Chapter 14
Chapter 14
There were songs that were good for lifting the mood, like the rock ballads or trot songs the previous participants had chosen—but there were also songs that weren’t.
“She’s gone” was one of those songs.
Was it because the song wasn’t good? No.
The problem lay elsewhere.
The tempo was slow, making it hard to energize the atmosphere, and since the lyrics were in English, many people couldn’t fully understand the meaning.
Even putting those issues aside, there was an even bigger problem.
The song was difficult.
It was filled with high notes, and if not executed properly, it could completely ruin the mood.
It was so challenging that while people often sang it casually at karaoke with friends, it ranked number one among songs avoided at company dinners or competitions.
Yet Baek Seungchan chose that very song.
He figured it would suit Director Park Taeho’s taste.
‘No way… is he good at singing too?’
People were surprised by his choice, but at the same time, they felt a growing sense of anticipation.
It was already widely known on set that this was Baek Seungchan’s first acting project.
Because of that, they couldn’t help but think—if it was him, maybe he really could sing well too.
Ding—, ding—.
As the iconic piano intro of “She’s gone” flowed from the speakers, all eyes turned toward Baek Seungchan.
“She’s gone, out of my life.”
The moment the first line rang out, people swallowed hard, unable to hide their shock.
His husky voice carried the sorrow of the song, completely dominating the atmosphere.
This wasn’t just someone who could sing well.
Even those who didn’t understand the lyrics found themselves immersed in the emotions he conveyed. His voice had a deep resonance that reached straight into the listener.
“……”
Nam Siwoo, in particular, was shaken to the core.
As a professional singer, he could feel far more deeply than others just how extraordinary Baek Seungchan’s performance was.
‘Was he originally a singer?’
Even though he knew that wasn’t the case, he couldn’t help but doubt.
It wasn’t just the tone or emotional delivery.
His gaze control, pitch stability, sense of rhythm, and breath control—
Everything was at the level of a seasoned professional.
Honestly, it was so good it made him feel a sense of inferiority.
The high notes hadn’t even come out yet, but just from what he had heard so far, the overwhelming skill was undeniable.
But Nam Siwoo soon pushed aside those thoughts.
It would be a waste to think about anything else while witnessing a stage like this.
“Wow……”
As the song progressed, he became more and more absorbed.
And as the highlight—the high note section—approached, the anticipation in the room grew.
“Forgive me.”
At the line right before the climax, everyone held their breath.
“Girl, girl, girl! Lady, won’t you save me?”
Finally, the highlight—an explosive four-step high note burst forth.
The clean yet powerful high notes soared through the room, leaving everyone stunned.
“Lady, can you forgive me?
For all I’ve done to you……”
As the song ended, the restaurant fell into a brief, frozen silence—
and then erupted into cheers.
“Wow! That was insane!”
“Whoa! He’s so good!”
“He can sing like that too?”
“First place is definitely his.”
The reaction was even bigger than when Nam Siwoo had performed.
But Nam Siwoo didn’t feel the slightest bit upset.
Because more than anyone, he himself had been captivated by Baek Seungchan’s singing.
“So cool.”
He felt proud that the person he admired was this incredible.
“One day, I’ll……”
Nam Siwoo made a silent vow to keep working hard until he could become like Baek Seungchan.
“You should try musicals later.”
“You could totally sing your own drama OST!”
“Exactly, the immersion would be insane.”
“Thanks for the compliments.”
Even as praise poured in, Baek Seungchan simply bowed his head calmly.
In his previous life, he had even imitated royal court musicians and learned sound-based martial arts.
For him, singing wasn’t particularly difficult.
Thanks to the performances of Nam Siwoo and Baek Seungchan, the atmosphere stayed lively.
As a result, the wrap-up party ended on a high note.
And as expected, Baek Seungchan took first place in the singing contest.
There wasn’t a single person who disagreed.
“Everyone, get home safely.”
“Great work today, everyone.”
“Let’s meet again if we get the chance.”
As the staff gradually began to leave, Director Park Taeho, his face slightly flushed from alcohol, called out to Nam Siwoo and Baek Seungchan.
“You both worked hard on this project.”
“You too, Director. Thank you for your hard work.”
At his words, both of them bowed politely.
“Right. Next time I have a project, let’s work together again.”
“Me too?”
Nam Siwoo asked in surprise.
“Of course, you too.”
Director Park Taeho nodded with a smile.
“I’m good at judging people. You two will become great actors. So don’t pretend you don’t know me when that time comes.”
“Of course not!”
Nam Siwoo replied with a deeply moved expression.
The director watched them with satisfaction before leaving once his driver arrived.
A moment later, a black van pulled up in front of the restaurant.
It was Nam Siwoo’s car.
“Hyung, let’s go.”
Baek Seungchan had tried to refuse the ride home, but Nam Siwoo insisted, saying that today’s ride would be their final lesson.
So in the end, they went together.
“Seungchan hyung! Thank you so much for the lessons! Thanks to you, I got praised by Director Park, and my acting improved so much.”
As the car started moving, Nam Siwoo suddenly expressed his gratitude.
His eyes were filled with pure respect.
It had always been there, but after hearing the singing, that respect had grown even deeper.
“I told you before—this isn’t because of me. It’s because you worked hard.”
Not just anyone could grow as quickly as Nam Siwoo had.
This was the result of his effort.
“Still, this time it really is thanks to you. Without you, I wouldn’t have improved this much.”
He wasn’t wrong.
Without a mentor like Baek Seungchan, such rapid growth would’ve been impossible.
“I just wish I didn’t have schedules… I would’ve kept taking lessons.”
Nam Siwoo sighed, disappointed that he had to prepare for an overseas tour.
“Then take them again when you have time.”
“I’d love that. Oh, and I’ll send the lesson fee now.”
“No rush.”
“No, I should send it while I remember.”
Nam Siwoo immediately made the transfer, and Baek Seungchan checked the notification.
“Did you send the wrong amount?”
He tilted his head after seeing the number.
Deposit
Nam Siwoo – 10,000,000 won
It was 4 million won more than the 6 million they had agreed on.
“I sent the right amount. I told you I’d pay more depending on the results.”
Now that he thought about it, that had been mentioned.
“Honestly, I still think it’s not enough, but I figured you’d feel burdened if I gave more……”
“Really? I wouldn’t feel burdened.”
“Really? Then I’ll send more.”
At those words, Nam Siwoo immediately took out his phone again.
Baek Seungchan quickly stopped him.
“I was joking. What you sent is more than enough, so don’t send any more.”
“Oh… it was a joke?”
“Of course it was.”
Baek Seungchan shook his head at Nam Siwoo’s serious reaction.
He really was just like Seoksami in that regard.
“Anyway, thank you.”
“Huh?”
“I looked into it—lessons like this aren’t normal. Thanks for going out of your way.”
Just as he had thought at the beginning.
Lessons were usually once or twice a week, or structured like lectures.
This one existed because Nam Siwoo wanted to help him.
“If you’re grateful, just don’t pretend you don’t know me when you get famous.”
“Alright.”
Baek Seungchan found Nam Siwoo’s way of lightening the mood admirable.
“Oh, by the way—do you know any good music entrance academies?”
“Of course. I was preparing for them until last year.”
Nam Siwoo, now twenty, had attended an entrance academy while managing his schedule.
He was currently a student in the practical music department at Korea’s top university.
“But why? Are you planning to go to college?”
“Not me. It’s for my younger sister.”
“Oh, your sister does music?”
“She quit, but she used to be a trainee when she was younger.”
“A trainee? Ah… that makes sense.”
Nam Siwoo nodded, quickly understanding.
Considering Baek Seungchan’s talent, it wasn’t strange to think his sister might have it too.
“But instead of an academy, couldn’t you just teach her yourself?”
From what he had seen, Baek Seungchan’s singing wasn’t just professional—it had the refinement of a veteran.
Even if teaching and performing were different, judging by his acting lessons, he’d likely be good at teaching singing too.
“I thought about that, but entrance music is a bit different.”
Baek Seungchan had considered it.
Even if it was different, at its core, it was still music.
With some study, he was confident he could surpass most instructors.
But there was another reason.
“It’d be good for her to make friends her age too.”
Memories from his past life lingered.
When he first entered the military, he had envied others talking about their college days.
Because of that, he wanted his younger sister, Baek Seunghui, to experience a normal youth.
“That’s true.”
Nam Siwoo understood better than anyone, having spent his school years as a trainee.
“I know a good place. I went there too. Do you know Dream High Practical Music Academy?”
“I do.”
Baek Seungchan had already looked into it.
“But I heard they’re full.”
“They are, but that doesn’t mean there’s no way. I’ll check.”
“If it’s too much trouble, it’s fine.”
He didn’t want to burden Nam Siwoo.
If necessary, he could just teach her himself.
“It’s not trouble. I’m close with one of the instructors. I’ll just ask if there’s a spot. Sometimes openings come up when someone debuts or drops out.”
With that, Nam Siwoo immediately made a call.
“Teacher, it’s Siwoo.”
His tone was warm and familiar.
After asking about availability and finishing the call, he smiled proudly.
“Hyung, someone’s debuting soon, so a spot might open up. They said to come for a test this weekend.”
“Siwoo, thank you.”
Baek Seungchan sincerely meant it.
Connections really did matter.
“I’m glad I could help.”
Nam Siwoo smiled, pleased to be of use.
“But hyung, I’m curious—were you really never a singer? You’re way too good.”
“I wasn’t.”
“Wow… then that’s just unfair.”
“That’s right, Seungchan-ssi, that’s unfair.”
Even the manager chimed in from the front seat.
Nam Siwoo just laughed.
They continued chatting about acting and his group members.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at Dongincheon Station.
“Hyung, thank you so much! Let’s grab a meal before the tour.”
“Alright. You worked hard too. Thank you, manager.”
After parting ways, Baek Seungchan headed home.
A smile lingered on his face as he thought about a gift for Baek Seunghui.
“Guess I’ll have to put in some effort for once.”
He was planning to prepare a proper meal.
The timing was perfect.
In two days—this Friday—it was Baek Seunghui’s birthday.