Book I - 52

SCARLET

I stared at myself in the mirror before I went out on stage. I had never experienced standing in front of a crowd. I didn’t exactly understand why I wanted to sing live in an acoustic bar. I also had no experience. All I knew was I had to move on. I had to divert my attention and do something new.

“Hey, newbie! We’re about to start.” An Asian man in a baseball cap appeared behind me.

“Yes, of course. Thank you.” I smiled at him.

“I’m Scott. I play percussion. You are Scarlet, right?” he asked.

“Oh, yes. Hi, Scott.” I reached out my hand to him.

“Pleasure.” He shook my hand.

Scott smiled. He was pretty charming, and he looked younger than me. He had black hair under his cap, covering his forehead.

“If you don’t mind me asking, are you… Japanese?” I guessed, trying to be friendly and making small talk.

“I’m actually Korean,” he corrected, then grinned.

“Oh, sorry!” I covered my mouth, embarrassed.

He chuckled. “You ready? I heard you have a good voice.”

“I’m not a professional,