Chapter 30
Chapter 30
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 30
Chapter Title: Wonderland Complete
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Hyun-su was more intense than I'd thought.
“One more time.. no, let's do two?”
“Right here?”
“Ah... should we rest a bit first?”
“Yeah, let's take a break.”
Contrary to what my vocal teacher had said—that getting direct feedback right after a take would make things smoother—Hyun-su piled on even more unfiltered, real-time critiques since he was right there.
On top of that, he kept dishing out feedback nonstop, but my vocals were still so raw that it took me forever to nail it properly after each one.
It was eating at me, so during our break, I apologized to Hyun-su. He just shook his head and said this:
“It's fine. If it takes time, you still pull it off in the end, don't you? Honestly, a few of those were tough even for me.”
The second I heard that, I nearly swung at him.
This jerk... he'd been throwing tough feedback at me? No wonder it felt fucking impossible.
But he was the one calling the shots, so I gritted my teeth and told Hyun-su:
“Then can't you go a little easier?”
“Uh... sorry. You nail it so well that I start wanting more...”
If you're gonna put it like that...
Fine.
This brutal grind is how you build real skill and get killer results, right?
“Then when I blow up later, commission a song from me.”
“A song?”
“Yeah.”
“What kind...”
I glanced around, made sure Ayoung was out of the room, sidled up to Hyun-su, and said:
“Help me out when that VTuber of mine drops an original track.”
Ayoung had no idea I was the VTuber Miro.
I'd signed the deal with Hyun-su as Suhyun, so he hadn't blabbed to anyone else that I was a VTuber.
“Ah... but couldn't Suhyun just debut instead?”
Hyun-su looked puzzled by my request.
“Debut?”
“Yeah. With your vocals, Suhyun, polish 'em up a bit, drop a debut single, and start performing—you'd blow up fast.”
A singer debut, huh...
No clue how it'd go music-wise, but with this face? Piece of cake.
The original woman Kim Suhyun's memories were packed with big agencies shoving business cards at her.
But...
“Nah, not really interested.”
Why bother?
No burning greed for cash or fame.
Just wanna do something I like, that pays decently, and get along with the people around me.
Sounds simple, but it's tough in its own way—and I've already got a solid start on it, haven't I?
Streaming's a blast, income's picking up, relationships are smooth...
A celebrity life full of restrictions sounds way worse than the freedom of being VTuber Miro, where I can do whatever.
Just imagining my stream rants coming from some idol makes me break out in a cold sweat.
Hyun-su hesitated at my answer, then ventured carefully:
“I see... then, if I ever do a solo concert someday, would you come out for it?”
“A solo concert?”
“Yeah. Feels far off, but I wanna do one eventually. And I'd love to perform Wonderland there.”
Featuring on a solo concert?
Guest spot, basically.
I mulled it over, staring straight at Hyun-su.
His perfectly dyed light hair and private school uniform made him look boyish still, but he was only two years younger than me.
Yet here he was, this young, with an album already out and real cred in the industry—a straight-up genius, you could say.
He was holed up in the studio cranking out a new album right now, so yeah, he'd probably blow up soon and pull off that solo show.
I pictured Hyun-su owning the stage solo, belting out a tune, and nodded.
“If it's not too soon... yeah, that works. I'll practice my ass off.”
“Ah... you'll guest for me?”
Hyun-su's eyes lit up at my go-ahead.
Damn, he was thrilled...
Kinda makes me wanna mess with him a little.
“Ah... one condition, though.”
“A condition?”
“Yeah. Agree to it, and I'm in for sure.”
“What is it?”
Eh, just messing around—no real demands for Hyun-su.
Original track for VTuber Miro, at most?
But asking that for a guest spot? Kinda weird.
“I'm two years older—cool if I drop the formal talk?”
Truth be told, talking politely to a high schooler in uniform felt off.
“Ah... sure.”
He seemed thrown by the request but nodded quick.
“Cool. I'll drop it too—just call me noona. 'Suhyun-ssi' feels weird.”
“Ah, yep... Suhyun noona.”
“Hm...”
“What?”
“Nothing. Sounds good. Keep it up.”
Now that I thought about it, was this my first time hearing "noona" directed at me?
Woman Kim Suhyun's memories had cousins calling her that plenty, so it felt familiar.
But hearing it myself for real? First time.
“What're you two whispering about?”
Right then, Ayoung came back from the bathroom.
“Ah, decided to drop honorifics with Hyun-su.”
“Nice? Yeah, felt awkward him being all formal.”
Ayoung gave my shoulder a friendly pat like it was great news and plopped on the sofa.
“But damn, Suhyun, you sing like a pro. Caught me off guard. Knew your voice was solid, but that tone? Killer.”
“Ah, thanks.”
“No cap. I've gigged with my band, heard tons of singers up close—yours is straight-up gifted.”
“Ahaha... yeah, I know the tone's a natural one.”
“Ugh, so smug.”
“Get that a lot.”
Mostly from Hyejeong.
I'd been showing her my drawings lately, and she hit me with it every time.
“Even more annoying... oh yeah. Suhyun, ever thought about picking up an instrument?”
“An instrument?”
“Look around. Studio's loaded with 'em—why not learn one?”
I followed her gaze around the sofa area.
Fair point...
Drums hogging one corner, guitars, bass, keyboards—all the band essentials, check.
“If something catches your eye, lemme know. When the others roll in, I'll bug 'em to teach you. They'd lose their minds if you said you wanted lessons.”
Tempting offer from Ayoung.
An instrument, huh...
Gotta admit, mastering one is a total fantasy.
“If I did... guitar, maybe.”
Pictured myself strumming and singing.
Ha... instant MV material.
Hell, plop me in downtown Salzburg with just that guitar, and I'd busk my way home.
“Ooh, guitar? Love it! I'll ask when they get here.”
“When're the others coming?”
“Dunno. Might not even show.”
“For real?”
“Usually we huddle early, but everyone's tied up today—running super late. I know guitar decently—want a quick lesson now?”
“Hell yeah.”
Vocal lessons taught me music tutoring ain't cheap.
And she's offering free? Hell yes, sign me up.
“Alright, grab a guitar first?”
I agreed, so Ayoung jumped up, snagged a nearby guitar, and handed it over.
“Like this okay?”
I stared down at the flashy axe I'd taken on impulse.
She said she played drums—didn't this belong to someone else?
“Nah, it's cool. He borrowed my drums before.”
“Aha...”
Looked sketchy as hell, but I held it anyway.
Heavier than expected. Settled it on my lap—felt kinda fresh.
“Okay, first up... holding it right. Sling it over your neck like this... arm rests here.”
Ayoung walked me through it nice and patient.
Followed her lead, and boom—looked legit.
“O...”
Even she was impressed.
“You're gorgeous. Total photoshoot vibe.”
“Really? Snap a pic then.”
“Ah! Yeah, lemme get a good one, sis.”
She whipped out her iPhone, struck a pro photographer pose. I crossed my legs, struck a pose.
“Say cheese.”
“Hit it.”
*Click*—
Photo done, I checked it out.
Flashy guitar screaming its owner's style, me holding it—picture-perfect harmony.
“Damn—nailed it?”
“Right? Model material.”
For real... should I pitch this to a guitar brand?
Could be their next endorser.
Even if I can't play yet.
“Um... so, when we recording next?”
Hyun-su, who'd been eavesdropping quietly, piped up.
Oh right—we were just on a quick break.
“Jeez, Hyun-su, too hardcore? We can chill.”
“But... Suhyun noona's gotta head out evening. Wanna wrap before then.”
“Guitar later then—recording first.”
Got a stream tonight too...
Can't stick around till stupid late.
“Fair enough. Come hang often! I'll teach you stuff each time—only girl here was me, but now with a cutie, the studio's way brighter.”
“Ahaha... I'll drop by sometimes. Let's jump in.”
“Yeah, over here.”
Recording kicked off again.
By wrap-up, it was pitch black outside.
“Thanks!”
Hyun-su beamed, finally happy with the take after the late hour.
“Yeah... all part of the gig, paid and all...”
“Still, feel like I pushed too hard... pay'll be generous.”
“Cool. Send it when it's done?”
DYING to hear how Wonderland turned out.
“Yeah, Wonderland should be wrapped this week—I'll shoot it over.”
“Sweet. Good work.”
Bade Hyun-su farewell, then Ayoung came over.
“Leaving already?”
“It's night.”
“Bummed... wanted to intro the others.”
Band crew never showed. All swamped, coming way later.
“Aw, really? Kinda wanted to meet 'em.”
“They'll be gutted. I'll tell 'em a total babe dropped by and dipped.”
“Haha... appreciate it.”
“Not kidding—swing by whenever you're nearby.”
“Will do.”
“Text lots okay?”
We'd swapped numbers grabbing the pic.
“Go for it. I'll probably hit you up first when guitar practice stumps me—don't hate the spam.”
I'd decided to properly learn guitar.
Got hooked watching, plus stream fodder? Tons of home time—solo practice it is.
“Deal! Bug me anytime! I'll harass the others for answers if needed.”
“Thanks then. Heading out.”
“Later!”
“See ya.”
Left the studio with waves from Ayoung and Hyun-su.
Three days later.
I got the finished Wonderland.