Recording studio at RT Entertainment.
Currently, Ryu Won and Ryu Se-ah were preparing for the recording.
And…
“Why did you come in, President?”
“Isn’t this my building in the first place?”
“Oh… when you put it that way, I have nothing to say. But honestly, it’s fine if you want to watch.”
“Then that’s good. And to be honest, how could I not be curious? This is the song from Ryu Se-ah, known as the piano prodigy…”
No matter how busy he was, he couldn’t miss this.
Kang Beom-jun smirked as he spoke. Moreover, it was said that the song was sung by none other than Ryu Won’s composition.
Would someone as particular as Ryu Won compose music for just anyone?
The guy was the type who only wanted to write songs for Baek Ye-rin. If she were to give up her singing career, he might even give up on his own talent. That’s what this composer Ryu Won was like.
So imagining Ryu Won composing for anyone else was quite the challenge.
There’s no way he’d do it for just any amount of talent and skill.
Conversely, doesn’t that mean that Ryu Se-ah inside the recording booth truly has remarkable abilities?
With that thought, Kang Beom-jun asked Ryu Won:
“So, how do you see it?”
“About Nuna’s singing?”
“Yeah. Considering you’ve given her this special song, after listening, right?”
“Hmm… I last heard her sing when I was younger. Haven’t really heard her properly since then.”
That statement implies that Ryu Won offered his song to Ryu Se-ah without knowing her true vocal abilities.
For Kang Beom-jun, this was quite an unusual move, even though Ryu Won certainly wasn’t heartless.
‘Even being related by blood, he’s not the kind to give out his songs lightly.’
At the very least, it meant there had to be some other reason for handing her the song even without listening to her.
At that moment,
“But she’ll do well. She herself said she’ll sing well.”
“What? Is that all?”
“Yes. Ryu Se-ah isn’t the type to make empty claims.”
Ryu Won spoke with undeniable confidence.
There wasn’t a trace of doubt on his face—it was clear he firmly believed in her.
And now, it was time for Ryu Se-ah to repay the trust of Ha-on, the composer.
As Ryu Won operated the PC, a familiar melody began to play through the headphones Ryu Se-ah was wearing.
Ryu Se-ah slowly closed her eyes listening to the melody.
She was recalling the lyrics given to her by her younger brother the previous day.
She gave a bittersweet smile.
Revisiting the content of the lyrics that her brother handed her, it was impossible not to feel:
“You’re so…”
“Cruel.”
The melody of the endlessly bright and sweet ‘Cantabile’ was matched perfectly by the lyrics Ryu Won penned.
Actually, Ryu Won had written the lyrics as Ryu Se-ah’s own story. Despite knowing how cruel this content was for her personally.
But Ryu Se-ah might have even found solace in that very fact.
Though critics might say it’s too early to tell, Ryu Se-ah believed that Ryu Won, as a composer, was the best in the business today.
That’s why she had no doubts about the song she was given.
With the thought that he might have some hidden purpose…
Even if the content was heart-wrenching for her personally…
“Sing it.”
For the sake of the dream she envisioned, she had to walk the path her brother showed her.
As Ryu Se-ah’s song began, with time, a change in expression appeared on someone’s face outside the booth.
“Unbelievable….”
It was Kang Beom-jun. He was genuinely taken aback by Ryu Se-ah’s voice.
While Baek Ye-rin’s voice was so clear and elegant that you couldn’t forget it after hearing once, this was different, like a fresh dew-filled dawn—damp but vibrant, rich yet not overwhelming.
A soothing voice that moved the heart without effort.
No…
“How in the world are these siblings?”
Kang Beom-jun couldn’t help but chuckle at Ryu Se-ah’s singing.
On one side, there was a composing genius, and on the other, someone who was excelling not only in piano but now seemed to be venturing into vocals as well.
Their parents had no professional musical background, so it couldn’t just be genetics.
It was like they were both mutants.
Kang Beom-jun glanced at Ryu Won, who was silently listening to Ryu Se-ah’s music with mild interest.
Ironically, “I admit it. She’s good.”
That whisper was accompanied by a faint smile.
His expression… it reminded one of a child who had just found a new toy.
Unaware of this fact himself, no doubt.
Seeing this, Kang Beom-jun couldn’t help but smirk.
The situation was unfolding rather interestingly.
.
.
.
After finishing the first recording, Ryu Se-ah stepped out of the booth.
She immediately heard this from Ryu Won:
“Maybe I misjudged you.”
“What about?”
“At first, I thought ‘Cantabile’ was already a bit too much for a high school performance. But seeing your abilities… perhaps we can aim higher.”
Upon hearing that, Ryu Se-ah relaxed, feeling reassured that Ryu Won—this composer—appreciated her singing.
But then…
“Since we’re doing it, let’s do it right. Let me ask you one thing first: Can you play the piano even a little? To what extent?”
With his interest piqued, Ryu Won seemed unstoppable.
“Did your acquaintance really come up with all the stage arrangements?”
Five days before the performance.
In response to the major’s question, Ryu Se-ah nodded.
“Yes. That’s why I might need a piano. Could I use the one in the auditorium?”
“The piano in the auditorium? Using such a large prop is unprecedented… but it’s fine. Isn’t it about time you let us know who this acquaintance is?”
“Are you asking about the identity of my acquaintance?”
“Yes. Due to this, the students specializing in composition are going wild. They all wanted to collaborate with you, but due to this mysterious person, they lost their chance. If the person was not so well-known, they’d probably suggest working together right now, with only five days left.”
Upon hearing this news from the major, Ryu Se-ah covered her mouth and smiled quietly.
From Ryu Se-ah’s perspective, the dissatisfaction of the composition major students seemed adorably quaint.
Seeing this, the major gave her a puzzled look, to which Ryu Se-ah responded with this:
“How about I tell you, teacher, since the world will find out who wrote the song as soon as it’s released?”
“Huh?”
“To be honest…”
Ryu Se-ah revealed the identity of her acquaintance in a soft voice to the major.
In an instant, the major’s eyes widened as though they had just heard the most shocking news.
“Wait, really? That person really gave you the song for this performance? Why?”
“It was a chance that just presented itself. I can’t go into the specifics about this. Oh, and please keep it a secret.”
“Oh my goodness… Se-ah! You should’ve told me sooner!”
“What?”
“In other words, that means this person is interested in our school’s performance!”
From the major’s standpoint, it was crucial to spread the word and encourage participating students to give their all.
Considering there might be someone extraordinary watching their performance…
Though the identity of this person couldn’t be revealed due to the promise made with Ryu Se-ah, it could very well be a life-changing opportunity for the students.
Of course…
“That person probably doesn’t care much.”
Her acquaintance likely wouldn’t care about this practice performance.
After all, if it wasn’t for her request, they wouldn’t even have known about this exercise.
Still, they had agreed to attend.
Specifically, they intended to watch only her final performance, which would start around 4 pm.
Since it matched the dismissal time, they could just barely make it in time for the last act.
But of course, the major had no idea about this, nor the fact that her acquaintance was merely a middle school student.
Seolhwa High School’s performance exam was almost on the level of an event.
The level of interest within the school was high, and the structure was such that students’ grades were relatively evaluated, inevitably leading to intense competition among them.
However, the competition was especially fierce this time around for the freshmen in the practical music department.
Especially from the composition majors, who reportedly prepared with gritted teeth.
Perhaps the teacher’s comment about the upcoming opportunities played a role, but its impact wasn’t significant.
The biggest factor was Ryu Se-ah’s actions.
The composition majors were genuinely upset that she hadn’t even glanced at them.
So they decided to show her a performance so incredible that she’d regret not choosing them.
Simple high school reasoning, which fueled the fervor in this practice performance.
Still…
Ryu Se-ah paid no attention to such things.
She didn’t even have the time or leisure for it.
Her mind was solely occupied by how to sing “Cantabile.”
At the same time…
“It’s been a long time.”
She was reminiscing about the past few days of piano practice.
Because someone’s request made her practice both piano and singing simultaneously.
Just as she was reflecting on these things, the student performing just before her took the stage. As the performances neared their conclusion, the audience’s focus kept growing.
Clearly, the more skilled students were placed toward the end, and with the performance nearing its end, the natural increase in attentiveness followed.
Ryu Se-ah observed everything from beneath the stage and was finally called upon.
With the help of students managing the stage crew, she had the piano moved to the center of the stage.
Truthfully, she wanted to use the piano at home, but it was too large, so it was impossible to bring.
But it didn’t matter.
The unknown name of the piano on stage was no less a treasured companion for her in creating her piece.
Thus, she finally sat at the piano on stage.
For the first time since the accident.
Or perhaps…
For her last piano performance ever.
