A singer can draw attention just by being skilled at playing various instruments.

A moderately popular mid-level singer can suddenly garner all the public's attention. The reason might be playing the piano at an exceptional level on a variety show. Or a rapper who has established a comedic character could suddenly change their image by masterfully playing the violin.

To a singer, instruments possess the power to captivate the public completely.

It was no different for idols.

Recently, the Korean idol market has become so saturated that good looks are a given, and charm and talent have become default expectations. Amid this, being outstanding at something, such as various instruments, composition, or lyric writing, becomes a clear means to stand out among many members.

However, there aren't many of them.

A small number means few have truly mastered instruments.

If it's just at a basic level, it's difficult to become a topic of conversation. The skill needs to be groundbreaking and far beyond expectations for the discerning public to start talking. And now, Kang Rojun had chosen the guitar as his first instrument to learn.

“Then should I pick up the guitar too?”

At Kang Rojun's words, laced with a faint smile.

“Huh?”

“What?”

PD Woo Han-suk and 58Si-hoo paused for a moment. A brief silence. After about five seconds passed, PD Woo Han-suk, who had taken off his glasses, asked again.

“...Rojun-nim, can you play the guitar?”

Following that, 58Si-hoo, eyes widened, chimed in.

“Didn’t you say you didn’t know how to play??”

Their expressions were quite different.

Of course, the current Kang Rojun didn’t know how to play the guitar at all. He was completely clueless. But overturning the situation wasn’t difficult.

‘Though I'll have to use microtransactions.’

Rojun, who thought for a moment, brushed his black hair.

‘At this timing, saying I have experience with the guitar sounds natural, right?’

Having reached a conclusion, he answered them suitably.

“I used to play it a bit as a hobby.”

PD Woo Han-suk smiled before he knew it.

“Why are you only telling us this now. You sure have a lot of secrets, Rojun.”

“As I said, it was just at a hobby level.”

“Haha, you call it a hobby and then flip everyone out again?? Anyway, can you play it for us once?”

Curiosity seemingly bursting, 58Si-hoo also urged him.

“Yeah, just show us briefly. You can borrow my guitar.”

Having accepted 58Si-hoo’s guitar almost involuntarily, Rojun answered, pretending to be composed.

“Sure, I’ll give it a try.”

PD Woo Han-suk and 58Si-hoo’s eyes widened. As their focus heightened, Kang Rojun suddenly stood up.

“Before that, I need to use the restroom.”

“Ah-”

PD Woo Han-suk let out a hollow laugh, his strength drained.

“What is this, are you doing a proper mid-commercial break like ‘I’ll be back in 30 seconds!’ Just go quickly.”

After exiting the meeting room, Kang Rojun entered the restroom on the same floor. Fortunately, it was empty, and he settled into an unfamiliar stall and immediately pulled out his phone. Naturally, he accessed the ‘AI Simulation’ app.

‘First, I should learn the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100.’’

Rojun tapped the ‘AI Automation’ button displayed on the main screen. He had already learned both the Korean and Japanese versions of the original ‘Survival 100'. So he thought the spin-off acoustic version would be cheaper. And that was correct.

-[AI Analysis in progress... Analysis complete!]

-[To obtain the desired results, 10 Coins are required.]

Learning the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100’ was possible with 10 Coins.

‘Definitely cheap, probably because I already learned the original version.’

Ten Coins was a total bargain. Even though it’s an acoustic version, the vocal atmosphere was completely different, and the track itself was released separately from the original. So it could be considered a new song learned for just 10 Coins. Smiling at the corners of his mouth, Kang Rojun pressed to approve the Coin usage. After seeing the familiar phrase, a brief tingle was felt on his wrist.

He slowly closed his eyes.

In his mind, in his senses, the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100’ was vivid. It felt like he could burst out into a passionate performance at any moment. Confidence. Certainty. After completing the first learning session, Kang Rojun.

-Swish.

Moved his finger again.

This time, he pressed the Inventory button on the main screen of the ‘AI Simulation’ app. One item immediately appeared.

-[1] 50% Discount Coupon for AI Automation

When he tapped the discount coupon, the ‘AI Automation’ prompts appeared again.

-[Through ‘AI Automation’ analysis, the desired outcome can be achieved. What would you like to achieve? (Only options related to the desired occupation: Idol)]

This time, he was going to learn the guitar.

‘Hmm- if I only learn the guitar for this acoustic version, it might be a bit cheaper, but if I’m going to learn it anyway, I might as well learn it properly like the languages, even if it's a bit more expensive.’

Rojun typed the instructions into the blank field. It felt similar to when he learned English or Japanese. The response came quickly.

-[AI Analysis in progress......Analysis complete!]

-[To derive the desired result, 380 Coins are required.]

-[Would you like to use the item ‘AI Automation 50% Discount Coupon’?]

380 Coins. Kang Rojun thought it was cheaper than expected.

‘Maybe it’s due to the stat enhancements?’

It seemed the musical foundation and knowledge he had gradually accumulated had helped. If he had attempted this earlier, it would have likely cost more. In any case, with the 50% discount, it came down to 190 Coins.

‘Learning an instrument with this level of investment is really a steal.’

Without hesitation, Rojun pressed ‘Approve’.

-[Applying......Application complete!]

Once again, he felt a tingling sensation on his wrist. This time, it was twice as strong.

“Ugh.”

The stinging sensation traveled from his forearm all the way to his brain. Soon, unfamiliar knowledge began to flood Kang Rojun’s mind. Specialized terms that were clearly new to him became familiar, musical scores and chords became vivid, and with just a bit of imagination, the melodies of countless guitars echoed in his ears.

He stretched out both hands.

There was nothing in his arms right now, but when he closed his eyes, a guitar appeared. His left and right hands settled on the guitar. Slowly, as instructed by his mind, his fingertips began to move. The acoustic version of ‘Survival 100’ played gently. The restroom was quiet, but it sounded vivid in Rojun’s ears.

That was when it happened.

-Bzzz.

-Bzzz.

His phone vibrated a few short times. It was a message from the ‘AI Simulation’ app.

-[You’ve completed the Title Mission ‘My First Instrument!’ A reward of 30 Coins has been granted.]

-[The title ‘Instrument Master’ has met its conditions and will now be applied!]

-[With the title ‘Instrument Master’ applied, a bonus Coin has been added to the mission reward.]

These were familiar phrases he had seen before. A 30 Coin reward.

‘An instrument-related title?’

Quickly returning to the main screen of ‘AI Simulation', Kang Rojun saw several changes. As expected, a new title had been added.

-[Title: Side Job Tycoon +3 / Recognition Monster +3 / Global Genius +2 / Instrument Master +1]

Just like Side Jobs and Global Languages, ‘Instruments’ was now added in his status.

-[Instruments: [1] Acoustic Guitar]

Since he already had experience, Rojun predicted the future.

‘This 'Instrument Master' title probably enhances each time I learn a new instrument.’

Just how many more titles could there be? There must be an endless amount. Anyway, what Kang Rojun had to do now was to rise higher and higher using the ‘AI Simulation’ to its fullest.

“Ah, from now on I’ll earn 14 Coins from Daily Missions.”

A little later.

When Kang Rojun returned to the meeting room, PD Woo Han-suk stood up as if he had been waiting.

“Was it a big one?!”

Rojun chuckled and replied.

“Yes, my stomach tends to twist up when I’m nervous.”

“Nervous, my foot. You soar freely even in front of thousands of people.”

As Kang Rojun turned his gaze, 58Si-hoo, who met his eyes, handed him the guitar he was holding.

“Here. It’s already tuned.”

At that moment.

“Wait a moment, Rojun. Any acoustic guitar is fine, right?”

“For now, yes.”

“Hold on.”

PD Woo Han-suk rushed out of the meeting room. About ten minutes later, he returned, slightly out of breath as if he had run.

“Here!!”

He held another guitar, who knew where he found it. And now, including Kim Se-hee, several female writers had joined.

“Why the sudden guitars?? I found one because PD-nim asked me to- but wait? Don’t tell me both of you can play??!”

Writer Kim Se-hee shouted with high tension. In an instant, the writers’ eyes were filled with curiosity and interest. Receiving the guitar from PD Woo Han-suk, Rojun confirmed the power of the instrument.

‘Well, it’s traditional. A guitar is perfect for captivating women’s hearts.’

Then, as PD Woo Han-suk sat down, the writers lined up behind him, and PD Woo Han-suk made a request to Rojun and 58Si-hoo.

“Since we’re at it, try playing together. Just like a rehearsal. Would it be too sudden?”

The reply came quickly from 58Si-hoo, who had arranged the acoustic version of ‘Survival 100.’

“It’s not that hard-”

He turned to Rojun, who was tuning the guitar beside him.

"Can you do it right away? The acoustic version, guitar or vocals."

The only time Rojun had heard the arrangement was once, when Si-hoo played it. Yet he nodded without concern.

"Don't you have sheet music? I think it'll be fine anyway."

“...Really?”

“Yeah. It’s been a while, so you lead, hyung.”

58Si-hoo narrowed his brows slightly.

‘Picking up the chords after hearing it once is one thing... but the way he’s tuning that guitar, it doesn’t feel like it’s been a while??’

The same went for PD Woo Han-suk and the writers.

‘Those familiar hand movements handling the guitar. Damn, now I’m really looking forward to this.’

Meanwhile, 58Si-hoo quickly pulled himself together.

“No, I’ve got the sheet music.”

If this were his first time seeing such a scene, he might’ve gaped in awe, but up until now, he had seen so many of Kang Rojun’s insane abilities.

“Alright, for now-”

He soon pulled out the sheet music he had brought and showed his composer side.

“Splitting parts too finely right now would be complicated, so let’s just do a line each simply. Let’s do the chorus together. Up to the first verse only.”

“Got it.”

And just like that, a guitar duet performance between Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo came together by chance. Rojun, now with his tuned acoustic guitar in his arms.

-Swish.

He gently swept the strings with his hand.

‘Feels rough.’

A strange but familiar sensation ran through his veins. Just a few dozen minutes ago, he was completely clueless, but now he was full of something. How to describe it- it felt as if the guitar strings were calling to Kang Rojun. As though he could play any song.

‘Well, I’ll still need to study the new songs though.’

Anyway, this must be what it felt like to be able to play an instrument. While Rojun was still savoring that rich emotion, PD Woo Han-suk and the female writers including Kim Se-hee were brimming with anticipation. Some even covered their mouths with one hand, despite this being just the preparation stage.

At the same time.

“Rojun-ah.”

“Yes, hyung.”

From the right, 58Si-hoo gave a signal with his eyes. In both their hands were picks. Slowly nodding heads. A silent cue for the start. Soon, from the guitars in their arms.

-♬♪

A gentle guitar melody.

With no processed embellishments, only the soft and fresh guitar sounds resonated. It was completely different from the original version of ‘Survival 100'. Before they knew it, the room filled with an atmosphere as if they were enjoying a cool breeze in peace.

A flawless intro.

While playing the guitar, 58Si-hoo glanced at Kang Rojun. A faint chuckle spilling out.

‘He’s good, as expected. It must be his first time, yet he’s playing like it’s his own song.’

The writers whispered in excitement.

“...Wow- ‘Survival 100’ transforms like this.”

“That two-shot with the guitars is insane.”

“From the intro, it’s already melting my ears.”

Among the two playing the guitar, the first to open his mouth was 58Si-hoo. At the same time, he stopped his strumming hand. To focus on vocals. Supporting the guitar melody now was Kang Rojun. 58Si-hoo, seemingly relaxed, sang the lyrics written by Rojun.

There was a touch of a sweet tone.

Next was Kang Rojun. When he took his hands off the guitar, 58Si-hoo took over the melody. Rojun’s vocals carried a bit more strength. The two traded lines like this a couple of times. Before the chorus, the vocal was 58Si-hoo, and Kang Rojun’s guitar performance included a slight ad-lib. He scratched, strummed. Calm but gradually building toward a climax.

In the chorus, the guitar melodies and the vocals of Rojun and 58Si-hoo blended together.

-♬♪

Though it wasn’t planned, their different vocal tones created a curious harmony.

Naturally, Kang Rojun and 58Si-hoo locked eyes.

Both paused their guitar playing for a moment. The clean vocals continued. It was a moment that gave the listener a sense of pacing and control. Even without the melody, nothing felt lacking. Then, Rojun and 58Si-hoo resumed their guitar playing in sync with the timing.

After the chorus, both the guitar and vocals softened.

The tempo slowed down.

At that moment, the frozen writers, struck by this calm and delicate melody, each recalled their own past, present, and future.

‘Ha... the hair on my arm just stood up. Chills.’

‘What is this?? It’s cool and dreamy, can’t even think straight.’

Some felt comfort, some were moved, some felt encouraged, and some were pierced by a tingling sensation.

‘I think... I like this more than the original. It’s easy on the ears. Really pulls me in.’

‘Si-hoo is great, but that Rojun is something else. How can purity and decadence be mixed like that?’

PD Woo Han-suk, too, was completely absorbed in the duet performance unfolding right before his eyes, and in his mind, he recalled the originally planned order for the small concert that would attract many audience members.

‘This special performance. I was originally going to put it around the middle.'

He flipped the plan in an instant.

‘No, this... this has to be the ending performance, no matter what.’

*****

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