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Contrary to my carefree thoughts, the conflict between composer Kang Woo-hyeon and Hyeon-su had persisted since the initial planning stages.

Upon reflection, wasn’t it evident that their styles were quite different?

As a composer primarily focused on electronic music and Hyeon-su, who leans towards band music, it was only natural for them to clash over opinions.

Well, it was unexpected, but when you have two strong-headed composers together, such chaos is to be expected.

However, what troubled me was…

“So, what does Kim Soo-hyun think?”

“Yeah, noona, you have to choose between the two.”

These two were asking for my opinion.

“Can’t I just be a background character? Please don’t expect musical knowledge from me.”

“I’ve thought about that, but you really have to pick one of these.”

No, they weren’t exactly asking for my opinion.

What could they possibly want to ask me?

They were simply forcing me into a dilemma.

While they insisted I choose one, honestly, I wished they would just settle it themselves.

“Um…”

Still, since I was here using my wish ticket, I might as well give it my best shot.

“In my view, the second one seems a bit better.”

Both Hyeon-su and the composer provided great sounds, but since my personal taste leaned towards the second, I stated my preference.

“Indeed, your auditory senses are impressive.”

“Ah… Is that so? Alright then.”

“Wait, everyone.”

Yet, as soon as I made my choice, both of them nodded and moved on.

“Isn’t there any dissent?”

Aren’t we supposed to debate if there’s an objection?

At the very least, they should convince me.

Their instant agreement only increased my anxiety.

“It’s not like there’s a third person involved, is it? If it’s majority rule, we go with that.”

“Exactly, noona, we’re going with majority rule. If we start arguing over who likes what better, it’ll never end.”

Majority rule… Well, usually it’s right in most cases, but am I allowed to vote?

I wasn’t opposed to this democratic situation where each one of us was granted a precious vote, but I questioned whether I even had the right to cast mine.

“…I’m not familiar with the outcome.”

“That means you bear the responsibility too, you know?”

…Honestly, I’m at a loss!

“If the three of us mess it up, I’ll be the one facing the least damage, so I’m fine.”

“Wow… That sounds too irresponsible, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t care.”

“…Where did you learn to say things like that?”

“In the broadcast chat room.”

As Hyeon-su and the composer beside him stared at me with incredulous expressions, I shifted my gaze away.

But honestly, I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?

It was they who granted me the voting right, the one most freer from responsibility.

“…Anyway, let’s continue.”

And so, we reached an implicit agreement to settle disagreements through majority rule, and the meeting went on.

“How about this here?”

“Sounds good.”

“I like it too.”

Well, not every moment was filled with conflict.

Despite their differing styles, they both possessed a fundamental sense of musical insight.

They could quickly discern what was good and what wasn’t.

“The track should definitely have a brighter vibe, right?”

“Right, since we’re unveiling it at the concert for the first time, let’s focus on this aspect.”

“Wow, that sounds great.”

Watching those two work, it was clear they were enjoying the process.

Even though they had roughly double the age difference, seeing them collaborate like peers gave the impression that they’d become closer once the work was finished.

“Then let’s do the lyrics like this….”

“Sounds good. You certainly write well.”

Hyeon-su would be taking care of the lyrics entirely.

While the composer wasn’t incapable of writing lyrics, it made more sense for Hyeon-su to do so, as he usually covers all the lyrics for his own album.

I also really liked Hyeon-su’s poetic lyrics.

He had a bit of a literary vibe.

“Ah, I can’t wait for the day we reveal this!”

“I’m looking forward to it too, so I expect concert tickets!”

“Haha, of course, I’ll give them to you.”

Though nothing was properly completed yet, watching those two drink from the proverbial kimchi soup, excitedly anticipating the reveal concert, made me ponder.

“Oh, speaking of which.”

“Yes?”

“Hyeon-su, when exactly is the concert?”

Judging by his relaxed demeanor, it seemed we still had some time left, but I was curious about the specific date.

Or at least, which month it would be held in.

I’d heard that we had a few months to go, but surely I’d need to prepare myself, right?

“Hmm… I think it’ll be around summer. We’re just picking the ticket design now.”

Summer, huh….

Since it’s currently late spring, there isn’t much time to spare.

“Isn’t it a bit rushed?”

That concern drove me to ask, but Hyeon-su shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“We have enough time. I just need to show up and perform.”

“True, I get that.”

Although Hyeon-su wasn’t the one organizing the concert… it still felt like he’d be busy with rehearsals and finalizing the tracklist.

“I’m confident in my live performances.”

“Oh…”

The last “oh” was voiced by the composer.

His eyes sparkled at the mention of Hyeon-su’s confidence in his live shows.

After all, singers who are good live are well-respected wherever they go.

“What about you, noona?”

“Me?”

“Yes, are you confident in your live performances?”

“Me? Uh… I’m not sure?”

“You really should practice a bit. It’ll be your first live show after all.”

…That’s a valid point.

I really need to practice properly.

While there would be rehearsals, the thought of being thrown onto the actual stage and told to sing gave me a panic attack.

“Yeah, Kim Soo-hyun really needs to practice.”

Perhaps recalling the last music video filming, the composer chimed in.

“Haha… Yeah, I definitely need to.”

Thinking back, didn’t I have to practice guitar soon?

I kind of trained a bit at the Vocal Academy, but I felt like it wasn’t enough.

“Well, I believe you’ll handle it just fine. If anything, just let me know. I can assist with vocal coaching.”

“Well, that’s great for me.”

“Of course, it would be good if you practiced alone too.”

“…I’ll do it at home.”

Should I stream my singing for the first time in a while?

It’s been quite a while since I last livestreamed, during the duet with Haeun, so it seems like the right time to do so.

“Anyway, let’s resume the meeting.”

For now, I’d leave practice for later and continue with the song meeting.

Haru is short, so we should lay down a basic foundation today.

“Alright, so what do you think of this one versus that one?”

“Hmm….”

As the meeting dragged on, there were frequent instances where the composer and Hyeon-su offered me binary choices.

At first, it was pretty tough, but…

“I actually preferred the first one a bit more.”

“Oh no…”

“Okay.”

As the meeting progressed, I realized it wasn’t actually that bad.

“This feels like this here.”

“Hmm, I see.”

“Noona, just hold on. Before you choose, let’s focus a bit more on the bass sound…”

“Hmm….”

“Let’s stop and start picking soon, alright?”

Aren’t we in a situation where opinions are divided?

Each time these two diverged, I felt an odd joy as they both eagerly looked to me for guidance.

Both of them flipped emotionally based on my single comment.

It felt like I had become the queen bee of some male-dominated club.

Although I was dealing with a dad with kids and a high-schooler who just graduated this year.

“Well then, I’ll go with composer Kang Woo-hyeon’s option this time.”

“An excellent choice.”

“Ah… this is really good.”

Anyway, as this somewhat fun democratic meeting continued.

“Oh, by the way, last time I filmed a video with Lee Hyun-jun.”

“Hyun-jun? From Beastz….”

“Oh yeah, right. I see you know him too, composer.”

Suddenly, Lee Hyun-jun from Beastz came up in conversation.

Why’s that?

“I heard a new song was released, so we filmed a challenge together, and the response was really good.”

“Since Hyeon-su is also quite the looker, I bet the fans liked it.”

“Yes, so should we hire professional dancers for this next song? Just something short and catchy.”

“A challenge, huh… that sounds good.”

A challenge?

Oh, is that what he means?

When an idol or singer releases a new song, they film a brief highlight dance video with fellow entertainers to promote it.

Well, I think that’s a good idea.

Doing that would definitely have a solid promotional effect.

Moreover, considering Hyeon-su is good-looking and tall, he’d definitely draw attention while dancing, enhancing the effect even more.

“Right? Just picture if Kim Soo-hyun takes part.”

“Hm… if Soo-hyun does it, then yes, it would have great promotional value, similar to the music video.”

“Me?”

But the conversation took a strange turn.

“Isn’t it obviously you, Hyeon-su, who should be doing it?”

Isn’t it obviously Hyeon-su’s role?

I mean, it’s the song being unveiled at Hyeon-su’s concert, wouldn’t fans look at me coldly if I was the one dancing?

“Oh, of course, I’ll do it. But you should naturally join, don’t you think?”

They shifted their gaze towards me.

Most people would shake their heads and say no in this situation…

“Hey, am I some mascot at a baseball park?”

I’m not interested.

Huh? I’m someone who can oppose when everyone else nods in agreement.

“I’m not saying it to look down on you…”

The composer tried to gracefully shift the conversation, sensing my hostility.

“However?”

“Drawing people’s attention just by appearance is truly a blessing.”

“You said that while we were filming the music video.”

“Oh dear.”

Is this person…

Trying to recycle a line they’ve already used before?

“Still, if you join the challenge, it would undoubtedly bring great benefits…”

“Not happening!”

Absolutely not!

Will I be doing that?

I can already vividly imagine my dance video circulating in the community.

“It seems like you have reservations, Soo-hyun.”

“Yeah, I mean, dancing probably won’t lead to much benefit…”

As if acknowledging my opposition, the composer nodded, and I joined his sentiment.

Sure, doing the challenge might have its perks, but there’s no need to force it…

“But it’s majority rule.”

“Huh?”

At my dumbfounded question, the composer pointed at both himself and Hyeon-su with his fingers.

“Two votes in favor.”

He then turned his hand and pointed at me.

“One vote against.”

“Oh.”

F***ing democracy.

 

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