episode_0010

“As expected of our Seoa. I felt she was extraordinary from the moment she said she wanted to start a rock band…”

“Can you boast about working at Linu now?”

Each teacher adding their own comments.

It’s good that everyone has expectations, but nothing is confirmed yet.

“There’s still a second interview.”

“So does that mean you passed the first round? Wasn’t the first round usually just a document review?”

“Oh, right. They say even passing that isn’t common. I heard it’s like 1 out of 50…”

Each teacher is saying something they know about the major company Linu. However, being a YouTuber might not be the same as the usual path. New Head Teacher, feeling awkward, stepped in to tidy up the chaotic atmosphere.

“I understand everyone’s excited. Let’s hear what Seoa has to say.”

“Oh, right. I need to focus. Sorry. I never thought we’d end up talking about Linu.”

“What Seoa wants to say is that she wants to enter Linu as an extension of her internet broadcasting and pursue her dreams there, right?”

As expected of the Head Teacher.

Even before I could properly speak, she neatly aligned everything.

“That’s correct.”

“Should we pre-order the success plan card?”

“But we haven’t even had the interview yet…”

The Head Teacher was also excited.

“I see. Just kidding. Whatever the result, no one will say anything. Go without any pressure.”

“Yeah, entering a major company seems easy. If it works out, great; if not, move on.”

“But does Seoa have a suit?”

The Head Teacher looks at me with subtly expectant eyes. However, a suit is not really necessary.

“I did buy one while working with the band before, but looking at the message, it says clothing is free to choose.”

Since internet broadcasting and being a YouTuber are considered art forms, it’s about going freely. The biggest issue is that the suit I bought before has somehow transformed into a skirt I don’t recognize and don’t want to wear.

“Still, it’s better to dress neatly. Even though they say clothing is free, there may be interviewers who look at attire.”

“Huh…?”

Really? Do I need to think that far ahead? The mood shifted back to seriousness, urging me to try on the suit.

“Just a moment!”

“Yes. Let’s eat first. After all, Geumgangsan is beautiful after a meal.”

“Ah, but Seoa has a different aura, so she’ll look good in anything. A suit? It’s already over. Off you go to Geumgangsan.”

I’ve been cornered, unable to refuse. From the teachers’ perspective, they must want to witness their daughter, whom they’ve cherished since childhood, going for her first job interview as an adult.

There’s no choice. Should I wear the suit skirt?

Oh no! Just a few days ago, I was a man, and now a skirt! And a tight H-line skirt at that.

Amidst my hesitation, breakfast ended. Hurriedly, I entered my room and opened the closet. Among various clothes, the suit pants had transformed into a skirt.

“Will this do? Head Teacher.”

“Yes, it’s fine. Try it on quickly. I’ll wait outside.”

She closed the door as she left my room. In the silent room, only the sound of my heartbeat echoed loudly.

As a woman, my wardrobe has changed significantly. I couldn’t bring myself to wear those clothes, so I had been living in jeans and casual t-shirts.

“Sigh…”

Okay. It’s better to face it head-on rather than hesitate. But I encountered a hurdle right at the entrance. With a strange sensation, I shouted at the black stockings with a voice as small as an ant.

“Eek…”

“Seoa, what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.”

Did that sound carry?!

Sometimes having a loud voice can be a disadvantage. To avoid causing unnecessary worry to the Head Teacher, I quickly put them on. Awkwardly, I put on the pantyhose and then, ignoring the texture, the H-line skirt.

After putting on a blouse and a suit, I was relieved that the top wasn’t much different from when wearing men’s clothes(?).

“Director, I’m all dressed.”

I opened the door to reveal myself in a suit.

“But something feels different around the hips. It feels like it’s snug in a way. Or maybe not… How does it look?”

“It looks great. You can go like this. You’re prettier than most models, you know?”

Saying so, the director handed me a hand mirror, seemingly brought for this purpose. I examined my body with the mirror from various angles. I had to admit, I was almost model-level.

“That’s nice.”

“Isn’t it?”

“But, should I change my orange hair back to black before dyeing it again? It feels like it doesn’t match the black suit…”

“No. That’s our Seoa’s trademark. Let’s stick with it.”

Smiling at the director’s firm stance, I nodded in agreement.

“Then, are we taking photos again this time? I’ll quietly slip out after seeing everything and change slowly before coming back.”

“… ”

Embarrassing.

Nevertheless, feeling it would be a waste to just look as the director suggested, I took a few selfies with my phone’s front camera.

Back at the childcare center, teachers and even the kids gathered to admire my appearance.

“Oh, our Seoa is so pretty.”

“Indeed. When did she grow up like this?”

“Wow, cool. What’s that?”

“It’s called a suit… It’s what you wear on formal occasions.”

“I don’t know what formal means, but it looks cool.”

“Haha, thank you.”

***

Taking care of the children in the morning, preparing for interviews in spare moments, and broadcasting in the evening, time flew by without respite. Before I knew it, it was the day of the second round of interviews.

The second round of interviews had been ongoing since Monday. Today, Friday, marked the final day of the second round, so the interviewers must have been exhausted. The stakes were higher. With a solid strategy in place, it was time to review and set off again.

Having worn a suit once, I had now adapted to the snug stockings and skirt. Thankfully, the shoes were ordinary dress shoes, not high heels, so adapting was easier due to their smaller size compared to men’s shoes.

“Are the kids sleeping well? Did they wake up early because of me?”

It was 6:30 AM. I needed to leave around 7 AM due to the distance. I planned for a simple meal, but the director insisted on eating properly, so I woke up earlier than planned.

“Even in this situation, you’re thinking about the kids. Aren’t you nervous?”

“I’ve been on bigger stages than this.”

I smiled at the director.

“Yeah. I’m not worried about you, Seoa. You’re the kind of kid who could survive in the jungle.”

Finally, I slung my bag containing my friend Flare over one shoulder and held the bag with the amp in the other hand. A guitar and an amp with a suit—a combination that strangely didn’t fit but somehow worked.

“Well then, I’ll be off…”

“You missed one thing.”

“Yes?”

The director brought me a tie and approached me. I felt awkward, but it would feel empty without it.

“Ah, haha. I’ll do it. Just a moment…”

“I’ll help you. Come here.”

Approaching me, the director touched my neck and tied the tie for me.

“When did you grow up to be as tall as me…”

As big as I was, the director’s hands felt rougher. Being this close made the details more apparent.

“Thank you for raising me.”

“I should be thanking you for growing up well.”

With this, all preparations for the interview were complete.

“Have a safe trip. Whatever the outcome… No, if Linne has a good feeling, we’ll definitely choose Seoa.”

“Haha! Yes. I’ll be back.”

Heading to the interview location at Linne Company B-12. I departed by taking a pre-booked taxi. Looking out the window, seeing the scenery beyond, thoughts of various inspirations and ideas for songs come to mind.

Listening closely, it was said that in line with a large corporation, the company is not just one building but an entire Linne Street with multiple buildings. I had never thought I would have anything to do with a large corporation, considering it a whole different world, but truly, there are things in this world I do not know. Nevertheless, it’s less surprising than becoming a woman. Indeed.

As I double-checked the audition message to ensure nothing was missed, the interviewer’s name caught my eye once again.

Camomile.

A streamer and singer-songwriter with 1.9 million subscribers on their channel. They have gained fame through live broadcasts, cover songs, and their own music creations.

Initially unknown to me, they were famous enough that upon hearing their songs, one would think, “Ah, so this person.” What kind of feedback will such a person give on my song now? I don’t expect criticism. I’m looking forward to it.

And one more thing that surprised me. The manager I spoke with. They reportedly have 90,000 channel subscribers. Of course, being a virtual department head, I didn’t think they would be a complete stranger, but I never expected it to be at this level. Even though they could have continued broadcasting, perhaps they felt limited.

In any case, they told me that such a person is essential for me. Out of gratitude for their words, I must perform well in this interview and return.

“We have arrived. This is Linne Street. Heading for an interview, right? Good luck.”

“Was it that obvious? Thank you!”

With that, I closed the taxi door and looked at the buildings on Linne Street.

“Wow…”

Unintentionally, my mouth fell open. How many floors are those buildings? They seem to pierce the sky. Among them, the B building is to the left from the perspective of the main A building.

As I read the message kindly reminding me not to get lost for the second interview and headed left, it happened.

“Oh my! Mom. I turned 24 this year, so I’m an adult. Don’t worry; I’ll be fine!”

“You think I won’t worry?! You’re going to that Linne interview. Look at these buildings. It’s like going to a 64-story building.”

“Hmm. Is that so?”

“Absolutely! Anyway, do well and come back. The rest of the family is also expecting.”

“Yes.”

There was a cheerful impression of a woman with long black hair, styled in a chic two-tone look. She seemed to be her mother, dyed in gray tones, getting out of the car and having a conversation with me. She was dressed in tight-fitting sweatpants and a crop top, wearing a black choker around her neck.

After the car left, she headed to the right. Just a moment, to the right?

Inadvertently overhearing their conversation, it reminded me of internet broadcasts, given the tone. She seems to be a fellow YouTuber interviewee like me. Why is she going to the right when C building is clearly in that direction?

“Excuse me.”

“…?!”

She looked at me, blinked rapidly, and then asked, “Yes? Can I help you?”

“Yes. That’s the direction to the C building. Are you going for the YouTuber interview?”

“Well, yes. It was supposed to be the left direction. Left… Isn’t this the right way?!”

…”

She chuckled heartily, thanked me, and said, “Thank you! I almost went the wrong way.”

“Since we’ve met, shall we go together? So we don’t get lost again.”

“Really? I’d appreciate that.”

Walking towards the B building together, I realized she was taller than me. Having grown up in an orphanage, my height as a woman is 164cm. For a woman, it’s not a small figure, but is she over 170cm? Perhaps she has been working out diligently, as her figure looks quite toned. Meanwhile, she seemed to want to ask me something as she cautiously started a conversation while looking at me.

“Are you… a celebrity? Your appearance, the way you carry yourself… And why do you seem so familiar?”

“I’m not a celebrity, but I used to be a band vocalist.”

“Oh! That’s practically a celebrity. Wow… What a coincidence. Meeting all kinds of singers in this lifetime. You made the right choice coming for the interview. But wait, did you say you were a band vocalist? Hold on a second! I think I know.”

She rummaged through her bag and pulled out her phone, playing a video. To her surprise, it was a video of someone singing at a late-night streaming karaoke competition.

“Is this the person?!”

Since the video was uploaded about 2-3 weeks ago, it had already garnered over 10 million views, showcasing its tremendous impact.