Dohyun hesitated for a moment, wondering whether to share the tarot reading he had seen. According to the cards, good fortune awaited him.
While he felt he should definitely tell them, the thought of the people who would be happy later made him want to keep it to himself.
“It’s a secret, hyung [older brother or close male friend],” Dohyun finally said after much deliberation.
Kangho’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh ho… sounds like you got a good result.”
It wasn’t like he hadn’t been watching Dohyun. He knew him inside and out.
“I guess we’ll find out at the Grammy Awards, right?”
“While we’re at it, why not be greedy and aim for the grand prize… like Album of the Year? Your album did pretty well, didn’t it?”
Dohyun’s song had stayed in the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for over 30 weeks and maintained the number one spot on the 200 chart for over 10 weeks, achieving great success. As such, it garnered a lot of attention this time.
“I didn’t look at the tarot reading in detail. I just saw that there would be good results.”
“What! Just as I expected! You saw a good result and didn’t tell me? Making me wonder for nothing.”
“Well, I figured if we get our hopes up and only get nominated, it would be disappointing. I’m looking forward to it too… but I’m not expecting too much. I just hope I get one award. I already got the New Artist award last time, so I won’t get it this time… I just hope I get one more award.”
“…Are you going to sweep the awards or something? Like, win seven awards…”
Dohyun simply laughed at Kangho’s ambitious words.
“That would be really nice. Winning a lot of awards is really good. Especially if I receive so many awards, the prejudice against Korean music might disappear, and it would be better for junior artists to make music, wouldn’t it?”
“I guess so? Once a path is cleared, it’s easier to follow. Anyway… you have so little ambition. How many singers can go on a stadium world tour… shouldn’t you be a little more ambitious?”
Dohyun shook his head at Kangho’s words.
“I think there’s nothing uglier than falling over from being too greedy. Honestly, I’m human, so why wouldn’t I be greedy? I want to see better results and achieve better outcomes. But… I think it suits me better to make music because of passion, rather than being driven purely by greed.”
“Anyway, your way with words… is it because you’re a bestselling author? You’re really something else.”
Kangho laughed, shaking his head as if he couldn’t win the argument. Dohyun then handed Kangho a neck pillow, telling him to rest since it was a long flight. He said he was fine since he had two.
“Thanks. Sleep well, and I’ll see you when I wake up.”
Kangho returned to his seat. Soon after, the plane took off.
When all the staff were asleep, Dohyun took out his camcorder. He was going to film a self-cam.
“Uh… um. I’m on a plane to the Grammy Awards right now. We’re on a chartered plane… it reminds me of the tour… and I have a lot of thoughts. I’m also curious about what you guys think about my news! I’d be happy if the results are good, of course… but I also hope that the results will make you happy. Your heart is my heart, after all, okay? Everyone’s asleep, so I can’t record for too long. This video will be uploaded so you can watch it before you go to sleep, Korean time. Good night, everyone. Good night, baby.”
* * *
“Do you think Dohyun Na has a chance of winning Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards this year?”
KBC [Korean Broadcasting Company] had exclusively purchased the rights to broadcast the Grammy Awards. Music critic Kim Hwijin, announcer Lee Nayoon, and composer Double H were providing commentary.
In response to Lee Nayoon’s question, both Kim Hwijin and Double H affirmed that Dohyun Na could win Record of the Year.
“Looking at last year’s records… I don’t think anyone can surpass Dohyun Na’s achievements. Maybe Adion? But Adion only released one single last year and turned his attention to his business ventures rather than music. If Adion had achieved more musically, Record of the Year would have been considered Adion’s, but… Sam Mallark didn’t release any singles last year either. Actually, it’s normal for foreign artists to release albums every few years. Korean artists are busy releasing albums every year, though….”
Kim Hwijin was giving an enthusiastic commentary. The real-time chat room was also reacting positively.
┗The commentators are all good, probably because they’re not old-fashioned
┗Critic Kim Hwijin seems to have done a lot of research on Dohyun
┗Critic Kim Hwijin always speaks positively about Dohyun on SNS, it’s such an honor!
┗Please let him win Record of the Year today ㅠㅠ
┗Dohyun, let’s get the award!
“Haha… the chat room is reacting as enthusiastically as critic Kim Hwijin said. It seems Dohyun Na’s fans really like the critic.”
“He’s a singer I’ve been watching very positively for a long time. I’ve been watching him since his debut. The musical depth at that time and the musical depth as a singer-songwriter now are definitely different… but I think he’s the only artist who doesn’t disappoint by growing every year.”
Kim Hwijin’s praise flowed out. In fact, Huent planned to interview Kim Hwijin and Dohyun Na after this Grammy Awards. Not just because Kim Hwijin praised Dohyun Na, but because there was depth in what he said.
“Speaking of which, Dohyun Na has appeared. Oh. The so-called ‘half-up’ hairstyle. He looks very impressive in a suit with his hair half up! He’s very handsome. He has a charm that captivates the viewer. Dohyun Na is also performing on stage as a performer today, right?”
Double H continued, filled with admiration.
“I really… if I have the opportunity as a composer, I want to give Dohyun Na a song. Giving Dohyun Na a song is my dream. Actually, I quit music in the middle. But I came back after watching Dohyun Na’s ‘YouChoGa’ Season 1 [a fictional music competition show]. I remember that time. Dohyun Na, please contact me!”
“Hahaha… Double H is witty as always. As soon as Dohyun Na sat down, there was a huge cheer from the audience. It’s coming through the screen. The cheers. I can see Dohyun Na’s cheering sticks everywhere! I’d like to ask Dohyun Na how he feels today!”
* * *
Dohyun, long time no see!
As soon as he sat in the audience, someone approached him. The identity of the familiar voice was Adion. Although he had only released one single this year due to his focus on business, he was nominated and attended this event.
“Adion! How have you been? It’s been a long time. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you since we were on the same stage during my US tour. I’m sorry I couldn’t contact you because I was busy with schedules other than the tour.”
“The number of contacts doesn’t matter between friends. It depends on how much you like each other. Anyway… how have you been? I enjoyed reading the essay you published. I sympathized a lot as a singer, as a singer-songwriter, and as a person. In particular, I really sympathized with the part where you wrote about loneliness.”
He had heard that it would be published in the United States, but he never imagined that Adion would buy it and read it himself.
“No way! Did you bring the book? Then I’d like to leave my autograph and message for you.”
“I’ll ask you during the break later. Or it’s not too late to ask you after the Grammy Awards today. What are you planning to do after today? Are you finally planning to attend the Grammy’s after-party? Or how about enjoying the party with me? I have a proposal for you.”
“What proposal?”
“Haha. It’s no fun if I tell you in advance.”
The reporters started taking pictures of the two people diligently. Some reporters were recording their words.
Dohyun was looking forward to when his name would be called. Since the [The World] card had come out, he had faith that he could achieve certain results. Besides, his fortune-telling had never been wrong.
‘…My name is being mentioned for Record of the Year… but it’s an honor just to receive an award. I received an award equivalent to the Rookie of the Year award, so now I want to receive an award equivalent to the main award. I also want to receive an award in the category I was nominated for….’
Dohyun didn’t have much greed. He also knew that greed grows the more you have it, and it becomes difficult to handle. If you want one thing, you want two, and if you get two, you want three… that’s how everything is.
‘Let’s think of it as an honor just to be nominated. Don’t keep thinking about the award. Of course, the card came out well… so it’s natural to expect it…’
Dohyun thought so and applauded. The awards ceremony officially began.
The first performer appeared, and Dohyun showed an even more enthusiastic reaction. Dohyun’s appearance was constantly caught on the relay camera.
It couldn’t be helped.
The top star of Korea that the world is paying attention to.
That was Dohyun.
* * *
“Wow. Dohyun Na, his manners are really good? He’s really cool! I think I’m going to become a fan… no, I’m already a fan, but I think I’m going to fall deeper!”
Double H exclaimed while watching Dohyun on the screen.
Lee Nayoon smiled and continued.
“I like that about Dohyun. He has good manners when appreciating other singers’ performances. I think it’s great that he truly enjoys music.”
“That’s right. There are cases where people get nervous and can’t do anything in such a place, but Dohyun enjoys the music itself and respects the artists. It’s a sight that makes you realize that music is a universal language.”
Kim Hwijin added.
“That’s right! Music is a universal language. It may be better to play a bar of music than to say many words. I hope Dohyun Na’s music captures the hearts of listeners around the world!”