Maze 24 Hours
"Then I'll be heading out."
After finishing the duet with Hyun-soo, and learning a bit of guitar from Ah-young (and Hyuk, who she forced to sit down and teach), quite a bit of time had passed.
"Already?? Stay for dinner before you go."
"No, I've got things to do at home."
Honestly, I would've liked to stay and eat, but there were tasks waiting for me.
I needed to grab my PC and streaming equipment and take them back to my family home.
I also had to call in someone to dismantle the sound booth, and get rid of the furniture.
Sure, I could've put it all off and just had fun tonight—but then my stream schedule would get delayed.
"That's too bad… well, come again next time."
"Yes, I'll drop by whenever I'm around the area."
Probably next time, after recording at the composer's studio, I could stop by here.
Being here today, it struck me how not only fun this was—but also how helpful it was musically.
A place where high-level musicians and singers were always around—how could that not be valuable?
When I'd sung the duet earlier, I realized that not only Ah-young but the other band members too were incredibly skilled.
Maybe they were actually a known band, and I just hadn't noticed.
"You promise, right?"
"Yes, I got it."
I said my goodbyes to Ah-young and stood up.
"Take care."
"Come back soon!"
"And please, next time, bring your own guitar."
I responded to the band members' parting words as well, then stepped out of the studio.
I was about to put the cap back on the rack and leave when Hyun-soo came over.
"Already leaving?"
"Yeah, it's time."
At my farewell, Hyun-soo hesitated a moment, then lowered his head slightly.
"…Thank you."
"For what?"
"For singing today."
Hyun-soo knew I wasn't interested in mainstream TV appearances.
So maybe he was grateful that I'd sung in front of the cameras anyway.
"You helped promote me, right? I could tell—it's definitely going to create buzz."
Since it wasn't entirely untrue, I teased back.
"Then make sure you remember what I said before."
"What did you say?"
This brat… forgot already?
I gave him a look, and he gave an awkward laugh.
"About writing you a song?"
"Would it be too much? You can even leave my name anonymous."
The perception of VTubers was still in the gutter.
Being tied to me could hurt Hyun-soo's rising career.
"Well, writing songs is work for me, but also a hobby. If I make something good, I'll give it to you."
"Alright, I'll pay you properly."
"Of course—you better."
"Don't worry, I make good money."
"More than me?"
"…."
What the hell did I just do? Acting cocky in front of a prodigy…
"I'm joking. Go on, get home safe."
"…Yeah. Take care."
After leaving the studio, PD Ah Young-wook sidled up to me.
"Excuse me, Ms. Soo-hyun?"
"Oh, yes?"
"I wanted to talk about today's shoot."
"Ah…"
"First of all, we'll edit out any shots that show more of your face than what was visible under your cap."
"That would be great."
"Your name won't be shown either. You'll just be introduced as 'Acquaintance A.'"
"Okay."
I was impressed. He was already addressing all the requests I'd been planning to make. Was this what being a professional meant?
He knew exactly how to leave a good impression.
And when someone like him was making something likable, there was always a reason behind it.
"By the way, would you have any interest in this field?"
Just like now—
The PD politely handed me his business card.
I have to secure that girl.
PD Ah Young-wook thought back to the young woman who had just sung a duet with Slim Gold.
Half the staff had been mesmerized by Slim Gold, while the other half couldn't take their eyes off Soo-hyun, the ordinary girl hiding under a cap.
To be precise: the women admired Slim Gold, while the men were fixated on the mysterious girl singing with him.
And all this despite the fact that she had been performing alongside some of the best band musicians in the country!
The same musicians who, despite losing their lead vocalist, hadn't lost an ounce of their skill or stage presence.
And yet, Soo-hyun had made them feel like extras—relying only on her looks and voice.
Even with her face hidden under a cap.
After 23 years in broadcasting, with countless hit programs to his name, Ah Young-wook—the so-called demon of ratings—saw Soo-hyun as a jewel.
A beautiful, shining jewel.
People naturally loved beauty, charm, and youth.
He didn't know her exact age yet, but he had figured she was older than Hyun-soo and younger than Ah-young.
As he considered programs that featured regular people or influencers, it was easy to imagine Soo-hyun making waves in any of them.
Of course, it wasn't just about looks or voice.
What mattered more was her wit, her confidence, her ability to stay composed in front of cameras.
After years of watching countless personalities, he could recognize the type.
Exceptional looks, matched by the confidence they gave.
The attitude of someone who knew full well others couldn't help but like her.
Some might call it arrogance or cockiness—but so what?
She was gorgeous and could sing.
Superstars always had both fans and haters.
That was the condition of stardom.
"…Thank you for the card, but I really don't intend to appear on any programs."
Though Soo-hyun politely accepted his card, she firmly drew the line.
But Ah Young-wook just smiled and nodded pleasantly.
He had expected this.
If she were someone eager to appear, she would've been scouted off the street long ago.
And the way she kept her cap pulled low the entire time in the studio only confirmed that she didn't want public exposure.
Forcing her would only backfire.
And he wasn't about to let that happen.
Still, wasn't I already somewhat tied to the entertainment world now?
From the way she sang, it was clear she'd trained.
If someday she developed more interest in this field—through singing or something else—
She might remember the business card tucked deep into her wallet.
That was what PD Ah Young-wook thought as he parted with Soo-hyun on good terms.
At last, the long process of moving was over.
I'd moved my computer setup, and tossed out the bed and the extra furniture I'd bought.
Since everything I needed was already at my parents' place, there wasn't much to bring—pretty convenient.
Well, Madam Jang and Manager Kim did scold me lightly when they saw the streaming equipment, telling me not to game too much, but they shut up once I declared I was a singer.
Still, the sound booth installer came later than expected, the setup took longer, the internet was unstable… all sorts of issues piled up, and I ended up on a five-day hiatus.
Finally, after that long break, I started my first stream from my parents' house.
[Good to see you all again!]
Phew… I was nervous. What if everyone had gone off to other channels during my break?
But my worries were for nothing.
Barely after going live, the chat exploded.
???
Is this real?
Holy shit lol
You said 3 days off..! 3 days off..! 3 days off..!
You're only back now..? You're only back now..?
I love you, Miro! I love you, Miro!
Why'd you abandon us why'd you abandon us why'd you abandon us
Please don't neglect us… please don't neglect us…
"Uh…"
It was dizzying. Was chat always this chaotic?
Uh… you little shit lol
Say something already
Why'd it take 5 days?
You bitch!!
"Sorry. The sound booth installation and internet took longer than I thought."
Hey dumbass, then you should've updated the hiatus notice!
Do you think the fan café is a fucking joke?
"I'm sorry about that…"
Since it was true I forgot to update the notice on the fan café, I just admitted it coolly and apologized.
Even so, the chat was way too aggressive.
Maybe I'd lost my sense of where to draw the line after being away?
"Still, don't go too hard with the insults. Makes me look weak, you know."
LOLLLLLLLL
Is this chick serious??
Unbelievable…
Classic Miro lol
Same as ever lol
"Anyway, it's been five days since my last stream. Wanna guess what I did during the break?"
Moving
Gaming
Something?
Probably just anime at home
"Haha, actually—I prepared some content."
???
Damn
Who are you
Get out of Miro's body!
What kind of 'content' do you mean lol
"Here it is—my 24-hour schedule."
I immediately pulled up a 24-hour timetable on the stream screen.
There was no point stalling. If I dragged it out, chat would just keep roasting me for being late.
So I revealed the card I'd prepared to redirect their attention.
???
What's this?
Ooooh lol
Big one incoming
"Today, we'll be deciding the schedule for the upcoming Miro 24 Hours broadcast."
LOLLLLLL
The Great Miro
She's the future of the nation
Put Miro in the National Assembly!
This chick's got instincts… instincts… instincts…
Miro is streaming itself lol
As expected.
Nothing flips public opinion like dropping a bombshell.