The Song of Release

That night, the atmosphere in the bar was more lively than ever. The acoustic music played by a local guitarist created a relaxed and warm vibe. The guests laughed, chatted, and enjoyed their drinks under the soft, dim lights. Hana sat in one corner of the bar, trying to enjoy a night that should have been fun, but her mind was still filled with doubts.

Dewi, who seemed more at ease, enjoyed her drink with a carefree attitude. However, Hana could feel the heavy tension in her chest. I need to let it all out, she thought. I need something to release these feelings.

As a waiter passed by with a wireless microphone in hand, Dewi quickly caught his attention.

"Hana, you should sing! Come on, feel the vibe. This is the perfect moment," Dewi said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Hana looked at her, slightly startled.

"What?" Hana was taken aback. "I can't..."

"Oh, come on, it's just for fun. You love singing, right? What's the harm?"

Hana swallowed hard, feeling a bit nervous, but at the same time, the sound of the music seemed to invite her to express something deeper. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded, deciding to push aside her anxiety.

The waiter handed her the microphone, and Hana stood up, her steps tentative. Dewi gave her an encouraging smile. "You can do it, Han!"

Taking a deep breath, Hana made her way to the small stage at the front of the bar. All eyes gradually turned toward her, and she could feel the weight of their gazes. But nothing could match the tension she felt within herself.

She began to sing her favorite song, a soft ballad filled with emotion. Her voice, initially trembling, gradually eased the tension within her. With each note, she felt a little lighter, as if the emotional burden she carried was being lifted bit by bit.

Hana's eyes glanced at the crowd, and by chance, they met the eyes of a man at the bar who hadn't taken his gaze off her. He sat there with an unreadable expression, but there was something intense in his eyes. Hana felt her heartbeat quicken, but she decided to keep singing, trying to forget about the man for the moment.

Her voice resonated gently in the night air, touching the hearts of everyone listening, including the man whose gaze remained fixed on her. His cold, mysterious eyes now appeared different, seemingly captivated by the hidden beauty in Hana's voice something he had never felt before.

Hana felt as if she could pour out all her pent-up emotions through the song. As the final note played, she lowered the microphone and looked at Dewi, who clapped enthusiastically.

But when her eyes returned to search for the man, he was already standing, walking toward her. Hana's heart raced, and she tried not to show the nervousness on her face.

"That was beautiful," the man's voice sounded low and alluring amid the noise of the bar.

Hana was slightly startled, not expecting him to approach her so suddenly. "Thank you," she replied, her voice slightly trembling, trying to maintain her composure.

"Your voice... it's like it carries a weight, a sadness," the man said, his gaze growing more intense. "I can tell you've been through a lot."

Hana was silent, surprised by the depth of his words. How did he know?

Before she could respond, Dewi, now standing beside her, patted her on the shoulder cheerfully. "Hana, you were amazing tonight!" Dewi said enthusiastically, trying to shift the mood of the conversation.

The man gave a faint smile, nodding politely before stepping back. "I hope to hear more from you," he said before walking away.

Hana stood there, confused, her heart still pounding. What had just happened tonight? Why did her encounter with that man feel so... profound?

As the night went on and Dewi urged Hana to stay and enjoy the vibe, Hana felt something she couldn't explain brewing inside her. And although she tried to ignore it, she knew one thing for certain this wouldn't be their last encounter.