Devil’s Music

Monday, 11 AM.

Geon Kim stood in front of the CD machine at the Gwangjang-dong branch of Kookmin Bank, holding a card.

"Today, they said they'd deposit the recording fee. I can finally buy the Kitty Powder Shihwa wanted. Even though I knew she wanted it because my allowance was short, I couldn't get it for her. It's hard to buy with Shihwa's allowance, so maybe I can act like a big brother for once."

With a smile, Geon checked the balance at the CD machine.

"100,000 won? What's this? Was the deposit a mistake?"

Geon called Yongtae's recording studio from a public phone.

Yongtae, sounding like he just woke up, answered the phone, likely working late again.

"Hello, Studio Experience speaking."

"Oh, hi, Producer. It's Geon Kim, the one who recorded last time."

"Good, Producer. Actually, it seems the amount you deposited for me might be wrong."

A chuckle echoed through the phone.

"No, it's 1 million won. That's what we decided for new singers when they record. You're inexperienced and a high schooler, so I said 500,000, but your track turned out so well. I can't just give you 500,000. Besides, when we register the song, I've put it under 'Gun' for the artist name. Any revenue will be deposited to that account."

Geon was a bit surprised but just felt grateful for the potential earnings from his song.

"I see. I thought there was an error, so I wanted to return it. Thank you, Producer."

Yongtae chuckled.

"Geon, if you get famous, don't act like you don't know me, alright? If I need recording help later, will you assist? Deal?"

"Haha, sure, I'll promise, Hyung!"

Feeling excited, Geon headed straight to a cosmetics store.

Within the apartment complex where Geon lived, there was a sizable cosmetics shop stocking a variety of products.

As he entered, except for the mousse he occasionally used, Geon was unfamiliar with the store. A late twenties female clerk, wiping the counter, approached him with a smile.

"Welcome! Looking for something specific?"

Without looking up properly, Geon stammered, "Uh, K-Kitty Powder..."

Smiling, the clerk pointed to a section, saying, "Ah, it's over there. Getting it for your girlfriend?"

Embarrassed, Geon waved his hands. "N-No, my younger sister wants it."

The clerk blushed and stammered, "Oh, um, it's... 38,000 won, no, it's 39,000 won."

As Geon handed over 40,000 won from his pocket, the clerk's face turned redder.

"Here's 1,000 won change."

Blushing, Geon left the cosmetics store, leaving the stunned clerk frozen in place.

Geon headed straight home. Today, with Taewoo out, Shihwa decided to stay home instead of going to the study center. Geon was excited for a rare day of conversation with his mom and sister, making his steps lighter.

Running into the house, he shouted, "I'm back! Shihwa!"

Shihwa's voice echoed from her room in the distance. "Oh, Oppa, I'm here."

Geon chuckled and showed the bag from the cosmetics store. "Look what this big brother got."

Still in pajamas, Shihwa perked up, took the bag eagerly, and exclaimed, "Wow! This is Kitty Powder! Did you buy it for me, Oppa? You're the best! Jung-hee kept bragging about it, and I really, really wanted it. But isn't this expensive? It was almost 50,000 won, so even if I wanted it, I couldn't buy it. Where did you get the money, Oppa?"

She pulled out the powder from the bag, bouncing on the bed. Geon, surprised, explained everything, from his band practice to recording. Upon hearing Geon, Yeongha, surprised, asked, "Son, does that mean your song will be in a drama?"

Geon nodded. "Yes, it airs tomorrow. 9:50 PM, called 'Chuno.'"

Shihwa raised an eyebrow. "Chuno? What kind of title is that? Does it mean 'scary old man' or something? Anyway, did you tell the Guns & Roses guys about singing for the drama OST?"

Geon shook his head. "No, it's not something to brag about."

Shihwa exclaimed, "Oppa! Seriously, if you don't tell them soon, I'll tell Sister Joo-hee! Last time, you went to Busan for two weeks without telling her when you went to grandma's, and she nagged for two hours! I can't handle it!"

Grabbing the cordless phone from the living room, Shihwa dashed to her room.

Geon, looking puzzled, met Yeongha's gaze.

"Son, what about me?"

Geon grinned shyly. "Uh... I wasn't sure what you'd like, so... I prepared cash, is that alright?"

Yeongha chuckled. "Well, apparently, all parents prefer cash, huh?"

Geon handed over an envelope he had prepared. "Mom, it's my first earned money. It's not much, but please take it as your allowance."

Yeongha, gazing at her son rather than the amount, smiled and said, "Son, don't you dislike your father?"

Geon hesitated momentarily, then shook his head. "No. I heard from Dad's friend, Sang-gil, that Dad's business isn't doing well, and he's struggling. It's hard to understand when he's hitting, but... it's okay."

Yeongha patted the space beside her, indicating Geon to sit. "Come here. It's hard for Mom too. But as the head of the family, he feels more pressure. Understand him, just like Shihwa and I do. Sometimes, it gets tough, but thinking of you and Shihwa makes it better. But son, it's your first money, and there's a gift for me and Shihwa but not for your father?"

Geon pulled out another envelope. "I prepared something, but... it feels awkward. Could you pass it to Dad?"

Yeongha smiled. "No, you should give it directly. That's how your feelings will be conveyed. He'll be home soon, so give it to him. Instead of this, let's make bulgogi for dinner tonight, as a family."

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