Dinner
A barbecue joint in Gangnam, Seoul.
Not exactly high-class, but a long-standing, traditional spot—inside, a small celebration was underway.
"Cheers!"
At the shout of a red-haired woman grinning ear to ear, the men around her raised their glasses.
The only odd thing was, while everyone else had soju shot glasses, one person was lifting a cup filled with soda.
"To celebrate Hyun-soo's album release!"
"Cheers!!"
After the lone woman's toast, the men clinked glasses with loud voices before breaking off into their own small conversations.
"Man, at first it felt like it would never end… but he actually pulled it off."
"Told you Hyun-soo's stubborn as hell."
"Kid's a student but doesn't study!"
Of course, the main topic was the guest of honor—Hyun-soo, who had just released his album.
Everyone gathered here had played a part in making the album possible, so naturally, the conversation flowed toward him.
"This album's seriously good."
"Yeah, at this rate Hyun-soo might get more famous than us."
Every man here was a band member. In Korea, where the band scene had all but died out, these hardcore band guys had supported Hyun-soo, the "super rookie," both materially and emotionally.
Which was why they didn't hold back their praise for his music.
"Listening to the title track, I kept thinking, what the hell was I doing at his age?"
"I liked Wonderland the most—it's exactly the kind of track you can only make at that age."
Each of them had their own perspective on band music, so as they grilled meat and filled their plates, the table buzzed with album talk.
"But who the hell was that?"
And every time Wonderland came up, one name kept surfacing.
"Oh, you mean the one who recorded it?"
"Yeah, that one~"
They all knew Wonderland was tough. That's why, when Hyun-soo had said he'd gotten a feature, most of them had looked doubtful.
And yet, someone had appeared out of nowhere and nailed the recording. It had shocked them all.
"She did that well, and still didn't put her name on it?"
"Yeah, come on, Hyun-soo. Who is she? I don't recognize her."
In a scene where everyone knew everyone at least through someone else, a completely new face showing up was bound to raise eyebrows.
"Oh, an acquaintance introduced me to her—she goes to a vocal academy."
"Vocal academy? Not debuting?"
"No."
"Really? Then this is her first track?"
"Yeah, that's right."
"Damn, your first ever track is Wonderland? That's one hell of a debut."
"Haha… aren't you hyping her a bit too much?"
"You know I don't exaggerate like this. But this time? I mean it."
"Phew, Hyun-soo, the pressure's on you."
"Haha…"
While Hyun-soo squirmed under the flood of compliments from veteran band guys, Ah-young, sipping her drink, cut in.
"By the way, she's seriously gorgeous."
"Who? The featuring girl?"
"Yeah. Totally insane, I swear."
"No way… that much? Who does she look like?"
"Forget looking like someone—she is like a celebrity. Just wait till she gets here!"
Naturally, Soo-hyun had been invited to this release party too. She wasn't just the voice behind Wonderland—she'd also drawn the album cover. Hyun-soo had casually suggested she come if she had time, and Soo-hyun had accepted with the same casualness.
"Ooh, now I'm curious."
"But Hyun-soo, what about the person who drew your cover? Didn't you invite them?"
"Uh… yeah, I heard they're coming too."
"The cover? Oh right, that was really well done. Had a vibe to it."
"Right? That was also someone recommended by an acquaintance."
"Damn, kid, you're so young but already got this many connections?"
"Haha… it just kind of happened."
"Lucky bastard. Connections are power."
As the chatter and laughter rolled on, Ah-young leaned toward Kang-hyuk, who'd been quieter.
"So why are you suddenly asking about the one who drew the cover?"
"No reason. I just didn't get to talk to her last time—we were busy."
"What, you think she's pretty?"
"Don't even start. If Hyun-soo hadn't been there, I'd have whipped out my guitar right then."
"Good grief, listen to yourself."
"Better than you, at least."
Kang-hyuk couldn't believe it—Ah-young had been squealing for days about how pretty the girl was, and now she was judging him for the same thing?
"She really was pretty."
"So what? I'll see her myself when she comes."
"Do that. See who's right."
Listening to them bicker, Hyun-soo quietly let out a sigh.
"What's that? You sighing at me, kid?"
"N-no, here, have some more meat."
"Ha, at least you show respect."
The table erupted in laughter again.
Then—
Ding-ling.
The restaurant door opened.
Most were too busy talking to notice the sound, but when the newcomer walked all the way to their table, heads turned.
In a plain white t-shirt, athletic shorts, and a windbreaker with both hands shoved in the pockets, the woman still gave off the aura of a professional sports model.
Even in those short steps toward them, she caught not only their eyes but also the attention of other tables.
Looking slightly embarrassed, she pulled her hands free and gave a polite bow toward Hyun-soo's group.
"Uh… hello."
Of course, the late arrival was none other than Soo-hyun.
Wasn't this supposed to be casual?
I figured it'd just be some of Hyun-soo's bandmates. But no—definitely not.
"…Hello?"
"Oh wow, a beauty! Come, have a seat."
"Quit acting shady. Soo-hyun, sit here."
Wait a sec… that guy looks familiar. TV maybe?
"Uh, could you be…?"
"Ha, recognize me?"
"No way, it's really you?"
Yeah, not just TV—he's the type with multiple tracks sitting in karaoke top charts right now.
"See? Young women still recognize me. I've still got it."
"Hyung, saying it like that just makes you sound old."
"You little punk, quiet down."
"And the one beside you… aren't you…?"
"Oh, you recognize me too?"
Right beside him was another face I'd definitely seen on TV.
Looking closer, everyone around the table looked familiar.
"Wow… this is my first time meeting celebrities in person."
I meant it honestly, but Ah-young just snickered, grabbed my arm, and pulled me down to sit.
"You look the most like a celebrity here. Stop with that nonsense and sit already."
After being practically dragged into the seat next to Ah-young, a barrage of questions came flying at me from the surrounding band members.
"Why'd you put 'Part-timer' down as your name?"
"Huh? Oh… I was only joining this once, so…"
"Come on, you should've used your real name. That stuff builds your career."
"Let her be. Why're you talking like some cranky old boomer?"
"You punk! I'm still active!"
Wait, isn't that the same guy I saw on TV?
The one who went overseas, busking on the streets and hyping up national pride… Up close, though, he's just another middle-aged guy.
"Well, since you're here, you've gotta drink."
No sooner had I sat down than a shot glass was pushed in front of me.
"Alright then, let's get this party started."
And just like that, the drinking session with the band guys began.
About an hour later—
I gulped down water, trying to fight off the heat rushing to my face.
God, I'm drunk.
Why do these people drink like they're born for it?
"You okay? Your face is red."
"Y-yeah, I'm fine… haha…"
I barely managed to nod at Ah-young's question.
Fine, my ass—everything was spinning.
"Heh, I thought you'd hold your liquor better. You gave off a stronger vibe."
"Really?"
What was my limit again?
Maybe it wasn't about tolerance—it'd just been too long since I last drank, and I'd lost control of my pace.
"Well, we're heading to the second round anyway. Why don't you step outside for some air and sober up a little?"
"Second round?"
"We always go to karaoke after this. Look around—can you imagine this bunch not hitting up a karaoke bar?"
I followed her gaze.
Everyone was flushed and laughing, already drunk, but each and every one of them was a seasoned band singer.
No matter how tipsy I was, if we all went to karaoke together, my ears would be in heaven. These guys had skill and experience to spare.
"…Tempting, but I think I'll just head home."
As much fun as it was, being surrounded by so many extroverts was draining me. Whether it was the alcohol or just the influence of "female Kim Soo-hyun," all I wanted now was to retreat.
"Huh? Why?"
"I've got things to do at home…"
"Then at least take a picture with us before you go!"
"A picture?"
"Of course! We don't get to gather like this often. Group photo time."
And with that, Ah-young started rounding people up.
"Alright everyone, let's take a picture!"
"Oh wow, it's that time already?"
"Yeah, wrap this up and head to round two."
Apparently, the group photo was a routine for these gatherings. At her call, everyone rose naturally and came together.
"These old guys need something to post on social media—like, 'Dinner with the juniors~' that kind of thing."
"Hey, don't make it sound like that! It's just… well, it's nice to post once in a while."
Soon, everyone clustered around, with Hyun-soo—today's star—placed squarely in the center.
Since Ah-young still had me in tow, I ended up standing right next to her.
"Boss, could you take our picture?"
"I was wondering when you'd ask."
The restaurant owner, clearly used to this, took Ah-young's phone and struck a practiced pose as the photographer.
"Ha, look at him. Getting better every time."
"Right? At first all the pictures were blurry, but now he's got the form down."
Everyone casually critiqued the owner's stance, and maybe it was the alcohol lowering my defenses, but I couldn't stop giggling at their commentary.
"What's so funny?"
"Haha… it's just amusing."
"Well, you've got a nice smile, so keep it that way."
"Okay, say cheese!"
So there I was, smiling a little too brightly, standing beside Ah-young as the shutter clicked.
"All set?"
"Yeah, thanks."
"Oh right, mind if I post this? Want me to slap an emoji over your face?"
"Haha… no, it's fine."
"You sure? A lot of people are gonna see it."
It wasn't like they were tagging my name. Just a group shot. Nothing worth worrying about.
Besides…
"Not like this face needs hiding, right?"
I propped my chin up with a V-sign as I said it, and Ah-young's face immediately scrunched.
"Wow. That just seriously pissed me off."
"Haha! But you're the one who keeps saying I'm pretty."
"Which makes it even worse."
"I get that a lot."
Usually from Hye-jung, honestly. I've thought it before, but the real victim of my shamelessness is probably her.
"Anyway! You heading home now?"
"Yeah, I'll say goodbye and go."
"Good. The old guys love polite kids—make sure you do it properly."
She patted my back a couple of times—hard enough to sting, though I told myself it wasn't personal.
"So, what do you have to do at home this late, anyway?"
"At home? Uh… my real job?"
I was still dizzy, but with the alcohol in me, my energy was buzzing.
I didn't think I had any bad drunk habits… so maybe a tipsy stream wouldn't be such a bad idea.