My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty - Chapter 53

WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: Ryuu

◈ My Platinum-Blonde Childhood Friend is Too Pretty

Chapter 53: Music Studies for Elli (2)

The plan itself was good, but practical issues remained.

There were about four months until Elli's birthday.

It seemed like a long time, but when I thought about practicing playing the guitar and singing, it felt too short.

Moreover, I had never even held a guitar before... No, that's not true. Jeong-woo hyung had handed me an electric guitar once, but that was the extent of my experience.

Could someone who knew nothing about guitars manage to play a full song in just four months?

"Do you think I can do it, hyung?"

"It depends on you."

"Even if I try to make time, I won't be able to practice every day."

"I can't teach you every day either. I’m not working for free, you know."

"Then what?"

"I'll teach you on weekends and lend you a guitar so you can practice at home. At first, you'll just need to get used to the chords anyway."

"That makes sense... but it still seems daunting."

At first, I'd learn the chords, get used to them, and then start practicing a song on the guitar, eventually adding the singing.

Four months seemed both ample and terribly short.

But Jeong-woo hyung was confident.

"You'll manage. I didn't pick a song with a complicated melody line. If it's too hard, you can just stick to the basic chords and focus on the singing."

"Is four months enough time?"

"It might be tough if you had zero musical sense, but you seem to have a knack for it."

"Really?"

"I can tell by the way you sing. Of course, singing and playing an instrument are different, but we're not aiming for a professional level here."

"Got it... I'll give it a try. Teach me."

"Sure. First, sing a song."

"What should I sing? An old acoustic guitar song? Like something from Lee Moon-sae?"

"You can sing any recent song, too. Just start singing."

-♬♪♬~

"How about this one... Oh, this one."

"You know it? Just join in when you're ready."

"Okay... ahem... Today, I came to say goodbye... No, wait. This doesn't seem right to sing to Elli..."

"Hey! You were doing great, don't mess it up! Just sing!"

"Sorry. I'll start over."

I had expected it to be fun, but the time with hyung was even more enjoyable than I thought.

I always liked singing at karaoke, but singing along to an acoustic guitar felt different and more fun.

Even Jeong-woo hyung, who liked my voice and singing, had a complex expression after I finished the first song.

"...Hey. Have you ever thought about joining a band secretly from Alicia... Ha, never mind."

He took back his words with a look full of regret. It felt good to be praised so openly.

"Hyung, you're making me embarrassed by praising me so much."

"Maybe because you're different from me... I don't know why I like it so much. Anyway, sing one more song. Then I'll teach you the guitar."

"Okay."

After singing another song to hyung's guitar playing, I started learning the guitar.

"First, learn these eight basic chords, and depending on how quickly you get the hang of them, we'll decide the next steps. Hold the guitar and get into position."

"Uh... like this?"

"Relax your shoulders more. That's it. You've got a good feel for it."

"Really? Hyung, take a picture!"

"What... Hold on."

We took a picture, and I studied the string numbers and basic names of the guitar.

Then it was endless chord practice.

"My fingers are cramping..."

"That's normal at first. You'll get used to it. Try the E chord again."

"Ugh... it's tangled!"

"You're doing well. You're remembering what I taught you. Study a bit harder and get into our university."

"Will you teach me to study too?"

"I graduated years ago, I don't remember much."

"Too bad."

Although I wasn't immediately playing songs, just repeating basic chords, it was still fun.

Even though I had just started learning, I could play something like "Romance" awkwardly.

I was so absorbed in the guitar that I didn't realize the practice room rental time had ended.

"It's already over?"

"Was it fun?"

"More than I thought. I'll practice more at home."

"Don't disturb the neighbors after 9 PM."

"Yeah, I'll stop by then... and draw after that."

"Sure. When I release an album, you can do the cover art for me."

"What?! Are you releasing an album?! Becoming a singer?!"

"Not a singer... I can make an album anytime if I pay for it. I'm just not doing it."

The guitar hyung brought was now on my back. It felt a bit surreal, like I was becoming a musician.

Chatting like that, we left the practice room and went to a nearby fast food place for lunch and dinner.

We each had a burger set.

"We could have had something more expensive."

"I'm not so corrupt that I'd let a high schooler treat me to an expensive meal."

Hyung had offered to buy me a meal, but I insisted on paying out of gratitude, so we settled on burgers.

I wanted to treat him to a better meal, but he didn't want me to spend too much money, so we chose burgers.

"Hyung, can we also learn some old songs, like the ones from Lee Moon-sae?"

"The old ones are easier. The challenge is making them sound good. Why?"

"My mom loves them. I want to sing one for her."

"Is this to prepare for Alicia's jealousy?"

"Partly."

"Good idea. Worth learning. Should have asked you to sing earlier. I can play 'In the Shade of the Trees' really well... Damn."

We were munching on our burgers and chatting comfortably when...

-Swoosh

"Excuse me..."

Someone approached us, speaking nervously.

Turning my head, I saw a college-aged noona, hesitating and looking at us.

Specifically, looking at me.

The moment our eyes met, she blushed and handed me a piece of paper.

"If you don't mind, please contact me...!"

"Ah, sorry..."

"Goodbye!"

She left the paper on the table without waiting for my response and hurried out of the store.

I was about to refuse, but she was already gone, leaving the paper with her name and phone number on the table.

I left it untouched. Unfortunately, I wasn't interested.

"Hey, about tomorrow..."

"......"

"Hyung?"

And as if nothing had happened, I turned back to continue my conversation with hyung.

Jeong-woo hyung was frowning with his eyes closed.

After a moment, he muttered quietly.

"This hurts my pride a bit... Ignoring me for a high schooler..."

"No, hyung... Aren't you dating Bin noona now?"

"What does that have to do with anything? No, we need to move to a cafe. I'm staying until I get a number."

"Hyung..."

Eventually, we moved to a cafe. We each had a drink that cost almost the same as a hamburger set and talked a bit more.

Maybe the talk about getting a number was a joke, and he just wanted to buy me a drink.

Just before we left the cafe, a woman asked Jeong-woo hyung for his number.

"Sorry, I have a girlfriend."

Naturally, hyung declined immediately. Still, he seemed in a good mood.

However.

It would have been nice if it had ended there.

The woman who was rejected by hyung then turned to me.

"Then... can I have your number...?"

"......"

Her persistence in asking me for my number was just... unbelievable.

I was simply dumbfounded, but at that moment, hyung's expression was genuinely funny. He looked like someone who had been betrayed.

After that incident, we headed home.

"Thanks, hyung. I'll take good care of the guitar."

"Sure. If you have any questions, just message me. Always take care of your voice before we meet."

"Got it."

After parting with hyung in the hallway, I returned home with his guitar.

"What's this, son? Where did you get that?"

Mom greeted me, looking genuinely surprised about the guitar.

Of course, Jeong-woo hyung often tried to persuade me, but I had never shown any real interest.

"Jeong-woo hyung lent it to me. I'm going to learn the guitar from him."

"Guitar? Why the sudden interest in the guitar?"

"Well... hyung looks so cool playing the guitar and singing..."

"Are you trying to follow in Jeong-woo's musical footsteps?"

"No, not really. Just learning a little bit."

Mom's eyes narrowed as if she understood the reason.

"Are you learning it to impress that girl next door? Wow... she must be really lucky, huh? Our son is even learning the guitar and singing for her? I'm jealous~!"

Mom genuinely sounded like she was jealous of Elli. Even though her tone was playful, I could sense the disappointment underneath.

Both hyung and I had anticipated Mom's reaction, and it was amusing to see how accurate our prediction was.

"Mom."

"What? Should I cook something for my son who I can't even hear sing?"

"Mom, you love Lee Moon-sae's songs."

"...And?"

"So, I asked hyung to teach me some of his songs. I'll sing for you once I get better. You'll hear it before Elli does."

"......"

"I might not be good, but you'll listen, right?"

"Son."

"Yes."

"Want to go out and eat something delicious? How about some Korean beef? I heard a good place opened nearby."

"I already ate with hyung. Let's go next time."

"Then I'll cut some fruit for you! Wash up and rest in your room!"

"Thanks, Mom."

"Hehehe... There's no one like my son~"

Mom hummed happily as she headed to the kitchen, looking delighted.

After washing up and returning to my room, I found beautifully cut apple slices laid out on a plate.

Seeing how happy she was, I decided I definitely needed to sing for her on her birthday too.

Come to think of it, Dad also liked Lee Moon-sae a lot...

"After singing for Mom and Dad, I should sing for the lady next door too..."

I could be sure that would happen. Mom would definitely brag to her.

Although I initially planned to learn the guitar just to congratulate Elli on her birthday, it seemed I would continue playing it regularly.

Since it was fun, I didn’t mind.

I practiced the guitar until 9 PM, as hyung suggested. Elli was still out playing with Lee So-yeon, so it was the perfect time to draw.

I practiced what I learned today, and during this time, Mom came into my room, watched me practice chords with a smile, ate some fruit, and then I drew.

Around 10 PM.

-Click

Elli came back.

She was wearing pajamas—shorts and a t-shirt—to get ready for bed.

I hadn't seen her for a long time, so I was very happy the moment she stepped into my room.

It seemed the same for Elli, as she naturally hugged me without saying a word.

-Tight Hug

Once again, my girlfriend's pleasant scent and soft body made me feel happy.

"Elli. Did you have fun playing with Lee So-yeon?"

"Yeah. And you? You learned the guitar, right?"

"Hyung is teaching me, so... mmm..."

"Kiss... smack..."

While we were talking, Elli climbed onto my lap and began kissing my face all over. Her hands started to roam over my body as well.

"It was more fun than I expected... kiss... smack..."

"That's good... smooch..."

Our conversation and physical affection happened simultaneously. While it was nice to listen to each other's stories, kissing each other's lips or faces felt equally wonderful.

With Elli's saliva making my face wet all over, we ended with a deep kiss as she slid her tongue into my mouth.

"Slurp... haaa..."

After sharing a passionate moment, we finally broke apart, breathing heavily.

I then asked Elli for permission.

"Hey, I want to go and learn guitar from hyung alone once or twice a week. Is that okay?"

Elli answered immediately.

"No."

Of course.

I guess I need to explain the reason honestly for Elli to allow it...

"Don't talk nonsense and stick out your tongue. I want to taste it."

"...Alright."

I should finish what I started first.