Chapter 99

Reckless Genius Composer Returns - Chapter 99 (99/482)

The faces of the two finalists appeared on the screen amid thunderous applause.

"The two finalists who will compete in the final are—!"

The judges also sent light applause with a contented smile, as if they had expected this to some extent.

"Kang Hajoon and Yoon Jai!"

Kang Hajoon did show a rather surprised expression when he saw his face on the screen.

But in fact, it was a result he had somewhat anticipated.

Not only his own advancement to the final, but also Yoon Jai's, was expected.

Indeed.

Watching today's performance, he realized once again that she was a natural.

He meant the innate talent as an instrument that HS talked about.

Kang Hajoon was certain that if not for the advice given by judge Lee Young-a today, he would have felt a sense of relative deprivation again while watching Yoon Jai.

Her performance was, after all, perfect in every way.

Now...

His heart was at ease after acknowledging her.

However.

He had not the slightest intention of willingly giving up first place.

The person who wins the semi-final gets to choose first from the original songs by Jayble and HS. If Yoon Jai were to win first place, she would undoubtedly choose HS's original song. Therefore, he must secure first place in the semi-final.

He didn't want to miss out on HS's song.

"Then, let's announce the total scores to see who will be in first place."

Kang Hajoon clasped his hands tightly, filled with earnestness, waiting for the first place to be announced.

It might be a bit underhanded, but this time, he wanted to win by the pre-vote and text vote rate.

Even if he were to be criticized for not winning by singing ability, it would be fine this time; he just wanted to win.

'Please...'

Glancing to the side, he saw that Yoon Jai, perhaps feeling the same way, had her eyes tightly closed and her hands trembling.

"Indeed—!"

Immediately, the scoreboards with their names lit up with a loud effect, and the numbers began to appear one by one.

"Who will be the participant to win first place in today's semi-final and gain the right to choose the competition song first—!"

Screams of joy and anguish mixed together, pouring out simultaneously.

"O-! A miracle has happened—!"

Reacting to the word "miracle," Kang Hajoon quickly turned his head to check the screen.

'How could this be...'

The screen was filled with Yoon Jai's face, a mix of surprise and excitement.

"Yoon Jai has taken first place, leading Kang Hajoon by 120 points—!"

Kang Hajoon, seeing her point to herself in disbelief and ask, "Me?" lowered his head deeply.

This can't be, I need to manage my expression, I need to congratulate her...

Why is it so hard to sincerely congratulate her, who is standing next to me, wiping away her tears with her hands covering her face?

At that moment.

The MC, wanting to move the situation forward, picked up the microphone.

"Please, hold back your tears of joy for a moment—."

He then patted her shoulder and added,

"One of the judges of this K-SingerStar and one of the most successful composers in Korea, Jayble and HS, have each created a final competition song."

At this, Yoon Jai's eyes sparkled again.

"Right now, we will play 15 seconds of each of the two songs they created! Yoon Jai, who has won first place, please listen carefully and choose which of the two songs you will sing in the final."

Although she is stunned by winning first place, this is the moment she has been eagerly awaiting.

Now, there's no need to think; she just needs to choose HS's song.

"But—!"

Everyone's attention immediately focused on the MC.

"Until the choice is made, it will not be revealed whose original song it is."

At this, both Kang Hajoon and Yoon Jai looked up in shock.

"Huh?"

"What?"

The MC, however, continued with the prepared script without responding.

"Both songs are excellent, being the work of two outstanding composers, but since it will be your debut song, please choose carefully."

Yoon Jai's expression spread with confusion.

'Ah...'

She had been about to choose HS's song without a second thought but was now faced with an unexpected obstacle.

No, how could she know which song is whose if they don't tell her and don't write the names on the songs?

On the other hand.

Kang Hajoon, feeling an inexplicable excitement, hid his trembling hands behind his back.

'If Yoon Jai chooses Jayble's song...'

The moment Yoon Jai's name appeared as first place, the desire he had given up on once again burned fiercely.

Of course.

Although it's a song by HS, whose skills and style are unparalleled, it's almost impossible to distinguish his song from just 15 seconds.

So.

Even though he didn't win first place, if Yoon Jai chooses Jayble's song, HS's original song will end up in his hands. That's enough.

"Let's play the first competition song now."

Following the MC's guidance, the melody of an unknown original song began to play through the speakers.

"Next, we'll play the second competition song."

The audience sighed in disappointment as the competition song was cut off after just 15 seconds.

In fact, the two participants, standing at the crossroads of choice, would have been the ones most likely to sigh.

Especially, just 15 seconds of the intro, not even the highlight...

From this, they could only guess the general atmosphere of the song.

"This is a very difficult decision, but we can't give you much time."

However, the MC immediately pressed Yoon Jai, as if he couldn't afford to give any leeway.

Glancing at Yoon Jai's side profile, she looked serious, as if deep in thought.

Yes, that's right.

If he were in her position and asked to choose first, he would have panicked. It's not a coin toss; she has to choose based on luck, right?

Of course.

Jayble's song is not bad. As a top composer in the country, his abilities are well recognized.

As proof, both songs he just heard were so captivating that they grabbed his attention in just 15 seconds.

However...

The reason he so desperately wanted HS's song is that the admiration that motivated him to start music gradually turned into affection.

"Have you decided which of the first and second songs you will choose?"

The MC urged her again, seeing the staff's gesture that the live broadcast time was running out.

"Alright, it's time to choose—!"

Yoon Jai's hand holding the microphone was tense.

After a moment.

She brought the microphone to her mouth, her eyes tightly closed.

"Yes, for the next final, I will—."

Then, she opened her eyes wide and added,

"Choose the second song."

Her trembling voice was filled with a series of resolutions.

Or, was it confidence?

The information of the second song Yoon Jai chose appeared on the screen, slowly rotating.

"I wish time would stop"

And.

"Composer – HS"

Kang Hajoon blinked several times, staring at the large text. Did she know it was HS's song and choose it just from the intro?

No, that's impossible...

Should he just say she was incredibly lucky? Should he really admit that Yoon Jai and HS are destined?

"Since Yoon Jai has chosen the original song 'I wish time would stop' by judge HS, Kang Hajoon will automatically be assigned the original song by judge Jayble."

The first song appeared on the screen again, slowly rotating, with large text.

"Reason to Sing"

In the end...

"Composer – Jayble"

Was this fate?

Clap, clap, clap.

Kang Hajoon gave a light, resigned clap. The production team, unaware of his feelings, quickly entered the determined results on the screen.

"I wish time would stop – Yoon Jai X HS"

"Reason to Sing – Kang Hajoon X Jayble"

It was a result that would satisfy everyone.

Of course.

Except for one person.

* * *

A man walked through the gate of LS Entertainment's office building with a confident stride, humming a tune.

"Hmm, hmm-."

His bright complexion clearly indicated that something good had happened to him.

"Hello, sir!"

"It's been a while!"

"Sir, how have you been?"

The man, who received greetings from passersby, was none other than the legendary rock star, Moon Bum-jae.

"Ah, I have some urgent business, so I'll be on my way."

He didn't seem to want to stop, quickly heading for the elevator.

"He called me first—."

The Moon Bum-jae in the mirror looked as excited as a new bride holding a bouquet of flowers.

Last night.

He had been in this state ever since receiving a call from Hyun Seung, asking if he could come to the studio.

Ding!

The elevator opened, and his steps, which had been moving without hesitation, stopped in front of Hyun Seung's personal studio.

Knock, knock, knock!

The sound of the notes was clear.

Squeak!

As soon as he opened the door, a beautiful melody reached his ears.

"Wow!"

Moon Bum-jae stood still, his tongue hanging out.

'He's created another song that ignites the desire to challenge...'

Just the guide notes he casually played on the melody line clearly indicated a song of incredible difficulty. How did he manage to create such a piece while being so busy with the recent program?

Clap, clap, clap!

Moon Bum-jae clapped his hands in a military-like, steady and strong manner.

"Sir?"

Hyun Seung, noticing him, tilted his head and asked.

"Why aren't you coming in?"

"You, really—."

Moon Bum-jae suddenly hugged Hyun Seung, patting his back roughly.

"How could you think of creating such a song again—!"

"Huh? Ah, well—."

Hyun Seung, who was in his firm embrace, pressed the space bar to stop the track playing and added,

"Anyway, please let me go."

"Oops, I got carried away with excitement—!"

Moon Bum-jae released his firm hands and patted Hyun Seung's clothes, adding,

"I really want to sing this well. Thank you!"

"Huh?"

"I won't disappoint you."

Hyun Seung, who couldn't grasp the situation, tilted his head for a moment.

"Ah."

Seeming to realize something, he nodded cautiously and spoke.

"Sir, you—."

It seemed he thought that the 'I wish time would stop' song that had just echoed in the studio was meant for him.

What should I do?

Hyun Seung, scratching the back of his head awkwardly, continued.

"Actually, the song I just played is not for you."

"It's not for me?"

His face was stained with confusion, then he laughed awkwardly and changed the subject,

"I thought you were singing it for me. By the way, you seem very busy with the recent program."

"Yes, have you seen it?"

"I've watched a few times. Kang Hajoon and Yoon Jai, right? Their voices definitely caught my ear."

Hyun Seung placed a can of coffee on the table for him to drink, speaking in a stiff tone.

"This time, those two have made it to the final."

"Ah, I saw it in the news."

"Who do you think will win, sir?"

At this question, Moon Bum-jae paused for a moment before asking back.

"The news said Yoon Jai will sing your song, right?"

"Yes, Kang Hajoon will sing the song by Jayble."

"Then, was the song I just heard the one Yoon Jai will sing?"

Hyun Seung answered briefly, "Yes," and Moon Bum-jae stroked his chin, pondering.

"Hmm."

Then, he shook his head, as if unsure.

"Yoon Jai definitely has a better voice, but the public tends to be drawn to what they are familiar with."

Moon Bum-jae took a sip of the can of coffee and added,

"For example, a voice like Kang Hajoon's."

Thud.

He placed the empty can of coffee down firmly and continued in a decisive tone.

"Most importantly, if I know Jayble, he will create the most popular and competition-appropriate song. On the other hand, your song doesn't seem to fit the category of 'popular music' that the public talks about."

"Yes, it might feel too difficult."

"People like me would be honored to hear such a song, but the public might not. That could change depending on how Yoon Jai performs it, though."

Hyun Seung nodded in agreement. His words were spot on.

"Moreover, I heard Kang Hajoon already has a huge fan base? These audition programs don't just decide the winner based on the participants' singing ability."

Moon Bum-jae, who usually gave positive answers, added firmly this time.

"I can't say for sure that Yoon Jai will win."

However, Hyun Seung, who had been listening quietly, had a strange smile on his face.

"Yes, as you said, I'm not confident this time due to the nature of the competition."

Then, Hyun Seung smiled slyly and asked,

"But what if you helped?"

"Me? How can I help?"

"You know what you're good at, right?"

Moon Bum-jae tilted his head, puzzled.

"What I'm good at...?"

Soon, he sighed, "Ah," and nodded, understanding what Hyun Seung meant. Of course, what he was good at was singing. What else could it be?

'Help with singing.'

In other words, he was asking for a feature.

"Hahaha!"

Suddenly, Moon Bum-jae burst into laughter. He had been drinking the soup thinking it was his own song, but it seemed he would end up singing it in some form anyway.

"I really want to sing this well. Thank you!"

Yes.

It seemed he had already greeted him in advance, knowing this would happen.

"If I help—."

Finally.

Moon Bum-jae calmed his laughter and added,

"I can only imagine winning."

With that, the two locked eyes with a burning intensity.

Hopefully...

The signs of a final stage that no one could predict were becoming clear.