RAP STAR

Chapter 17 [verse 2, I got to move]

"If we rank high in the festival's band survival section, we could gain both prize money and recognition. Even if we don't make it, we'll still gain connections with L&S, stage experience, and collaboration opportunities. Is this the end? Let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm still a rookie. Experience and connections are invaluable assets. Plus, if we become friends with the band, we might have a hill to lean on when we need composition or performance help, right? Sanghyun thought positively.

"What are the dates?"

"It's in mid-August. It starts on the 12th with a pre-festival, then continues on the 13th, 14th, and ends on the 15th, which is Liberation Day. It's during high school vacation, right?"

So, it was from August 13th to 15th.

"Is the 15th the closing ceremony?"

"Yes. We'll go on the evening of the 12th, and if we survive the survival and make it to the final four teams, we'll participate in the closing ceremony on the 15th."

"What if we get eliminated early?"

"Come back on the 14th. Don't worry about accommodation or meals; we won't demand anything from you. Bands will be provided accommodation there. If we win any prize money, you'll get a share, too, one-Nth of it."

Sanghyun was touched by L&S's generosity. No matter how cool his rap features were, he wouldn't contribute enough to deserve a fair share of the prize money, but L&S mentioned one-Nth without hesitation.

"Is there any way I can commute between Gwangju and there?"

"It might be difficult because of the instruments. Especially setting up and dismantling drums repeatedly... And it's not practical to leave expensive equipment at the accommodation. But why? It's during high school vacation, so it shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Then, Miju chimed in.

"Sanghyun, let's do it. If you agree, I'll talk to the boss and arrange recording equipment for rap recording. Since you have a high tone, I'll ask for a good combination that stably captures high hertz. How about that? Sounds good, right?"

"Are you participating as a keyboardist?"

"Guest keyboardist." Miju smiled and made a V-sign with her hand. Sanghyun chuckled but eventually shook his head.

"I'm sorry. I don't think I can do it."

"What? Why...?"

"There's no need to decide right away. Take your time to think."

"No, it seems difficult. I'm sorry for letting you down, especially after you praised me so highly."

Sanghyun lowered his head with a remorseful expression. He was thinking about Sangmi. He knew that Sangmi was gradually finding peace of mind. However, she still lacked confidence and was experiencing agoraphobia. He didn't want to leave Sangmi alone at home in such a state.

"I might be here, but..."

He himself had struggled for nearly a year at the age of 18, so how much more difficult would it be for a 16-year-old? In this situation, he couldn't leave Sangmi alone for at least three, maybe four days. Of course, he could invite Sangmi's friends to join them, or they could travel back and forth together. But during the preparation and performance on stage, Sangmi would have to be alone in the midst of a crowded and vast festival.

Sanghyun pondered various alternatives with a heavy heart, but ultimately shook his head. He couldn't always prioritize Sangmi. It had only been a month since their parents passed away. He didn't want to disturb the psychological stability of their peaceful daily life.