ALL NOVEL Chapter 36
In a barbecue restaurant located in Gangnam, Seoul, a small celebration was underway. It couldn’t be called high-end, but it definitely had its own tradition.
“Alright!”
At the shout of a woman with red-dyed hair, the men around her raised their glasses. The peculiar aspect was that while everyone else held soju glasses, one person was lifting a cup filled with a carbonated drink.
“To celebrate Hyun-su’s album release!”
“Cheers!!”
Following the toast from the sole woman among them, the men boisterously clinked their glasses and then began chatting in small groups.
“Wow, I thought it would never end at first, but it actually wrapped up nicely, huh?”
“See, I told you Hyun-su is tough!”
“That student doesn’t even study!”
Of course, the main topic of conversation was Hyun-su, who had just released his album. Everyone gathered there had contributed in some way to its creation, making them naturally gravitate towards that subject.
“This album is really good!”
“Right? Hyun-su might become more famous than us!”
Everyone present was part of a band, helping Hyun-su rise as a super rookie in a nearly defunct band industry in Korea. They wouldn’t hold back their compliments for Hyun-su’s song.
“After hearing the title, I couldn’t help but think about what I was doing at Hyun-su’s age.”
“I really liked ‘Wonderland’; it’s exactly the kind of song someone his age should be doing.”
Since everyone was knowledgeable about band music, they happily devoured meat while enthusiastically discussing the album’s songs.
“By the way, who the heck is that person?”
There was one individual who was mentioned repeatedly in discussions about Hyun-su’s album.
“Oh, the one who recorded ‘Wonderland’?”
“Oh, right~”
They knew very well the level of difficulty ‘Wonderland’ posed. So when Hyun-su mentioned he was looking for featuring artists, some had shown confusion.
But, to their surprise, someone had popped up and recorded the song without any warning.
“Why didn’t they put their name on it?”
“Yeah, come on Hyun-su, who are they? I don’t know them.”
Moreover, since it was a small world where everyone was somewhat connected, it was only natural that they were curious about a completely new face.
“Oh, a friend introduced me to someone from a vocal academy.”
“A vocal academy? Aren’t they debuting?”
“No.”
“Really? Then this must be their first song?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Wow, their first song is ‘Wonderland’? What a career!”
“Haha… you’re not exaggerating, are you?”
“You know I usually don’t make a fuss like this. But honestly, this is really good!”
“Oh, Hyun-su must be feeling pressured.”
“Haha…”
While the prominent figures in the band world showered Hyun-su with praise, he seemed unsure of how to react. Just then, Ah-young, who had been drinking nearby, interjected.
“By the way, that person is really pretty!”
“Who? The one who did the featuring?”
“Yes, she’s absolutely gorgeous!”
“Wow… to that extent? Who does she resemble?”
“She looks like a real celebrity! When she comes in, you have to see for yourself!”
Naturally, Kim Soo-hyun was also invited to this album celebration. After all, weren’t they the one responsible for the recording and the album cover? Hyun-su casually suggested that they come if they had time, and Soo-hyun lightly accepted.
“I’m really looking forward to this!”
“By the way, Hyun-su, didn’t you invite the person who created the album cover?”
“Uh… I heard that person will probably come.”
“The album cover? Oh right, they did a great job. It’s got a nice feel to it.”
“Right? They were recommended by a friend.”
“You, with such a young age, how do you know so many people?”
“Haha… It just happened that way.”
“Must be nice, being young and connected is a skill!”
As they enjoyed the festive atmosphere and chatted, Ah-young turned to Kang-hyeok, who had quietly faded to the side while only asking Hyun-su questions.
“Why are you suddenly looking for the person who did the album cover?”
“Oh, I couldn’t talk to them last time because they were busy with work.”
“What? Pretty?”
“Don’t get me started! If it weren’t for Hyun-su being around, I would have picked up my guitar.”
“Oh come on…”
“Better than you!”
Kang-hyeok was dumbfounded by Ah-young’s incredulity. Why did she always make a fuss about that person being pretty, but treated him indifferently?
“That person was seriously beautiful!”
“Whatever, we’ll see later who’s more beautiful.”
Hyun-su, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, let out a sigh.
“What? Were you just sighing at Hyun-su?”
“Oh, no. Here, have this.”
“Kid… at least show some respect.”
While they were busy laughing and joking around, the door to the barbecue restaurant rang as it opened.
Although they heard the sound, they were too engrossed in their chatter to notice. It wasn’t until the newcomer came to their table that their attention turned.
The woman who stepped in, dressed in a white short-sleeve shirt and training shorts with her hands tucked into the pockets of her windbreaker, gave off an air that made her look like a dedicated sports model despite her casual outfit.
In the brief moment it took her to walk over, she captured the attention not only of Hyun-su’s group but also of other tables. Shyly pulling her hands from the pockets of her windbreaker, she greeted Hyun-su’s group.
“Um… hello?”
Naturally, the woman was none other than the little latecomer, Kim Soo-hyun.
***
Wasn’t this supposed to be a casual gathering?
She thought the other band members would be around, but it clearly wasn’t the case.
“…Hello?”
“Oh my, a beautiful lady has arrived! Please, take a seat!”
“Hey, don’t joke around! Soo-hyun, sit here.”
“Wait, do I recognize you from TV?”
“Can you recognize me?”
“Wow, is this for real?”
No, she wasn’t just anyone; she had a few songs that ranked in the charts just by stepping into a karaoke room.
“Wow, a young lady recognizes me! I’m not dead yet!”
“Hey, if you say it like that, you just sound old.”
“Hey, In-seok, can you quiet down?”
“And the person next to you… is that someone I recognize?”
“Uh, do you happen to recognize me?”
The person sitting next to her also occasionally appeared on TV…
Now that she looked around, everyone else seemed familiar as well.
“Wow… I’ve never seen a celebrity before.”
That was an involuntary statement, but Ah-young, who was next to her, chuckled and grabbed her arm, pulling her closer.
“Who looks the most like a celebrity here? Now take a seat.”
Once forcibly seated beside Ah-young, a barrage of questions erupted from the surrounding band members.
“Why did you use ‘alba’ for your name?”
“Huh? Ah, I just thought it would be for this one time…”
“Come on… you should have used your real name; that’s all part of the career.”
“She knows what she’s doing; why talk like an old man?”
“Hey you! I’m still in the game!”
Could it be… the same person they’d seen busking on the streets abroad, filling them with national pride? Here, he just seemed like an old man.
“Well, if you’re going to sit down, you should drink too!”
As soon as she sat down, a soju glass was put in front of her.
“Alright, shall we drink now?”
And so the drinking with the band began.
About an hour later…
I gulped down water eagerly to quench the rising drunkenness with a hot face.
Ugh… why can everyone drink so well?
“Are you okay? Your face is getting red.”
“Oh, yeah… haha…”
I barely nodded at Ah-young’s question, struggling to keep my composure.
I was fine? Absolutely not! The world was spinning!
“Hmm… you seem weaker than I expected; I had this strong image of you.”
“Really?”
What was my tolerance level again?
More than that, I hadn’t drunk in a while, so I felt like I was losing control of my pace.
“Well, now that you’re here, why not get some fresh air before we head to the karaoke?”
“Karaoke?”
“We always go to karaoke for the second round; look at the members here; can they really not go to karaoke?”
Following Ah-young’s gaze, I looked around.
Everyone was laughing and blushing, but they were all accomplished band singers.
Even if they were drunk, it could still be a treat for the ears in the karaoke; they all had experience and skill.
“Ugh… I’m feeling tempted, but I think I’ll just go home.”
But right now, my mind was leaning towards going home.
Whether it was the alcohol or if I was somehow enchanted by Kim Soo-hyun, it was fun, but being around these extroverted people felt draining.
“Huh? Why?”
“I have things to do at home…”
“Then just take a photo before you go!”
“A photo?”
“Yeah! Since it’s been a while, we should take a group photo.”
Saying that, Ah-young began gathering people around.
“Come on, we need a photo!”
“Oh wow, has it already evolved to that?”
“We need to wrap up soon and head to the second round.”
Then, as if it were a routine, once Ah-young finished her sentence, everyone naturally stood up and gathered together.
“These old guys need something to post on social media – ‘a gathering with juniors’ or something.”
“Hey now, that’s not what I meant at all! Just a casual post along with it!”
They centered Hyun-su, the star of the day, and gathered around him.
Since I was caught up next to Ah-young, I ended up standing right next to her.
“Boss~ can you take a picture for us?”
“I was just wondering when you’d ask!”
The boss, who seemed familiar with holding gatherings there, took Ah-young’s phone and began posing like a photographer.
“Haha, this guy’s getting better at posing.”
“Seriously! In the beginning, he was shaking the pictures.”
And naturally, they began critiquing the barbecue restaurant owner’s photo skills.
With my guard lowered by the booze, I found myself laughing at their light-hearted jabs.
“Why are you laughing so much?”
“Haha… it’s just funny.”
“Keep that smile on your face.”
“Okay, taking the picture now!”
With a slightly tipsy smile, I finally captured a moment next to Ah-young.
“Are you going in now?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Oh, by the way. Is it okay if I post the photo? Want me to cover your face with an emoji?”
“Haha… it’s fine.”
“Really? But still, quite a few people will see it.”
Since it wasn’t like my name would be printed beneath, and this was just a group photo, I didn’t mind.
And then…
“It’s not like I have anything to hide!”
As I made a V sign with my hand on my chin, Ah-young’s expression crumbled.
“Whoa… that was really rude.”
“Haha! They said I look pretty!”
“Exactly! That’s what made it worse.”
“I hear that quite often.”
Usually from Hyejeong.
I thought again that perhaps Hyejeong is the one who suffers the most from my unfiltered compliments.
“Anyway! Are you heading home now?”
“Yes, I’m planning to say goodbye now.”
“Alright, since they’re older, they like respectful kids, so make sure you say goodbye properly.”
As she said that, Ah-young gave me a couple of light pats on the back.
…Was that supposed to hurt, or was she just being affectionate?
“By the way, what’s that ‘something to do at home’ now? At this hour?”
“What’s that to do at home? Uh… my main job?”
I felt a little woozy, but maybe it was the alcohol kicking in.
I didn’t think any bad habits were in play here…
Going live while intoxicated might not be such a bad idea, right?