Chapter 9

Regaining her composure, Joong Bora naturally felt a strong resistance towards such a song filled with cuteness. However, under the pressure from Lee Ji-hyeon and Yoon Ji-hui, she was still forced to sing along with the melody and even added hand movements.

"Ah! So cute! Bora! I've fallen in love with you too! Will you marry me?" Yoon Ji-hui's eyes were filled with little hearts as she looked at Joong Bora.

"Ji-hui-ssi..." Joong Bora's face was as red as spicy rice cake soup.

"Oh, it's fine. Seeing this song, I can confirm that my brother isn't confessing to you. He's at most just infatuated with you. If you marry me, then he'll be my brother-in-law... or rather, my sister-in-law... or something. But no matter what, he'll be happy to see it. How about it, will you be with me?" Yoon Ji-hui playfully hooked Joong Bora's chin with her finger.

Before Joong Bora could explode from embarrassment, Yoon Ji-hui shifted her focus to Yoon Hyun, who was standing nearby, eyes wide open after watching Joong Bora's performance: "Your finger dance is pretty good. It seems you put a lot of effort into it. But it's a bit thin. There's no expression in the A section. How about I help you complete the rest? Or do you plan to finish it yourself and give it to Bora to sing?"

"Um, since the capable should do more, and you're a professional, how about you help me complete it?" Yoon Hyun said, seizing the opportunity. Joking, let him choreograph? He might as well dance to Heavy Rotation... Oh, right, that song hasn't even come out yet... Is AKB even formed yet?

Yoon Ji-hui was somewhat dissatisfied with Yoon Hyun's response, but she did believe that he didn't write the song for Joong Bora. Still, she felt a bit uncomfortable.

"Ji-hui-ssi, I don't think this song suits me," Joong Bora finally burst out.

"What's not suitable? Bora, you're so cute, this song is tailor-made for you," Lee Ji-hyeon interjected. "Yoon Hyun, what's the name of this song?"

"Song of Cuteness," Yoon Hyun answered honestly.

"Song of Cuteness. It's a perfect ode to Bora. How great!" Lee Ji-hyeon continued.

"But I prefer mature and deep songs, like Kim Jong-kook's 'A Man'." Joong Bora said with a hint of resentment. She had set 'A Man' as her phone ringtone when it came out last year.

"People should do things that match their age. Don't pretend to be mature when you're young," Yoon Hyun said calmly, then glanced at Yoon Ji-hui, who was enthusiastically brainstorming the remaining finger dance for 'Song of Cuteness.' "And don't pretend to be cute when you're old. It's exhausting to do things that don't suit you all your life."

"Yoon Hyun-ssi, how many times have I told you not to say such sentimental and profound things out of nowhere?" Lee Ji-hyeon interrupted, exasperated.

Joong Bora was speechless.

Yoon Ji-hui, being a professional choreographer, managed to complete the entire finger dance in just an hour. By the time Joong Bora had memorized the song, the full routine was ready.

Then, the music, singing, and finger dance were performed together.

"Bora! Record this video and post it online, you'll definitely become a sensation!" Lee Ji-hyeon said excitedly.

"No way!" Joong Bora firmly refused. "It would be so embarrassing."

"Then why are you practicing so hard?" Lee Ji-hyeon teased. "Is it to thank Yoon Hyun-ssi?"

Joong Bora pounced on her like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, and they started wrestling.

In the end, the song remained a joke among the four of them and never spread widely, which left Yoon Hyun somewhat disappointed.

However, perhaps it was a case of losing in one place and gaining in another. Because of this song, Yoon Hyun became closer to Joong Bora and Lee Ji-hyeon.

For a student, the start of the semester meant that studying once again became the main focus.

When Yoon Hyun's course selection became known to his classmates, almost the entire Seoul National University knew about the philosophy freshman who was a madman. As a result, people would occasionally come up to him to greet him, shake his hand, and even a girl with decent looks asked for his autograph...

With fame came a lot of malice. In class, he was often called on by the teacher to answer tricky questions. However, as someone with a lot of knowledge, he usually managed to answer them, earning the teacher's favor, who initially disliked him but later found him very likable.

In the end, although the respect for age is severe in Korea, the respect for knowledge is also profound. If you show enough knowledge, you will always earn the respect of your peers.

Of course, the storm Yoon Hyun stirred up in the philosophy department of Seoul National University could only blow within the school. After all, many people still didn't understand what philosophy was for...

Although Yoon Hyun was crazy at school, every night at home, he was still a beginner learning to compose music.

Since 'Song of Cuteness,' Yoon Ji-hui seemed to have discovered a gold mine in Yoon Hyun and actively joined in his training.

Thus, the unfortunate Yoon Hyun, besides music theory, began to receive intensive training in various instruments from his sister...

However, just as a duck gains weight from the amount of food stuffed into it, Yoon Hyun seemed to retain very little of what he learned... It was unclear whether it was Yoon Ji-hui's teaching method or his lack of talent for instruments.

The phone number left after accompanying Joong Bora and Lee Ji-hyeon to their audition never rang.

In late September, 'Lovers in Prague' aired on SBS and achieved excellent ratings. Out of frustration, Yoon Hyun still watched a couple of episodes and found that the role he auditioned for had been adjusted according to his performance that day, but ultimately, a child actor was chosen to play it.

This was his contribution to the entertainment industry, he could only console himself.

However, this incident didn't deeply affect Yoon Hyun. His decades of calmness or lack of concern allowed him to face such unexpected opportunities and their subsequent loss with a positive attitude.

Time flew by.

Before they knew it, it was the end of the year.

The end of the year is a busy season. For students, it's exam season. For artists, it's the most important time of the year.

For Yoon Hyun, the challenge was how to complete all his exams without interfering with each other during the exam week. Fortunately, his frequent presence in various classrooms, despite not being able to attend every class due to his course selection, moved many teachers. Combined with his excellent performance in class, the teachers cooperated to schedule all his exams in a non-conflicting manner...

For Yoon Ji-hui, six months of pregnancy had begun to show its effects. She couldn't wear tight clothes to dance for the company's singers and had to reluctantly move behind the scenes, watching her juniors perform on various award stages. Fortunately, Kim Tae-hee, after completing several consecutive dramas, entered a rest period and often visited the single mother of the same age, showing admiration and envy for Yoon Ji-hui's pregnancy, which improved her mood a bit.

As for Joong Bora and Lee Ji-hyeon... they were still striving for a role with lines.

However, by this time, almost all entertainment activities were heading towards celebrations, and Joong Bora and Lee Ji-hyeon found themselves with some free time.

Just like how Lee Hyori swept the music industry in 2003 with '10 MINUTE,' the 2005 end-of-year awards belonged to one person: a muscular man with a mosquito-like voice.

Even Yoon Hyun, who didn't watch much TV or variety shows, knew the梗 about covering a girl's ears and saying "of course" from a class at Seoul National University.

Such a Kim Jong-kook was invincible.

However, regarding the song 'Cute' that Kim Jong-kook sang to thank his fans, Joong Bora, as his fan, had a bit of... disdain.

Compared to her 'Song of Cuteness,' that song was nothing! Joong Bora thought proudly.

But no matter what Joong Bora thought, Kim Jong-kook achieved the second triple crown in Korean history, a height that even Lee Hyori in 2003 didn't reach.

And according to Yoon Hyun's memory, later, the three major TV stations' end-of-year music stages no longer awarded prizes, making Kim Jong-kook's second triple crown the last one...

"Do you think this is reliable?" On the first day of 2006, at Yoon Ji-hui's house, Joong Bora was chatting with Lee Ji-hyeon while watching TV.

"How would I know? You should ask Ji-hui-ssi," Lee Ji-hyeon said absentmindedly.

"Ji-hui-ssi has been in a bad mood lately. I'm afraid she'll scold me if I ask," Joong Bora said with a hint of resentment.

"Then... how about asking Yoon Hyun? He's probably free today. I can call him over?" Lee Ji-hyeon suggested, clearly not very willing to move.

"Let's not. The house is so messy, it would be embarrassing if he saw it," Joong Bora said, scratching her head.

"Then let's go to his place and check on Ji-hui-ssi while we're at it," Lee Ji-hyeon stretched, clearly still reluctant to move.

"Forget it... I think you... are turning into a lazy pig. I'll go out myself," Joong Bora said, looking at Lee Ji-hyeon's half-closed eyes, feeling exasperated.

"Okay, then dinner is on you," Lee Ji-hyeon said without hesitation, lying down on the sofa...

Joong Bora wrapped herself up and braved the cold wind to leave the house.

Halfway down the road, she suddenly remembered something, stopped, and called Yoon Hyun.

"Bora-nuna, what's up?" Yoon Hyun was still polite on the phone.

"Yoon Hyun, are you free now?" Joong Bora's voice was low.

"Yes, are you going to audition for a drama?" Yoon Hyun asked.

"Actually, I want to invite you for a coffee. Can you come to XX Coffee Shop now?"

"Coffee? Sure, I'll be right there."

"Okay, I'll wait for you."

Joong Bora hung up and entered the nearby coffee shop.

Soon, Yoon Hyun, also wrapped up, appeared.

"Bora, what's up today?" Yoon Hyun, who had sensed something unusual about Joong Bora when he received the call, didn't joke around.

"Can't I invite you for coffee if there's nothing up?" Joong Bora tried to avoid the question.

"We're close friends, no need to beat around the bush. What's on your mind? I'll do my best to help," Yoon Hyun thought for a moment. He felt confident after the Italian team's unexpected rise in the summer in Germany. Money wasn't an issue, and neither were other things.

"Alright. I have something I want to ask for your opinion," Joong Bora used formal language, showing how serious she was.

Yoon Hyun, who had been leaning back in his chair, immediately became serious when he heard this.

"Here's the thing. A friend told me that S.M. Entertainment might be launching a large female group project this year, planning to debut as singers next year. Although I'm technically a CCM trainee, I haven't received much support from the company. My friend suggested I try my luck at S.M. Entertainment..."

Yoon Hyun nodded. He knew the group was Girls' Generation. He also knew Joong Bora wasn't part of it.

"I remember you didn't seem to like singing that much, right?" Yoon Hyun pondered his words, trying to discourage her without revealing his foresight...

"I wouldn't say I dislike it," Joong Bora said, looking down.

"Then why do you want to switch to S.M. Entertainment to become a singing trainee? Just to debut?"

"Yoon Hyun, I'm 22 this year," Joong Bora said, a bitter smile on her face.

"Right, I know," Yoon Hyun waved his hand, interrupting her. "So you're planning to take one last gamble?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Isn't it? S.M. Entertainment isn't CCM. You know how many trainees they have. How many younger trainees have been there for years? How many trainees around your age are already at a certain level? Do you think you'll get much attention even if you pass the audition? Without attention, you'll slowly give up your dreams among so many trainees. This isn't a gamble, it's like a moth flying into a flame."

"But I'm not satisfied with my current situation!" Joong Bora's eyes welled up with tears. "If I try, maybe with your 'Song of Cuteness,' there's still a bit of hope..."

"Can this song be recorded? Even if it can, will you have such a good opportunity again in the future?" Yoon Hyun mercilessly continued to crush her last bit of hope.

"But you're here, right?" Joong Bora said softly.

"..." Yoon Hyun was speechless. "I'm not Nietzsche, I can't be the sun."

"What do you mean?" Joong Bora was confused.

"..." Yoon Hyun thought for a moment. "I can't and don't have the ability to be your sun, to take care of you all the time."

Joong Bora lowered her head, tears streaming down her face even more.

"From the look of it, you seem determined to give it a try, right?" Yoon Hyun, seeing her sad expression, regretted his harsh words and softened his tone. "As a friend, I feel responsible for your future and can't just say things to make you feel better."

"I haven't made up my mind yet, or I wouldn't have called you out at this time," Joong Bora said, crying.

"Actually, Bora, you don't need to rush," Yoon Hyun, seeing her cry, felt a bit sorry and handed her a tissue, speaking gently. "You're still young. As an actor, you should focus on improving your acting skills and building a solid foundation instead of rushing to the spotlight. You deserve more."

Joong Bora, like a cat being stroked, slowly stopped sobbing.

"Besides, with your childlike face, people would believe you're only 15. So, there's no need to rush!" Yoon Hyun, seeing the atmosphere lighten, made a small joke.

"I know these things, but it just feels so frustrating," Joong Bora still couldn't let go.

"Bora, have you talked to Ji-hyeon about this?" Yoon Hyun suddenly changed the topic.

"Ah? Yes, I did. What's the matter?" Joong Bora was taken aback.

"Ah... I think she's feeling worse than you. I'm a bit worried about her," Yoon Hyun sighed. "She's a person who carries a lot of worries. Being stimulated by you... I hope she doesn't go down a dark path."

Joong Bora fell silent again.

"Let's go check on her at home," Yoon Hyun, who had said this to divert Joong Bora's attention, realized it was something to be concerned about...

"Let's not... our place is a mess..." Joong Bora, remembering the state of her home, said embarrassedly.

"It's fine, I don't treat you like women," Yoon Hyun waved his hand.

As a result, he was pinched by Joong Bora, wincing in pain.

In the end, Joong Bora didn't agree to Yoon Hyun's request to visit her home. She only asked Yoon Hyun to call Lee Ji-hyeon and have them talk privately.

But Yoon Hyun thought for a long time and didn't want to make the call, so it ended up unresolved.

Moreover, after telling Yoon Ji-hui about the day's events at home, he didn't have the heart to call Lee Ji-hyeon.

"Brother! Are you really my brother?" Yoon Ji-hui looked at him with a face of disappointment.

"What did I do?" Yoon Hyun looked innocent. "I did it for Bora's own good!"

"Hey! You! How old are you this year? 21, right? Have you ever thought about finding a girlfriend?" Yoon Ji-hui looked exasperated and angry. "Bora was already hinting at you, and you told me you're not her sun... Are you trying to kill me with frustration?"

"..." Yoon Hyun was sweating...

"What does it mean? Bora didn't talk to her parents or other friends about such a big decision, but specifically called you out to discuss it. What does that mean?" Yoon Ji-hui looked furious. "It's almost like she's telling you, if I fail, will you support me for life..."

"..." Yoon Hyun tried to convince her. "Bora doesn't seem like that kind of person!"

"Forget it, looks like you prefer Ji-hyeon." Yoon Ji-hui sighed.

"I... don't think so..." Yoon Hyun's voice had a strange tone.

"Then how do you explain it? A girl confesses to you, and you think of another one right there..."

"I already said it wasn't a confession..."

"Then why don't you send a text to Bora now, saying you support her decision no matter what, and if she fails, you'll support her for life? I bet she'll immediately agree to be your girlfriend..." Yoon Ji-hui waved her hand like a queen with a whip.

"Sis... If she goes to S.M., she'll definitely fail... The spots