Chapter 402
The composer’s new song, how should I say it, was really bright and hopeful.
Honestly, it’s a song that looks at the world positively.
…Are you feeling down these days?
It’s funny how people tend to seek bright songs when they’re struggling, and when they’re warm and full, they lean towards sad songs…
Anyway, to analyze it, it starts with a slight buildup, then maintains a high-energy vibe throughout.
What does that mean?
“…Just a moment of practice time.”
It’s a high-difficulty piece with rising high notes in distinct stages.
[Would you like some water?]
“Ah, yes….”
Still, I’ve got plenty of experience performing solo concerts.
Just a little warm-up and practice should do the trick.
The environment is also quite good. With that, I jumped into a brief practice in the practice room.
[…Please eat something. I can order delivery for you.]
“Huh? Ah, yes….”
…Well, it wasn’t exactly short.
I got a bit too competitive, so it was hard to stop.
The silver lining? My vocal cords are like steel.
So, I could keep practicing after warming up my voice.
…If anyone asks why I haven’t sung lately with such good vocal cords, I won’t have much to say.
Anyway, seeking the composer’s approval, I ended up practicing for quite a while, even taking breaks for meals.
“How about now? I feel like I’ve got my groove back.”
[…Your recovery is really quick, isn’t it?]
“Hehe, even if rusty, it’s still muscle memory.”
By late afternoon, I finally started singing in a way that satisfied me.
“Alright, I’ll sing it again now.”
It’s been a while since I’ve sung so much.
I didn’t even know how long I had been in this recording studio.
Aside from eating the delivery food, I had mostly been practicing here.
The composer had peeked in a few times but then went back to his phone.
“Could you play it one more time?”
Before I sang, I revisited the composer’s new song for a final check.
…I might have come just to see his face, but look how deep in this I’ve gotten.
Still, since I’m doing it, I should do it right.
Thanks to that, I had definitely succeeded in my rehabilitation.
Should I do a karaoke broadcast today or tomorrow, aside from Mark?
I don’t even remember when my last singing broadcast was; the viewers might appreciate it.
[Are you all set?]
“Ah yes, I’m good.”
After going over the new song again, I wrapped up the checks.
[Then I’ll play it.]
At the composer’s words, the melody started flowing from the headset I was wearing.
The first sounds I heard were from the trumpet and drums.
Listening to that exhilarating melody that lifts the spirits, I calmly began to spill the lyrics in sync.
I opened with self-reproach that felt mismatched to the atmosphere.
But then, I gradually became inspired by the hopeful melody that continually knocked on my ears and emotions, feeling more confident in the world with this clear and positive track.
My mood lifted too, thanks to such a masterpiece.
I totally understand why so many singers gather at parties just to shake hands; who could resist such a great song?
Having completed the song successfully, I asked,
“How was it?!”
Feeling a bit high from my own performance, I inquired.
Was that mazy moment from earlier truly Miro?
The real Miro is a legend….
[You did well. It really suits you.]
“Right? I did well, didn’t I?”
From the reflection, it seemed the composer was also pleased.
Having sung successfully, I took off the headset and exited the recording studio.
Staying inside wasn’t exactly refreshing.
So, I stepped out with the composer to the lobby to clear my head.
The lobby was still empty, just like when I arrived.
By the way, doesn’t the composer hire staff?
The workshop is spacious, but if he’s alone, I see why he frequently invites guests.
“Here, drink this.”
In the lobby, I accepted the drink from the composer and, sitting in a comfy chair, hesitated before addressing him.
Hmm… There’s something I wanted to talk about since a while ago.
But saying it was a bit daunting…
“Excuse me, Composer….”
Still, I felt compelled to ask after taking some cues.
“Yes?”
“Was that song I just sang, by any chance, my song?”
Could it really be the bright song I just sang successfully?
If he made me sing it on purpose, that would definitely be the case, right?
If not, it’d be really awkward, so as I continued to gauge him, the composer chuckled softly and answered,
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Are you serious? It’s really my song?”
Whoa, what the heck…?
But more importantly, he should have told me beforehand!
I tried to avoid getting my hopes up, but it really was my song.
“Did you finally pick up on that?”
“Well, um… If it wasn’t, that’d be really embarrassing….”
I mean, isn’t that common sense?
If you’re giving a song or hinting at it, wouldn’t you drop some hints beforehand?
I worried over nothing.
“So what do you think? If you’re busy or anything, you can decline. I was thinking of you when creating it.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t decline!! I’m not giving it to anyone else!!”
Who would turn this down?
If such a wonderful song just fell from the heavens,
I know from running Miro Family that a song of this quality has immense value.
“Jeong-hoon’s dad just gave me this; how could I refuse?”
“Ohoho.”
My exaggerated remark seemed to amuse the composer, who chuckled softly.
“So you like the song?”
“It’s totally my taste.”
Well, to be honest, that wasn’t an exaggeration. The song really is my taste.
Miro spreading hope and positivity, uh? Isn’t that a happiness virus?
The vocal range is perfect too; it seems the composer thought of me after creating this song.
“I’m glad you like it.”
“Hehe, I’m grateful.”
Anyway, after sharing a warm conversation…
“Oh right. This isn’t a trade-off, but I have a favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
It was rare for the composer to mention a favor.
Surprising, isn’t it? Did he have a reason to ask me for a favor?
“I’ll do anything for you.”
Well, if he needs help, I’d gladly lend a hand regardless of what it is.
After all, I owe him for what I’ve received.
I’d accept his request even if he didn’t offer me a song.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then, please release a song under Miro.”
“Wait, Miro?”
However, that request took me by surprise.
He wants me to release a song as Miro?
“Yes, you haven’t been active lately.”
“Uh….”
Really?
For a moment, I thought about Miro, one of my alter egos.
The last song I released was… during Lady Soo-yeon, I think?
Yeah… it really has been a while.
Thinking back, my agency contract even includes the singer Miro, but haven’t I been focusing too much on acting?
“Okay, sounds good.”
Since there was no reason to decline the offer, I nodded without hesitation.
Besides, it’s a song given by the composer, right? Whether it’s under Miro or as Miro doesn’t really matter.
But….
“And also, while recording the song, please practice the guitar as well.”
“Huh?”
“After the song releases, you’ll promote it on a music program run by my acquaintance.”
“Uh….”
…Looks like there’s more than one favor after all.
I went through the string of requests from the composer one by one.
Well… first, I need to find my guitar…
Honestly, I might need to dig through the warehouse to find it since I had put it away.
And a music program? Can I even go on one?
No, no, I mean, of course, there’d be filming to promote after the song, but going on a music program is a bit unexpected.
Hmm… Well, all the requests are beneficial to me, so I guess it’s fine?
I can practice guitar whenever I want or during broadcasts; as for the music program, it’s too late to avoid it now.
“Sure, I’ll do it all!”
Thus, I replied boldly.
Receiving the new song from the composer Kang Woo-hyeon and fulfilling all those requests would surely leave me overflowing with opportunities.
It was the moment my long-dormant little singer Miro began to rise again.
**
Later, after eating dinner in the composer’s workshop…
I returned home and immediately started looking for my guitar.
Today’s singing practice was sufficient, so I was planning to practice guitar for the first time in ages.
So, I stepped into the warehouse first.
Honestly, it’s only received minimal care and seems like it’s usually left to sit, as dust is piled everywhere.
“Hmm….”
Not only useless furniture and tools but also all sorts of figures and posters that belonged in my room are stuffed in corners.
I suppose I’m going to have to get dusty to find the guitar here.
But what can I do? I threw it here, so I have to find it.
As I rummaged through the stacked items in the warehouse for my guitar…
Clatter.
As I sifted through, something fell from the shelves inside.
It wasn’t a heavy thud but rather a light sound, so I turned my gaze that way.
What greeted my eyes were several neatly wrapped autographed items.
“Huh?”
What is this?
I shook off the dust stuck on the packaged plastic and lifted it up.
“Oh.”
Seeing the names written on the autographs, I instantly recalled which group they belonged to.
…I had completely forgotten about this.
I need to give them out next time I visit Japan.
Well, for now, the guitar is the priority.
With that, I set the world’s mightiest VTuber vouchers on the floor and focused back on finding my guitar.