Chapter 58

Reincarnated Genius Composer - Chapter 58 (58/482)

The Animal Island OST project was incredibly fascinating. Perhaps it was because it was a game I once fervently enjoyed, but the process of visualizing each theme in my mind and turning it into a musical idea was genuinely enjoyable.

However, it wasn't all smooth sailing.

Not only was the number of tracks substantial, but the challenge of venturing into a completely new genre meant I was eager to use new chords and instruments to bring out the unique colors of each theme.

Was that why?

The inside of Hyun-seung's studio was filled with a prolonged silence.

Eventually.

To stretch his stiff body, he went up to the rooftop. As he stretched his arms up and twisted his body, a groan of "Ugh" escaped his lips. He must have been sitting for too long.

"Manager Kim, you're not coming today either."

Hyun-seung muttered softly, suddenly realizing Manager Kim's absence. It was an unconscious remark. Well, with no one around to hear it, it could just be left to drift away.

Ever since he hinted at a job change, it had been difficult to see Manager Kim. Whether he was busy preparing for a new job or occupied with other matters, it was hard to tell...

But somehow...

Just the absence of someone's nagging in his daily routine made the start of the day feel somewhat empty.

"Ah..."

He shook his head to clear his mind. He would focus on the task at hand, and I would focus on mine. Yes, that's how it should be, just naturally passing the time.

Hyun-seung twisted his body from side to side to increase his concentration, loosening his stiff muscles. Even though he had taken off his jacket for stretching, the air had become quite warm, enveloping his body and brushing against his cheeks.

Spring must be coming.

Yes, the magical season that softens hearts and makes people giddy must be approaching. As he pondered the word "spring," the song "A Handful of Cherry Blossoms" that he had created in his past life came to mind.

It was a song that brought him a steady income every spring. The appearance of "A Handful of Cherry Blossoms" on the charts was a clear sign that spring had arrived, making it the top spring-themed song, no matter what anyone said.

"Hmm..."

Hyun-seung stopped stretching and sat down on a bench. Lately, he had been deeply reflecting on how he had put all his personal projects on hold to focus solely on the Animal Island OST. Such a long-term dedication to a single project was rare even in his past life.

Of course, it was that much more interesting and a meaningful project with many challenges. However, he began to wonder if the prolonged focus on one thing might be leading to a vicious cycle, preventing him from creating even better results.

Thud, thud.

Yes, how can one live on just meals? Sometimes, one needs a little snack too. With his resolve set, he immediately headed back to the studio. His mind was focused on one thought.

I need to create a new "A Handful of Cherry Blossoms."

It was a project that left him somewhat unsatisfied in his past life, given the results it brought. This time, he planned to create seasonal theme songs for summer, autumn, and winter, not just spring.

If these four songs could successfully represent the four seasons of South Korea, he would be happy every time the seasons changed, unlike in his past life when he was limited to spring.

"Alright, let's give it another try."

As a new idea came to mind, a fitting melody flooded his thoughts. His heart beat to the rhythm, and his hands moved on their own. As Hyun-seung's lips curved into a pleasant smile, the studio became noisy again. It was as if flower petals were fluttering, and a lovely melody, like that of newly committed lovers, was being created.

Yes.

For Hyun-seung, this wasn't work. It was just a refreshing task.

* * *

Late lunch, Manager Choi visited his favorite restaurant near the office building. It was a place he had been frequenting for a long time, and he would occasionally drop by when he felt like it.

As he opened the wooden door and stepped inside, the warm air and the savory smell of pork soup greeted him.

"Ma'am, one pork soup, please."

Manager Choi sat in a corner and placed his order. Hmm, when will it come? As he waited, his stomach growled, and he glanced around.

"Hey? Manager Choi?"

A familiar man entered his favorite restaurant.

"Oh, what brings you here?"

"The cafeteria menu didn't appeal to me today."

"Then join me. Sit here."

The familiar man was Hyun-seung, the dedicated composer of Team 2. The sudden company made the warm atmosphere a bit awkward.

"Another pork soup, please."

After placing the additional order, they remained silent until the food arrived. How long had it been? Only when the bubbling bowl was placed in front of them did they speak.

"Let's eat."

"Sure, take your time."

The formal exchange broke the silence, which returned when the steam from the hot soup made beads of sweat form on their foreheads.

"By the way, where is Manager Kim? Why are you here alone?"

"He's been busy lately, so it's hard to see him."

"Yes, that guy is always busy."

Manager Choi felt a lump in his throat as he thought of Manager Kim. It reminded him of when he first joined the company. The young man had worked tirelessly, saying it was to earn money for his mother's medical bills, always insisting it was fine.

He would often declare his determination to do whatever was asked of him, shouting loudly that he could handle anything. The image of the young Manager Kim, full of resolve and determination, became a painful reminder for Choi.

Kim Woo-hyun...

He had worked hard, supporting his mother's medical bills without even a name, just called "Manager." But the pancreatic cancer that he had barely overcome a few years ago had recently recurred.

How heartless the heavens can be.

The only silver lining in this dire situation was that it was still in the early stages and had not spread to other organs. If he could successfully undergo surgery and chemotherapy, his survival rate was quite high.

Yes, he had finally relaxed, thinking Manager Kim could now prepare for a life beyond just his mother, but fate cruelly pushed him down again.

"Sigh."

Manager Choi sighed and looked at Hyun-seung. He was eating the pork soup with great enthusiasm, his head almost in the bowl. Choi could understand why he had made time to bring Hyun-seung to the cafeteria to eat, even without Manager Kim.

"Manager Kim, don't worry him."

Manager Choi added, keeping his eyes on the soup.

"He's already worried to the point of falling apart."

No matter how much Choi cared for Manager Kim, Manager Kim was the one who pained him more.

"What do you mean by that...?"

Hyun-seung stopped his active eating and looked up, but Manager Choi wasn't looking at him. Did Manager Choi sense something? No, if he had, he wouldn't have just sighed and told him not to worry.

"Just take good care of him."

But Manager Choi only gave a meaningful answer and continued to eat his soup silently.

What exactly did he mean by "take good care of him"?

Even if he wanted to, what could he do? There was no clear mention of a job change, and he couldn't just grab the guy by the collar and beg him not to leave with a wad of money.

Especially if Manager Kim had really decided to change jobs, he must have made a choice for his future, not just for money. It was a situation where he couldn't even imagine what price he would have to pay to stop such a determined person.

"What can I do to take care of him? He's someone who can handle anything on his own."

After a long hesitation, Hyun-seung's face looked somewhat bitter.

"Hmm?"

Manager Choi couldn't understand the expression, but he knew it was related to Manager Kim.

"Manager Kim doesn't show it, but he has a sick mother."

"Really? Manager Kim's mother is sick?"

"Yes, and he's the only son, so he's carrying all the burdens alone."

"Where is she sick, and how bad is it?"

"The pancreatic cancer that was declared cured two years ago has recurred."

Hyun-seung let out a small sigh. Perhaps he was reminded of his father in his past life, who had also suffered from pancreatic cancer for a long time. Though he couldn't see his expression, he imagined it was a pained one. No, maybe just a little sad.

"That must be really tough for him."

"Yes, all his earnings must go to medical bills."

"Chemotherapy and hospitalization costs are enormous..."

"Especially since he goes to the hospital every day, it must be very difficult."

"Yes, that's not an easy task..."

As he listened, he kept thinking of himself in his past life. In a difficult emotional state, he had left the care of his sick father to his younger brother, only paying the medical bills and ignoring the rest.

Paying the bills was the easiest part. The hardest and most difficult part was being by the side of a sick family member. But Manager Kim was doing both alone.

"I didn't know he had such a situation. He never talks about himself, and he never shows any signs of struggle."

"Of course, he's someone who can handle things on his own, so he wouldn't show it. But despite that, he comes in earlier and leaves later than others and does his job well, which is why I can't help but appreciate him even more."

That's why people around him seem to covet Manager Kim.

He decided not to say this. Whether Manager Choi had noticed or not, it was a problem to wait and see until Manager Kim mentioned it first.

"So, take good care of him. Don't worry him."

"I'm not his child; I doubt he would worry because of me."

"He may seem stubborn and strong, but he's especially weak for his people. So, if you cause trouble, he'll be the first to step in and take care of it. It means he really considers you one of his own."

One of his own...

Right, I have become one of his people, and he has been in my circle for a long time.

"I have too many people to take care of, so I can't focus on Manager Kim alone."

Manager Choi firmly continued, putting down his spoon with a "clack."

"So, you need to take extra care of him."

Hyun-seung nodded silently, listening to Manager Choi. Then he lifted the bowl and drank from it.

Eventually.

He put down the empty bowl, not a drop left, and replied indifferently.

"Yes, I'll take good care of Manager Kim."