DLMS 49

chapter 49

“Hey, I’m really looking forward to this.”

“Ah, right, hyung.”

“Hm?”

“Today, Damien is also performing.”

“Uh, Damien?”

They were the band sharing the stage for the performance at the end of August. Just when I was curious, it worked out perfectly.

“Yeah, hyung, I heard they’re performing together.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Where did it say Damien is performing?”

“Look over there.”

Where Taehun was pointing, there was a large poster.

When I got closer, I could see the lineup for today’s performance:

• Blue Orange

• Qrious

• Han Hyojung

• Damage Control

• Damien

• Soul Tribe

• Desks and Chairs

• …

It was a performance with quite a few teams, not only bands like Qrious but also famous hip-hop crews. And Damien appeared among them. It was a good opportunity to check their skills.

[Why are you so concerned about that?]

“They say non-majors get underestimated. I want to see how good they really are.”

[Definitely, your emotions have become more varied.]

For some reason, the band Damien caught my attention. I didn’t dislike Damien themselves. But I wanted to see for myself how skilled that pianist was. And… as this feeling grew stronger, an unpleasant laughter echoed in my mind.

By now, the sun that had been blazing down on the ground had disappeared.

In front of the outdoor stage at Nanji Park, countless people had already taken their places.

Near the stage, people stood, looking toward it and talking among themselves. At the back, separated by fences, people had spread mats and were waiting for the performance.

And another thing that stood out: on both sides of the seating area, there were tents selling various foods.

It reminded me of the time I went to a local festival—it felt exactly like that.

Taehun and I sat on a mat, sipping slushies and enjoying the summer night. Despite the crowded and noisy atmosphere, the cool summer breeze and refreshing slushies gave a strangely peaceful feeling.

“Ah, this is nice.”

“Right?”

“Yeah, sitting like this, there’s no heaven better than this.”

[Ugh! I hate it there. Hell is the best.]

“Don’t say such crazy things.”

[Huh… anyway, like you said, it’s amazing. Nothing beats this hell.]

I ignored the crazy voices in my head. Maybe because the mood was good, Taehun’s usual over-the-top energy wasn’t overwhelming today. Of course, I was still a little worried about how he might act once the performance started.

“Hey! Hey! It’s starting! Desks!”

Amid enjoying some leisure time with Taehun, I heard excited voices around me.

“Oh, hyung. Looks like it’s starting now.”

“Yeah. When is Qrious performing?”

“I heard Seolhee’s group is fifth.”

There were ten teams performing today, and Qrious was scheduled around the middle. I was really curious about their stage, but I decided to watch the earlier performances and wait patiently.

The first team was a band called Desks and Chairs, from Yesung University. They had performed with me at the launch ceremony last time.

[Isn’t this the first time you’re properly watching their stage?]

“Yeah, that’s right. Last time we left immediately after my performance.”

After the stage was set, the vocalist of Desks and Chairs took the microphone.

“Hello, we are Desks and Chairs.”

“Wow!”
“Whoa!”
“Jungtae!”
“Wooooah!”

Cheers erupted from the audience along with their greeting.

“They’re more popular than I thought.”

“Hyung, don’t you know them?”

“No, not personally.”

“Oh, really? I thought your band and theirs would be popular at our school and that you’d know each other.”

“Me? Nah, I’m not that popular.”

“Ah, come on.”

Taehun was flattering me, but it sounded like just casual words, like the earlier comment about my looks.

A few more words passed, and the performance began.

“Then, for the first song, we’ll play ‘Village Bus’.”

The members of Desks and Chairs were dressed in suits that looked like they belonged in the ‘70s. Quite large ones, too.

The first song, Village Bus, had a retro vibe with a reggae rhythm. It was a gentle, relaxed song, but the rhythm made people sway their bodies subtly.

[That’s sense.]

“Yeah, I know. I like it.”

[But their limits are obvious.]

“That’s something you don’t know yet.”

[I can tell just by looking.]

Desks and Chairs delivered a solid performance. More than their technique or musical skill, they showcased their ability to maximize their concept and strengths. While their absolute skill left much to be desired, they effectively highlighted their strengths while covering their weaknesses.

After their final song, Desks and Chairs calmly exited the stage.

“Wooooah!”

Taehun cheered, clapping above his head. I followed suit.

The buzzing from the crowd continued, and I asked Taehun:

“How was it? That band earlier?”

“They were cool, right? I liked the retro style. Don’t you?”

“Yeah, I liked it too.”

[Really? You liked that? Seriously?]

“No, I was just saying that. And they weren’t bad at all. They played well, so why fuss over it?”

[Ugh, I really don’t like it.]

“You’re picky…”

The performances continued—solo singers, hip-hop crews, bands, all decorating the stage beautifully. The atmosphere perfectly matched the warmth of the July night.

“Hyung, aren’t you hungry?”

“Yeah, I was feeling a bit peckish. What should we eat?”

“I’ll get it.”

“No, I’ll get it.”

“Ah! Just stay here.”

“No, I’ll go.”

Taehun quickly got up to grab something to eat. I tried to get up too, insisting I’d pay.

“No! Just stay put! Sit! Sit! Sit down!”

“Ugh! How are you so strong!”

“Sit! Yoo Jaehee, sit! Sit down!”

Taehun pressed strongly on my shoulders with both hands, forcing me to stay on the mat. I couldn’t lift myself from the spot.

“Please! Just stay and guard the mat! Yoo Jaehee, sit! Sit!”

“Hahaha! Okay, okay, I’ll stay. Stop pressing! It hurts!”

“Hahaha!”

“Alright, guard the mat. I’ll be back!”

I had no choice but to guard the mat.

‘How can someone who hasn’t even been in the military be this strong?’

[Maybe you’re weak.]

“Hey, I am strong, though.”

[Hmm…]

“Am I not?”

[No.]

“Hmm…”

On stage, the next team was setting up. I thought now was the perfect time to get food.

The cool breeze from the Han River brushed past, but my heart was racing wildly.

[Scary…]

“Don’t worry, it’s not that kind of feeling.”

On stage, Kim Dohwa adjusted his bass, huge as himself. Guitarist Moon Heecheol looked ecstatic. Yoon Jongcheol fiddled with the drum kit, sticks in hand. Seolhee, with in-ear monitors, stood at the mic stand. Next up was Qrious.

Watching them prepare for their stage was incredibly thrilling, as if I were about to perform myself.

Seolhee, as the vocalist, was at the very front of the stage. The audience’s cheers occasionally erupted, likely due to her appearance. Honestly, she was the best-looking performer today.

[She’s really pretty. That’s a celebrity-level face.]

“Oh? You can read faces too?”

“No? Just saying she’s good-looking.”

“Hello, we are Qrious.”

Seolhee finished tuning and began speaking into the microphone. Fortunately, Taehun returned before the performance began, spreading hot dogs, fries, drinks, and other food on the mat. We focused on the stage.

After greeting the crowd, Seolhee shared casual daily stories. Perhaps due to her looks or charisma, the audience listened intently. I had thought stage talk had to be limited to song introductions or thanking the audience, but Seolhee made it feel natural.

“So relaxed.”

“Right? Qrious has performed a lot before.”

Her composure was enviable. At the launch performance, I had been too nervous to speak beyond greetings. Maybe someday I could be like that.

“Now, for the first song, we’ll play ‘Hardware’.”

“Waaaah!”
“Yay!”
“Woooh!”

Cheers erupted with the song announcement.

“‘Hardware’?”

“That’s the song hyung heard before.”

“Oh, the one we listened to while eating chicken?”

“Yes.”

Excitement soared. The song I first heard when meeting Qrious had left a strong impression. I tried to calm myself, but Yoon Jongcheol wouldn’t give me a chance.

The fast-paced hi-hat marked the start. Moon Heecheol grinned, engaging the fuzz effect and natural harmonics. Tremolo arm wobbled, creating a buzzing noise that echoed through Nanji Park. It was insane.

Seolhee held the mic with her right hand, head down. She raised it and moved dramatically. Backstepping and striking the air with her right hand, Moon Heecheol and Kim Dohwa immediately launched into their parts.

The two instruments accelerated explosively. Precision and timing were critical, and every move was flawless.

Yoon Jongcheol pounded the drums furiously. Moon Heecheol shook his head, continuing rapid guitar runs. Kim Dohwa stayed relatively calm, holding his position with the heavy bass.

The intro, instrumental-only, yet Seolhee dominated the stage, energizing the audience. Cheers poured in. Everyone in the standing area in front jumped up.

“Wow, this is amazing…”

“Amazing, right?”

“Absolutely…”

The raw energy from Qrious drove the audience wild, and I couldn’t calm down either.

After the intense intro, the guitar quieted, leaving space for Seolhee. Up to now, she had moved around the stage, hyping up the crowd. Now, she tilted the mic stand with her left hand, lowered her stance, and began to sing.

Fast-paced vocals, almost rap-like. Seolhee’s voice was solid, sharp, piercing. Staring straight ahead, she poured her voice into the audience. Despite the crowd, she dominated them effortlessly.

Without the electric guitar, her vocals hit the audience even more clearly. She maintained melody and pace skillfully.

And in my head, I heard the devil’s words. I couldn’t help but be amazed.

[Okay, I admit it. She’s really good.]