The Road to Glory

Chapter 84 - Dancing in the Rain



Roh Haeil’s music appears simple on the surface.An acoustic-based melody with a sound that can be comfortably listened to anytime, anywhere.While walking, showering, or commuting, before you know it, the melody sticks to your lips.People sometimes make the mistake of thinking the melody is easy to remember.That they too could sing like Roh Haeil.But when they actually go to karaoke and press play on the #1 hit, they get flustered by the off-beat rhythm. Still, it’s not too hard to adapt since it’s a song they’ve heard a lot.As they sing along, they find themselves breathing at parts where they should be singing.‘The breath control is… way longer than I thought?’The biggest problem is the highlight.Roh Haeil sings it seemingly effortlessly, but Roh Haeil’s vocal range was originally quite high – or more accurately, wide – and the technique of freely playing with timing and pitch wasn’t something just anyone could do.If you properly analyze Roh Haeil’s music, you realize how much technique and calculation went into it as naturally as breathing.One vocal trainer sang a Roh Haeil song and said this:‘Kids, don’t sing this at auditions.’The simple-looking exterior is a deception to hide this brilliance.Or should they call it ‘restraint’?A ‘restrained brilliance’ emerges from Roh Haeil’s music.This restraint and brilliance could not be expressed with mediocre skill.Of course, this is the assessment of experts.Roh Haeil’s songs were still ranking on karaoke popularity charts.However, people who were devoted enough to the singer to participate in music show fan battles already felt or knew this.And they thought:Just like the music, Roh Haeil as a person is like that too.Halo realized they were fans as soon as he saw the people he encountered after coming out.It would be strange not to know. From the slogans to the lightsticks.When they’re showing it with their whole bodies, it would be odd not to notice.“How was the performance?”Halo asked them first.Though he already knew the answer, he always asked fans this when he met them.It may be familiar, but praise never gets old.People of various ages, from office workers to young students, soon fulfilled his wish.“It was so good!”“I love ‘Lighthouse of the Night’!”“I always listen to your music diligently.”“Please accept this!”The shopping bags they pulled out contained snacks and merchandise.They were things made by unofficial fan cafes, and Halo looked curiously at the lightsticks in particular.‘So this was that light.’For something made by an unofficial cafe, the quality of the lightsticks was no less than those of major entertainment companies.Quite a few of Roh Haeil’s fans were in their 20s and 30s, and they were talented individuals with economic power, planning skills, and execution abilities.Inside the glass ball of the lightstick is a crescent moon.When you press the button, a soft yellow light comes on. It’s a gentle light like the moon, but in a dark place it would shine brightly.Like his song, and the stage that everyone created.Halo recalled the unexpected stage, the lighthouse they had created for him.“Thank you.”“?”He just wanted to say it.The impression he felt then.It wasn’t anything special.“Today was really good.”Just… that it was enjoyable.#Saturday afternoon was bustling all day long.This was because various audience reviews had been heating up the internet since ‘Show! Music World’ aired around 1:15 PM.There was really a lot of buzz.Fans who had desperately wanted Roh Haeil to dye his hair reached enlightenment upon seeing his blonde hair – despite rumors of Roh Haeil having had silver hair, there were hardly any photos –The Big Dipper that came out unedited on ‘Show! Music World’ created the saying that one well-raised fan is worth ten fandoms.[How the hell did they get those seats wtf]└Please switch seats with me└Is that even possible?└Oh no, if only my seat is better[The lightsticks really turned out well]But what was hottest of all was Roh Haeil’s music show performance.Of course, he had already shown live stages like the ‘Rendezvous’ song festival and Hongdae guerrilla busking, but a music show stage was different.[Roh Haeil’s voice alone piercing through the mic gives me chills *shiver* Has Show! Music World’s audio always been this good;;;][Using a stage meant for six people alone but not looking empty at all][Comparing the stages before and after, you can clearly see the difference. Not to disparage, but for the other teams I just watched like oh~ they’re handsome~ pretty~ but for Roh Haeil I was like, wtf? with my mouth open until the end of the stage. Ended up drooling twice][I don’t know about anything else but he’s definitely made for the stage, right?]On the other hand, some criticized that the ‘Infinity Gauntlet’ popularity award trophy went to the idol group Thanos, but since it was a single digital album, they just gritted their teeth and let it go.While it was frustrating not to receive the popularity award, they were satisfied knowing that objectively, Roh Haeil’s stage was superior.Then came the fan meeting reviews around evening.[I won’t say much, just go to the fan meeting no matter what +56][Who said the moon was ugly? It’s different when you see it in person, really different +139][I’m a fan of another artist but +72]Roh Haeil’s live is really something else. I understand now why people kept saying Roh Haeil Roh HaeilAnd above all, after the fan meeting ended, I sneaked in among Roh Haeil’s fans?I’ve been a fan of many idols, but this is the first singer who looked me in the face and said today was enjoyable and thanked me.Especially his expression then…Ah, I thought, this guy is the real dealIt feels like he’ll never cause any scandals,And even if he does, unless it’s really bad, I’ll forgive him because of this memoryBut is he really 17?└What was his expression like? Innocent? Fresh?└(Original poster) No, no, no, I can’t express it in words└What kind of expression did the moon make that all the reviews are going crazy, damn. Why didn’t I go to the fan meeting f**k└How is there not a single person who took a photo└When’s the next music show for the moon? Or any event where we can see him in person?└The moon’s schedule… nobody knowsAnd at 5 PM when the internet was at its hottest.9 AM London time. HALO’s 6th album was released on all digital music sites.[HALO 6th Album: Dancing In the Rain]The Sun fans believed the album would be released on May 31st as per the saying ‘Monthly HALO’ shouted “Oh The Sun!” in excitement, while those who maintained more reason focused on the peculiarities.Until now, if it was a HALO album, the jacket would have a black and white background photo.But the 6th album had a different art photo from before.An illustrated drawing of four feet dancing in the rain.Such illustrated drawings were commonly used album art overseas, but the fact that it was none other than HALO’s album caused a stir.Why on earth is he doing something he’s never done before?People realize when they play the album.It’s still the same 7-track EP album, but there was something different.21st century digital instruments and virtual instrument technology are constantly advancing. Experts are making various efforts to implement the sound of real instruments.Nevertheless, the sound of virtual instruments and real instruments cannot be completely the same.It’s like the difference between analog and digital.Real analog instruments create rich sounds with frequencies generated by vibrating the air. Also, the noise and subtle overtones created from resonance, harmonics, and pedals cannot be expressed with virtual instruments.Whether they had sensitive ears or not, people realized the change.That this 6th album was recorded with real instruments.Perhaps the legs in the illustration represented those people.[At least three, and not just average skilled players. Won’t this be known soon?][If he worked alone it wouldn’t have leaked, but if he hired session musicians it’ll be soon][It’s disco! It must be like Michael Jackson! I told you, idiots!]└ This guy probably has no friendsAnd back to Korea.If 9 AM is a time when people other than the unemployed are awake, 5 PM is clearly a time when even the unemployed are awake.The Sun’s fan base who had spread even to Korea cheered at The Sun’s appearance, and people who enjoy pop songs and those interested in the activities of the faceless singer downloaded the music or streamed it.Nam Gyuhwan was at a pub with a group of percussionists he knew.They knew he had joined Roh Haeil’s band and gathered to congratulate him.In fact, it seemed their curiosity was greater than congratulations.After all, while Roh Haeil had become quite famous as a singer, not much was known about the person himself, so there were bound to be curiosities.For example,“Does it pay well? He seems to be doing well these days, even appearing on music shows.”“Young stars who became famous early are all jerks, is Roh Haeil alright?”“How’s Seoyeon doing?”What’s with this guy.Nam Gyuhwan chewed on fried snacks while gulping down beer.What’s with these questions.Well, they don’t mean any harm by asking.Aren’t these the usual questions when someone gets a job?How’s the salary at that company?How are your coworkers and boss?Do they force company dinners and overtime there too?Things like that.They’re just crude guys, so their way of expressing is crude.“Well, our boss takes good care of us.”“What’s he saying? Our boss?”Only after seeing their slightly mocking reaction did he recognize the title.Since Moon Seoyeon kept calling him boss, boss, he started calling him boss at some point, and it just stuck.Well, if he pays well and books 5-star hotels and business class seats for business trips, he is the boss.He’s never asked for instrument transport costs for live performances – you often have to pay transport costs yourself to perform – and he pays generously for per-performance and recording fees.He’s free to do whatever he wants outside of work hours, and free to use the studio, so now the studio in Seongsu-dong feels more comfortable than home.His boss had never been stingy with spending and expenses, to the point of worrying if it’s okay to spend money so freely even for an overnight star.That’s when one of the group started murmuring and picked up his phone.“Hey, Gyuhwan, it’s finally out!”“What is?”Nam Gyuhwan responded indifferently.These guys tend to exaggerate even the smallest things. He won’t fall for it anymore.However, he spat out his beer at the words that followed.“Halo’s 6th album!”Come to think of it, today is May 31st.It was Monthly Halo day.“I’m leaving.”“No, where are you going?”“I need to take a bath.”“A bath all of a sudden?”“Hey, don’t you know him? He listens to Halo’s music after some kind of mental and physical training. If he lived in Gangwon-do, he’d probably listen while standing under a waterfall.”“Really? Is he crazy?”Others held Nam Gyuhwan back.Nam Gyuhwan had barely answered anything properly, and there was still a lot they hadn’t asked.“Just play the song here.”“Gyuhwan, you should finish your beer before you go.”At those words, Nam Gyuhwan starts chugging the new 500ml draft beer he ordered.“Crazy bastard, he’s downing the beer in one go.”He gulps it down as if his throat doesn’t even hurt.Meanwhile, Nam Gyuhwan snatched his friend’s phone to avoid spoilers.“Hey, tell us more about your boss.”“Did you really swear allegiance to Roh Haeil? You’re not saying anything bad at all. Are you going to be in Roh Haeil’s band for life?”“No.”Nam Gyuhwan answered as if it were obvious, shaking the empty beer glass on his head.While he was really grateful to the boss and really liked the studio, he still had his own dream.“I’m going to join HALO’s band.”“As if.”“Would HALO even accept you? Without even knowing who you are.”But that might change, right?Suddenly, Roh Haeil’s face flashes through his mind.It’s the alcohol.Nam Gyuhwan turns his head, trying to sober up.If only the boss would sing pop songs, he might be able to escape this strange suspicion.Why does he use such good British English pronunciation, not even American English?In fact, the pronunciation wasn’t the only issue.Nam Gyuhwan briefly recalled Roh Haeil’s HALO cover that he had heard in person.He shakes his head again.This is because of the alcohol.Just then, a certain melody suddenly came floating in.Music starts playing from the previously quiet pub speakers.People lowered their voices and listened to the music that suddenly came on.A fast tempo with an intense and joyful sound.As the bass with pronounced syncopation (off-beat rhythm) plays, a familiar voice is soon heard.[I can hear a song from somewhere]“It’s Halo.”“It’s Halo.”“The concept for this album is funk… no, disco?”It’s typical disco, but like the music HALO has shown before, various sessions were used. From Latin-style percussion to organ and brass sections.An image of a man dancing with a woman, led by the singing voice, appears before his eyes.He dances with the woman in the rain as if strongly captivated by her seduction.It’s unclear whether the music is disco music someone put on, or if the song the woman is singing is being compared to disco.But the man danced with the woman in the rain, and when he came to his senses at some point, he realizes that he’s the only one dancing crazily in the rain.Pleasure, emptiness and loneliness trying to sublimate into joy.Though he realizes he’s alone, the man shows a unique madness as he continues dancing in the rain without stopping.They were drawn in, breathless, by HALO’s music.The moment they were sucked into an inescapable swamp-Crash!A loud noise broke the concentration.All eyes turned to one person.It was Nam Gyuhwan.“Hey, why did you suddenly break a glass?”“Oh my, I’m sorry boss. This friend can’t handle his alcohol. We’ll clean it up.”His friends hurriedly tried to clean up, but he couldn’t say anything.The Latin-style percussion repeating in 4/4 time was ringing in his head.Tens of thousands of memories flash through his mind.‘Boss, you don’t sing pop by any chance?’‘Is the song you’re working on now for the next full-length album?’Han Jinyeong’s expression at that time came together like pieces of a sculpture,And memories from America connected like a puzzle.‘Why do you like HALO’s music?’‘Because it’s perfect.’‘Okay, that’s honest and good. Then is there a HALO song you like best?’‘…The 6th album that’s coming out.’‘But we don’t know when it’ll be released?’‘Okay, let’s say the 6th album coming out in May.’The conversation between the host and the boy on the talk show was clearly remembered.The reason the boy, who didn’t seem like a huge HALO fan, could answer so naturally.And‘Oh Lord’The skill to rearrange and recreate HALO’s music, which not just anyone can sing, as if it were his own song.“Shit.”It seems impossible, but there’s no other way to explain it.He’s confused as it clashes with the image of HALO he had in his mind.But when he realized that all the images were of HALO created by the media, he separated truth from fiction. Yes, all images of HALO were fakes created by the world, and nothing was proven.The image of a white British man in his 50s or 60s changes to a ‘?’. As he erases that image, Nam Gyuhwan comes to accept it.In fact, there had been clues for quite a while.Because the boy’s voice he had heard faintly during the ‘Ever since’ cafe performance – while playing the conga – had sounded the same as HALO’s.“Hey, where are you going!”5:30 PM.The time when the sun, which had been at its highest, starts to decline.Nam Gyuhwan ran out of the pub.He leaves Hongdae and gets on the subway.He doesn’t know why the subway to Seongsu Station feels so slow.The sun has already started to set, spreading a sunset glow.Nam Gyuhwan hastily tapped his transport card and ran at full speed.Belatedly, he thought that his boss might not be at the studio.But he couldn’t stop. If he wasn’t at the studio, he would stand in front of the door and wait until the boy came.“Huff, huff!”On a sunset evening.Nam Gyuhwan ran up the stairs.His back was damp with sweat, and his legs were shaking.His hands gripping the stair railing were also damp, but he wiped them on his clothes as he rushed to the studio.When he pulled open the studio door and saw the boy sitting by the window, Nam Gyuhwan hesitated.He had hoped to face him, but he didn’t expect to face him so quickly. No, it’s natural to face him, but… he doesn’t know.The boy turns his head at the sound.Shadows fell on the boy’s face due to the backlight.He normally had a mature personality, but his face still looked like any other 17-year-old.The shadowed face looked like a completely different person.“Hello.”Nam Gyuhwan awkwardly blurted out a greeting.The boy greeted him back as usual.Then silence.“Oh? Did someone come?”Han Jinyeong’s voice was heard from the side.He quietly looked at Nam Gyuhwan and the boy, then left the studio.Han Jinyeong already knew. Yes, it seemed only he and Moon Seoyeon didn’t know. Who knows, maybe she knew too.“Why…”He was about to ask why he had hidden it, why he hadn’t said anything, when Nam Gyuhwan suddenly recalled the day of the interview.‘I’ll go find him and ask to join his band.’‘What if he comes to you first and asks you to join his band?’How did he answer that question?‘Still, I want to find him first. I think if you’re a fan, you should be able to find your artist even if they’re wearing rags-‘Ah, it’s all his own karma.Still, couldn’t he have said something?He did grant his wish, but if he had said it directly-“…”Nam Gyuhwan looked at the boy.The boy wasn’t saying anything.As if telling him to speak first.Nam Gyuhwan closed his eyes.The embarrassing memory of what he had recited as things he wanted to say to Halo washed over him.At that moment, the boy-‘Okay.’-said with a smile.‘Join my band, until the day you find Halo.’There was no reason to resent the boy.The boy had just waited for him to find out.His throat was getting dry.Even swallowing didn’t help his parched lips.The boy was waiting as if he wanted something from him.“Hello, Halo.”Nam Gyuhwan finally spoke.It wasn’t in English. He couldn’t embarrassingly speak in English, and there was no reason to.“I’m your fan and…”He doesn’t know why his voice is trembling even though it’s Korean.“I really love your music.”He doesn’t know what he’s saying right now.Even though it’s the moment he’s wanted most.It felt strange to have a moment he thought was far in the future right in front of him.“So if possible…”Nam Gyuhwan’s voice trembled with tension.“…could I be part of your band?”Finally, the boy.No, Halo answered with a faint smile.“Welcome to my band, Nam Gyuhwan-ssi.”Hi everyone, I've fully translated this series. If you love the series and wanted to binge read until the end, you can go to my Patreon "Shop" page. Instead of buying the advanced chapters one by one, you can buy them in one bulk (with discounted price too)!


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