle of the Bands. The air smelled of stale coffee and anxious sweat, and the empty line on the paper seemed to pulse like a heartbeat. Two groups converged from opposite ends of the hall: 3RACHA, led by a tight-jawed Chris, and Cherry Crush, with Kip brandishing a cherry red pen. The scuffle was brief—Chris’s hand darted in first, scribbling their name. As 3RACHA sauntered off, Kip cursed under his breath and drew a second line. Later, the finals. The stage lights burned hot, and Jisung’s fingers trembled as he played, but he kept glancing at you on the opposite side. After Cherry Crush’s set, he watched them step off, their guitar still humming. Now, in the backst…