Chapter 4

As the time to go home drew closer, I found myself staying out later, buying sports clothes I never used to, and laughing more freely… After meeting Hyun-oh hyung, my daily life changed dramatically. I could feel it myself, so it was only natural that my parents would be even more sensitive to the changes. It’s like how a single yellow rose in a bouquet of red roses stands out. After all, I hadn’t experienced any major changes since I was a child.

“Eun-a, have you maybe gotten a girlfriend?”

I hadn’t expected this interpretation. I guess for teenagers, dating is a big deal. But I didn’t want to be included in that category. I shook my head, and Dad said he wouldn’t tell Mom if I wanted to keep it a secret. I was about to go crazy. Maybe I should introduce Hyun-oh hyung to my family.

…But that’s a good idea, isn’t it?

When would be a good time? I didn’t think Hyun-oh hyung would refuse.

* * *

Ironically, I invited Hyun-oh hyung according to my parents’ schedules, but he declined, saying he had a prior commitment that couldn’t be canceled. Lately, Hyun-oh hyung has been busy. Just from the clues he dropped about who he met and where he ate, it was clear his schedule wasn’t light. There were even days when we didn’t see each other at all.

But he spent as much time with me as possible, often scheduling our meetings for weekday afternoons. If he felt that the time I spent at school, where we couldn’t meet, was being used for other appointments, would that be an overreaction? No, it’s all because of Hyun-oh hyung’s grand gestures.

From the way he habitually spoke, I was his soul twin and a tragic genius who had lost his voice. His tendency to exaggerate hadn’t changed.

I changed from my school uniform into sports clothes and warmed up by playing a few violin pieces. While I was deeply focused, Hyun-oh hyung, who had gone to the convenience store, returned and offered me an electrolyte drink, watching me closely.

What did he want to talk about?

“Eun-a, I’ve been thinking. If your voice could improve, what would you do? The vocal cords are just one factor among many that determine your voice. If one factor is faulty, can’t the others compensate? There’s something called voice therapy. What do you think? I can do it myself.”

I felt my breath catch in my throat. I wondered how far Hyun-oh hyung was willing to go. I had tried voice therapy before. If there was a way to improve my voice without surgery, I would have tried it. But it didn’t work. I couldn’t forget the pity in my teacher’s eyes. After that, I didn’t look into other options.

I don’t expect things to go as Hyun-oh hyung hopes, but…

I looked into his eyes and pondered. How would he feel if I, who had clung to a slim hope and given up without trying, refused? Whether he tried to persuade me, felt sorry for me, or waited, he wouldn’t just accept and give up. I couldn’t ignore the hopeful look in his eyes. It would be wisest to accept.

I slowly nodded, and I saw his face light up with joy.

Is it really that great?

“I’ve already planned out the curriculum! You just need to follow along.”

What would he have done if I had refused? He’s impossible to talk out of things.

That’s how I started voice therapy with Hyun-oh hyung. He started with exercises to improve my breathing. We spent most of our after-school time on this, but it was worth it. Unlike before, the results were astonishing.

Day by day, my voice changed. It was still unpleasant to hear, but the double sounds became much clearer. I learned to control my breathing, so I could mix the sound of my breath evenly when speaking. I couldn’t change my natural low pitch, but the overall improvement made my voice sound different.

It changed. Enough that others wouldn’t frown as much when they heard it.

“I can see you growing every day. It will only get better.”

Even if the problem with my vocal cords couldn’t be solved, it could be compensated for with effort. I was moved and grateful.

“Hyun-oh hyung is my benefactor.”

After saying it, I realized I had slipped into informal speech. But Hyun-oh hyung wouldn’t mind. Speaking in full sentences isn’t something I’m used to, and using informal speech is less rude than just spitting out words. We’re friends, so it’s okay to speak casually.

“A benefactor is a high honor. If it’s the right kind of ‘jeong,’ I can handle it.”

Unselfish kindness. Is it okay to feel this way about the hope of humanity? Anyway, I hope Hyun-oh hyung’s efforts are appreciated by someone. The only place that came to mind was one.

“Let’s go. To my house.”

* * *

I immediately informed the family chat that I was bringing a guest, as it would be rude to visit without notice. It was Saturday, so the chances were high that both parents would be home.

The reply came quickly.

Dad was excited to prepare a meal, and Mom said she was on her way home from a quick stop at the office.

When I showed this to Hyun-oh hyung, he laughed in exasperation.

Hyun-oh hyung insisted on buying a gift, which delayed our trip home.

“Here we are.”

We entered, and my parents, dressed neatly, greeted us in the living room.

“Hello. I’m Eun-a’s father, and this is Eun-a’s mother. I’m Jung Hyun-oh.”

“I’m Eun-a’s mother, and this is Eun-a’s father.”

“I didn’t want to come empty-handed, so I picked this out. I hope it’s okay.”

Hyun-oh hyung offered a potted plant. He had wanted to buy flowers, but I managed to talk him out of it.

For a friend’s house, what’s the point?

After some back and forth, we settled on a potted camellia.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you. Please, have a seat. Eun-a hasn’t given any explanation, so I’m curious. Why did our son want to bring Hyun-oh here?”

I sat next to Hyun-oh hyung, who looked nervous. It felt like a scene where a daughter is asking for her hand in marriage.

My parents watched Hyun-oh hyung with curiosity.

I felt my face burning.

“He’s my friend.”

My parents’ gazes turned to me.

I was surprised by the friend statement, but even more by the sound of my voice. I had been careful not to strain my voice at home in preparation for this moment.

“He’s my voice therapy teacher.”

“Eun-a, your voice…!”

My parents were more sensitive to the change in my voice than anyone. They had seen how much I had suffered since I was a child.

Mom blamed herself for not giving me a beautiful voice, and Dad had struggled to support both of us.

“Hyun-oh, is it? Thank you so much. You’re a benefactor to our family.”

Dad, who is sensitive to emotions, was already tearing up.

“Dad, don’t cry. It’s awkward for Hyun-oh hyung.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I can’t believe it… We tried everything, and it didn’t work. I’m not the only one who felt this way, right?”

Though they pretended not to notice, I could see Mom still searching for papers on vocal cords in the study.

“No, dear. I hear it too.”

Even if they tried to hide it, I knew my complex was a wound for them as well.

Dad tried to stop crying, but his eyes were still wet.

Even Mom, who is rational and charismatic, couldn’t hide her emotion.

I was happy just to be able to share this news.

“What’s your favorite food? I should make something delicious.”

“I like everything.”

“It’s too early for dinner. How about a drink? We have coffee, tea, fruit juice, and soda. Oh, I made some grapefruit syrup. How about a grapefruit ade?”

Dad seemed determined to feed us something delicious. Hyun-oh hyung, overwhelmed by Dad’s excitement, shrank back.

“Calm down, dear. You’re scaring Hyun-oh.”

Hyun-oh hyung’s popularity with my parents was off the charts. Usually, he would have led the conversation, but he lost his footing.

He seemed bewildered by the sudden, one-sided affection and a bit uncomfortable.

“Relax, Hyun-oh hyung.”

“We might have been too enthusiastic. I’m sorry. This is the first time Eun-a has brought a friend home, and he’s also a benefactor, so we’re very happy.”

“No, it’s fine. Thank you for welcoming me. But there’s no need to be grateful just because Eun-a and I are friends. We became friends because we’re musically compatible, and I can do voice therapy, so I did it.”

Mom looked at Hyun-oh hyung with sparkling eyes.

“How did you grow up to be such a good person? It’s reassuring to see someone Eun-a can look up to.”

“How did you two meet? Eun-a only goes to school, the practice room, and home.”

Dad’s question made Hyun-oh hyung hesitate. We met when he saved me from being hit by a motorcycle.

Hyun-oh hyung cleverly said he caught my violin that was about to fall and got a meal in return.

He then explained the rest of the story, including the fact that he was a former idol, and described our activities together, like dancing and playing instruments, in a thrilling, movie-like way.

I didn’t know Hyun-oh hyung was such a good storyteller. Even I, who had been there, was eager to hear the rest of the story.

“You speak so well! Our son is so quiet, it’s boring.”

“Oh! So Eun-a didn’t get a girlfriend but a music friend.”

Dad had firmly believed in the existence of my imaginary girlfriend but now seemed to have cleared up the misunderstanding.

“Eun-a is so handsome, girls would line up to date him.”

“Looks aren’t everything in a relationship. I thought Eun-a was unpopular because he didn’t give anyone a chance.”

“Our son is a carbon copy of his father. I married him for his looks.”

“I married for looks, personality, and ability.”

Dad’s playful response made Mom laugh with a flushed face.

My parents, but they are a skin-crawling couple who don’t care about the time or place. Are they always this happy?

“Seeing Eun-a’s good looks, I can tell where they come from.”

Hyun-oh hyung boldly joined the flattery battle, using my looks as a topic.

100% intentional. He knew that talking about their son would make my parents happy.

We shared exaggerated lies under the guise of conversation, finishing with dinner and dessert. The conversation flowed smoothly, and the laughter and talk never stopped. It was clear they were enjoying themselves, and I felt the value of inviting Hyun-oh hyung.

And the time came to see Hyun-oh hyung off.

“Hyun-oh, it’s the first time we’ve met, but I feel so close. It’s silly, but it feels like I have another son.”

“…Thank you for treating me like a son. I lost my parents and don’t have any siblings, so it feels good. It’s like I have a brother now. Please call me Hyun-oh. And feel free to speak casually, Mom.”

Was Hyun-oh hyung’s loneliness due to his family?

“Then you should call us Mom and Dad. Hyun-oh, come visit often. We’ll welcome you more casually next time.”

“I plan to study abroad in the U.S. in about three months, but I’ll visit often before then.”

“You’re going to study music. It will be busy.”

“My preparations are almost complete, so I have plenty of time.”

“Our son will miss you a lot. Make lots of memories before you go.”

Dad, looking disappointed, handed Hyun-oh hyung a shopping bag full of food.

I was about to see him off to the front door but was stopped by Hyun-oh hyung and had to turn back.

“Eun-a, you’re happy to have a hyung, right?”

Dad patted my shoulder. Mom and Dad’s bright expressions showed they had enjoyed today’s meeting.

A friend, a hyung, a colleague, a confidant, a benefactor…

Though he is just one person, he has become a powerful presence in my world.

How can I repay Hyun-oh hyung, who makes me happy no matter what name I call him?