Black Label [EN]: Chapter 17

Black Label 16

17. If the Present Changes, the Future Changes Too

It was a truly ‘me’ interview. It was full of things that only I would know.

From the reason I chose the name ‘Wallflower’ as the brand name, to stories about selling repurposed clothes, and the story of ‘Yeongguk,’ a classmate who helped me from time to time.

“Hmm.”

I read the interview over and over again, until I could recite it word for word.

Then I closed the magazine and my eyes, enjoying the silence. I felt question marks floating above my head.

Until a few days ago, the magazine was just a blank slate. Why this change? Among all the magazines, why did it have to change to ‘F Trend View’? Was it because it was connected to me?

Is this magazine a one-time thing? Or could it change into another magazine in the future?

If—just if—it continues to change into other magazines? If I can continue to glimpse the near future, even a little? The thought sent goosebumps down my arms.

If the prediction is correct…

This magazine could be an amazing tool to minimize the gap between my knowledge of the future and the reality altered by the butterfly effect [the idea that small changes can have large, unpredictable consequences].

* * *

The next day, during lunch break. Usually, I’d be buried in a TOEFL book, but today was different.

As soon as I finished lunch, I dragged Yeongguk to the school playground.

“Hey, Lee Jaeseung. Weren’t you becoming a model student? Why the playground all of a sudden?”

“Even model students need sunshine, right?”

The intersection of late autumn and early winter. The cool breeze and warm afternoon sun were a pleasant combination.

As usual on high school playgrounds, shouts erupted from everywhere.

“Pass! Pass!”

“Hey! What are you doing?! Block him!”

Jaeseung and Yeongguk avoided the boisterous students and walked along the edge of the playground, sharing stories.

“Oh, right! I’m going to a music academy this winter. Did I tell you? I didn’t, right?”

“No, this is the first I’m hearing of it. Why a music academy all of a sudden?”

It was welcome news, but I tried to remain calm.

“A practical music academy. You showed me that ‘Kanye East’ video [likely a reference to Kanye West, a popular and influential musician] last time.”

“Ah, right.”

“It might be a pipe dream, but I want to try it.”

Yeongguk scratched his head, embarrassed, then smiled sheepishly and added, “I mentioned it to my mom, and she already knew. She said it’s better than doing nothing and being lazy.”

“That’s good. What will you be learning at the academy?”

“Probably everything from ‘Midi’ [Musical Instrument Digital Interface, a technical standard] to this and that? First, I’ll have to learn solfeggio [a method of teaching sight-singing]? Actually, I don’t even know how to read solfeggio.”

Jaeseung laughed at Yeongguk’s honesty.

“Hey, I could teach you that much.”

“Anyway, I’m looking forward to it. And nervous.”

“Really?”

A moment of silence passed. Jaeseung continued in a light tone.

“Yeongguk, wouldn’t it be cool if this happened later?”

“Huh?”

“Later, you become a famous celeb [celebrity] and stand on stage wearing clothes I made.”

Yeongguk smiled faintly, so Jaeseung continued.

“You’re showing off unreleased clothes on stage. I’m working on your album cover, and much later, we’re doing a collaboration under the name ‘Wallflower X Son Yeongguk’.”

The more Jaeseung spoke, the brighter Yeongguk’s expression became.

“Wow, that’s awesome. That would be really cool….”

“You can do it.”

“Huh?”

“We can do it. Just don’t waver. You can do anything in the end.”

Jaeseung spoke confidently, then smiled wryly.

In his previous life, he’d seen countless dreams crushed. Why? Because of the ‘wall of reality’?

No.

Some people face that, but most give up because of ‘the words of those around them’—people who force reality and instill distrust.

Because of the people who evaluate and score them, even though they don’t know them well.

Jaeseung carefully chose the words he really wanted to say.

“So let’s be steadfast and persistent in our convictions.”

“You little rascal. Thanks.”

They had walked around the playground several times.

Jaeseung put his arm around Yeongguk’s shoulder and got to the point.

“Hey, Yeongguk, are you free today?”

“Today? Why?”

“I was wondering if I should take you somewhere good.”

“Somewhere good?”

Yeongguk frowned, tapped Jaeseung’s chest, and replied, “Hey! Isn’t your intention obvious? Is Dongdaemun [a famous fashion district in Seoul] a ‘good place’ for you?”

“What’s wrong with Dongdaemun? It’s a good place for me. So, are you going or not?”

“Are you buying dinner?”

“Yeah. I’ll buy you chicken knife-cut noodles. Deal?”

Yeongguk stared at Jaeseung with sleepy eyes, then smiled wryly and replied, “You should have said that sooner. Okay, deal! Let’s go.”

It was a clear capitalist smile.

* * *

Inside the bus to Dongdaemun.

A languid feeling washed over me. Warm air leaked from the heater. Periodic vibrations from the engine.

I turned and saw Yeongguk nodding off.

‘Sleep well, you little rascal.’

I wanted to close my eyes or look at the TOEFL book.

But I couldn’t concentrate, my mind was racing.

After much deliberation, I’d sorted things out. I was starting to see the ‘future magazine’ as a series of revelations.

‘Even considering my contact with the F Trend View editorial team, it’s not impossible….’

It’s not absolute information, and I can’t blindly trust it.

But based on my experiences, it won’t harm me.

Like the ‘watch’ and ‘pencil’ whose power I’d experienced before.

“Hmm.”

I sighed and looked out the window.

I desperately hoped reality would follow the magazine’s predictions.

I wanted to be interviewed and published.

Some might dismiss it as ‘that minor magazine interview,’ but it meant a lot to me.

‘…Because I’ve never been published before.’

In my past life, I only made imitations, never stood before the public.

Even with money and skills, I lived with my head bowed like a criminal.

This was ‘longing’ and ‘admiration’ for something I’d never experienced.

‘Okay, let’s make a plan.’

I calmed down and organized my thoughts.

To make reality flow as desired—to match the magazine—I needed to make an effort.

First, I had to prevent the ‘Reformer Special’ from falling through.

Or, rather, make it possible to replace it with ’10 Promising People Selected at Will!’

Maybe refusing the reformer special would naturally lead to that.

But what if not?

It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss, so I had to prepare thoroughly.

Instead of just refusing, I had to show them something that would pique their ‘interest’.

How much time had passed?

I exclaimed ‘Ah!’ without realizing it.

A good idea had flashed through my mind.

‘Let’s show them a sample!’

The meeting with F Trend View was six days away.

I’d finished the design sketches and concept for my clothing last night.

I was on my way to buy fabrics and materials.

If I bought them today and started working, I could finish a sample by the meeting.

Even if it’s impossible, I have to do it.

‘Hmm, is there another way?’

I had one plan, but it didn’t feel like enough.

I crossed my arms and thought deeply.

Meanwhile, the bus carrying Jaeseung and Yeongguk continued towards Dongdaemun.