Workrooms (2)
Hyunsoo was even tougher than I thought.
"Just one more time… no, let's go twice more, okay?"
"More here?"
"Ah… maybe let's take a break?"
"Yeah, let's rest a bit…"
Contrary to my vocal teacher's words that feedback would be easier to handle in person, Hyunsoo, being right in front of me, just piled on even more feedback without holding back.
And he wasn't stingy with it either—he kept giving detailed critiques. The problem was, my singing was still clumsy, so it took me a long time to actually apply even one piece of feedback.
It weighed on me, so during a break I apologized to Hyunsoo. But he shook his head and said:
"It's fine. Honestly, whenever I give you something, you eventually pull it off. To be real, some of the feedback I gave you, I wasn't even sure if you could do it."
The moment I heard that, I almost swung a fist—but I held it back.
This bastard… so he knew he was giving me impossible feedback? No wonder it felt insanely hard.
But he was the client here, so I clenched my teeth and said:
"Then can't you make it a little easier?"
"Uh… sorry. It's just, whenever you manage it, I end up wanting more."
Well, if that's how he put it…
Fine.
If pushing this hard means I'll grow and the results will be good, then maybe it's worth it.
"Then when I get famous someday, take my song request, alright?"
"A song request?"
"Yeah."
"What kind…?"
I glanced around, made sure Ah-young had stepped out, then leaned closer.
"Help me when I release an original track for my VTuber stuff."
Ah-young didn't know I was VTuber Miro.
Since I'd signed with Hyunsoo under my real name, Soo-hyun, he'd never mentioned my other identity to anyone.
"Ah… but couldn't you just debut yourself instead?"
He looked genuinely puzzled.
"Debut?"
"Yeah. If you polish your vocals a bit more, release a debut track, and promote, I think you'd get popular really fast."
Debut as a singer…
I wasn't sure how I'd fare musically, but I had confidence in my looks.
In fact, in Kim Soo-hyun's memories, there were plenty of moments where major agencies had offered business cards.
But…
"Mm… I don't really have any interest."
Why bother?
I didn't crave money or fame.
I just wanted to live a balanced life—doing work that suited me, made money, and kept me on good terms with those around me.
In a sense, that was no less difficult, but hadn't I already achieved some of it?
Streaming was fun, income was starting to come in steadily, and my relationships were smooth.
Compared to the restrictive life of a celebrity, living freely as VTuber Miro suited me far better.
Besides, if you imagine some idol saying the stuff I blurt out on stream… terrifying.
Hyunsoo hesitated, then asked carefully:
"Really…? Then, if I ever hold a solo concert, would you consider performing?"
"A solo concert?"
"Yes. It feels like a long way off, but someday I want to. And when I do, I really want to sing Wonderland there."
Guesting at a solo concert?
I guess you could call that a feature spot.
I thought it over, studying Hyunsoo.
Bleached hair, private school uniform—he still looked young, but he was only two years younger than me.
Yet at that age, he'd already released an album and earned industry recognition.
Living in the studio, grinding away at music daily… if it was him, a solo concert might not be far off.
I pictured him onstage at his own concert, singing, then nodded.
"As long as it's not too soon… I think that'd be fine. I'll practice hard."
"Oh… so you'd appear as a guest?"
At my agreement, his eyes sparkled.
He was that happy?
That made me feel like teasing him a little.
"Ah… but on one condition."
"A condition?"
"Yes. If you agree to this, I'll absolutely guest for you."
"What is it?"
Honestly, I didn't have anything specific in mind. Maybe just help with my VTuber original song? But tying that to his concert felt unfair.
"…Can I drop honorifics with you?"
Truth was, talking formally to a kid in a school uniform felt weird.
"Ah… sure."
He seemed flustered but nodded.
"Alright then. I'll speak casually. You just call me noona. Doesn't 'Soo-hyun-ssi' sound awkward?"
"Ah, okay… Soo-hyun noona."
"Mhm…"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. It just sounds nice. Keep calling me that."
Come to think of it, this was the first time I'd been called noona directly.
In Kim Soo-hyun's memories, cousins had said it plenty, but hearing it myself felt different.
"What are you two whispering about?"
Just then, Ah-young came back from the bathroom.
"Oh, we just decided Hyunsoo would drop honorifics."
"Really? Good. Honestly, it always felt a bit weird when he was so formal."
She gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder and sat down.
"Anyway, Soo-hyun, you sing really well. I was shocked. I knew your voice was nice, but your tone is amazing."
"Ah, thank you."
"And I'm not just saying that. I've performed in bands, heard plenty of singers up close. But your tone is honestly natural-born."
"Haha… yeah, I know my tone's natural."
"Oh wow, cocky."
"I hear that a lot."
Mostly from Hye-jung.
Lately I'd been showing her my drawings often, and she said it every time.
"You're even more annoying now… Anyway, have you thought about learning an instrument?"
"An instrument?"
"Yeah. Look around—there are so many here. Why not learn one?"
I glanced around the studio like she said.
Sure enough, there were drums, guitars, bass, keyboards—all the core band instruments.
"If you want to learn one, just say the word. When the others come by, I'll ask them to teach you. They'd be thrilled to have you join in."
Her suggestion was tempting.
An instrument…
Honestly, isn't it everyone's dream to play at least one?
"If I did… I'd want to learn guitar."
I imagined myself strumming a guitar and singing.
Hah… that's a whole music video right there.
Drop me in the middle of Salzburg and I could probably busk for train fare.
"Ooh, guitar's great! I'll ask when they come."
"When will the others arrive?"
"Not sure. They might not come at all today."
"Ah, I see."
"Normally everyone gathers earlier, but today they said they'll be late. I can play guitar a little though—want me to teach you right now?"
"Of course, I'd love that."
I'd learned just how expensive music lessons were while attending vocal school.
And here she was, offering to teach me for free? I'd be crazy not to accept.
"Then here, start by holding this guitar."
Once I agreed, Ah-young stood up, grabbed a flashy guitar from nearby, and handed it to me.
"Wait, is it okay for me to use this?"
I asked while staring down at the gorgeous instrument I'd suddenly been given.
She'd said she was a drummer—so didn't that mean this guitar belonged to someone else?
"Ah, it's fine. Go ahead. That guy's used my drums before too."
"I see…"
It didn't feel fine at all, but I still held the guitar.
The unexpected weight of it sat on my lap, and I felt a strange rush.
"Alright, first let me show you how to hold it properly. Strap this over your shoulder, rest your arm here…"
Ah-young patiently guided me through the posture.
Following her instructions, I adjusted my stance—and suddenly, I looked like I knew what I was doing.
"Oooh…"
She must've thought the same, because she let out a sound of admiration.
"You're seriously pretty. It looks like a photoshoot."
"Really? Then take a picture for me."
"Ha! Alright, unnie will do it properly."
She lifted her iPhone, posed like a pro photographer, and I crossed my legs and struck my best pose.
"Okay, here it goes."
"Yes, take it."
Click.
She showed me the photo afterward.
The stylish guitar and me holding it blended together like a painting.
"Wow—this came out great."
"Right? Total model vibes."
Honestly… maybe I should send this to the guitar company. I might land a modeling gig.
Even if I can't actually play yet.
"Um… but when are we starting recording again?"
Just then, Hyunsoo, who had been silently watching, cut in.
Oh right—we were only on a break.
"C'mon, Hyunsoo, don't be so uptight. We can take our time."
"It's just… Soo-hyun noona has to leave in the evening. I want to finish before then."
"Alright then, I'll save guitar lessons for later and focus on recording first."
Besides, I planned to stream tonight. Staying too late wasn't an option.
"Fair enough. But make sure you come by often! I'll teach you something new every time. I'm the only girl here, so it brightens the place up having a pretty one around."
"Haha… I'll drop by sometimes. Anyway, let's get back to it."
"Yes, this way please."
And so, recording started up again.
By the time we wrapped up, it was already dark outside.
"Thank you so much!"
It was late by the time Hyunsoo finally got a take he was satisfied with. He beamed as he thanked me.
"Well, it's all paid work anyway…"
"Still, I think I pushed you too hard. I'll make sure to pay you generously."
"Alright. But you have to send me the finished track."
I was curious myself. What would Wonderland sound like in the end?
"Yes, it should be completed within this week, so I'll send it right away."
"Great work."
As I was saying goodbye to Hyunsoo, Ah-young came up to me.
"Already heading out?"
"It's nighttime now."
"Too bad… I wanted to introduce you to the others."
In the end, the other band members never showed. They were busy and wouldn't arrive until much later.
"Really? That's a shame. I was curious about them too."
"They'll be even more bummed. I'll tell them a super pretty girl came by."
"Haha… thank you."
"I wasn't joking about visiting. If you're ever nearby, drop in."
"Sure."
"Mind if I text you sometimes?"
We exchanged contacts naturally while she sent me the photos she'd taken.
"Of course. If I get stuck while practicing guitar, I'll probably message first—just don't get annoyed."
"I won't! Ask me anything. I'll bug the others for answers if I have to."
"That'd be great. Anyway, I'll head out now."
"Take care!"
"Goodbye."
After saying farewell to Hyunsoo and Ah-young, I left the studio.
Three days later—
I received the completed version of Wonderland.