Chapter 64

At first, when I heard that the radio schedule had been set, I thought about it.

I thought it would be a shame not to have a stage.

Because, unlike other stages where you face the audience, in radio, the singer and the audience can't see each other's faces.

I felt it would be a shame not to be able to properly feel the audience's reaction.

But.

The moment I saw the chat window in front of me, I realized I was wrong.

"Wow, I was surprised. I was getting flustered because there were no comments, but it turned out the server was lagging."

Jang So-won said, sticking out her tongue.

"I've never seen this happen since I became a DJ."

Comments were scrolling by so fast I couldn't even read them properly.

Judging from the many emoticons like '^^' and 'ㅠㅠㅠ', it seemed the overall reaction was good.

Even though I didn't understand the content, it felt good.

Just like when the audience cheers, even if I don't know what they mean, the emotion is conveyed clearly.

The DJ spoke to us, who were just staring wide-eyed.

"Usually, I say goodbye right after the live session, but I missed the timing because of the audience's reaction. Since we're here, how about each of you share your thoughts before we part?"

"Uh…"

If it were any other time, I would have spoken smoothly.

But my mind felt empty, probably due to the aftereffects of being completely absorbed in 'Night Sea.'

I stammered out the first thing that came to mind.

"It was a song I wrote while reminiscing about my childhood. I feel like I've created another cherished memory today through this live performance. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity. I'll continue to show you my best."

"Yes, this was NewBlack."

So-won said, snapping her fingers.

"I'll say goodbye to NewBlack, who shared a beautiful night with us today. Great job!"

"Thank you!"

I bowed my head toward the camera.

It was a gesture of gratitude to the audience, just like on stage.

* * *

I had a hunch from the live performance, the Q&A session, and the live stage.

That we did really well today.

But seeing the production team's reaction, it really hit home.

"Great job, NewBlack."

PD's face lit up with a smile as he shook our hands.

It was a familiar expression, the same one he had when the music cafe recording ended.

The main writer and the engineer also chimed in.

"From what I saw today, you have a good sense of humor and great chemistry with So-won. Make sure to keep your schedule open for the next album. I'll definitely call you for a solo appearance then."

"Yeah. You're a promising talent, Mi-kyung. We should keep an eye on you."

Especially when the main writer said this, we all broke into wide smiles.

I wanted to show this scene to Seok-hwan.

See, hyung, we're getting schedules.

"Ah, this is our album."

I handed over the first CD, which I couldn't give due to the cake incident, and everyone was pleased.

Seeing this, I felt the power of music.

The production team, still immersed in the atmosphere of 'Night Sea,' seemed to view us favorably.

"Where do you want the autograph?"

"On the inner sleeve, please. The cover is black."

"Wow, your autograph is really beautiful."

Especially the sub-writer seemed to like it the most.

It's surprising.

Just an hour ago, when we met in front of the elevator, he didn't even make eye contact with us.

His tired face was now full of smiles.

When he jokingly said he would check the fan cafe later, I thanked him for the words, and he seriously replied, "No, I really will."

After saying goodbye to the people preparing to leave, we found the senior who was packing up in the booth.

"Our little ones have already become superstars. It's hard to even see your faces now."

I smiled and replied.

"Not at all. Compared to you, we're just fireflies in front of the sun."

"Right. We're like plankton, insignificant beings."

"Then I'll change to krill shrimp."

The plankton and krill shrimp responded playfully, and she smiled.

"You don't know, but these people are usually not this friendly to new guests."

"Really?"

"It means your performance was that good."

So-won said.

"I could tell it would be good from the moment I saw the sheet music, but it was even better when I heard it live. The melody was great, but I could feel your sincerity in the way you sang."

Her gaze turned to our main vocalist.

"At first, I was worried if Lee Hyuk could handle it. I thought there might be difficulties in conveying the emotions and themes."

"How did you know?"

"How could I not? We've been singing together for over two months."

It's so obvious.

I didn't know until he mentioned it, but it shows how experience can be so powerful.

"I was really worried, but you did so well, I was surprised. I even wondered if it was the Lee Hyuk I knew."

"…I got a little help."

The guy's ears turned orange, and she smiled, turning her gaze to me.

I know who helped, she seemed to say.

While exchanging updates about the members and managers, I received a text from Min-ki.

I took out the guitar case and prepared the gift.

"Oh, what's this?"

I handed her the box I had put inside the case, and she perked up.

"Can I open it?"

I nodded.

"Headphones, huh?"

"Yes."

"You didn't have to get me anything…"

"It's because I'm grateful to you."

There was a reason.

Not only because it felt odd to come empty-handed after a long time, but especially because without her advice, the debut showcase would have been a disaster.

There would have been no a cappella live, and the journalists' reactions would have been harsh.

At first, I considered a necklace or accessory, but it seemed inappropriate for a senior-junior relationship.

"While preparing for the Q&A, I went through past episodes. Jung-hyun said your headphones looked really old, so we pooled our money and bought these for you to use during broadcasts."

"I also included the receipt and exchange voucher."

I was about to be moved, but Ri Hyuk's words shattered the mood.

"What are you going to do?"

"Read and ignore."

"Good idea. Do you think he'll be forgiven for this?"

As the youngest, who only had money, sent gifticons, I checked other messages.

It was from Mrs. Kim Deok-soon.

Wow. She sent a 13-line appreciation.

"Is it from grandma?"

"Yeah. She said she enjoyed the song. And… what's this?"

"What?"

"She's asking if I know how to wash a cat."

"Do you?"

"No."

I searched and sent her a link.

Suddenly, why a cat?

I was puzzled for a moment, but the feeling didn't last long.

Reading her message carefully, I felt a sense of pride and affection.

It seems 'Night Sea' really touched her.

Seeing her send such a long message, which she usually just reads and ignores or calls me a 'madman,' made me feel emotional.

Especially the last line, 'Grandma loves her grandson.'

I felt a lump in my throat and closed my phone.

I should video call her when we get back to the dorm.

As we passed the security guard at the entrance, which looked like a turnstile, and stepped out of the elevator lobby, I heard a short exclamation.

"Huh."

I looked up, and soon joined in the exclamation.

"Wow."

The HBS building, surrounded by glass, was bathed in moonlight.

The moonlight streaming into the dimly lit first floor made me feel a surge of emotion.

A thought that had been nagging at me came to mind.

"Hey."

Ri Hyuk, who had been absorbing the moonlight, turned to me.

"I have a question."

"What is it?"

"About that Street Boys' youngest. You suddenly gave him a water bottle. Why did you do that?"

"It's nothing much."

Ri Hyuk averted his gaze.

"I was just trying to get a grip on my emotions. I was thinking about someone I'm grateful to. What would they think, what would they feel in this situation?"

"Then you gave him my water bottle?"

"…Let's forget about that."

"I won't. I'll tease you for the next three days."

I glared at him, who was also glaring.

To prevent the atmosphere from getting too serious, I deliberately made a joke.

When I came to my senses, the Grand Carnival had arrived.

Looking at the license plate, I saw it was our car.

The guy, who had already taken a few steps, turned and said curtly,

"Stop daydreaming and come on."

His usual cold face.

It made me wonder if I had just imagined the previous moment.

If not for his clearly red ears in the dim night.

I matched his pace and smiled.

"Hey, by the way, I have another question."

"What is it now?"

"Who is the person you've always been grateful to?"

He looked at me with a puzzled expression, and a strange smile spread across his face.

"What? What's that look for?"

"It's nothing. Just found it a bit funny."

"What's funny?"

I kept asking as we walked, but he didn't answer.

We continued chatting and got into the car.

It was a rather charming night, with cicadas chirping somewhere.

* * *

An hour later.

As the two members of NewBlack started a fierce battle with the youngest and one tried to stop them while the other ate the dried squid,

At that moment.

On various music sites, a song titled 'Joo & Ri Hyuk - Night Sea (Original Ver.)' was just being uploaded.