Chapter 2

Music Friend with a Time Limit

Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

---

Minji was led by Hyun-oh, looking a bit bewildered, to a small building on the first floor. It was a soundproof practice room. As someone who majored in violin, I also had such a space.

The practice room Hyun-oh brought me to had a living area attached, but it was relatively small, indicating that the practice room was the main focus. The sense of daily life visible in various places and the sudden invitation suggested that he had long-term rented this private practice room, which occupied an entire floor.

Is this what an idol practice room looks like?

As I observed the surroundings, Hyun-oh brought a chair from somewhere and offered it to me, but instead of sitting down, I put down my violin and paced around.

The unique feature of the practice room was the wall covered with mirrors. The floor material was also slightly different. Although I had never seen it myself, I imagined that a dance major practice room might be in this form.

In the corner, there were controllers, mixers, and a digital piano, which seemed to be left there because the plan to set up a recording studio had been abandoned.

On the right wall, various brands of guitars with loose strings were lined up, and on the opposite side, there was a door marked "Vocal Practice Room." Looking through the small window on the door, it seemed to be equipped with only basic items.

The amplifiers and audio equipment were top-notch, and the most eye-catching item in the practice room was the high-end speakers.

I wanted to hear the sound from these speakers.

They were expensive to buy outright, and I already had a different model at home, so I couldn't say I needed them.

As I lingered in front of the speakers, Hyun-oh asked, "Do you like these speakers? Do you want to hear a song? Any recommendations?"

In my opinion, the best way to test speaker performance is with a song you enjoy. This is because you can finely perceive the differences when the same song is played through different speakers.

I chose Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 and one of Hyun-oh's songs from a laptop connected to the audio equipment.

The melody of the Nocturne played through the speakers. Although I couldn't clearly distinguish the spatial differences compared to the speakers at home, the sound was overall a bit more vibrant. It felt like the story and characters were the same, but the personality was brighter.

This speaker is probably more specialized for idol dance songs. I would have set it up that way.

"It's our second album's title track, Semicolon."

Dun dun?

The song started with a groovy guitar riff. As the tempo increased, a voice joined in.

I immediately realized it was Hyun-oh's voice!

Even though the tone was different from when he spoke, I could tell. No matter how different, it was still in the same category of voice.

As voices that sounded like other members were added, the music gradually intensified. Just as I expected, an EDM suddenly burst out.

The beat gradually sped up, and everyone started rapping and showing off their voices enthusiastically.

The song was better than I expected.

There was a fresh development and a refreshing feeling that swept away stress.

Among them, one voice stood out.

However, I could detect a sense of restraint to match the other members.

It's natural. In a group's music, if one stands out too much, it disrupts the harmony.

But I couldn't help feeling that Hyun-oh's unique voice was being wasted.

If the other members were a bit more skilled. If the producer had pushed their limits. Even if not, ...

Various scenarios where Hyun-oh could fully showcase his talent ran through my mind.

One regrettable point in the song "Semicolon" was the fast beat that made it hard to convey the lyrical content.

Thanks to Hyun-oh's clear pronunciation, the lyrics were very clear, which made it even more regrettable.

To play such an encouraging song with such enthusiasm... Thinking back to the initial riff, it might have been a soft ballad before the arrangement.

It was difficult to properly hear Hyun-oh's singing.

It definitely exceeded my standards for favorite songs. Of course, my personal voice preference is included in the criteria that satisfy me, but...

Well, if it doesn't work out, I can do it myself.

I picked up an acoustic guitar and a pick from the wall.

This brand is something I haven't used in a while, but it doesn't matter.

I quickly tuned the strings without a tuner and arranged the intro of the song I just heard in an acoustic version.

More ballad-like, and more gentle, like a whisper.

Hyun-oh looked at me as if I were an unknown creature, but it must be a misunderstanding.

The reason I played the intro of "Semicolon" was simple: to ask him to sing along with the accompaniment. I didn't forget the purpose of coming to the practice room.

"Sure, you asked me to sing. It feels like fate. Singing this song. Especially with these lyrics now..."

While I repeated the intro, Hyun-oh adjusted his breathing.

Soon, his lips parted, and a sweet, melodic voice began to sing.

Semicolon, semicolon, non-period

The time is still far, far, far away

Please wait a little longer, take a deep breath

Ah! This is the voice I've been waiting for. It's like a warm whisper in my ear, comforting and embracing.

Semicolon, your story is still ongoing

Not a period, but a comma in your life

The rap part is done in falsetto. It suits him well.

In the morning, open the window wide

A bright sky is waiting for you

How about the chirping of small birds?

It's time to meet the person you like

Put on your prettiest clothes

You'll make them smile at first sight

If you're tired of the wind, fold your wings

And rest in my arms for a while

Countless stars are waiting for you

Although it's just a sound produced by human body parts, I felt like crying when I heard it.

To hear a story come alive vividly, you need good expression.

Just like a novel needs living characters and sincere stories to be interesting, good expression is needed to move people.

Hyun-oh's singing was enough to move my heart. He was telling a story that was hard to express in words.

Was it because I was hearing his real voice up close? No, it was more likely due to his unique appeal.

In the repetitive daily life, non-period

Please find a small hope in it

Semicolon, your story is still ongoing

Not a period, but a comma in your life

Semicolon, semicolon, and semicolon;

The sound gradually faded and ended softly.

The harmony was so good that it gave me goosebumps. I was so happy that it matched perfectly even when I played the main melody.

I immediately erased the moment when I almost forgot the guitar accompaniment from my mind.

It was a more moving story than I expected, even more so. The resonance was so intense that it felt like it would last a long time.

I could feel a certain aura from his voice even when he spoke. I didn't ask him to sing for no reason. I had a premonition!

My shoulders involuntarily trembled, and my toes twitched. These were gestures to relieve the frustration of wanting to talk a lot but not being able to.

There are very few moments when I desperately want to say something. The fact that he made me so agitated was enough to acknowledge him.

"...How was it? I sang with all my heart. Why was I more nervous in front of you than on stage? My vocals didn't waver, did they? Anyway, what's up with your guitar skills? I can't even say I can play guitar anywhere. And you really improvised that just now? Wow, I'm seeing a real genius here!"

Despite the fact that I rarely speak, he had many questions. He seemed to have forgotten everything in excitement.

Hyun-oh was also excited. I felt relieved that it wasn't just my satisfaction.

But, to call this talent a failure? Why? What kind of hell is the idol industry...?

I felt the weight of the guitar through the strap on my shoulder. There were so many things I wanted to say but couldn't.

My lips tingled. Since I already had the guitar, I decided to give in to the impulse one more time.

I clenched my fist and then played a famous song's melody. Would Hyun-oh recognize it?

Ding ding ding~

"This song! 'Happiness is not just mine~ I want to sing with you~' Hmm? Is this what you want to say?"

I was glad he was quick to catch on. It worked on the first try!

"We can have a conversation like this! I'm happy too! I want to sing more, but can we really skip school? As an adult, I feel guilty."

I quickly played the guitar. A long-loved song by a famous trot singer.

Ding ding~

"Ahahaha! 'It's okay~ I'm free~ Maybe this is... ' Not the next lyrics, right? Yeah, those next lyrics are a bit much."

I didn't have to use the trot singing technique. By the way, the next lyrics were 'Even if this is the last, I'll give my whole life.'

To be able to continue a conversation without speaking!

I came up with this idea, but it was fortunate that there was someone who could understand it.

Usually, people wouldn't immediately recognize a melody played on a guitar that isn't the original song.

"We really understand each other well! I'm not the only one feeling this way, right? Eun-ah, do you want to be friends? Even though we have a 9-year age gap, it's not a problem. I, um, am going to study abroad, so I only have about half a year, but... I think we can get along well until then. What do you think?"

A music friend with a time limit. Not bad.

Ding~ Ding ding~

This time, it's rock.

"'Friend~ What's important to us is right now~ The fleeting moment~' I agree. You made a wise choice. As a senior, I can tell you that it's really hard to find a like-minded friend. Did I sound too preachy? Anyway, I'll do my best. Friend!"

Ding- Ding ding ding~

"What song is this? Ah! 'Please be kind~ My love~'"

When I made a serious face, he finally realized it was just 'Please be kind.'

It seems there's a slight delay when I arrange songs for the guitar. Maybe it's because I haven't played for a while.

I put the guitar back and moved the digital piano from the corner.

I'm more comfortable with the piano, which I'm more familiar with.

Later, I learned that while I was calmly satisfied, Hyun-oh felt like crying a little.

How could he handle this genius kid who was trying to master violin, guitar, and piano? Was he taking on a friend who was too much to handle?

...Is the evaluation of being a genius that much of an exaggeration?

* * *

Hyun-oh said he would show a perfect performance and stood in front of the mirror. He sang and danced while facing me.

It's been half a year since the group disbanded. Even before that, they didn't have much proper activity. But he has been practicing consistently, and his singing is steady.

It's impressive that he can sing while performing intense choreography to the original song.

Even without experiencing it, I can imagine how much effort is needed to synchronize the rising breath from intense movements with the breathing for singing.

His solid vocal technique and surprisingly powerful voice for his build...

One of the members of a popular boy group was recently in trouble for drunk driving. What if Hyun-oh had taken that spot instead?

But thinking about how he often repeated that he had become like brothers with his members after going through so much together, I dismissed the thought.

I couldn't imagine Hyun-oh, who is so generous, acting only for his own benefit.

Because of Hyun-oh's talkative nature, I naturally got a lot of information.

He said his idol career was a typical failed idol route, almost as if it was fortunate to debut.

He almost debuted as a trainee but was derailed, and the company went bankrupt, leading him to move between several agencies.

He finally debuted with a weak mid-sized entertainment company and managed to release a second album after several failed attempts.

The second album's title track was known to some extent, but strangely, they couldn't appear on TV, so they earned money by performing at small events.

Even when opportunities came, his group members got into trouble, the agency had issues, and scheduled events were suddenly canceled. All sorts of things happened.

The agency itself was problematic and couldn't provide support or training. They were left to fend for themselves and were taken advantage of in terms of payment.

Considering his overflowing talent and above-average looks, it seemed he had a bad agency and a bit of bad luck with his group. A series of wrong moves.

Hyun-oh concluded his idol experience by saying that disbanding was the only option.

"Even now, looking back, there were many twists and turns... It was a continuous string of bad luck. It felt like someone was telling me not to be an idol. But I held on until the end and got this far. If I had given up easily, the time of false hope would have been shortened, but I don't regret it. I tried everything I could. If it doesn't work out even after giving it my all, there's nothing I can do. The throne is narrow, and not all idols can succeed."

Given Hyun-oh's passion for music and dance, he would have suited being a solo dance singer.

"...What about solo?"

"Um. I received several offers to debut as a solo artist and considered it... But I still feel a bit lacking. I'm going to study abroad to further my education."

After finishing his words, Hyun-oh left to buy some drinks.

Wow... He's already amazing,