“It must be because two people are missing, even on Sunday the house feels quiet.”
“Still, our young master is here, isn’t he?”
“Hmm… It’s our young master who doesn’t have a single bit of cuteness.”
“Instead, he’s very filial, so please give him a chance.”
At my bold statement, my mom and dad laughed simultaneously.
It wasn’t exactly a denial.
In fact, the latest model TV we’re watching right now was purchased solely with my money.
I don’t really watch TV, but my parents do often, so…
And possibly because of that, I’m treated like a young master at home.
“By the way, Ye-rin has always been beautiful, but she looks especially stunning today…”
While I was thinking that, my mom saw a certain girl on TV and sighed in admiration.
Baek Ye-rin.
Her appearance, with intense makeup for the award ceremony, was briefly captured on camera.
Until now, the Korean Popular Music Awards had only been held through live internet streaming.
This was because using online platforms instead of TV not only reduced production costs but also allowed more people to watch without being constrained by time and space, making the event more open.
It had that genuine feel that aligned with the Korean Popular Music Awards’ focus on music quality and work quality.
However, since the broadcasting station offered to provide the venue and equipment this time, there was no reason to decline.
Of course, live streaming was still supported simultaneously, so watching alone in my room wasn’t an issue…
But due to the difference in picture quality, I couldn’t help but choose to watch on TV.
“Ye-rin does look even prettier in person.”
Though… Even that can’t compete with seeing her directly with your own eyes.
But you know what?
As I complimented Baek Ye-rin in line with the atmosphere, a sudden silence fell over the living room.
“Thankfully, you at least know that fact.”
And that silence was broken by a sigh-laden remark from my mom.
Hmm. Naturally, there’s no way I wouldn’t know.
I felt it the first time I attended her concert in my previous life.
“Indeed, the Grand Korean Music Awards is different from other award ceremonies; calm and pleasant.”
“That’s true.”
Yeon Se-ah and Baek Ye-rin, who participated in the Korean Popular Music Awards, were sitting side by side, comfortably chatting.
The atmosphere inside the ceremony was quieter compared to other awards shows.
Light discussions among acquaintances until the ceremony began.
“Our foolish younger brother would have made this occasion so much fun if he were here too.”
At that moment, Se-ah, remembering someone watching the ceremony at home, sighed and spoke.
In truth, Se-ah didn’t fully understand why.
Why her brother hid his real identity and continued his activities.
She knew roughly that it was due to his preference to receive less attention from the world and his desire to be judged solely on his music.
But to Se-ah, that was merely her younger brother’s naive wish.
‘If he’s going to do that, he should at least have an average talent.’
In Se-ah’s eyes too, her younger brother’s talent was dazzlingly brilliant.
Would the world sit idly by and not recognize such talent?
They would find some way or another, expose his identity, and inevitably leave him to suffer alone in the end.
This was why her one small wish as a sister was for him to just come out openly and be active.
Of course, she knew he’d never listen to her even if she said anything.
Thus…
“Ye-rin, could you try talking to him?”
“Me?”
“Yes. That guy seems to only listen to you.”
While that boy is someone who wouldn’t listen to anyone even if spoken to, Baek Ye-rin was different.
Her brother… because…
‘He really likes Ye-rin.’
No one, not even the person involved, understands exactly what feelings this stems from.
But it’s clear that there’s affection.
Otherwise, there would be contradictions in the actions the younger brother has done for Baek Ye-rin so far.
“I’ve thought about it too.”
On the other hand, Baek Ye-rin had similar thoughts as Se-ah.
Rather, she couldn’t help but think about it.
Because the reason her brother was hiding his identity and continuing his activities was solely because of her.
Thus, Baek Ye-rin felt she had some qualification.
The right to plead with him—”Why are you doing this for me?”
Then…
“Se-ah.”
“Hmm? What is it?”
“Could you let me handle that matter?”
“Handle it?”
At Baek Ye-rin’s words, Se-ah wore a puzzled expression.
And then, she swiftly nodded to Baek Ye-rin in agreement.
While the younger brother’s feelings towards Baek Ye-rin were still unknown…
On the other hand, the other side’s feelings were unmistakably clear.
Exactly five minutes before the award ceremony began.
Now, the candidates had entered the ceremony hall and were seated in their designated seats.
And in the seat next to Baek Ye-rin, which was vacant until just a moment ago…
“Hello.”
Someone greeted her first.
Baek Ye-rin looked over curiously to find a girl exuding a distinct aura sitting there.
While her appearance looked icy and cold, the light pink-dyed hair somehow mellowed it out.
By the way, Baek Ye-rin knew exactly who this girl was.
They had frequently encountered each other during their activities, and among teenagers, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who didn’t know her name.
Yoon Se-hee.
The youngest member of Iris, an idol group under Queen, one of the current top three entertainment agencies. She was the same age as Baek Ye-rin but debuted about half a year earlier.
And this girl, Yoon Se-hee, greeted Baek Ye-rin first.
Baek Ye-rin had no reason not to return the greeting with a smile.
“Hello. This is the first time we’ve had a conversation like this.”
“Oh, really.”
Baek Ye-rin immediately sensed the awkwardness.
Yoon Se-hee’s image was that of a cold ice princess.
It’s probably due to her usually cold appearance and a somewhat rigid tone in public.
But engaging in conversation with her seemed…
“Um… Aren’t you entering Seolhwa High School next year?”
“Yes, the Practical Music Department.”
“I’m in Practical Music too.”
“Then let’s become friends beforehand?”
“Really? I’m actually a big fan of you, Ye-rin!”
This image seemed far removed.
She was a bit shy, wasn’t she?
If this side of her were revealed, her fans would surely love it.
With that thought, Baek Ye-rin refocused her attention on the ceremony stage.
[Now, to the music professionals who have gathered for the 25th Korean Popular Music Awards! Thank you for making this long journey!]
To summarize upfront, Baek Ye-rin received the Pop Song and Pop Album Award this year.
As such, people’s expectations for her could only grow bigger.
Given this momentum, she might not have stopped at a two-time award winner but could have aimed for at least a four-time championship, which would’ve been a first in the history of Korean Popular Music Awards.
And the only remaining awards were those bearing the title “this year,” along with the Merit Award.
However, there was one prize she was excluded from, contrary to expectations.
The Rookie of the Year.
[In the glamorous ceremony of this year’s Korean Popular Music Awards, the recipient of the Rookie of the Year is the singer Ryu Se-ah!]
Amidst thunderous applause and cheers, Ryu Se-ah stepped confidently onto the stage.
Soon, after reaching the center of the stage, she placed her mouth near the microphone and slowly began to speak.
“In a weird way, it feels like I’ve taken Ye-rin’s award. But Ye-rin doesn’t give off that rookie vibe, does she? So, I’ll accept this award with gratitude.”
At Se-ah’s comment, the people present chuckled lightly.
It was something one had to concede to.
Though Ye-rin and Se-ah debuted in the same year, the weight they carried was on different levels.
The former overwhelmed right from her debut, instantly earning immense recognition and acknowledgment of her talent.
Initially, calling a three-album artist a rookie is strange anyway—it gave off a kind of bizarre feeling.
Not to mention, Se-ah’s talent wasn’t unrecognized.
She probably wouldn’t have been awarded the Rookie of the Year if that were the case.
“First, I wish to express my gratitude to my family who have always believed in and supported me. When I realized I could no longer play the piano, without my family’s support, it would have been very tough.”
With a subtle smile, Ryu Se-ah began her acceptance speech.
It’s common in acceptance speeches to mention family.
People might think it’s cliché, but there’s no help for it.
Because when you’re up on this stage, the faces of the ones you’re truly grateful for come to mind first.
That was the case for her. A more heartfelt gratefulness was currently on her mind.
The person who made Ryu Se-ah stand on this stage today.
“And a big thank you to Ha-on for making me not a pianist Ryu Se-ah but a singer Ryu Se-ah. If it weren’t for the ‘Cantabile’ that person gave me, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Watching live on TV, Ryu Won couldn’t help but smile wryly.
Maybe… once in a while…
‘Being sincerely thanked by my sister isn’t bad.’
However, if it had ended there, it would have been a heartwarming moment indeed.
“So, listen up, Ha-on. Give me more songs this year. If you don’t, I’ll grab your pants and make a scene.”
For a short moment, it felt like the world had stopped.
The atmosphere in the awards ceremony hall reflected that, and probably most people who heard that couldn’t help but look stunned.
“Thank you.”
And with such an atmosphere, Ryu Se-ah descended the stage with a proud smile.
Ryu Won, who was pointed out as the responsible party, thought to himself, watching that scene.
‘Crazy girl…’
I started to foresee that I would repeat this thought silently a few times this year as well.
After the Rookie of the Year award, there was a break with the Merit Award.
An award presented to artists or people involved who played a pivotal role in the history of Korean popular music.
[Mr. Kang Beom-jun, CEO of RT Entertainment!]
With that announcement, the attention immediately shifted to Kang Beom-jun, who was sitting beside Ryu Se-ah.
The problem was…
“Do you mean me?”
Kang Beom-jun appeared truly surprised, as if he had no idea he was going to receive an award.
