“You're going on SD? Without signing with Plan Maker?”
Representative Yeom asked, as everyone's eyes turned to Eun-bit. It was as if he was questioning a child who had chosen a thousand-won bill over a ten-thousand-won bill.
Eun-bit's eyes widened in confusion, her words trailing off.
“Huh? If I sign with Plan and also go on SD... is that... not allowed...?”
It seemed she thought she could do both.
“Sigh... What has she been listening to all this time? Why would we be having this conversation if that were possible?”
Following Hyeon-dong's sigh, Yeom calmly explained.
“Realistically, it's impossible. If you sign with Plan, you'll immediately start preparing for an album, and you won't have time to prepare for SD. Especially since you'd be the last member to join, not an existing one.”
“Once your debut is confirmed, think of it as a typical idol schedule. You'll have to go around to various guest events to show your face in advance.”
“Ah... I see. I thought I could do both at the same time...”
Eun-bit's flustered pupils turned to me.
“What should I do? Go with Plan or go on SD? I'll do whatever Oppa tells me to. If it weren't for Oppa, I wouldn't have even been able to audition...”
Honestly, I was a little surprised.
Wasn't this her handing me the decision-making power for what could be the biggest opportunity of her life?
I knew she followed and liked me, but I didn't realize it was to this extent. She had never shown such strong faith in me in my previous life(?).
As the decision fell to me, all eyes turned my way. I felt a momentary pressure, but I quickly regained my composure and spoke decisively.
“Let's go on Singing Duo. If things go wrong, I'll take responsibility.”
Then, as if there would be no further negotiation, Eun-bit's eyes sparkled at Yeom.
“Then I'll do SD.”
Yeom and Hyeon-dong didn't argue further, but they wore expressions of lingering regret.
What could they do when she said she'd take care of her own life? And they couldn't ignore my opinion as Eun-bit's implicit guardian.
Only Hoon-min hyung, grabbing the guitar leaning against the stand, respected Eun-bit's choice.
“Oh, so Eun-bit turned down Plan? That's cool. Do what Eun-bit wants.”
“Teach Hoon-min, then teach me guitar.”
“What are you going to do with the guitar? Practice dancing more in that time.”
“Jeez, you said to do what I want.”
“Then I'll teach you.”
Okay.
I've cut off the most important ill-fated connection that would lead to an unfortunate end.
From now on, I have to carve out a different, unknown future.
Let's put aside the idle thoughts of why I have to take on someone else's life when it's hard enough to take care of my own.
It wasn't by my own will, but didn't I already have a hand in Eun-bit's death in my previous life(?)?
Because I didn't believe in the Information Window?
No. I don't necessarily think it was 'because I didn't follow the advice of the Information Window.'
Even after that, I had plenty of opportunities to prevent Eun-bit's suicide. That day she came to the playground in front of my house and poured out her heart, and even after the bullying incident became known to the public, if I had been a little more proactive and warmly attentive to Eun-bit, I believe it was an accident that could have been prevented.
It could be seen as a kind of butterfly effect, and the guilt that tormented me the most after Eun-bit's death was precisely that part.
Why couldn't I have been more altruistic?
Why, when Eun-bit was struggling, couldn't I empathize with her as she was and instead tried to judge her rationally?
All it would have taken was a little bit of inconvenience and effort....
Honestly, when the whole chart reversal thing came up, I thought it would be easy. No, I didn't even have time to think deeply. I just pressed the YES button with the single thought of wanting to go back to when Eun-bit was alive.
But knowing that a small carelessness in the crossroads of choice leads to the worst outcome, things have to change now.
Of course, that doesn't mean I'm going to devote the rest of my life to Eun-bit.
I still need to think about this part.
The Information Window seems to want me to become a professional planner or manager, but damn, I have to make a living too.
For now, I plan to use my given ability in a way that doesn't interfere with my company life, but more actively than before.
I just need to follow the advice of the Information Window in a timely manner.
Currently, there are three recommended pieces of information for Eun-bit.
Participate in Singing Duo, a 5-member group would be good, and collaboration with Humming Sound.
I'm still not sure what collaboration means, but for now, I think I should just throw it out there as it comes to mind.
Eun-bit was observing Hoon-min hyung-nim's guitar chord progressions, and Yeom and Hyeon-dong discussed the future of the audition winners.I took advantage of a brief pause in their conversation and spoke to Yeom.
“Yeom.”
“Yes?”
“Can't you take care of Eun-bit's SD participation?”
“What is there for us to do? Just film a song video, upload it, and wait for contact.”
Even as he said that, Yeom was already searching for 'Singing Duo' on his tablet.
“We can help with song selection and arrangement. Who are you going to be on with?”
“K Noah or Siwoo, one of them.”
“Hmm... 4 days left? But it seems like the concept is really important, as well as the skills?”
The topic naturally shifted to Singing Duo.
We started by checking out the videos of the participants with the highest views.
After watching the top five, my impression was, 'What, why are they so bad?'
Hyeon-dong said there were about 500 people who were as good as Eun-bit, but aren't they all below par?
Hyeon-dong also frowns.
“Why is the quality so low?”
“Ah, this would be more accurate.”
Yeom rearranged the chart in order of 'likes' received.
Yes, now the truly skilled people appeared, and they were definitely beyond amateur level.
“It'll probably be someone from among these.”
“Right. But even if these people look like ordinary people, most of them are aspiring singers or people who have done music before.”
Come to think of it, I was also puzzled while watching the program.
The singing was one thing, but their stage presence was too professional.
I mentioned the two singers in their 30s recommended by the Information Window and asked Eun-bit.
“Which one do you like better, K Noah or Siwoo?”
“I'm not interested in either of them.”
“Hehe.”
“Hmm... Noah, I guess?”
Hyeon-dong cautioned.
“Hey, you know that, right? Even if you're not interested, you have to pretend to be a fan.”
“Hey, I know that much.”
“Do you know any of Noah's songs?”
“Just the famous ones? I know this one.”
“Then memorize about three songs to sing on the spot, besides the participation song.”
“But what should the participation concept be? I'm not a fan, we have nothing in common. And it's not like I have a job...”
“Right. Aspiring Singer is too on the nose.”
As I listened to their conversation, an idea suddenly struck me.
“Ah, we can use that as the concept.”