Chapter 212
Sitting at the perfectly warmed table basking in the golden sunlight, I crossed my legs and savored the aroma of a warm cup of coffee.
“…Man, what a charmed life.”
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, I was enjoying leisurely and fulfilling days.
I spent my time sightseeing, sleeping in, wandering around local eateries, and indulging in the luxurious waste of time simply doing nothing with a cup of coffee. It felt like this was the life that humans were truly meant to live.
Not that I was doing anything extravagant or phenomenal. Sure, ordering every variety of the local specialty liquor at a famous restaurant could be seen as a luxury, but nothing that extreme like hitting a casino and blowing all my money was even on the table.
As I pondered why I felt so cushy and happy despite the lack of monumental activities, it dawned on me—I simply hadn’t had a day off in ages.
Especially not during the nearly five years I spent trying to keep the kids entertained.
Every day was filled with overtime, and whatever few days off I had were dedicated to the kids, while any vacation time was either spent on Gahyeon’s events or just went unused altogether.
Honestly, it was a miracle I hadn’t collapsed somewhere along the way.
In that sense, the peace and relaxation I enjoyed now felt incredibly sweet compared to the frantic pace I was working at right after my return.
…Honestly, even if TwoBear asked me to come back right now, I’d probably beg for a month—no, half a year more to just chill.
Of course, enjoying this leisurely life required some cash, but I had managed to save a decent amount by cutting down on sleep and working at TwoBear.
As long as I maintained a frugal lifestyle, I could theoretically live solo comfortably into my golden years without working.
Moreover, I had also received money from Cheon Aram as retirement pay, and Jin Baek-ho had given me some cash, feeling guilty about his daughter’s issue. Grandfather Gyeoul tossed in a little as well. I had initially tried to decline from the last two, but it felt wrong refusing money from those two who were bowing their heads so deeply.
All in all, if I pooled all that together, I could very well afford to buy a whole building without kidding.
The steady stream of royalties and residuals from broadcasts also felt delightful.
Yes. I could say I was halfway freed from work.
“This is life.”
No burdens, no responsibilities, nothing!
All I had was time and money to just enjoy myself.
I dropped by the library to read a music book that Cheon Jong-hoon had recommended ages ago, then packed a sandwich to enjoy at a bench in the plaza while watching the water splash from the fountain.
Soon enough, I realized people were tossing coins into the fountain, making wishes. I thought, “Hey, why not?” and threw in a coin myself, making a wish under the guise of cultural experience.
Realizing that I was throwing a coin and making a wish, I also tossed a coin under the pretense of cultural experience and made my own wish.
“….”
My wish was a simple yet challenging spell, asking for the children and my colleagues to have a happy time together.
It seemed like just one coin wouldn’t be enough to grant that.
Well, still, it felt like the possibility of it happening had increased just a bit, which made me feel good.
Returning to my seat, I unwrapped a sandwich, took a bite, and turned on the tablet I had tucked under my elbow to read the news from a Korean media outlet.
Ignoring the chaotic social news that was still in a mess, I shifted my gaze towards the entertainment section.
[‘Girl Revolution’ TwoBear Entertainment has renewed their contracts. …Planning to kick off their first schedule with a concert in Japan’s ‘Sora Music.’]
“… So they re-signed.”
Even though the contract period had ended, re-signing wasn’t easy. Despite successfully dodging the scandal and becoming victims in various ways, the risks were high for the kids with overlapping conspiracy theories. Investors showed reluctance to re-sign with them, and since they hadn’t completely escaped the storm, the brand value had been significantly damaged. Well, it was fortunate they managed to recover from that hellish scandal, but…
The process was certainly not smooth.
It was probably after much anguish and effort from both the colleagues and the kids that they barely managed to hold on.
Checking the comments, it seemed the flames of discontent hadn’t fully died down yet, still spicy and full of flavor, but at least the core fans were visibly supporting them.
Overcoming the current public sentiment and resentment to return Girl Revolution to their former peak position wouldn’t be easy, that was for sure. But if it was them and their colleagues at TwoBear, they’d surely pull it off sooner or later.
They were that kind of people, and they had what it takes.
“…Hang in there, friends.”
Thinking of those who were striving for that future today as well, I smiled softly.
While I was lost in nostalgia, a child began to play the piano that was placed at the center of the square.
It wasn’t surprising since such events were rare while sitting on this bench, but I perked up my ears to everything—the movements, the touch, and the sound.
Well, the song the child was playing was a piece from Girl Revolution.
The song was Albatross.
It was the piece that marked our revival after nearly going into crisis because of Yeoreum’s issue, successfully making it onto the Billboard chart.
The child was thumping the keys with a ‘thunk thunk’ sound, but it seemed it wasn’t working out as they pouted.
Eventually getting bored, the child stood up, and I found myself unconsciously rising to walk over to the piano.
Recalling the language knowledge I had to learn forcefully because of Cheon Jong-hoon, I awkwardly spoke in the local language.
Recalling the language knowledge I had, I awkwardly spoke in the local language.
“That song. Do you mind playing it together?”
The child looked at me and nodded their head vigorously.
Feeling a bit cuteness overload, I smiled and sat next to the child, showing them a simple rhythm.
“Just repeat it like this… Can you do it?”
The child tapped the keys in accordance with the rhythm I taught, then nodded again.
“Great. Then, let’s do it.”
I felt a bit of tension.
It had been ages since I stood in front of a piano.
But the moment I placed my fingers on the keys, that gap in time felt like nothing, as my fingers began to dance effortlessly and familiar.
As the introduction came to an end and the song was about to start, the brightest moments I had faced rushed through my mind like a panorama. Lost in that nostalgia, I unconsciously opened my mouth.
And I sang.
[Pond, river, sea. And I’m looking at you.]
‘No, honestly, even if all those things don’t exist, just one is enough for me to be happy… That’s Teacher Taeyang.’
[Hey kid, waking up from the white egg, drying your feathers.]
[Hey kid, walking on the little sandy beach.]
[Hey kid, with wings too big to not waddle.]
[Hey kid, just looking at the sky hidden by clouds.]
‘You said you wanted to enjoy the stage, right? So I’ll be honest. I’m happiest when I’m on stage with Brother Taeyang.’
[Even if you walk to fly, the wind may not blow.]
[In the cold morning air, rain clouds might gather.]
[But please don’t stop flapping your wings.]
[Don’t give up facing the wind.]
‘…I don’t need half the world’s population. One person is enough for me.’
[Hey kid, flying the farthest, I’ll remember you.]
[Until one day the wind comes that will let you soar.]
‘…I wish you happiness at the end of it all.’
[Hey kid, flying the farthest, I’m watching you.]
[Overcoming clouds and cutting through the sky.]
It truly…
Wasn’t easy.
Being a good person and a good adult to those kids.
But even so, if those moments walked back to me, I would make the same choice.
Because I was their most passionate fan.
I was their biggest fan, after all.
“…”
As the song ended and the dance of fingers across the keys concluded, the crowd gathered around the piano erupted into applause and cheers.
The child sharing the stage with me was brightly smiling, relishing the wave of encouragement.
I felt no different.
Like that child, I enjoyed the cheers without a single thought, because this song featuring the little ones from the Girl Revolution was one I wouldn’t hesitate to share anywhere.
While expressing gratitude, something odd caught my eye.
…Huh?
Among the gathered crowd, four silhouettes stood out distinctly.
They were so familiar.
It was the true stars of the song I had just been thinking about.
Though they seemed to wrap themselves up like mummies to hide, there was no way my gaze, which had seen them more than anyone else over the past seven years, would miss them.
…Wait, why are they here?
Anyway, with the sparks of the incident still igniting, there was absolutely no good in showing myself with those kids.
If someone snapped a photo, all my efforts to avoid the little ones could be blown to bits in an instant.
Of course, in this remote corner of a foreign land with barely any tourists, not many would recognize us. But you never know what could happen in this world. What if some little kid, on a racist whim, decided to post about the “strange ching-ching-chongs” on social media?
Cold sweat poured down.
Desperate to avoid that situation, I made a quick decision.
“Thank you for your warm support…”
I stepped forward to pretend to give my thanks and then, a beat faster, dashed to the back of the square.
It was a getaway.
“Ah! They’re escaping!”
“Chase them!”
As I ran, dodging the kids charging after me like wolves, something obscured my view.
[This system has been installed to record your success. And what this system calls success means obtaining higher positions and more wealth. However, for users who have consistently chosen to prioritize connections even in the face of countless opportunities and rewards, this moment right now should undoubtedly be considered a clear success. Do not hesitate, nor be afraid. The path that user Seon Taeyang has walked and will continue to walk is undoubtedly the way of success. Keep advancing while being loved and loving, just like now.]
[Reward – Your happiness.]
“I can’t see ahead while sprinting! Damn it, Chaeyang!”
In the rush, I swiped away the lengthy notification without reading it.
And I ran.
Panting through this unexpected chase.
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