Devil’s Music

The drama felt like a historical piece.

The protagonist was a noble's son who fell secretly in love with a maid in his house. When this fact was discovered by the protagonist's father, the enraged father attempted to kill the maid. In response, the maid's lover set the house on fire and killed the master before fleeing.

The protagonist, now turned into a fugitive chasing the maid who caused the death of his parents and turned their household into ruins by setting it ablaze, appeared as if he pursued the escaped maid and her lover with a vengeance. However, he still longed for the maid in his dreams, ultimately finding her, only to discover she had moved on and found love elsewhere while he harbored feelings of fury and sorrow.

"Wow, this drama's storyline is incredibly engaging! But why does the story break off? Is the next part not out yet?" Geon asked after reading the synopsis.

Yongtae nodded in response to Geon's query, observing, "These scripts often leave gaps; they adjust based on audience reactions. From what I've heard, the maid the protagonist loves ends up in conflict with another man. Eventually, the tragic tale leads to the protagonist sacrificing himself to ensure her happiness."

Geon, looking pensive, reviewed the synopsis again. "I see. It would have been nice if it had a happy ending."

Seated beside Geon, Yongtae remarked, "Lately, audiences appreciate sad stories more. This song is about the protagonist, torn between avenging his parents for the maid he loved, yearning for her every night. It's not just about missing someone you love. It's about a protagonist who loved the woman he had to kill, yet knew he couldn't approach her for her happiness. He doesn't want to see her happy with someone else but is compelled to help the endangered couple. Do you get what I mean?"

Geon nodded slightly, saying, "I think I understand vaguely. Could you give me a few minutes?"

As Yongtae silently met Geon's gaze and nodded, Geon closed his eyes. Concentrating intently, supported by Yongtae, Intae, and Eunpyo, Geon delved into becoming the drama's protagonist.

How much did it hurt?

How stifling was it?

If it were me, what would I have done? Could I forgive the enemy who killed my family? If the person I loved was the enemy who took my family, what choice would I make? How much love would it take to sacrifice oneself for the enemy?

Tears streamed from Geon's eyes.

Softly sobbing, he glanced at the sheet music and scanned the lyrics and notes. After silently singing the song within for about ten minutes, Geon's chest felt like it might burst.

His teeth clenched, eyes reddened.

As the heaviness in his heart threatened to burst forth, filled with frustration and anger towards the world, he opened the studio door and, with a voice restraining tears, spoke, "I-I'll try singing it once."

Yongtae walked towards the studio door as Geon finished speaking, seating himself next to Eunpyo and activating the connected microphone.

"Okay, since it's your first attempt, sing comfortably, and we'll coach you after listening once. Start with the piano accompaniment, then the guitar solo," Yongtae instructed, nodding to Eunpyo.

"Because it's the first try, no need to record. Just lay the melody line in the background aside from the instrumental track," Eunpyo added.

Then Intae intervened, "Yongtae, just play the MR. Let's record it."

Yongtae, looking puzzled, asked, "Why record from the start?"

With a slight grin, Intae replied, "It's all digital work, no extra cost. What do you say? Trust me and give it a try."

Yongtae glanced at Eunpyo and then nodded. "Okay, it's no extra cost and just a few clicks. Let's record; set up the MR accompaniment."

Nodding, Eunpyo initiated the background track and hit the record button.

Inside the studio, beautiful piano melodies flowed, followed by a classical guitar prelude. Geon struggled to contain the emotions of the protagonist, who had to endure, thinking of the protagonist's feelings as he spoke through choked lyrics.

Like lips parched,

Echoes of memories flow through,

Try as I might to erase them,

My heart can't forget you.

Even if I'm miserable, unable to see you again,

How can I forget you?

As if someone's ironed my heart red,

Tears stream down my cheeks,

Unable to sleep every night, living each day as if it's a year long,

The protagonist's emotions, living every day wishing for morning, exploded through Geon's voice.

Yongtae and Eunpyo, taken aback, stared wide-eyed. Meanwhile, Intae, having expected such a reaction, chuckled quietly in the corner.

Inside the studio, Geon's tear-laden rendition continued:

"Between parched lips,

Sounds of memories flow,

Even if I try to erase them,

My heart can't forget you.

Even if I can never see you again and it's painful,

How can I forget you?"