GIJS

Chapter 163 For Today, a Bad Scholar

As he strolled slowly through the empty main hall, the scholar was contemplating the obscure lyrics his Japanese friends had spouted.

At first, the term was "화자" (Hwa-ja).

He understood this one. "화자" means "flower-like person." Or it could also mean "speaker."

The next line was "마자" (Ma-ja).

In contrast to "flower-like person," "마자" means "one possessed by demons."

Through this sequence of lyrics, it seemed they wanted to emphasize a contrasting meaning.

He understood up to this point. However, when the lyrics switched to English, the meaning started to get tangled.

Now, the scholar knew some English. Words like "And," "My," and "Big" were basics he couldn't miss.

But... what was "부라자" (Bu-ra-ja)?

"...Bu-ra-ja, my big big Bu-ra-ja..."

If translated literally, it meant "my enormous Bu-ra-ja."

He understood the previous words but was frustrated not knowing the meaning of the crucial term.

"Hm, I just can't figure it out."

As he continued to mutter "Bu-ra-ja" while pacing the main hall, the 7IN members quickly gathered around him.

"Hey, what are you doing here!"

"Ah, just in time. I've suddenly become curious about something."

"Huh?"

"What exactly is 'Bu-ra-ja'?"

"Yam-ya—!!"

Tae-woong tried to cover the scholar's mouth, but it was no use. The scholar was the strongest among the members, except for In-hyuk.

The scholar managed to tear away the mouth cover and repeated the problematic word. Once the scholar was curious about something, he couldn't let it go easily.

"Why? Why? What on earth is 'Bu-ra-ja'?"

"Stop using that word!"

"Now you've made me even more curious."

"Alright, alright, I'll explain, but please stop using that word."

"Fine, as long as I understand the meaning."

"Phew, then calm down now..."

It seemed the scholar's curiosity had finally been quelled, but it was a premature relief.

"Oh, and I was curious about 'Big Bu-ra-ja' as well."

"Oh, seriously—!!"

"Doesn't it mean 'big Bu-ra-ja' if translated literally?"

"Stop it, already!"

"Hm, so 'Bu-ra-ja' seems to be both big and small?"

"In-hyuk, please make him faint or something!"

Only after In-hyuk rushed in and helped restrain the scholar was it possible to calm him down. The scholar's eyes still shone with curiosity as he was tied to a chair in the auditorium.

"Why all this fuss? Surely, the SHINO members wouldn't put such a terrible word in their lyrics."

"Scholar, are you sure you heard that word correctly?"

"Yeah. It was definitely 'Bu-ra..."

"Oh, come on—!!"

While In-hyuk was covering the scholar's mouth, Hyunjae and Hyunsu explained the meaning of the word.

The scholar, who had been struggling, suddenly calmed down as he heard the word's meaning.

"...Oh, I see..."

"So, now you understand why we were so over the top?"

"...I never imagined it could be that kind of word..."

"Yeah, why on earth were you mumbling that in front of the camera?"

"I was just trying to guess the meaning since SHINO used that word in their lyrics..."

"But it's strange. Did SHINO really write those lyrics?"

"Indeed! Why would I lie about such a thing?"

"I guess we'll have to listen to it ourselves."

"Alright, follow me."

The members who followed the scholar soon got to hear SHINO's practice song.

"Crazy..."

"Is it really 'Bu-ra-ja'?"

After struggling to suppress their laughter, the perceptive Hyunsu quickly figured out the meaning of "Bu-ra-ja."

"This seems to be a song about family."

"Family?"

"Hwa-ja means Father, Ma-ja means Mother. Big Bu... yeah, that's Big Brother. It's probably a song about a harmonious family of four."

"I think that's right. It does sound a bit risky due to the pronunciation, though."

"It seems the Guardians pointed out SHINO's weak spot in English."

"Well, Scholar, don't go around creating strange controversies. Just stay quiet! Got it?"

The scholar nodded, but couldn't shake off the image of SHINO.

Although it wasn't his concern, if they went on stage like that, it would certainly create many controversies.

A sense of unnecessary concern led the scholar to seek out the translator.

"Excuse me, could I ask for a translation help?"

"Of course. What do you need translated?"

"I have something I'd like to convey to the Japanese team SHINO..."

"Sure, let's go."

The translator, who readily followed the scholar, went with him to SHINO's practice space. The SHINO members, having finished their practice, were chatting.

But among their conversations, the scholar thought he heard the names of himself and 7IN.

"Hmm...?"

Though he couldn't understand Japanese, SHINO members' expressions were different from usual. They had always been friendly in front of 7IN, but now they seemed full of hostility.

Yu-gun-ja and such. Chillin and such.

The scholar became curious about what they were saying.

"Can you translate what they are saying right now?"

However, the translator's expression wasn't very good.

"Well... um..."

"I understand it might not be something nice."

"!"

"Their expressions are already saying it."

"Ha, indeed, it's not good."

"Please, tell me."

"That Yu-gun-ja is just so annoying. I dislike him."

"..."

"If I had known, I would have made him work like a slave when he was one..."

"..."

"And now, they gave him a mission he can't possibly succeed at, so he'll probably collapse on his own..."

"..."

The reality was worse than the scholar had imagined. Behind the scenes, SHINO was bad-mouthing 7IN.

Even after finishing the translation, the translator still looked worried about the scholar.

"Scholar, are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

The scholar smiled faintly, indicating he was alright.

The disappointment at SHINO's inconsistent attitude was real. A true scholar should be able to point out such behavior directly to the face, whether the counterpart was a commoner, noble, or even a king.

But of course, not everyone is a perfect scholar. Some show a consistent upright character, while others deceitfully hide their true selves and engage in underhanded dealings.

The scholar was not unaware of this.

Moreover, when it came down to it, what SHINO members said behind the scenes was their freedom.

Even if the scholar had heard their gossip by chance with a translator, he couldn't blame SHINO for it.

SHINO is SHINO, and Yu-gun-ja is Yu-gun-ja.

He only needed to act according to what he thought was right at that moment.

With this thought in mind, the scholar turned to the translator. His purpose wasn't to eavesdrop on gossip. He had something he wanted to say to SHINO as well.

"Excuse me, could you convey a message to SHINO members?"

"Ah... yes, what message?"

The scholar took a moment to collect his thoughts and then delivered his message to SHINO.

"Their English pronunciation..."

"?"

"It's really excellent."

"Aha."

"Please convey that I'm looking forward to the third competition."

"Alright, I will."

The translator, slightly touched, went towards SHINO. Although the scholar's intended message was not exactly praise, there was nothing more he could do.

"Disappointing, really disappointing."

On his way back to the noble's lodging, the scholar pouted repeatedly. He couldn't condemn gossip, but he didn't want to help those who gossiped.

"I guess I'm still far from being a true scholar..."

He muttered regretfully, but oddly, a sense of satisfaction stirred in his heart.

He must continue to strive and strive. But for today, he would be a bit of a flawed scholar.

With this thought, the scholar returned to his companions with quick steps.

---

[The drawing for tickets to the third round of the Dynasty competition also had an intense competition.]

Despite being a symbol of good luck, Yeon-ji had had no luck with the [Dynasty] audience tickets so far. She had participated in every lottery but had never won even once.

"Is my luck running out...?"

Yeon-ji sighed in the scholar's tone. To be fair, she had enjoyed quite a bit of luck so far, experiencing at least ten great moments.

She had taken photos with the scholar during his unknown days (though not exactly the same), met him again, and even attended several live audience events during the A-Yuk-Si days. From the perspective of a 7IN fan, Yeon-ji was as lucky as someone who wins the lottery repeatedly.

However, Yeon-ji was still hungry for more.

No matter how many times she saw her favorite's face, she always wanted to see it more. Moreover, with no live broadcasts or other content recently due to the Dynasty Castle, she wanted to see the scholar even more.

"Please, please let me win..."

Perhaps because she had lived a good life.

The difficult-to-win audience ticket once again came to Yeon-ji.

"Ah—yes—!!"

Being able to see 7IN and the scholar in person again was like all the troubles of her life would disappear. Failing the college entrance exam felt like a build-up for this stroke of luck.

"Mom! I must have failed the exam for this!"

Her mom sighed and tapped her collarbone with her fist, but it was okay. After all, Yeon-ji was a daughter who was usually kinder than anyone in the world.

"Mom, don't be too disappointed! A slightly foolish but loving daughter is better than a cold-blooded genius, right?"

Throwing that half-baked excuse at her mom, the dutiful daughter headed to the Dynasty Castle. Overwhelmed by the grand set and performance venue she saw for the first time, Yeon-ji was completely mesmerized.

"Wow..."

What kind of performance would the scholar and 7IN show on this stage?

Just seeing their faces would make her happy. But to see them perform on stage as well. Yeon-ji was already excited about what concept and stage they had prepared this time.

Given the buildup of the story so far, they must have prepared a grand performance.

She had some expectations. Although she had hoped for a cute, boyish version of the scholar, she had already given up on that expectation.

Still, since it was a competition, it would be best if they performed well.

No matter what stage they put on, she would be happy.

With this thought, Yeon-ji vigorously waved her light stick. After a few mundane stages passed smoothly, it was finally 7IN's turn.

---