episode_0020

“Seoa, you’re turning 27 this year, right?”

“Yes.”

With a brief response, she evaluates in her own way, accompanied by expressions of admiration.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you’re the best singer in your 20s.”

“Haha, is it really that good?”

Despite trying to be humble, she can’t hide her joy at receiving praise from a famous singer.

“When you transition from head voice to chest voice, how do you do it?”

“Oh, that…”

Actually, I…

Even though she has worked hard on her singing, she doesn’t know professional terms well. She can’t explain how she did it.

“Just by feeling it…?”

“Ah, that’s even more convincing. I understand now. You sang really well.”

As I look for my water bottle to take a drink, Sunsoo opens the lid and hands it to me.

“To think that I’m taking the first step with YouTuber Laria, who will become a global star someday, I can’t contain my excitement! It’s so thrilling!”

“Haha, calm down.”

“It’s reassuring. Really. As the head, I’m also very proud.”

As we try to decide on the next turn, no one readily steps forward.

“Since Seoa is next…”

I didn’t expect this. I didn’t always have to go last for no reason. From now on, when something like this happens, I should go last.

“It’s just practice, don’t feel too pressured.”

Then, Hyobin raised her hand.

“Well, I guess I have to go next again. I always go first and clean up.”

Hyobin’s singing. It’s quite good in terms of scale, but there are many things that need improvement when you listen to her sing. The most urgent issue is pitch instability. Yurim also feels this and gives her some simple advice.

“You said you’re going for a girl crush vibe with this cover song… Got it. It suits you well. Let’s focus on pitch while practicing for this cover song goal.”

“Got it!”

Simply practicing something can quickly become boring or tiring. Especially in the case of music. However, setting a goal like this makes it more enjoyable. Many people who start learning the guitar choose a song they want to play and practice it for this reason.

“But Seoa, I volunteered to do it. Don’t I get a praise sticker or something? You’re the teacher.”

“That’s right. What should I give you…”

I took out a candy from my pocket and handed it to her.

“Oh, I thought it would be gummy bears, but this is something different again.”

“If you keep eating the same thing, you’ll get tired of it.”

“What… If I knew you were giving out candy, I would have done it…”

“If you sing well and come back, I’ll give you one too.”

“Really? Then I’ll be right back.”

Before entering the recording studio, the head speaks.

“How about trying to sing the cover song we decided on as a test?”

“I haven’t perfected it yet. I’ll sing it later.”

“Okay. Take your time.”

Come to think of it, it’s my first time hearing Sunsoo sing live. What will it feel like? Since discovering the Kakabi channel, I’ve listened to a few songs occasionally, but nowadays, with the good editing technology, you can only judge if someone sings well or not by listening to them live.

“Teacher, is it okay if I sing a Japanese song instead of a Korean one?”

“Yes.”

She opens her mouth. Strong vocals. A pretty good tone. The pitch and rhythm were so perfectly matched that it gave me goosebumps. However, what is it? She sang well, but there was this feeling of regret… She also left the recording studio with a disappointed expression.

“I think I was too nervous. Being with seniors and Seoa kept bothering me. How was I?”

“There’s nothing wrong with it. But even if you were nervous, there was something lacking in terms of impact. It felt like there was something missing.”

“…I understand what you mean. Thank you for your feedback.”

Alright, as I listened to the teacher’s feedback, I got a sense of direction. Soonyoung was currently facing the most challenging wall to overcome. After learning pronunciation, now she had to move forward and create her own style.

This is the most difficult stage, and also the area of greatest talent. What advice could I offer her?

“Keep growing step by step. Explore on your own, try hitting walls.”

“Yes. That’s right. The more you know about singing, the more you realize you don’t know. It’s fun, but… it’s also stressful.”

Once again, I handed Soonyoung a coffee candy after she did her best.

“Wow, thank you.”

Next up was Goeun’s song.

It was my first time hearing it. All the data from when she was an enterprise YouTuber had been deleted and couldn’t be found. Asking her directly didn’t end well.

Her dreamy tone, however, lacked the depth and professionalism seen in Nana and Soonyoung. Still, considering she had attended a vocal academy, her slightly improved vocal range was noticeable. The vocal trainer’s evaluation was similar to mine.

“Goeun, would you like some candy too?”

“…I’m fine, thank you.”

“Do you have any favorite snacks or anything? I’ll get them for you later.”

“It’s okay. I’ll just appreciate the thought. Thank you.”

“Okay.”

Does she dislike snacking like last time? Or is she just reserved like Minji? It might take some time to get closer.

“Goeun’s cover song has a dreamy vibe, so it should suit her well… Lastly, Minji. Are you ready?”

“Y-yeah! How did I end up with the finale.”

“Good luck. If you do well, I’ll give you chocolate-flavored candy.”

“Oh… that sounds nice. I mean, I’ll do my best and come back.”

Minji entered the recording studio. However, the microphone was set too high for Goeun to reach. Even tiptoeing wasn’t enough.

“Um, sorry, how do I lower this?”

“I’ll do it.”

I went into the studio and adjusted the microphone height.

“Is this okay?”

“Yeah. But it feels like a pearl necklace on a pig’s neck. I only need a 500-won microphone for one song.”

“Haha. Don’t be like that. Show your best side.”

Minji’s song had a certain impact in a way. Even the teacher, who was listening attentively, smiled slightly. If she could highlight her lower range well, she might shine.

“I wasn’t mistaken. But if you can bring out that soft and cute tone in the lower range, it might work out somehow.”

“Did I really not make a mistake? Is that true?”

She glanced at me and I nodded, smiling brightly. The boss also smiled and replied.

“Yes, you didn’t make a mistake. I already knew and recommended that cover song for you. It’s a cute song with a low-range voice that doesn’t go too high.”

“Oh… Okay! I’ll do my best.”

After a simple song test, Yurim handed us a schedule.

“Since everyone’s skill level is different, we’ll teach you one-on-one for your convenience.”

But I felt a bit different?

[Cover song recording]

We were going to record cover songs right away instead of having singing lessons? I looked at Yurim after reading the note.

“Seoa, you’ll go straight to record your cover song that day. I’ll direct you.”

“Thank you.”

On the way back to the company from the vocal academy, the boss mentioned the afternoon’s tasks with a smile.

“In the afternoon, we’ll be preparing for the debut broadcast. The debut broadcast will be followed by a relay…”

A relay debut broadcast.

It means debuting sequentially at a specific time.

“I’m still thinking about the order. But for now, Seoa will go last. Is everyone okay with that?”

“Yes. Seoa unnie should sweep everyone away at the end.”

“Yes, that’s right. Just the thought of Seoa standing behind me makes me feel secure already.”

For some reason, it reminds me of the relay races during elementary school sports day. It was nerve-wracking to have the fastest runner waiting at the back, but there was a sense of security in it. Perhaps it’s a similar feeling.

“And the first order will probably be taken by Hyobin.”

“Great. I prefer doing things quickly.”

“The rest of the order is still undecided. On the other hand, I think Seoa will be the first to reveal the cover song… For now, let’s think about what to show on the debut broadcast. Let’s eat first.”

“By the way, do we eat at the Linu cafeteria like we did on our first day of work yesterday?”

“Yes, we do.”

“Yes! I have to brag to my mom again.”

Linu cafeteria.

It was amazing. The menu varied from Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Western, and more. At first, I thought it would be like school meals, but I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted it. And it’s free.

Click!

Hyobin excitedly takes a picture of the food before eating, and Sunsoo also takes a picture.

“I was like this when I was a new employee too. It brings back memories.”

“Right. Can I post this on my SNS?”

“Of course. Feel free to post it.”

Come to think of it, now I have to manage my SNS too? What should I post? Let’s think about it slowly. But what I’m more curious about is the price of the food. They say it’s free for employees, but how much would it cost usually? When I ask the manager, he kindly answers.

“Maybe around 8,000 to 10,000 won?”

It’s not as expensive as I thought.

“Why, Seoa? You don’t have to worry about the employees, it’s free for them.”

“Oh… Later. I want to treat my younger siblings too.”

“Haha, it’s nice to see you thinking about your siblings.”

“Thank you.”

“That’s why I feel like a dutiful son who should brag to my mom… But I should still brag.”

“Hahaha.”

Hyobin is strict about managing his diet, but he says he eats what he wants for lunch within reason because it helps him exercise happily for longer.

After lunch, there is some free time.

Everyone gathers in the meeting room, using their phones or doing their own things. It seems like they are preparing for the debut broadcast they just mentioned.

“Unnie, what should I do for the debut broadcast? I can’t dance because it’s 2D, and I feel lacking in singing. Is there something light I can learn?”

“Hmm…”

Something that will showcase strong breathing and vocalization. That’s it.

“What about beatboxing? It’s light and easy to do.”

“Oh! That’s right, beatboxing is closely related to dancing. If I show that instead of dancing, it should work! Is that a good idea? I’ll look into it. Thanks.”

“No problem.”

Meanwhile, Minji is worried after hearing that. Will she be chosen for entertainment picks? Should she showcase the vocal mimicry medley she showed at the last interview? That’s good too, but it would be cool to have one more long-term plan. She shouldn’t rely solely on singing, but prepare something else as well.

Looking around, she spots Minji sitting quietly in a corner of the meeting room, playing with her phone.

“Minji~.”

“Eek!”

She jumps in surprise, clutching her phone.

“Why? I won’t eat it. What were you doing?”

“P-playing a game…”

“Is it that Rose Fantasy game from last time?”

“Yes, yes.”

But for some reason, she seems embarrassed to introduce a game she likes.

“Can I take a look for a moment?”

“Uh, uh? Yes…”

It’s a game where various characters in a fantasy setting fight monsters. The graphics look good.

“It looks fun. But why are you so nervous?”

“Well, um… It’s a bit scary to introduce something I like. I’m worried.”

“What do you mean? What’s wrong with introducing something you like?”

…!

For some reason, she looks at me with a touched expression.