Unexpected

Part 51

Sangil has refused to give me any details, so I patiently wait. And by patiently I mean beating the stuffing out of a punching bag while he's away doing secretive things. My trainer has her work cut out for her as she quickly adjusts to an unknown gym and has to substitute some exercises.

"We're in the middle of a double header and you decide to galavant halfway across the world," she grumbles.

"Cheer up," I tell her. "This is why I pay you the big bucks."

"Not big enough," she jokes. "Now drop and give me twenty." I think she's still joking until she glares and adds, "Now!"

On Wednesday morning we get in a black van and drive.

"This is something that you'll have to keep secret until it airs," he says.

I nod. "I can do that, since it's what I've often done with We Got Married."

"I'm going on the show King of Masked Singer."

"Sangil!" I exclaim. "Congratulations!"

He blushes. "Thanks. You need to wear a mask, too, and stay in my waiting room. I was going to bring you in as a manager, but you'd likely be recognized. Hence the mask. The room has a TV, so you'll be able to see me perform."

"Cool. Do you know who you're up against?"

"No, we wore masks when we practiced. All I know is that it's a female, and she's good."

We get inside the building and situated in the waiting room without any problems. Once in the privacy of our space, we take the masks off. A staff person explains to Sangil how everything will go, and then we wait. One pair goes before Sangil and his partner, and Sangil translates some of what is said. I don't understand why they bother trying to guess who sang. I don't think that should be the focus of the show. But they probably don't have enough musically trained panelists to make good observations on the singing.

Someone comes and gets Sangil, telling him that he's next and needs to be ready. I give him a hug. "Fighting!"

I watch the screen intently, knowing that he'll appear soon. I take note of his opponent, a girl dressed as a bee. And then Sangil starts singing and I let my breath out. He sounds good, even though I don't know what he's singing about. I recognize his little gesture of touching his earpiece. I've seen him do that before. When he hits the high note, I'm as much in awe as the audience. I'd vote for him, but I know that I'm biased.

His talent of dancing makes me smile. I remember how, in the past, he said that he doesn't have any special talents. I would say it's kissing, but that won't fly on a variety show. The guy can sing and dance - what more do you want? From an idol, anyway.

When the score is revealed I gasp aloud. I'm in shock that the gap is so big. I know that this isn't scored on any sort of professional level, just audience opinion, but I'm upset on his behalf. He stays to sing his second song, during which he pulls off his mask and reveals himself. I wonder how many people recognize him. The audience claps, thinking the song is over, only for him to rap at the end. I smile again, remembering his middle school wish to be a rapper and talent for rapping very fast.

The panelists talk to him for a few minutes, and then he opens the door to the waiting room. "Sangil!" I exclaim. "You were amazing."

"Thanks." He is shy. "I have to film a short behind the scenes message, and then we're free to go."

I decide to wait in the hallway while he does so, and I step out. I assume the mask was to protect Sangil's identity from being found out, since the connection between us is easily made, so I don't put it back on. It looks like there may be a break taking place, because I see several people wandering around, some of whom I recognize from being on the show.