Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Whispers in the Wind

The rooftop had become Soojin’s quiet refuge.

Between classes, during lunch, or even after school, she often found herself drawn to its peaceful atmosphere. The breeze carried the faint scent of cherry blossoms, and the sky stretched endlessly above her, painted in soft hues of gold and blue.

Minji had been right — having someone by her side made everything feel lighter.

Still, there were moments when the weight of her past life returned.

She would catch herself staring out the window, lost in memories that didn’t belong to this body. Faces she couldn’t name. Places she’d never been to in this life. And always, a boy with silver-gray eyes who watched her like he was waiting for her to remember something.

Tonight was no different.

Lying on her bed, textbook open but unread, Soojin stared at the ceiling fan as it spun slowly above her head.

_"Was this really just a second chance?"_

Or was there something more behind her rebirth?

A strange dream had woken her in the middle of the night — a memory, perhaps, or just her imagination playing tricks. In it, she stood in a field beneath a crescent moon, holding hands with someone she knew but couldn’t see clearly.

Then his voice echoed through the darkness.

_"I’ve been waiting."_

Soojin shivered at the thought.

“Maybe I should talk to someone,” she whispered aloud.

But who?

Her mom? She’d only worry.

Minji? Maybe — she was loud, but she cared.

Or maybe… Daehyun?

That thought surprised her.

He wasn’t someone she had planned on getting close to. He was charming, confident, and used to being in control. But there was something about him — something familiar, like a puzzle piece she hadn’t yet placed.

As if on cue, her phone buzzed.

**Daehyun:**

You’ve been quiet today. Everything okay?

She blinked.

Of all people, he noticed?

Before she could reply, another message came in.

**Minji:**

Don’t forget we’re going to the music room after class! You promised 😎

Soojin sat up slowly.

Two paths. Two people.

And a decision to make.

Later that day, she found herself walking toward the music room with Minji, the promise still fresh in her mind. As they entered, the scent of old wood and sheet music filled the air. A grand piano sat in the corner, untouched and waiting.

“You first,” Minji said, nudging her forward.

Soojin hesitated, then sat down. Her fingers hovered over the keys for a moment before pressing down gently. A single note rang out, clear and soft.

Then another.

And soon, a melody spilled from her fingertips — not one she had learned, but one that felt like it had always lived inside her. It was haunting, nostalgic, and full of emotion she couldn’t quite put into words.

Minji leaned against the piano, listening quietly.

“That was beautiful,” she said after a long pause. “Where did you learn that?”

Soojin shook her head. “I don’t know. It just… came out.”

There was a silence between them, thick with unspoken thoughts.

Minji tilted her head. “Do you ever get the feeling that some parts of you are older than your body?”

Soojin looked at her, surprised.

“Yes,” she admitted. “All the time.”

Minji smiled softly. “Then maybe you’re not just starting a new life. Maybe you’re finishing something you started a long time ago.”

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💬 Question Time 🐱:

Have you ever felt like a part of you belongs to a life or memory you can't fully explain? What do you think it means?

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