Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Five Songs and a Secret
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I went to the company early in the morning for a comeback meeting.
“Yoon-seul.”
“Yes?”
“Your song is good.”
“What song?”
“The one you worked on with Leon.”
“Huh? I haven't heard anything about it yet.”
I checked my phone again, wondering if a message had come that I'd missed.
However, there were no messages from Leon.
I looked at my manager, asking for an explanation.
“Leon was at the company yesterday playing it, so I got to listen. He said it wasn't finished, though.”
“Ah, I see.”
“If he's already playing it for the company, it'll probably be done soon. Knowing Leon, it'll be finished in two days. Once he starts working on something, he's the type to pull all-nighters to finish it.”
As we were talking and heading to the conference room, we happened to run into Creatin.
“Oh? Hello.”
“Hello.”
“Are you here to prepare for your Twisty Puzzle performance?”
At Jung Eun-woo's question, the members of Creatin suddenly burst out laughing.
In response, the RE-V members exchanged bewildered glances.
“Did you get some good news? Did you get first place again?”
“We're having a comeback as soon as Twisty Puzzle ends! We're here now to prepare for it.”
That was very good news.
“Really?”
“Yes!”
“Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
The members of Creatin looked incredibly bright.
“If it weren't for Twisty Puzzle, it would've been pushed back much further. Thank you for recommending it.”
At a time like this, when RE-V was gaining recognition and being mentioned overseas, Creatin's comeback might have been delayed even further, just as they said, if they hadn't had the opportunity to appear on the survival show 'Twisty Puzzle'.
As it stood, the company couldn't choose between RE-V and Creatin, so they had decided to give Creatin a single comeback and RE-V a mini-album.
“Not at all. I'm just glad it worked out well.”
I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so I replied that way.
“Once we get paid later, we'll treat you to something delicious! Something really expensive and tasty.”
It didn't seem right to refuse that offer, so I nodded in agreement.
“See you next time, then.”
“Okay.”
After a brief farewell, we went our separate ways.
“You guys will have your comeback right after Creatin.”
It seemed we had narrowly avoided a house feud.
We soon arrived in front of the conference room.
When I opened the door, I could see that other staff members had already arrived and were seated.
“Welcome.”
“Hello.”
We exchanged greetings and took our seats.
“Let’s not waste any time and listen to the song candidates first. Here's the first one.”
Perhaps they were extremely confident in the song, because they played it without another word.
―BOOM
The song began with a powerful beat.
This was also a song I had never heard before.
―Enjoy the feeling of separating the sky
A part sung in falsetto followed immediately.
―Scattering strands of hair
It wasn't bad.
But it didn't give me that "This is it!" feeling.
It was just... okay.
―Can you feel the tension
I subtly glanced around to gauge the other members' reactions.
They weren't showing any particular response either.
They seemed to be thinking the same thing I was.
“We'll listen to the next song right away.”
“Okay.”
The second song was one I knew.
The song that had been chosen as RE-V's title track.
―It's like
It was a slow-tempo track aimed for the season transitioning from fall to winter.
―Can’t be explained with common words
A song specialized for easy listening.
It had been quite popular, even among people who didn't usually like idol music.
The choreography was cute, too, so the fans had loved it.
‘This isn't bad either. But Ji-ham's song is much…’
―This is dangerous
Both songs I had heard so far were good, but they were weaker compared to the one Park Ji-ham had composed.
―You won't leave my head
Park Ji-ham was listening to the music with a serious expression.
‘Does he even plan on playing his song?’
Last night, Park Ji-ham had declared that he would let the company hear his song.
It was the result of a great deal of persuasion.
“A waste to let my talent rot?”
“Yeah.”
Park Ji-ham seemed taken aback by my firm answer.
“We absolutely have to tell the company about this and get you working on it with proper equipment.”
I was completely serious.
If it had been morning, I would have wanted to drag Park Ji-ham to the company right then and there to play the song for everyone.
“Hyung, what did you make this with?”
“I downloaded a free app on my laptop.”
“And the recording?”
“In the restaurant's storage room. I bought a cheap mic and did it there.”
The more I heard, the more amazed I was.
“Is this the first song you've ever made?”
“How did you know?”
At my question, Park Ji-ham's eyes widened like a startled rabbit's as he asked.
“It just seemed like that's why you played this song for me.”
'LUCKY' was written on the very last page of the notebook.
That meant it was a song he had made recently.
But the song he played for me wasn't 'LUCKY', his most recent creation.
So I just had a thought, 'Maybe he played his very first song for me.'
Because he wanted a true evaluation of his abilities.
“You're right. This is the first song I ever made by myself.”
“You're going to let the company hear it, right?”
“Huh?”
Park Ji-ham hesitated.
“Just trust me this once and let's play it for them.”
“…”
“I believe this song will make us a hit. I'm really not just saying nice things because I'm worried you'll get hurt. If that were the case, I wouldn't have even suggested playing it for the company. I would've just said to keep working hard.”
“Honestly, I'm still not sure about it.”
“Yeah.”
“I'll trust you and give it a shot. But if the company's reaction is bad, don't you ever bring this up to me again. I feel like I'd just get hurt.”
Park Ji-ham seemed to be terrified of the evaluation he would receive from the company.
“Okay. Then let's get some sleep for now. We have to go to the company.”
“Okay.”
With that, we each went to our own rooms.
“We've prepared five songs, so we'll listen to them back-to-back.”
While I was reminiscing about last night, the second song had already ended.
The third song was also one I'd never heard before.
―Happy happy
The cheerful rhythm made my body sway on its own.
The blend of guitar, piano, and drums gave it the feel of a band's music.
―Birthday
It seemed the concept of this song was celebrating a birthday.
‘It's a bit ambiguous for a title track, but it would be great as a B-side.’
Since it was a song about celebrating a birthday, it had a high chance of being used on variety shows and elsewhere.
―A day my steps feel light for some reason
It also had the feel of something that could be used as an anime ending theme.
‘I think the fans would love it if we wore school uniforms and sang this at a fan meeting or concert.’
―The sunshine and the wind congratulate you, too
Before I knew it, the third song ended and the fourth one began to play.
The sound of applause blended with electronic beats.
It seemed like it would be great for hyping up a crowd.
―I wake up
In this moment
Wake everyone up
All of us together
Play the song
To the beat, everyone
It was a very exciting song.
It was hip-hop based with a powerful feel.
―Change the quiet air
Present the glittering lights
A body that moves without rest
A head that shakes
This place, swept up in madness, is magnificent
I take over the stage for all to see
Stealing their gazes
Everyone looking at me
Now, I'm taking this place over
A fairly long rap part came right after.
I thought it would suit Jung Eun-woo's low voice very well.
―Growing hotter
Burn up this air
There's no such thing as tomorrow
‘But it has a strangely similar vibe to the songs I sang during my time with GANGSTER-M.’
―Come here now
Like I’m going crazy
Everyone together
The song was building towards its climax.
―Let's get wasted
Du du ddu
The fact that the chorus didn't really have any lyrics was quite unique.
I thought it would look cool if they put choreography here instead.
“This is the last song.”
A familiar classical piece began to play.
I didn't know the title, but it was so familiar I could hum along to the tune.
‘They must have sampled it.’
―Uh (ayy, ayy)
It was oozing with a sexy vibe.
―OHH
Falsetto and chest voice were repeated continuously.
―After ruining me, you smile so brightly again
(HOO HOO HOO)
You don't know what's wrong
The whispering voice seemed to create a grotesque atmosphere.
‘It’s not often that an idol group releases a song with this kind of feel.’
A graceful piano melody flowed out.
―If you don't want to see the end, then even now
Beg for it
This endlessly flowing cycle, by your own hand
Break it
I liked the unique composition and concept.
‘JR really knows how to pick songs.’
And with that, all five songs were finished.
“What do you think?”
“They're all so good.”
“Right? Personally, the company wants to push the second song.”
I knew it.
“Of course, a powerful concept is good, but considering the season, we think this vibe would be great. Plus, songs like this are surprisingly strong. They don't fall off the charts easily.”
Even as the staff explained the songs and concepts for this album in detail, Park Ji-ham just sat there listening quietly.
It made me doubt whether he had any intention of playing his song.
“Hyung.”
I nudged Park Ji-ham's arm with my elbow, urging him on.
Thankfully, he was sitting right next to me.
Still, Park Ji-ham didn't budge.
If I left him alone, it seemed like the title track would be decided today.
“I was about to say something.”
Park Ji-ham took a sip of the water in front of him before speaking again.
“Actually, I've been teaching myself how to compose.”
The staff members' eyes lit up.
It was a natural reaction, as they must have fully realized just how valuable a composing idol was through Leon.
“Does that mean you have a song right now?”
“Yes.”
Park Ji-ham answered, his voice trembling.
“I made it by myself, so it's still a mess, but I gathered the courage because I was hoping you would give it a listen.”
I gave Park Ji-ham an encouraging nod, as if to say, 'Good job.'
“Could you please give it a listen?”
“Of course. We'd love to hear it.”
Park Ji-ham swallowed dryly as he fumbled with his phone.
And soon, Park Ji-ham's song began to flow from the speakers.