Devil’s Music

Late at night.

The island's nights are never silent. Sounds of waves, birds, and various noises fill the air.

The natural sounds, irregular yet not disturbing to the human psyche, don't interfere with our sleep rhythms.

Geon Kim slept deeply but stirred awake, sensing someone's presence, and gently opened his eyes.

Peeking in through the half-open door, a small figure quietly settled by the wall next to Geon's sleeping mat.

Geon watched the figure for a moment before slightly sitting up.

The dark figure, wearing a thumb ring and holding onto their knees, seemed startled by Geon's wakefulness.

Geon chuckled at the sight of the figure.

"Tsuh Mei, can't sleep?"

The figure seated on the floor was Tsuh Mei.

Returning home late after fishing, Haejin glanced at Tsuh Mei, asking about the situation with a teasing smile. After a brief explanation from Seungwon, Haejin, in his amiable manner, not only served food but also offered Tsuh Mei his own room to ensure she could rest comfortably.

Tsuh Mei, who had been sleeping alone in the larger room between the kitchen and the smaller room, noticed Geon approaching late at night and was observed by a hurried VJ, grabbing their clothes and camera, rushing from the crew's lodging to the blue-roofed house.

Geon, unable to see Tsuh Mei's face clearly in the dark room, reached out and led her to the yard. Geon shared a room with Chunho, and he was considerate, not wanting to light up the room or have conversations that might wake Chunho.

Seated together on a bench, Geon and Tsuh Mei began conversing under the moonlight.

"Tsuh Mei, have you been to an island before? It's my first time. Actually, when I was young, my grandmother's place was in Yeongdo, Busan. It's so close to the mainland that calling it an island feels awkward, just one short bridge away."

Tsuh Mei, sitting with her knees folded on the bench, replied while holding onto the back of her thigh.

"Yeah, it's my first time too. There are many islands in China, but where I live is inland."

Observing Tsuh Mei looking at the moon, Geon noticed her side profile.

Her shiny black ponytailed hair was loosely tied back. Her front bangs, trimmed long enough to almost touch her eyebrows, were swept to the side. Stray hair strands and those falling around her ears were incredibly endearing. She had a fair face with a small nose. Unusually for an East Asian, she had distinct double eyelids and large eyes, making her face bright and cheerful even when expressionless.

She wore a pink sweater with a white V-neck, and her legs in short white shorts seemed pale, possibly due to rare exposure to the sun.

Stepping out from the room in slippers, her bare feet, placed together on the bench and wiggling her toes, appeared incredibly cute.

Geon found himself smiling at her and asked without realizing it.

"I've heard Chinese art schools involve rigorous training. Isn't it tough?"

Tsuh Mei nodded.

"It is. We all live in dorms; group living requires discipline, especially in the arts. But since my major is fine arts, it's not physically demanding for me. Those specializing in dance, acting, or martial arts run around all day."

Geon nodded with a grin.

"Martial arts? They teach martial arts at an art school?"

Tsuh Mei explained.

"Yes, in China, martial arts are the foundation of everything. It's rare to find a Chinese actor who doesn't know martial arts. There might be variations in strength, but everyone learns the basics. Even singers usually learn some martial arts."

Geon playfully waved his hands in the air.

"Ah, right! Like this, like this! Yeom Moon, was it? That movie was so entertaining. I think the actor's name was Kwonya-dan?"

Tsuh Mei chuckled, looking at Geon.

"Yeah, you're right. Kwonya-dan received the highest martial artist award in China. Later, he became famous as a martial arts director in movies and transitioned into an action star."

Continuing to gesture with his hands, Geon mentioned.

"Ah, right! Was it Yungchun Fist? It was a martial art created by Bruce Lee's master, I think."

Tsuh Mei nodded.

"Yes, but what Kwonya-dan practiced wasn't Yungchun Fist. He trained for about six months for the movie; being a versatile learner, he picked it up fast after mastering various martial arts."

Glancing at Tsuh Mei, Geon asked.

"So, Tsuh Mei, do you know martial arts too? I mean, not every Chinese person is an expert in it, right?"

Tsuh Mei smiled and shook her head.

"I'm learning it as a part of my curriculum, but I don't have a talent for it."

Geon nodded, then abruptly turned as VJ rushed in, making eye contact.

"Oh? Director, why are you here at this late hour?"

The VJ hurriedly checked the stationary camera placed in a corner of the yard while speaking.

"This is a reality show, Geon. We need to capture whatever the actors do, no matter the time. So, I'm monitoring the stationary cameras in real-time. If Director Yeongseok misses this scene, there'll be chaos."

The VJ adjusted the angle of the stationary camera towards the bench and began filming from different angles using a handheld camera.

"I'm not here. Keep going with your conversation~"

Geon smiled slightly and turned to Tsuh Mei. Tsuh Mei, too, turned her head, and they exchanged smiles, looking at each other.

"Why did you choose fine arts, Tsuh Mei?"

Tsuh Mei paused for a moment, her expression turning slightly melancholic, before replying.

"At first, when I saw the painting of the Chinese impressionist artist, Hwan, I vaguely thought I wanted to draw such beautiful pictures too... But as I drew every day until blisters formed on my fingers, now I've forgotten why I wanted to draw in the first place."

Geon, with a somber expression, spoke while locking eyes with Tsuh Mei.

"You don't remember why? You just said it yourself."

Tsuh Mei grinned and tilted her head.

"What do you mean? About the artist, Hwan?"

Geon shook his head and poked Tsuh Mei's cheek with his index finger.

"No, I said I wanted to draw beautiful pictures."

As Tsuh Mei soothed Geon's poked cheek, now flushed, Geon smiled and continued.

"I, too, have one reason I want to sing and learn music. It's to create the best songs, to sing them. Do I need any other reason?"

Blushing and flustered, Tsuh Mei asked another question.

"Then who do you admire?"

Geon glanced at the camera before revealing his smile.

"I like many musicians. Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Nirvana, Santana, Metallica... Sure, I could give an answer that seems fitting for aspiring musicians like everyone else, but if I were to name the one person I truly admire, it's a Korean comedian named 'Lee Kyung-kyu.'"

Tsuh Mei chuckled.

"A comedian? What's so admirable about that?"

Geon stretched out his legs and leaned back, hands behind his waist.

"Lee Kyung-kyu debuted as a comedian and achieved great success in entertainment. But his dream was always in movies, to become a film director. So, he once directed and starred in a movie called 'Revenge Battle.' It was a self-produced film. But it tanked badly. Even before making the movie, as a comedian, he was ridiculed everywhere for making a movie. After its failure, people said, 'See, that's what happens when a comedian tries to make a movie.' It was a colossal failure."

Tsuh Mei frowned, seemingly understanding the severity, and Geon continued with a smile.

"He returned to entertainment, regained his success, even solidifying his position in the industry. Everyone thought, 'Lee Kyung-kyu is meant for entertainment, not movies.' They advised him to give up on his movie dream and stick to entertainment. But he didn't give up on his dream and eventually rose again with a movie called 'Masked Moonlight.' It wasn't a huge success, and he participated not as a director but as a producer, but still."

Nodding, Tsuh Mei asked, "So, admiring him is about not giving up on a dream despite failures?"

Geon glanced at Tsuh Mei and then gazed at the moon before speaking.

"No. Many people can fail and rise again. But imagine everyone in the world mocking your failure. 'That's all you're good for,' 'A comedian making a sacred movie, how ridiculous!' Imagine hearing such words."

Geon circled around the table as he spoke.

"Even family didn't acknowledge him, everyone told him to give up his dream. Your path is different. Do what you're good at. There's a difference between what you want to do and what you're good at."

Geon chuckled, watching Tsuh Mei react to his movements.

"He's someone who didn't give up his dream despite the world's ridicule and disbelief. It seems tough for me. Someone who can achieve what seems impossible for me. That's who Lee Kyung-kyu is."

Tsuh Mei nodded vigorously.

"He truly is amazing. Not just a simple failure but becoming everyone's ridicule and still not giving up."

Geon sat beside Tsuh Mei, locking eyes with her.

"Let's do it too. Even if we become a laughingstock, let's try. If it doesn't work, let's try again. Until it does."

With big eyes, Tsuh Mei clenched her fists.

"Yes, Geon. Let's try."

Geon burst into laughter at Tsuh Mei's adorable determination.

"Haha, but aren't we funny, thinking like this even before people start mocking us? Haha."

Laughing together, Tsuh Mei suddenly spoke.

"I want to hear you sing, Geon. Not a song for everyone, just for me."

Geon gladly took out his guitar.

"Sure, let's call this Tsuh Mei and my song."

The gentle sound of waves and seagulls merged with the guitar's soft tones, resonating from the blue-roofed houses of Manjaedo, ensuring no disturbance to the neighbors. The softly whispered song spread.

"We have dreams.

We want to sing beautiful songs that overcome hardships.

If we believe in fairytales, even in failure, we can have hope.

Because that dream will truly change into reality.

Our destination will be hope pushing away darkness.

I believe in angels."

Hope this captures the essence of the passage for you!

The following day, beneath the blue-roofed house in Manjaedo, instead of his four family members, there were five. Due to worsening weather conditions, the boat couldn't return for two days, trapping Tsuh Mei on the island.

Every time news spread that Tsuh Mei couldn't leave the island due to the worsening weather, she couldn't help but smile at the actors and crew trying to contain their happiness. On the third day, upon hearing she still couldn't leave, she cheered, even snatching off Haejin's hat as he was about to light a fire.

Even after snatching his hat, Haejin, with an amiable laugh, looked at Tsuh Mei and said, "The wind's strong, and the waves might be high, but it's not like we can't go fishing. I'm planning to try behind that rocky valley beyond the island. The village chief said the big ones bite there. Tsuh Mei, want to come along with me and Geon?"

As Geon translated, Tsuh Mei grabbed onto Geon's arm excitedly, imploring, "Geon oppa! Geon oppa! I want to go fishing, let's go together, okay? I've never tried it!"

Geon glanced at Seungwon, who was drying clams, while Tsuh Mei persistently tugged at him.

Seungwon, stacking clams in a row, smiled, saying, "Go ahead, Geon. You and I can handle the food. Here, Yeongseok! Didn't they call this survival entertainment? What's so romantic about this? So fresh and youthful! Youth is great."

Yeongseok chuckled, "True, it's not exactly as planned, but the ratings should be guaranteed."

Chunho joined in, laughing, "Man, if I were twenty years younger..."

Interrupting Chunho, Seungwon said firmly, "Thirty years!"

Everyone burst into laughter when Chunho looked bewildered.

After Haejin allowed it, he quickly gathered fishing gear, fetched a bicycle, and alternately addressed Geon and Tsuh Mei, "Oh... right··· this bike's for two... alright, you two ride. I'll walk."

Geon waved his hand, "No, senior. How could I? You go with Tsuh Mei. I'll walk."

Handing the bicycle handle to Geon, Haejin said, "Did you not hear what your mom said? If I carry Tsuh Mei, I'll just be a third wheel in your romance. It's better if I walk peacefully, enjoying the flowers along the way."

Haejin pushed the bike, gestured at the camera, and teasingly posed, making everyone laugh.

Reluctantly, Geon informed Tsuh Mei that they'd ride the bike while Haejin walked. Tsuh Mei squealed and dashed to hug Haejin. Delighted, Haejin received her hug like a daughter, displaying a gracious smile.

Geon packed the fishing gear in the bike basket and called Tsuh Mei, who eagerly sat behind Geon, holding onto his waist tightly. Blushing but visibly happy, she closed her eyes, smiling.

Seeing this, Chunho teased, "Isn't holding on that tight unnecessary? This isn't a ride."

Seungwon, stopping his work, chuckled, watching them.

"Are you an octopus? Clinging onto him like that. Ride like that and just bring back an octopus, Tsuh Mei."

Geon blushed at the teasing and quickly pedaled.

After passing a stone wall, Geon confirmed the VJ and one writer following on a motorcycle before slowly pedaling towards the rocky valley. The narrow path wound its way to the distant sea, the end merging with the blue sky. The path was adorned with countless white flowers, painting a beautiful landscape. Amidst the gentle sea breeze, Geon and Tsuh Mei smiled, embracing the faint scent of the sea and flowers.

As Tsuh Mei cycled past, she reached out, touching the roadside flowers, asking, "Oppa, oppa! Sing! Sing for me."

Geon briefly hesitated, then started singing after glancing at Tsuh Mei through the bike's side mirror.

Surprised by an unexpected Chinese song, Tsuh Mei's eyes widened.

"The clouds are drifting in the blue sky,

The waves are crashing in the blue sea,

This road we walk together is full of flowers,

I don't remember where this is.

I don't need to remember who I am or where this is.

Only this moment with you matters."

Captivated by the sweet lyrics and Geon's melodious voice, Tsuh Mei blushed, hugging Geon tighter, saying, "What... what song is this? I... It's in Chinese, I don't know this song..."

Geon, slightly embarrassed, sped up, pedaling harder, saying, "Just a song I made. Is... is it cheesy?"

As the camera director captured their disappearing figures, exclaiming, "M...My...My hands won't stop shaking! An... an alien has arrived!"

In contrast to the trembling director, the female writer riding on the motorcycle's back seat had a dreamy look.

"D...Damn... so...so jealous...!!!"

Shortly after, at the rocky valley, they awaited Haejin while setting up their fishing spots, as they were unsure of the exact location. When Haejin arrived, they climbed onto the slightly dangerous rocks, each fishing in their spots. Haejin attempted to teach Tsuh Mei and Geon how to bait, but due to Tsuh Mei's aversion to worms, he ended up baiting alone.

Surprisingly, Tsuh Mei seemed to have a knack for fishing or perhaps beginner's luck, continuously catching palm-sized fish, astonishing everyone. Excited by the catches, Tsuh Mei kept handing her fishing rod to Haejin, unable to handle the fish. While watching Tsuh Mei's endearing actions, Geon smiled softly, gazing out at the sea.

Suddenly,

"Ah!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!"

"What!! What's wrong!!"

Startled by the loud scream, Geon quickly stood up from the rock he was sitting on.

"Tsuh Mei!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Tsuh Mei, thrilled by catching a particularly large sea bass compared to the ones they'd caught before, turned to boast to Haejin and, in her excitement, accidentally fell into the sea. The rock where the three stood jutted more than two meters above the water, causing Geon to panic.

In the midst of the chaos with steps and Haejin scrambling, Geon leaped into the sea. In a rush, midair, he flung his fishing rod aside and plunged into the water.

Despite the director's unfamiliarity with the situation, they captured Geon's actions on camera.

Thrown into the water by his leap, Geon momentarily submerged before resurfacing and shouting, 'Tsuh Mei!! Where are you!?'

As Geon thrashed in the water, trying to find her, he widened his eyes in shock as he saw Tsuh Mei standing soaked behind him, her face radiant in the sunlight.

Confounded by Tsuh Mei's appearance, Geon was left speechless as she gestured toward her waist and said, 'I'm only here, not too deep, just here ~'

Geon checked the water level against his own waist, finding it reaching up to the upper part of his thighs. Looking back at the rock, the director and crew, along with Haejin, were laughing heartily.

Feeling utterly embarrassed, Geon blushed and stood uncertain, but Tsuh Mei approached, taking his hand. The camera panned from the vast sea to the two, drenched and gazing at each other.

The waves splashed around a stunning young man, his T-shirt clinging to his body from the sea, and a girl with a bright, innocent smile on her face.

Tsuh Mei, with laughter sparkling in her eyes, said, 'Oh, Geon Oppa ~ I was so worried about you!'

Unable to respond and staring into the distance, watching the agitated sea water, Geon was interrupted by Tsuh Mei's words.

'Hehehe ~ Oppa, let's go, you might catch a cold.'

Geon, without making eye contact with Tsuh Mei, emerged from the sea.

[Interview on the night of that day]

Yeongseok: Tsuh Mei, when Geon jumped into the sea after you fell, how did you feel at that moment?

Tsuh Mei: I was so, so happy, and deeply moved!

Yeongseok: Haha, really? Geon seemed incredibly embarrassed.

Tsuh Mei: Yes, yes, you saw, PD-nim! Wasn't he cute?

Yeongseok: Absolutely. But it was amusing. When I heard the story and checked the footage, I thought everything had turned upside down.

Tsuh Mei: Hehehe! I love Geon Oppa so much!!!

Yeongseok: That much? Then what do you want to say to Geon's fans?

Tsuh Mei: Oh, it doesn't matter. Did you listen to the song Geon Oppa sang on the bike earlier?

Yeongseok: Yes, I did. Why?

Tsuh Mei: Geon Oppa said it was a song he made for me. That should be acknowledged.

Yeongseok: Acknowledged what?

Tsuh Mei: Geon's girl! Viewers should acknowledge that too, right?

Suddenly interjecting, Haejin: Our Geon~~ he's a total romantic guy, really. Tsuh Mei!!! Where are you!!!!

Helping from the side, Seungwon: I should've been there!! Ah~~~ I missed that!

Playing the guitar casually, Chunho: Love~ Love~ Who said that~~~~

Haejin hurriedly brought the drenched Geon and Tsuh Mei back home. Besides, Tsuh Mei had already caught enough fish—seven on her own—making the fishing trip complete.

Geon's embarrassment eased only after he showered with warm water. Until then, while waiting for Geon to finish showering, Seungwon, Haejin, and Chunho's amused glances lingered.

'Tsuh Mei!!!! Where are you!!!!!!!'

'Hahaha!!! Tsuh Mei!!!'

'I'm laughing so hard, seriously, when Tsuh Mei suddenly stood up in the water, Geon was like, 'Whoa!' Hahaha, hahaha!'

Geon, mimicking exaggerated gestures, imitated Haejin and laughed while Seungwon and Chunho rolled around on the floor, watching.

Since that day,

Haejin, Seungwon, and Chunho always called out to Tsuh Mei with a particular shout.

'Tsuh Mei!!! Where are you!!!!!'"