The practical exams for Seolhwa High School’s admissions are overseen by a panel of six specialized teachers, including the department head, for each department.
Due to the large number of applicants, the teachers are divided into two teams of three to ensure a quick rotation during the evaluations.
Incidentally, this year the department head for the Practical Music department was once again required to serve as an examiner for the vocal specialization.
This was because among the composition teachers, there was someone who could ably fill the head’s role, ensuring a balanced team in that field.
Each year, Seolhwa High School attracts some of the most talented students from across the country. Consequently, the lineup of teachers who instruct them is equally impressive.
Among them are celebrated singers, performers, and producers whose names alone reflect their excellence, naturally elevating the school’s reputation.
Among these luminaries was a woman named Shin Yu-ra.
She had been personally recruited by the current principal of Seolhwa High School himself.
Anyone aspiring to become a producer or idol would likely be familiar with her stage name, simply “Yu-ra.”
A singer and producer with eighteen years of experience, she was also a founding member and honorary director of Flow Entertainment, one of the three largest entertainment companies today.
Having propelled Flow Entertainment to its current standing, Yu-ra’s name carries immense prestige, both as a singer and as a producer.
Indeed, it was once said that every track released by Flow Entertainment had passed through her hands.
In particular, Yu-ra was known for her expertise in “hook songs,” those rhythmic, short refrains with repetitive lyrics that captivated listeners.
And what matched these hooks best were idol songs, so much so that most of the idol groups launched by Flow Entertainment owed their success to Yu-ra’s compositions.
Nevertheless, it was rather surprising that Yu-ra had taken up a teaching post at Seolhwa High School last year.
Ironically, this move came as she, a renowned artist known for countless hit songs, had recently struggled to produce new musical achievements.
And Yu-ra herself was fully aware of the reason.
“…I’ve probably grown complacent and predictable.”
Her passion for music had waned amidst her commercial success.
To keep producing hits, she had defaulted to familiar patterns.
This realization struck her: she was experiencing a creative slump.
Thus, Yu-ra sought a complete change in her environment.
It was at this time that the principal of Seolhwa High School approached her with an offer of a temporary teaching position.
In her role, she would nurture the fresh and pure sounds shared by students.
Yu-ra found this proposal not unfavorable.
What she needed most now, after all, was “inspiration.”
She hoped that listening to the hopeful aspirations of these young students might spark a new creative spark within herself.
However…
“Hmm… excellent work.”
Throughout the exams, Yu-ra had maintained a stoic expression.
This indicated that not a single piece had resonated with her.
The other teachers seated beside her shared her sentiment.
“It all sounds too similar. I can tell what songs they’re trying to mimic.”
“Yes, probably Ha-on’s work.”
Typically, students auditioning for composition majors would draw inspiration from the most popular songs of the year.
Popular songs usually gained popularity for good reason.
Hence, Yu-ra sighed deeply.
“To simply mimic someone who sets trends…”
This year, Ha-on was the composer on everyone’s lips.
In fact, he wasn’t just rising; he had taken over the market entirely.
Of course, one factor contributed to his meteoric rise: the exceptional talent of singer Baek Ye-rin.
But it was more than just that — his songs were, simply put, good.
This straightforward yet challenging assessment defined Ha-on’s music.
His songs possessed a certain magnetic charm, drawing listeners back time and again.
And was it that easy?
Even Yu-ra, renowned for commercial successes, could only dazzle listeners’ ears.
Thus, Ha-on was considered special, and it was unlikely that students could replicate his style.
On the contrary, trying would likely hinder rather than help.
“Artists should find their own voices from a young age…”
But she understood why students would be drawn to Ha-on’s work.
Could there truly be a future composer who wasn’t inspired by Ha-on’s songs?
Thus, Yu-ra began to feel this year might be another disappointment.
No student had yet presented anything particularly extraordinary.
Not even among the current students was there such talent.
“Perhaps it’s time for me to stop…”
Yu-ra let out another sigh, mingled with such thoughts.
At that moment…
“By the way, this student, number nine, has a rather unique name, Ryu Won.”
“Ryu Won? Oh, I know this student.”
“How?”
“Se-ah mentioned to me she had a younger brother. It must be him, Ryu Won.”
“So, is this male student Se-ah’s younger brother? Why is he applying for composition instead of vocals?”
The teachers reviewed the details of the next student in an intriguing conversation.
Yu-ra, who had been quietly listening, became genuinely interested.
Ryu Se-ah was currently the standout student at Seolhwa High School.
Yu-ra herself had praised Se-ah’s performance during a practical assessment to the highest degree.
What of Se-ah’s younger sibling?
As the voice instructed, “Next examinee, please enter,” the classroom door opened.
A student entered.
He was tall for a middle schooler, with a handsome, boyish face, and hands as delicate as a piano virtuoso’s.
What immediately caught Yu-ra’s attention were the boy’s eyes—calm, without a trace of tension or anxiety.
He seemed composed, unlike the previous examinees who had clearly been nervous.
This was indeed Se-ah’s younger brother…
There were definite similarities between the two.
“Instrument? Is that guitar?”
“Yes.”
“What is the title of your original piece, please?”
“<Dreams of the Goldfish>.”
Upon hearing the title, Yu-ra and the teachers exchanged curious looks.
It was unfamiliar, intriguing.
“Let’s hear it. Begin whenever you’re ready.”
“Yes.”
Ryu Won immediately took position.
With no hesitation, he began playing the guitar.
A gentle acoustic melody filled the room.
*
Ryu Won’s thoughts began when he observed the goldfish swimming idly in his aquarium.
“Stupid.”
The notion that goldfish have only a three-second memory often leads to labeling them as such.
However, further research revealed this to be a misconception.
Their memory spans at least three months, an astonishing fact.
Recognizing his own prejudiced view, Ryu Won started composing lyrics in his head.
Perhaps…
– Though I may seem foolish,
I dream like this.
Thinking he might share a resemblance with the goldfish.
– As you might think, sometimes
I fear I am truly foolish.
Ryu Won played the guitar with simplicity and calmness.
The melody was soothing, relaxing the panel of judges.
And then…
– But it’s not true, right?
So move forward. Flow with me.
The moment the up-tempo chorus began, Yu-ra couldn’t help but smile.
The transition was seamless.
The initially tranquil guitar melody gradually accelerated, culminating in a bright, hopeful resolution.
Mirroring the lyrics—swimming toward dreams despite biased eyes.
Yes, it was a straightforward progression.
Yet, paradoxically, it didn’t feel monotonous.
Plain lyrics telling the story the composer wished to express,
A melody composed only with the guitar, captivating listeners.
This attested to Won’s competence.
…No.
It was absurd to label a student “seasoned.”
This was pure talent.
Moreover, if other instruments were incorporated…
– Even against others’ words,
I strive to remain steadfast.
I dream like this.
As Yu-ra reflected, Won’s song concluded.
While previous examinees had stretched their three minutes tediously, this time it felt too brief.
Yu-ra realized why Se-ah’s younger brother had chosen composition over vocals.
He must have known himself well.
Though he might be a good vocalist, his exceptional talent lay in composition.
Perhaps he could later surprise the world like the famed composer now captivating it.
Thus, Yu-ra asked,
“Why did you create this song?”
“I just thought about it when I saw the goldfish swimming. I assumed they were stupid, but they’re not. Regardless of my prejudice, they swim gracefully. I felt they resembled me in some way.”
Unaffected by others’ judgments, swimming forward on their own path.
This was the path Ryu Won pursued.
And Won had been doing just that all along…
“Wow! Someone always smiles at me warmly…”
Of course, he wouldn’t change in the future.
“Simple thoughts. That’s why this song feels so heartfelt.”
“Thank you for the kind words.”
“One more thing. Are you affiliated with any agency, or perhaps have plans to join one?”
“Uh… No, neither.”
Ryu Won stumbled, caught off guard by Yu-ra’s question, and lied reflexively.
He really had no choice otherwise.
However…
“That’s wonderful news.”
Listening to his denial, Yu-ra beamed kindly at him.
Ryu Won, sensing honeyed words dripping from her tone, instinctively swallowed.
…What.
Scary.
