Black Label [EN]: Chapter 103

103. Each of Their Feelings

– Wow, I hadn’t heard of the new MGM member before, so I was wondering what was up… but as expected of God-GM [referring to a highly respected figure in the music industry, implying their judgment is infallible]. There’s no way they’d make a signing without a reason. His skills are no joke.

– Agreed. I heard he just turned twenty. Is it the ambition of a rookie? Or should I say, a fierce determination? Anyway, he’s amazing.

– For your information, this guy was quite famous in the hip-hop community ‘Soul Player’ even before joining the MGM crew. I remember there being a lot of positive feedback about his tracks, even for an amateur. Every time he posted a song, he wrote at the bottom of the post that he admired the MGM crew members, and now he’s actually joined. ㄷㄷ [Korean internet slang expressing surprise or amazement, similar to ‘lol’ or ‘omg’].

– I saw a rumor that he’s friends with the owner-designer of the clothing brand ‘Wall Flower’? The ‘clothes with the WF logo’ in his mixtape lyrics are supposed to be hinting at Wall Flower….

– Seems like they are friends. Looking at the photos posted on ‘JESY. KUS’’s personal SNS [Social Networking Service, like Instagram or Twitter], he’s wearing Wall Flower clothes in all of them.

– So, is designer Lee Jae-seung the investor mentioned in the lyrics? He’s really got a good friend. ㅋㅋ [Korean internet slang for ‘haha’].

– Whether the two are friends or strangers, he’s incredibly talented regardless. Has a track from a mixtape, not even a regular album track, ever caused this much buzz before?

– I’ve been into *K-Hip Hop (*Korean Hip Hop) for 10 years now, and I don’t think so? I hope he continues to be successful….

– Guys, huge info! Search for ‘Son Young-guk’ on the Kuba Kuba webzine’s street snap section. He was walking around Myeongdong [a popular shopping district in Seoul] wearing the first clothes Lee Jae-seung designed when he was a sophomore in high school, and he even got his street snap taken.

– I went to Kuba Kuba after seeing the comment above, and everyone’s busy making a pilgrimage [visiting the location of the street snap]. But is ‘JESY. KUS’ hyung’s [Korean term for ‘older brother’ or ‘senior,’ used to show respect] old face real? He looked just as fierce in high school as he does now….

* * *

Creak-.

Creak-.

Sitting in front of the communal computer in the hallway of the ‘MGM Crew’ office building, Young-guk, who was looking at the hip-hop community’s reactions, continued speaking in a slightly trembling voice.

“Hyung [older brother/senior], this isn’t a dream, is it…?”

What to say? It felt like the world had completely changed after waking up.

The night before the song was released, Young-guk had been frantically spending time modifying and supplementing the song until around 11 o’clock.

As the release time approached, flaws that were difficult to find before became apparent one after another.

After successfully releasing the free track.

Perhaps because the tension he had been holding onto throughout the song preparation period had been released?

He had only laid down on the crew office sofa to take a short break, but he had fallen asleep like that.

Young-guk woke up again around the time the morning sun rose, thanks to the shout of the crew’s leader, ‘Song Kyung-taek (K-Tack)’, who had just arrived at the office.

‘Hey! Do you have time to sleep right now-?!’

What kind of upheaval had occurred in the few hours he had been asleep?

His stage name was rising on the real-time search rankings of portal sites [major search engines or websites].

And the hip-hop community was filled with posts related to his debut song.

Overnight.

All these changes came in just one night.

“Dreaming, are you? Should I pinch your cheek or something?”

“Ha….”

“First, wash up. We’re starting right away.”

At the words of the crew leader Song Kyung-taek, Young-guk tilted his head in doubt and asked back.

“Yes? What are we starting…?”

“It’s not a common opportunity.”

“Huh?”

“Aren’t you going to release a regular album?”

After finishing speaking, Song Kyung-taek grinned and added, “You have to row when the water comes in [idiom meaning to take advantage of an opportunity when it arises].”

After a moment of silence.

Song Kyung-taek added another word in an indifferent tone.

“First, wash your face coolly, smoke a cigarette, and come to my room right away.”

Young-guk, who answered with a vigorous “Yes!”, immediately got up from his seat. As he moved towards the bathroom, he only felt like he was stepping on clouds rather than the ground.

As Young-guk walked down the hallway, he placed his hand on his chest.

His heart was constantly pounding because of emotions that were not clearly defined.

‘Oh my….’

Originally, it had been agreed that the release of a regular album would proceed after a training period of at least one year.

The reason was that he did not yet have the skills to release a regular album.

It was a rather sharp and bitter evaluation, but it was an obvious fact, and thanks to that, Young-guk had no choice but to accept it.

Originally, starting with this free release, he was planning to slowly make a name for himself by participating in the songs of affiliated artists in the form of arrangement, composition, or featuring.

However, he was able to skip all those processes and immediately start producing a regular album.

MGM Crew, to which Young-guk belongs.

It is the largest hip-hop crew in existence.

It not only provides the funds needed to produce the album, but also releases songs with a proper distribution company.

It was also famous for the strong support of its affiliated artists.

Starting with leader Song Kyung-taek, who is more widely known by the rap name ‘K-Tack’, ‘Godmac’, ‘DeepBlue’, etc….

He was able to start producing his first regular album with the artists he respected.

From Young-guk’s point of view, who was desperate for success even a day faster, it was welcome news.

Young-guk, who had already reached the bathroom, stared intently at his reflection in the mirror and muttered lowly.

“Jae-seung, wait a little longer….”

The tunnel-like times he had passed through seemed to flash through his mind like a panorama.

He reached the exit of the tunnel.

He has bright light right in front of him.

Soon, Young-guk smiled brightly and turned the faucet upwards.

Kwaaaa-.

He immediately washed his face with cold water. The hot tears of joy that flowed down his cheeks were swept away by the cold tap water and sucked into the drain.

* * *

Meanwhile, several days had passed since the new season of Wall Flower was released, and since Young-guk’s first mixtape was released.

Among the various changes that had occurred in the meantime, the biggest change would be that the ‘season’ had changed.

The constantly sharp wind gradually dulled over time. The thickness of the outerwear became thinner, and occasionally there were days when the afternoon sunlight felt warm to the point of being hot.

If it had been the same busy daily life as before, he would not have realized the change of seasons.

But….

“Lee, do you have some free time these days?”

It was a question from ‘Julie’, the middle-aged maid who comes to the Manhattan apartment every morning.

“Yes. All major projects are over.”

“That’s good.”

First of all, he no longer needs to pay attention to the brand ‘Alexander King’.

Now that sales have begun, the rest is up to the brand.

There is only one thing Jae-seung has to do. All he has to do is check whether the ‘Royalty’ he will receive every quarter is the correct amount.

“Julie, can I have one more cup of coffee?”

“As much as you want.”

Soon, Jae-seung sat in the rocking chair in the living room and began to look at downtown Manhattan through the window.

‘I wonder if my family arrived safely?’

As soon as he thought of his family, who boarded a plane to Korea last night, he turned his head and began to look at the photo hanging on the wall of the apartment living room.

The large 50-inch acrylic frame contained a photo of Jae-seung and his family smiling happily.

In the meantime, Jae-seung tried desperately to do his best in his time with his family.

He tried to serve the most delicious food, show the most beautiful things, and leave the most enjoyable memories.

It was because he knew very well that a hectic daily life would unfold again.

“Julie, are you going to rest for a while then?”

“I can’t rest completely, and I’m going to focus on my studies from tomorrow.”

“You mean Parsons School of Design?”

“Yes. I think I’m going to have a hard time.”

After finishing speaking, Jae-seung added in a gentle tone, “It’s time to pay the price for neglecting my studies.”

At least until the time comes to start preparing for the new season, he planned to devote himself only to his studies.

It was no exaggeration to say that there was a mountain of overdue assignments and studies.

Thanks to the Alexander King season preparation, he could count the number of times he attended school on one hand.

At that time.

The intercom made a loud noise once. Soon, Julie smiled once and continued speaking in a bright voice.

“Lee, you have a special guest.”

When Jae-seung answered “Yes”, Michelle immediately opened the front door. The identity of the special guest was none other than ‘Ashlynn’.

After Jae-seung’s schedule stabilized, Ashlynn had been coming to the apartment about once a day.

As soon as the front door opened, a clear voice was heard.

“Julie, you look beautiful today too.”

“How beautiful can I be compared to youth?”

“What about Lee?”

“He’s in the living room.”

Soon.

“Lee, I missed you-!”

Ashlynn immediately ran towards the rocking chair where Lee was sitting and hugged him as if she was going to jump into his arms.

“Me too. I missed you too.”

After finishing speaking, Jae-seung shrugged his shoulders once and added, “Of course, I saw you yesterday too.”

The moment Ashlynn slightly glared at him, Julie picked up her coat that had been hung on the hanger in the empty room and continued speaking.

“Lee, I’ll be going now.”

“Yes. See you tomorrow morning.”

“Have a good time.”

After finishing speaking, Julie covered her mouth with one hand and smiled shyly, adding, “No matter how short life is, it’s not as short as youth [meaning youth is fleeting and should be cherished].”

Soon, after Julie left the apartment. Ashlynn tilted her head slightly and asked back.

“Lee. I strongly agree with Julie’s opinion, what about you?”

“Same here.”

Jae-seung, who answered briefly, kissed Ashlynn. Back when he first met Ashlynn in France, he had thought that he wanted to engage in a relationship with a light heart.

But now? Not now.

Even though he is living a second life, there are still countless things he has not defined.

One of them is ‘love’. A soft word that suddenly rushes in and shakes the heart.

In the early hours of the morning a few days ago, which was no different from any other day, he suddenly realized that he was in love with Ashlynn.

It started with the question, ‘What if I can’t feel her warm breath touching my neck right now forever?’

Most of the time, people feel and realize something in the pain of loss, but he didn’t want to learn about love that way.

He fell in love with her. He doesn’t know why. There probably isn’t a reason. As is usually the case with the feeling of love, establishment and analysis are meaningless.

Soon, Jae-seung said in a roughly trembling voice.

“I’m sure I’m going through the most beautiful spring in my life.”

You don’t know.

You will probably never know.

How many springs I have sent away so far.

How special the meaning of the calm confession just now is.

* * *

Meanwhile, in an apartment on the outskirts of Manhattan. Meister [master craftsman] ‘Michelle’ and ‘Kyle’ of Alexander King Atelier were sitting face to face at the dining table.

“Kyle, I heard a brief explanation from Lee. I heard you received an offer to join Lee’s brand design room?”

“Ah, yes. That’s right, but….”

As Michelle began to look into Kyle’s eyes silently, Kyle continued speaking with difficulty.

“Ah, I’m still thinking about it.”

“Kyle.”

“Yes?”

“Can I give you some advice as a mother?”

Michelle, who emphasized the word ‘mother’ in particular, smiled warmly once.

Soon, Kyle nodded in response with sparkling eyes.

“It’s just a subjective opinion, but life is a series of choices. As you live, you will be faced with choices every moment. Just like you have been doing so far. And all those choices will leave you with big and small regrets. I guarantee it.”

“…….”

“But one thing is for sure, it’s better to regret doing something than to regret not doing it.”

After a moment of silence, Michelle held Kyle’s hand on the table tightly and continued speaking.

“I’m worried that my words that I wanted you to become a Meister are bothering you.”

“No. Absolutely, absolutely not.”

“Kyle, listen carefully to what I’m saying. Forget about the words I said that I wanted you to become a Meister.”

“Michelle….”

“Those words were just said in the hope that you wouldn’t have to wander the streets again when I can no longer protect you.”

After finishing speaking, Michelle added, “Because there will never be a Meister of an atelier who will wander the streets.” Soon, Kyle dropped his head.

In fact, he had already made a decision. Design. He wanted to design. After watching Lee’s show, that feeling became even stronger.

However, he was just spending a long time hesitating because he didn’t know how to bring it up to Michelle.

“There is no parent in the world who can force their child to dream. The same goes for me.”

“…….”

“If you really want to care for me, you have to make a decision that will make you happy.”

Soon, Kyle shed tears like chicken droppings [small, frequent tears] and said, “I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“But….”

What kind of person was Michelle? She was the one who took him in when he was wandering the streets selling ‘*Weed (*Marijuana)’ or begging.

She not only provided food, clothing, and shelter, acting as a mother, but also taught him sewing skills for his future.

He wanted to stay by her side, at least until Michelle said goodbye first. No, he thought he had to.

She is the one who gave him all of his current peaceful life and happiness. So, he couldn’t bring himself to say that he wanted to pursue his dream.

“Kyle, it’s not like you’re never coming back, why are you like this?”

“Michelle. I’m sorry, I’m really sorry….”

Kyle, who was struggling to continue speaking, finally began to continue speaking in a sobbing voice.

“But, I really want to try it.”

“I know. Go ahead and do it.”

Soon, Michelle approached Kyle and hugged him, who was crying like a child.

“I’ll support you.”

Even now, years later, she cannot forget the day she first met Kyle.

A child sitting crouched in the city of Boston, which she had gone to due to a complaint from a high-value customer on a hot summer day. As if drawn to something, she asked the child his name.

‘Kyle, I’m Kyle.’

The young homeless man with a shabby appearance had the same name as her younger brother, who had passed away a long time ago.

Life is really terribly unfair. Her younger brother was a veteran firefighter who protected the lives of many people from the ‘Fire Demon’. (火魔) [a metaphorical term for fire, personifying it as a destructive force]

But why? Why on earth? Why couldn’t he protect his own life and had to die painfully in the hot fire?

Was it because she was suddenly caught up in dark thoughts? That day, she made a very impulsive decision.

‘Kyle, would you like to have dinner at my house? It’s a bit far, but I want to treat you to some delicious food.’

A moment’s choice changes and controls life entirely. That’s why life is really terribly unfair.

Who would have known that the choice she made impulsively in downtown Boston that day would become the only choice among the many choices she had made in her life that did not leave even a trace of regret?

“My dear, I really love you.”

“Me too.”

Originally, life is very similar to spring.

Because its validity is extremely short, it is bound to feel more special and beautiful.

A heartbreakingly beautiful spring day was passing by everyone’s side.