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Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: Monk? and Concert

Hello everyone, I know I disappeared in this past two months but the Patreon sketch gave a big hit to my motivation, and I started to fear losing my account again.

But yeah I kinda worked through it but my job also took a lot of my time, and I had barely time to read, let alone write.

But as I promised to y'all, I WANT TO FINISH MY STORIES!

I fucking love writing especially when I'm having a lot of fun with the comedy as well reading your comments and seeing your support.

I apologize for disappearing, but I really could not make up time, so I literally have more than 1000 comments to read 💀, I also need to re read my story to remember some small details and other.

But I will take it slow and reorganize everything untill I will be able to write regularly again.

I want to apologize to the Patreon readers too who have put their money into this and I want to say that I will post some free chapters as an apology when I resume writing, so for now do NOT sub to a tier and just be a normal member.

Not untill I will have enough content worth paying for.

Thank you for your patience and enjoy this chapter!

The update schedule is irregular so I don't know when the next one will be but I will try to not make y'all wait another month 😂.

Anyway, who of you has read Bully in charge? Cause I'm reading it and it's pretty good. I remember someone of you suggesting me that series.

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(Tuesday, May 21, 2024 – 12:31 PM)

Zack followed Daniel's gaze, then turned his head to see two familiar figures standing a few meters away, watching them with mild interest.

One of them was Cho Ma, a tall, imposing guy about the same height as Daniel, standing at 185 cm. His long, wavy black hair framed his sharp features, and his broad shoulders filled out his neatly worn school uniform. His arms were crossed over his chest with a relaxed yet firm posture.

[Image]

Beside him stood Gong Ji, shorter at 176 cm but carrying an aura of sharpness and lazyness. His slicked-back hair exposed a strong brow and sharp eyes, and his school uniform was slightly undone, the top button loose, giving him a laid-back yet active presence. His hands were casually tucked into his pockets, and his expression was nonchalant.

[Image]

Zack furrowed his brows. "What are you two doing here?"

Gong Ji tilted his head slightly. "Ehh? Can't I walk around school?"

Zack clicked his tongue, but before he could respond, he sighed and shook his head. "Whatever."

He turned toward Daniel, gesturing lazily toward the two. "Daniel, these guys are Cho Ma and Gong Ji, second-years."

Daniel stepped forward, offering his hand to both. Gong Ji shook it briefly, but when he turned to Cho Ma, his eyes narrowed slightly. "You're a boxer, right?"

Cho Ma raised an eyebrow before nodding. "You've got good eyes. But I guess that's not surprising after seeing that fight of yours."

Gong Ji scoffed, shifting his weight slightly as he looked up at Zack with his hands still deep in his pockets. "We heard your little request to Daniel just now."

Zack blinked, slightly caught off guard. "And?"

Gong Ji clicked his tongue, as if debating whether to even say it. Then, with a lazy shrug, he spoke. "If you're serious about getting stronger, there's a certain guy who could teach you boxing."

Zack's expression hardened with focus. "Who?"

Gong Ji picked his ear with his pinky, looking completely unbothered. "There's a monk in Daegu. Gongseob Ji."

Zack's eyes narrowed as he memorized the name for later.

Daniel patted Zack's shoulder with a smile. "Looks like you found your opportunity." Then, leaning slightly, he added, "But first, you're finishing the school year."

Zack exhaled through his nose before nodding firmly. "Yeah. I know."

He turned back toward the duo. "Thanks."

Gong Ji just waved him off lazily. "Tch. Don't get yourself killed."

Cho Ma simply gave a small nod before the two second-years walked away, completely uncaring of everything they had just set in motion.

Daniel rolled his shoulders, turning toward the festival grounds once more. "Come on."

Zack, still deep in thought, let out a breath before following behind him.

(8:20 PM)

The festival had continued in full force, with students eating, playing games, and enjoying the attractions. As the night deepened, the final and most awaited event began, the Talent Exhibition.

The crowd gathered in front of the outdoor stage, their voices a mix of excitement and anticipation. One by one, students showcased their talents, dancing, magic tricks, stand-up comedy, even martial arts demonstrations. Cheers erupted with each performance, keeping the energy alive.

Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.

Vin Jin's name was called.

As he stood near the stage, he turned his head, locking eyes with Duke. A cocky smirk stretched across his face, dripping with challenge. Duke, standing a few feet away, clenched his fists, feeling the unspoken taunt in that look.

Before stepping onto the stage, Vin suddenly heard a loud chorus of boos from the crowd.

"BOOOO!"

Vin's eye twitched in irritation as he turned his head. Both Daniels stood in the crowd, shamelessly cupping their hands around their mouths as they loudly booed him.

"Get off the stage, Vin!"

"Trash rapper incoming!"

"Get that lame ass out of there!"

"Chopped as fuck!"

Vin's veins popped. "SHUT UP, YOU UGLY BASTARDS!"

Ignoring them, he took the mic, exhaled, and let his arrogance shine.

The moment the beat dropped, Vin came alive.

His flow was sharp, his voice commanding, and as much as the Daniels loved to clown him, Vin had real skill. His words hit with weight, each bar flowing effortlessly into the next. The audience, previously mixed in their reactions, slowly got hyped.

"Damn, he's actually kinda fire."

"This beat is crazy!"

Vin, fully in his element, rode the beat effortlessly, throwing in some crowd interaction, pointing at students, hyping them up. By the time he ended his verse, the crowd exploded into cheers.

Vin grinned smugly, flipping off the Daniels in the crowd. "Suck it, losers."

Then, the real challenge stepped onto the stage.

Duke Pyeon.

The moment he appeared under the stage lights, murmurs spread through the audience.

"Damn, he still looks the same…"

"No way this dude beats Vin."

Despite the whispers, Duke didn't falter. His fingers tightened around the microphone, and his heart pounded in his chest, not from fear, but from determination.

Vin leaned back with crossed arms along with his smirk never fading.

Then Duke took a deep breath, and began.

From the first note, everything changed.

His voice pierced through the air, thick with raw emotion. The lyrics weren't just words, they carried weight, passion, the love he had for music. Each line flowed into the next, painting a vivid picture, pulling the audience in.

By the time he hit the chorus, the entire crowd was silent.

Vin's smirk was gone.

Daniel, Jay, Zack, Vasco, everyone watched in awe.

Duke poured his soul into the song. The beats, the rhythm, the power of his voice shook the festival grounds. It was the kind of performance that demanded respect.

And when he finished...

The crowd exploded.

Students jumped from their seats, screaming his name. Some clutched their heads like they couldn't believe what they had just heard. Even those who had mocked him were now cheering.

Duke had won.

Vin Jin stood there, speechless, his sunglasses slipping slightly down his nose before he quickly pulled them up. He clicked his tongue, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Tch. Whatever."

Duke, still catching his breath, beamed with excitement. For the first time, he had proved himself.

After the event, Duke approached Vin's manager. His heart raced as he bowed deeply.

"Sir! Please… can I join the agency?" His voice was filled with hope.

The manager, a tall man in a sleek suit, barely gave him a glance before adjusting his tie.

"You have talent."

Duke's heart skipped a beat.

"But…" The man's eyes finally met his. "You don't have the look."

The words hit like a punch to the gut.

Duke felt his hands tremble slightly. "W-What?"

"You don't fit the industry standard. Image sells, and you? You won't sell." The manager waved a hand dismissively. "Keep practicing, but it's a no."

Duke's lips parted, but no words came out.

Then, he noticed something.

The official footage of the event, the one being displayed on the large monitor behind the manager, he wasn't in it.

His entire performance.

Cut out.

Like he never existed.

Duke's throat tightened. He had worked so hard. Poured his soul into that song. And just like that, they erased him?

Vin, watching from the side, shoved his hands into his pockets. He didn't say anything, but his lips pressed into a thin line.

Duke clenched his fists.

For a brief second, doubt crept in. Maybe they were right. Maybe he didn't belong.

Then, he exhaled sharply.

No.

He wasn't giving up.

Not today. Not ever.

His gaze hardened, and with newfound resolve, he lifted his head.

"Fine." he muttered, mostly to himself. "I'll just have to try harder next time."

And with that, Duke Pyeon walked away.

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It's crazy how while reading the latest lookism chapters and seeing the slander they were giving my glorious king Daniel in TikTok, I thought how unfairly he was being treated, the story now seems to revolve around Jake! Naaah I refuse that shit.

I can't let my Daniel stocks crash.

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