Chapter 60

Lee HyunAh relaxed and went up to the stage . However, after opening her eyes after grabbing the microphone, she could see the audience seats filled with people . She shrunk back after receiving the attention of so many .

Its completely different from the rehearsal .

People cheering with glowing sticks, people shouting along with their children . The young people looked like they wanted to jump around already . Everything was happening around her . Everyone was looking at her, Lee HyunAh . She subconsciously gulped .

When she stiffened up in nervousness, the drum beats sounded from behind her . Along with that, the instruments began playing with a slide from the bass .

Its too early .

KangYoon felt a sense of haste from the leader Min ChanMin . In his view, Lee HyunAh still wasnt ready yet, but it seemed like Min ChanMin didnt see Lee HyunAh properly . As he had feared, Lee HyunAh waved her hand towards the back and halted the music .

Sorry .

Lee HyunAh apologized to the audience and the judges . Although it was alright to stop since she didnt even start singing yet, the audience and the judges didnt seem to like it . At the front, people were saying that the fun had left while people at the back were urging her to start . With similar gazes from everywhere, she felt like she was going crazy . Everyone was pressuring her .

But at that time, she saw KangYoon, who was sitting in the front seats . He was holding up a sketchbook from god-knows-where he got it . There were two words written on it .

[Its fine]

But somehow, KangYoons words magically made her calm . It was the comfort of feeling that there was someone on her side within this crowd that pressured her . Lee HyunAh matched eyes with KangYoon and spoke comfortably .

Ahh . Sorry about that . Lets start .

It was a short amount of time but was long to the audience that was waiting for it . Unlike the beginning, the atmosphere was already cooling down . However, she did not care about it . Her gaze was fixed on KangYoon alone .

When Lee HyunAhs ready signal came, the drums started off with four beats and the bass slid . The clear sound of the guitar and the synthesizer hopped onto the heavy bass rhythm .

I am by your side like this putting the sails of hope

Lee HyunAhs powerful voice was the icing on the cake . The disappointed crowd started raising their gears again . When the cheers got louder, her singing also became more powerful .

The rough winds make my tears flowbut stopped when I met you

The distortion from the electric guitar and the low tone from the bass harmonized and decorated her singing even more magnificently . The sound of the guitar that lightly crumpled to bring out the mood was making her singing even more vivid . The drums that beat on the on-beat was fixing the beats on the spot .

The atmosphere is good . Too bad the lighting isnt up to par .

Judged KangYoon as he watched the strong white light made from the musical notes . He knew that Lee HyunAhs gaze was fixed on him so he was still holding up the sketchbook . Some people glanced at him, but he didnt take it down for fear of affecting the stage .

Like thisengrave in your heart I love you and hope to my heart

The song started nearing its climax . The guitar also turned to high pitch to excite the audience even further . The college students were already jumping around at the front, and the back-seat audience were also clapping . KangYoon was sure of the stages success after seeing the white light getting stronger .

With hope together

Min ChanMin made a flashy drum improvisation, while the electric guitar went to the highest possible range of pitch and the peoples cheers neared the peak as well . Lee HyunAhs voice ruled the stage . Seeing Recoverys light seeping into the entire venue, KangYoon quietly clapped .

Thank you!

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

The beautiful music died down, and when Lee HyunAhs goodbyes were over, the cheers from the audience saw them out . The cooled atmosphere from the beginning had completely disappeared without a trace .

***

The College Pop Festival ended .

The band with the most cheers was without a doubt, Recovery, but the initial preparation time became a problem and the Grand Prize was given to some other participants . There were some members of the audience that were confused, but the judges said that all evaluations were fair .

He was slowly walking out of the venue when someone grabbed him from the back . When he turned around in surprise, it was Lee HyunAh .

HyunAh, you What about the interview?

Thats not my type thing . So I ran away .

.

KangYoon was flabbergasted . The College Pop Festival was a big competition, perhaps enough to change her life . She had just received the bronze prize but ran away from the interviews . It seemed like this girl was not an ordinary one .

Go back quickly . What are you doing .

Thank you .

Before KangYoon could say anything, she deeply bowed .

Without you, I would not have participated in such a competition, not to mention receiving a prize . Ill give the trophy to you, oppa .

She held out the trophy that had the words Bronze prize of the 30th College Pop Festival . However, KangYoon shook his head .

Theres no reason for me to receive this .

You made me sing my song, and even relieved my nervousness today . Please receive it .

Its because you were good .

KangYoon kept refusing . He didnt like receiving such a precious trophy like this . However, she kept urging, and in the end, resorted to tears . KangYoon had to accept the trophy .

Dont you need to give such a thing to your family?

I already took photos with them, so its fine .

His final defense line crumbled as well . In the end, KangYoon said something while receiving it .

Come to me to get it back later .

You should just receive it . Now you want me to get it back?

Ask me to give it to you when you think you became an upright person . Ill give it back to you with interest .

With interest? Wow .

She immediately accepted after hearing the word interest .

KangYoon grumbled while putting the trophy into his bag .

Then see you later . Congratulations on getting bronze .

Thank you!

Watching KangYoon going off as he waved his hand, she waved her hand until his figure completely disappeared .

***

The biggest event for examinees, the college scholastic ability test, was arriving when the weather became colder . The jumpers worn by the students became thicker and scarves started making their appearance .

However, the girls practice room was instead getting hotter . The heat from the girls was more eye-catching due to the cold practice room . Their figures in the mirrors were like half-burnt wood .

Ah, its so hot .

Grumbled Jung MinAh with her cleavage wide open . She was covered in sweat due to the vicious movements .

What the hell is up with your clothes?

Its fine because I have the figure . You should wear it too . Its much cooler .

.

Jung MinAh replied with a faint disdain to Han JooYeons words . When Han JooYeon became dejected, Seo HanYu consoled her, but Jung MinAh gave a glance to her that place . Han JooYeons head lowered even more .

The doors to the practice room suddenly opened when the girls were enjoying their brief rest . It was KangYoon with some papers .

Kyaaaaak!

However, his ears were terrorized as soon as he came in . When KangYoon saw, he saw Jung MinAh in a pink tank-top that showed her abdomen .

What the hell?

So suddenly! Get out!

The clothes had a healthy beauty but KangYoon turned around to the other girls without paying much attention .

Sheesh, I thought you were in underwear or something . Hey, hey, attention . Can you girls please sit for a moment?

Everyone giggled after seeing Jung MinAh being ignored by KangYoon . Han JooYeon especially so . Jung MinAh, who was ignored outright put her clothes on in the corner while shaking and sat down .

You have practiced a lot, havent you?

Yes .

I came here today for an important announcement . There are two and the first is that your debut date is now official .

The usually energetic girls all became calmer . The word debut had that much power .

Youll debut in Music Count in K Cable TV station . There will be two songs . You just need to practice the two you were doing until now . Ill tell you the detailed schedule through the managers .

Yes .

He could feel nervousness and excitement from the girls . This nervousness was different from the showcase . They were finally seeing the fruits of 1 year of preparation . Everyones hearts were thumping .

And second, well go on a trip .

Huh? A trip?

Jung MinAh asked as their representative to the sudden question .

The place will be Log Angeles, United States . You can consider this as the last trip as trainees before your debut . Theres nothing you need to prepare especially . The company will take care of all the expenses . You just need to enjoy your time there .

Yay!

A trip to a foreign country? It was amazing that they were becoming singers from trainees, but they were presented trips to America! All the girls cheered out . No one could believe that there was so much support for just trainees .

The schedule will be .

KangYoon handed out the papers in his hand . There were detailed schedules along with the mention that they would go 3 weeks before their debut for one week . Of course, this was possible only because all of them had passports .

Seeing the girls full of excitement at the sudden trip to America, KangYoon quietly left .

Although there was quite a big budget, this much should be fine .

Funds for a trip? It was really controversial when it was approved . However, he pushed it through, saying that they had to see many things now to put a foundation for the many areas they might work in in the future . Of course, one part of the reason was that KangYoon had already leaked that he would nitpick the directors large business trip budget .

When KangYoon went up to his office and sat in front of his desk, his phone rang . It was a message from Lee HyunAh .

oppa, you busy? *^ . ^*

yep

Replied KangYoon . However, he got a call instead .

Oppa, its me . HyunAh .

Whats up?

I called since I was nearby . Are you very busy?

I do have a lot of work to do .

There were mountains of paperwork awaiting his approval on his desk .

Oh, really? I gave you a call since it was lunchtime

When KangYoon looked at the clock, it was indeed lunchtime .

You want to have lunch together?

Yes . Ill treat you .

He didnt have a reason to refuse a free lunch . KangYoon took his wallet and stood up from his seat .

Lee HyunAh was at a gamja-tang restaurant near MG Entertainment .

Im here .

The gamja-tang started boiling when KangYoon sat down . It was her wits of having ordered beforehand . Since KangYoon was hungry, KangYoon started his meal and ate one portion in a flash .

After the meal, she calmly spoke up .

Oppa, I left Recovery .

KangYoon was slightly surprised . They received a bronze and she quit? He was curious about the reason .

I thought a lot about it . I thought that there would be a lot of things if I stayed but those oppas and unnis are quite strict . They never listen to me either .

Dont you think you need to at least try convincing them first?

Well, I dont have the ability to .

She drew the line there . KangYoon judged that he wasnt someone that should interject here and kept listening to her words .

I also consulted with the professor, and he told me that it should be fine for me to meet other music and musicians . He told me that I have a good voice and a good sense for composing, and staying in Recovery may instead be detrimental for me .

Thats a difficult problem .

Well, I did get to find out that my song actually works . So I thought Id try some other place this time .

Where?

Hongdae . (T/N: AKA Hongik university district)

KangYoon was surprised at her words . Hongdae was referred to as the holy place of indie bands, as well as a place where many manias gathered . There were a considerable number of singers that were scouted from there and were now on TV .

It wont be easy, you know?

Im fine with it . Im still young, am I not?

Thats true, I guess .

I came here to hear you say go for it before I do .

KangYoon understood what she was thinking . Although she sounded like she had decided already, she was still inwardly worried .

Can Lee HyunAh succeed in Hongdae?

KangYoon pondered for a moment . Strictly speaking, the band, Recovery, could not be considered a good band . With that being the case, the good voice and the good music would be the reason for getting 3rd place in the College Pop Festival . Potential? She definitely had it .

Having organized his thoughts, KangYoon spoke calmly .

Youll do well .

Really?

She asked again . KangYoon didnt hesitate and repeated himself .

Of course .

Right?

Lee HyunAh smiled at KangYoons answer .

***

Wooooooooooow!

Getting off the van, the girls shouted as soon as they saw the airport . Numerous foreigners and people with huge carrier bags, as well as police with guns everything was new to them .

Everyone quiet .

The leader of the management team, Han TaeHyoung, cautioned them . He currently felt as if he had become a teacher at an all-girls high school . Behind him were managers Kim JiHyun and Kim SeHyui, and the rookie Im TaeGoon, who were following the girls with lots of luggage in their hands .

Although holiday season was past, the airport was filled with people in November . KangYoon had a busy time himself . KangYoon had to take care of the flight procedures for the girls while they were enjoying their time .

Then, everyone entered the duty-free shops .

Its a new world .

Jung MinAh became absent-minded after seeing the numerous lines of shops . The endless chains of conveyor belts, as well as blond foreigners and the electronic violin at the entrance, was all new to her .

Country girl, hurry up . (T/N: Spoken in English)

Christie An urged Jung MinAh on who was still absent-minded and was standing still . However, she was still frozen stiff . In the end, Seo HanYu dragged her on .

Its a new world . A completely new world .

Unni, get yourself together .

Seo HanYu was also curious about the new things around her, but she followed the managers . Even while the unnis were looking at bags and clothes, she didnt get side-tracked .

KangYoon seemed to understand what they were thinking and spoke with a smile .

Theres still 3 hours until the flight so lets have some free time for 2 hours . Well meet up in front of gate 121 .

Yes!

The girls split up into threes and started wandering around . Of course, he didnt forget to tell the managers to quietly tail them . Since the members were revealed to the internet, he had to prepare for the what-if scenarios .

Everyone left and KangYoon was left alone . He took out a book he had brought . It was a book on harmonics .

So thats how I solve it .

To create the miracle of turning tadpoles into musical notes, KangYoon did not let go of the book from his hand .

The two hours passed by quite quickly .

The girls gathered and the managers returned as well . The girls seemed to be satisfied with all the eye-shopping they did . Of course, they couldnt actually buy anything . Branded products were still out of their reach .

Flight XX to Log Angeles will begin . Customers at gate 121 .

The boarding announcement finally came . KangYoon and the others boarded the flight with their tickets .

Like that, everyone headed to America .