Kang Hajun has picked up a new morning habit lately: writing a gratitude journal as soon as he opens his eyes.
It started after he became popular thanks to Hyunseung.
“Another day that feels like a dream has begun.
I’m grateful to be alive.”
He’d begun jotting it down so he wouldn’t forget to live each day in thankfulness, but…
“So I wouldn’t lose that grateful mind, I did my stretches while listening to ‘Yunseul.’
The problem was…
“The composer-nim really is the best.”
Once he began writing, the entry always ended up as a letter to Hyunseung.
“Composer-nim, I hope I can see you again soon.”
Not that it mattered.
Hajun believed everything about his current life was thanks to Hyunseung, and even a diary—or letters like these—felt far from enough to express his gratitude.
Ding!
An alert chimed. Hajun dove back onto the bed to check his phone, half hoping…
But sadly, it was just his manager.
[Fan-meeting’s at noon. I’ll pick you up in front of the lodgings in an hour.]
[Yes. ^^]
After a short reply he stepped into the living room, where the auntie who handled the housework spoke kindly.
“Breakfast is almost ready, so wait a minute.”
“Thank you.”
These days Kang Hajun isn’t just big in Korea—he’s drawing serious popularity across parts of Asia.
Especially in neighboring Japan; the response there is incredible.
Because of that, he’s currently set up in a temporary place in Japan, plowing through whirlwind schedules.
Even though it’s only “next door,” it’s still abroad. People recognize him on the street or at convenience stores, so he can hardly go out alone. Commercials and program offers are flooding in.
He’s even broken into Japan’s Oricon chart after topping the Korean charts.
Only now does the fame feel real.
Now I can repay him properly.
Above all, he’d promised Hyunseung—who discovered him and willingly gave him a song—that he’d repay him by making it big. Feeling he’d kept that promise filled him with pride.
“Hajun-ah, come eat.”
With breakfast laid out, the table soon filled with dishes.
‘Hmm…’
He slowly took in the spread: fluffy rice with diced radish for texture, beef-radish soup, braised radish, radish salad, stir-fried radish greens, radish pickles…
‘Radish really is the best.’
A very satisfying table.
He pressed his hands together before eating, offering a brief prayer.
“Thank you for the food.”
Of course—a prayer of thanks to Hyunseung.
“It’s delicious.”
“Eat plenty.”
The aunt watched him fondly, then asked curiously,
“So… I make radish every day because you like it, but why are you so fixated on radish?”
After swallowing his mouthful he answered,
“Synchronization? Yes, something like that.”
“Eh?”
“You know—spiritual communion and all.”
“Uh…”
Flustered, she didn’t know how to respond. He looks normal—could he be in some radish-worshipping cult?
Finishing, Hajun laid down his spoon.
“I ate well.”
And—as naturally as breathing—sent a text.
I thought of you when I saw radish, so I’m texting.
(T/N: 😂 Hajun…)
Leo sat at his computer, scratching his head.
“Hmm…”
He’d finished editing the busking video he stumbled on last time and was about to upload, but he fell into thought.
“Is there really no way to find her?”
He wanted at least the singer’s name before posting.
But that day he’d been so blown away he’d asked nothing—no country, no name, not even the program title.
“Too late now.”
Nothing would change by regretting. Maybe, if the video blew up, someone who knew her would comment.
Even if he never learned, he just hoped more people would hear her amazing song and enchanting voice.
Click.
After uploading, he slipped on his headset.
Again he let the ethereal voice of the woman in the video wash over him.
‘I wish I could hear her live again…’
It’s not as good as being there, but enough for chills.
Whatever the case, he knew this clip would pop harder than any other.
When it ended he refreshed the page.
Tap.
Views: 1,213.
And it had only been three minutes.
It should’ve been a pleasant morning, but Hyunseung woke in a foul mood from the phone buzzing nonstop.
Bzzz, bzzz, bzzz—
Feeling around by the pillow he grabbed it.
[I thought of you when I saw radish, so I’m texting.]
What’s he on about?
Skipping a reply to Hajun, he opened Manager Kim’s texts.
Maybe some fallout from last night?
—There’s a café in front of the hotel, right?
—Come over for a sec.
—I’ve got something to show you.
—Coffee’s on me.
Nothing sounded urgent.
Go? Or not?
He shut his eyes to ponder when a final text arrived:
[Venti size.]
If he’s buying venti, guess I’ll go.
Curiosity about the “something” helped too.
Throwing on clothes, he headed out. His sister Hyuna followed, straightening his hair.
“Where are you off to this early?”
“Café across the street.”
“Leave the bird’s nest behind.”
“Ah—thanks.”
“Remember we check out soon.”
“I’ll be back.”
Across at the café patio sat Manager Kim, looking relaxed.
“I’m on vacation, remember?”
“That’s why I bought venti.”
Pushing the coffee over, he added, “And I wouldn’t call you for nothing.”
“So what’s this that I have to see?”
“Don’t fall over from shock, okay?”
Urged, Hyunseung waited; Kim Manager fiddled with his phone then thrust it out.
The title—in French—basically read, Met a gem-like singer while filming my daily vlog.
‘Hmm?’
Hyunseung skimmed the description.
“Oh, right!” Manager snatched the phone back. “Let me turn on auto-translate—”
“It’s fine. I get the gist.”
“How do you—?”
“Just play it.”
Skeptical, he tapped play.
“Manager-nim, you didn’t haul me here to show me some handsome foreign guy, right?”
“Wait for it!”
Impatient, Hyunseung skipped ahead in ten-second jumps.
“Hmm?”
A familiar intro drifted out.
“That’s my song.”
“See? Keep watching.”
The vlogger hurried toward a plaza; buskers and scattered spectators came into view.
Among them—
“Why’s she there…?”
—stood Yoon Jaeyi with a mic.
“Must’ve been during the first Street Again shoot.”
“Next to her is Lee Young-ah and even Jayble.”
“Yeah. Jayble arranged your song.”
“Good thing he didn’t go overboard.”
Lowering his voice like a secret, Manager added,
“Still, not as good as your original.”
Grinning, Hyunseung focused on Jaeyi.
Given the amateur filming and wonky audio, her improvement was clear. With a pro like Young-ah backing, she wasn’t just singing the song—she was playing with it.
Plus the live-busking vibe…
Just then the camera jostled, sky filling the frame—probably dropped.
Thunderous applause erupted. The vlogger’s face re-appeared, ecstatic.
“Nicely done.”
Hyunseung closed the video.
“Our Jaeyi’s voice really works overseas!”
“Look at the views. They’re crazy!”
Manager jabbed at the numbers:
10.05 million views.
“And it’s been barely half a day!”
“Great. I’m heading up now.”
“Wait! One more thing!”
He flashed the live chart:
TOP 100
1 Yunseul – Kang Hajun
…
5 Dear my Beethoven – HS (feat. Moon Beomjae)
…
8 To the One Who Had Only Me– Yoon Jaeyi
…
21 le seul – The Moon
…
31 A Handful of Cherry Blossoms – Jung Arin
…
79 Walk With Me – Seo Jini
“Jaeyi and The Moon are climbing fast.”
“Why are you so happy?”
“Why not? Soon your songs will own the whole chart!”
Staring warmly, he murmured, “Hyunseung, you’re a real rich man now.”
“There are fake rich?”
“Know the difference? Fakes only earn when they work; real ones make money while they sleep, poop, eat—even sip coffee like this.”
“By that logic, I’m real, huh?”
“Annoying, but yes.”
“Then this real rich man’s leaving.”
Grabbing his sleeve, Manager pleaded, “Tag along to today’s shoot?”
“I have no reason to go.”
“I already told them you’re Jaeyi’s manager.”
“Say I was fired last night.”
“Come on—the set’ll be interesting…”
“Not at all.”
“I’m flying to Switzerland this evening,” Hyunseung added, standing up.
“Switzerland?”
“Then on to Spain before heading home.”
As he walked off, Manager Kim called after him,
“Switzerland, Spain—fine! But behave yourself! Got it? Answer me!”
It must be because of that silly nightmare, he thought.
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