episode_0004

As the music accompaniment ended, loud cheers and applause filled the square. Despite the slightly chilly weather in February, perhaps due to the passionate singing, everyone was drenched in sweat. Still, grateful for the cheering crowd, I bowed repeatedly.

-Kya

-Wow…

-Seo-ah, you blew me away

-This is insane, surpassing the original song

-Today’s broadcast is top-notch, wow

-Bambam, quickly upload this to the channel so we can listen again

“Thank you to our viewers.”

“Oh… wow…”

Meanwhile, Bambam, who was supposed to continue the broadcast, stumbled over his words, unable to speak.

“This is crazy… wow!”

“Thank you for listening so well.”

Among the crowd, Anna’s face caught my eye. She smiled brightly at me, clapping. Was the song really that good? I’m relieved.

Since I was the last performer, we immediately moved on to announcing the results. All of us who sang were shown on the broadcast screen, waiting for the outcome. During this waiting period, everyone approached me with a word or two.

“You sang really well. Are you a singer? If I search for Kwon Seo-ah, will you come up?”

“It seems like you’re into rock. Your vocal technique… But you sing as well as most recognized rockers. Why didn’t we know about someone like you before?”

Is there a more thrilling moment than this? Compliments about singing well always feel great no matter when you hear them.

“Yes! The results are in. 50% viewer votes, 50% on-site votes…”

Meanwhile, as the tally concluded, Bambam took the mic again. Everyone seemed to be looking at me as if they already knew who the winner was.

“And the result of Season 123 Bambam Street Karaoke Contest is…?”

-Obviously it’s Seo-ah, right???

-Is there going to be any suspense?

-Today’s broadcast was really exciting

-Seo-ah wins 2 million won, congrats

-Stop dragging it out, we all know already haha

After a brief silence, he spoke again. And in the square, the name Kwon Seo-ah resounded loudly.

“Congratulations!”

200,000 won, that thick envelope of money was now in my hands. My head was spinning. Have I ever earned this much money through singing before? I should have killed my pride sooner. A bitter smile crept up on me.

“You literally just won 2 million won. Can we get a quick comment from you?”

“Thank you. I will use it for a good cause.”

I bowed deeply.

-Kya

-Kya

-A polite young man

-Great job, Seo-ah

-Treat yourself to something delicious

-How many times is 2 million won worth? Haha

-Bambam, give him more, yeah

The prize money is nice, but the internet broadcast… it was a fun experience.

Once again, I thanked the viewers and the people in the square and returned to where Anna was sitting.

My steps were light, and a smile came naturally to my face. Well, it’s 2 million won after all!

“Anna~! We can buy churros now!”

“Sis, you said you’d lend me some money, but it looks like you don’t have that 2,000 won after all.”

She noticed. She must have noticed a lot. I’ve always been bad at lying. Let’s be honest.

“Sorry. Just because I’m an adult doesn’t mean I have a lot of money… Are you disappointed?”

“No. I’m not disappointed at all. Don’t apologize. Seo-ah sis, you were truly amazing today.”

It didn’t seem like empty words; she followed my shouting with chick-like cries as we headed towards the cafe. She seemed deeply moved.

“Beep beep!”

Seeing her like that, a broad smile unconsciously spread across my face.

“Are you good at this? You have the spirit of a rocker.”

“Hehe.”

No more groaning in front of the cafe due to lack of money. We confidently entered the cafe.

“Two churros, please.”

“Yes, of course.”

“But Anna, do you want anything to drink? Aren’t you thirsty?”

“If you order churros, they’ll give you a free glass of milk.”

Looking at the employee, she nodded in agreement. It seemed like an event in context.

“Anna is so thrifty.”

“Yes!”

As she took her seat, Anna spoke with a determined expression.

“Sister, I won’t forget the 2,000 won you lent me and this favor. I will definitely repay it. I’ll make sure of it.”

In reality, she had received a prize of 2 million won, so even if she didn’t receive it, 2,000 won was nothing… Nevertheless, Anna’s expression looked resolute, so I nodded in agreement.

“Sure, I’ll wait patiently. You can repay me after you finish everything. No interest required.”

“What’s interest?”

Even though I kindly explained, she still looked puzzled, like a second grader. Unconsciously, a smile crept onto my face, maybe a smile from Dad? Mom?

“Next time, let’s save up to 10,000 won instead of 5,000.”

“Huh? Will it get more expensive again?”

“No, I’ll also buy something for Sister Seoa.”

“Haha. Thank you.”

At that moment, considering the possibility of raw material price increases, I should also prepare some money.

The vibrating bell rang. As I went to get the ordered food, it was clearly two churros. And there would be two glasses of milk coming along, but what else was there?

“What, what is this? We didn’t order this.”

“It’s on the house. It’s fried bread with sugar sprinkled on the edges. Please try it once. It’s going to be delicious.”

“Oh… another service. Thank you.”

“I saw you singing at the square. Your voice resonated so loudly all the way here. It was amazing. I want to listen to only the songs you sing in the future, starting with the new song from the Tier Band.”

I don’t know what to do about this. After expressing gratitude, I brought the fried bread to the table as a service.

“Hmm?”

“This is complimentary.”

“Wow. I’ll enjoy it.”

Anna also nodded politely towards the staff.

“Enjoy your meal~.”

“It might still be hot. Eat carefully.”

Crunch, crunch!

The crispy sound filled the cafe. Just a moment ago, she was sulking, but now she was fully focused on the churros. Even though she ate carefully, sugar inevitably stuck to the corners of her mouth.

“Come here.”

Smiling at her, I pulled out a few tissues and wiped the sugar off her mouth.

“Do you like the churros?”

Anna quickly nodded in response. I subtly offered her my churros plate.

“Do you want some of mine?”

“Yours is yours. I won’t touch other people’s things.”

“Well, okay then. You must be full after dinner.”

“Is that so? In that case…”

It was hard to refuse the churros right in front of her, so she sneakily took one.

***

Inside the childcare center.

After leaving a message saying she was looking for Anna due to an unexpected singing contest, it took quite some time for me to return. I explained everything that had just happened to the teachers, and Anna apologized to the director and the other teachers as I had advised her.

“So that’s what happened… Well, since you seem to be reflecting a lot, I won’t say anything more. Let’s just not do this again next time, okay? You’ve been through a lot in the cold. You can go in now.”

“Yes! But Seoa’s singing… It was so cool!”

“You shouldn’t be so excited when you’re being scolded, right?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Okay. Go wash up quickly.”

Anna ran off.

“Still, it’s commendable. She hasn’t received much pocket money yet, but she managed to save up that much money.”

“Yeah. Knowing Anna’s personality, it must have been really tough for her.”

“Come to think of it, she hasn’t been eating gummy bears after school lately.”

In the midst of the teachers’ conversation, the director looked at me.

“And Seoa, you probably have something to say too, right?”

Upon reflection, I realized it wasn’t entirely my fault, but I cleared my throat, thinking about what would be best to apologize.

“Yes… I said I was going to pick up Anna, but suddenly participated in a karaoke contest. I’m sorry.”

“Alright. Thank you anyway. Thanks for taking care of Anna.”

Headmaster gently extends his arm to pat my head. In moments like this, I find myself making a bashful expression for some reason.

“Your heart must have been heavy from last night’s incident.”

“No, we can’t dwell in the past forever.”

As the situation nears its conclusion, Teacher Jung, who had been observing quietly, adds a few words.

“But you do have real talent. Even though it was just a street karaoke contest, with a prize of 2 million won. You went ahead and won first place there.”

“I told you. Our Seoa never misses a beat. If she doesn’t sing, it’s a national loss.”

Headmaster comes closer and pats my back. Although grateful for the excessive praise, I become modest without realizing it.

“With this money, can I treat the kids to pizza and chicken this weekend?”

“Wouldn’t it be better to save? Just a moment ago, you didn’t even have a few thousand won.”

“That’s true. They say joy multiplies when shared. And with 2 million won, spending around 10 on them is fine.”

Thinking about it, not just Anna but everyone must have a favorite food they want to eat. When I was young, I really wanted to eat pizza. How vividly I remember the sight of a generously loaded pizza in front of me. Surely the kids have similar feelings.

“At first, I thought about buying lots of churros to share, but then I thought Anna’s efforts to save money for churros might feel wasted…”

After explaining several reasons, I looked at Headmaster.

“Why not make it happen?”

“Alright then. Let’s have a party this weekend since Seoa is also here. And save the money. Since the band disbanded, you need to look for new opportunities ahead. Use it for that time.”

Such a kind person. That’s why I want to buy something even more delicious, show my gratitude, and repay their kindness. They are like a mother to me.

“No, I’ve been living off your charity and eating your food. At times like this, I should pay for the missed meals.”

With a smirk, Headmaster nodded as if conceding defeat.

“Then let’s enjoy some delicious food, Seoa.”

“Yes, let’s order plenty of tasty dishes.”

“Oh my, we got 200,000 won, and we’re not even going on a trip. Instead, we’re taking care of our siblings. I might as well call you ‘Mother Superior.’”

“Ahaha…”

Just now, Headmaster brought up such a topic. After disbanding the band, it’s time to look for new opportunities. Until yesterday, I was wandering about what to do, but now things are different. There’s something I want to try, somewhat out of the blue.

“About the new opportunity you mentioned earlier… I have something I want to try.”

“Already? What is it?”

Without hesitating amidst everyone’s curiosity, I immediately spoke up.

“I’m thinking of trying internet broadcasting.”