Chapter 177

“Silence” is a song performed by Shin Wan-seok, the vocalist of one of Korea’s representative bands, Secrifice.

It wasn’t just any ordinary song but the theme song of a manga.

At the time, when the animated series was imported from Japan, replacing its original soundtrack with a new one caused some discussion. However, thanks to the outstanding quality of the song, combined with the fact that the vocalist was none other than Shin Wan-seok, everything fell into place.

As time passed, though many have forgotten, there are still many who remember the song.

Who could have guessed that the song would be performed on a show other than *Masked Singer*?

Even more surprising to the anime fans was the fact that it was a woman who had chosen to sing it.

– Kyaaa, this Man-Lap Rabbit really knows good music.

– This song is a classic, yeah? The original version is amazing as well. The anime was good too.

– So what is this? Stop being such obsessed fans.

– Haven’t you seen this?? I still haven’t, but I hope to soon.

Originally, it was a ballad-style song, and the vocal style that Man-Lap Rabbit had demonstrated until this point also followed a similar tone, so everyone expected the same in this performance.

However, the arrangement was somewhat different.

Starting off with a sharp electric guitar sound and transitioning into soaring high notes.

– What is this? The high notes are unexpectedly clean?

– It sounds clean because the voice is so good.

– It’s not actually that high since it was originally a male song, but she handled it very well.

It felt more upbeat but managed not to lose the essence of *Silence.*

The quality of this arrangement was incredible, leaving everyone wondering who had done it.

As the song continued, the audience, which had initially cheered, gradually changed their expressions.

Was their reaction bad?

No, in fact, exactly the opposite.

The song had an almost magical power that made everyone listen quietly.

It was as if they were fully immersed in the song.

There was something unusual about Man-Lap Rabbit’s singing, something that stirred the emotions of others.

It had a power to resonate deeply with people.

Though the audience didn’t know why, the singing was so compelling that it drew them into the music almost naturally.

This was the strongest weapon that allowed Man-Lap Rabbit to advance through the rounds and reach this point.

Her voice and the ability to stir emotions.

Perhaps this is why, during her performance, the frequency of posts on community forums and SNS dramatically decreased.

Finally, ending with a dazzling guitar sound, Man-Lap Rabbit wrapped up her song.

– Did I know she was this good?

– She’s hitting her peak today.

– The Ashen Crow probably won’t have an easy time.

Most people had predicted Ashen Crow’s victory in this King of Masks battle.

Some even thought it was too easy.

However, after Man-Lap Rabbit’s performance, the audience’s opinion split half and half.

In fact, the momentum seemed to sway in favor of Man-Lap Rabbit.

– Who the heck is she? Is she a singer?

– She’s probably an idol singer; at least, that much is clear.

– How can an idol sing like this?

– Idols these days can sing pretty well.

Questions about who Man-Lap Rabbit was quickly appeared, followed by positive responses from the hosts and panelists.

“This song apparently became the reason for a first meeting between her parents,” the host explained.

The altered voice proceeded to explain that this was why the song was chosen.

– Isn’t this just emotional manipulation?

– Is it real?

– Is it really? (laughs)

– If this worked to get girlfriends, I should have over ten by now (laughs).

“Stop… Just stop talking.”

The audience wasn’t really buying Man-Lap Rabbit’s story.

After all, it had to make sense before they could believe it.

Of course, the panelists and hosts just clapped enthusiastically, saying things like, “Wow, this song being the reason for a meeting between parents — that’s amazing!”

The crowd members who knew the reality, Sua and Young-bin, could only cover their faces in their hands and bow their heads, shocked by how their daughter had introduced the song.

Anyway.

“Standing before the final round for the King of Masks crown, do you think you can secure victory against the formidable Man-Lap Rabbit?”

With a booming MC Song Byung-soo’s question ringing out, Ashen Crow took the center stage and grabbed the microphone.

“Sure, my memories will win.”

At the confident declaration, the audience erupted in cheers.

The strumming of a guitar joined in at the signal from Ashen Crow.

– Declaring victory the moment he stepped on stage is intense.

– ‘I’ll win.’

Again, the atmosphere was similar.

Not the usual kind of song you’d hear in Korea, more like something you’d hear as an OST.

The song was so unexpected, many guessed it might be an original composition.

Of course, there’s no rule against using an original song on *Masked Singer*.

But it rarely happens because it risks turning into a new song unveiling.

Also, if the original was revealed later and it was new, it might leave a bad impression.

So, using such a gamble was highly unlikely.

‘What song could it be?’

‘Another anime theme?’

Indeed, such were the audience’s reactions.

However, when Ashen Crow grabbed the microphone, the atmosphere completely changed.

It was a refreshing song.

Much like what Man-Lap Rabbit had performed earlier.

The skill and technique were top-notch.

Though no one knew what the song was, it had an irresistible rhythm that made people nod along.

In terms of evoking empathy, though, reactions were mixed.

There was something that didn’t resonate with everyone.

However, there were people who did feel it.

Of course, this was natural.

– But I think Man-Lap Rabbit was better.

– It’s kind of emotional but not really my taste.

– But the technical skill is truly exceptional.

Such comments appeared online.

Meanwhile.

– What is this song? It’s amazing.

– I think I’ve heard this somewhere…

– There’s a vague memory from a long time ago, but I can’t recall where.

Other reactions like these surfaced as well.

Even though the song didn’t resonate with everyone, it had an undeniable charm that pulled people in.

“You see, sis, she sang whatever she wanted, and look at those reactions.”

With these words from the manager Song Ara, Yeo-hee chugged a can of beer.

Is that the important part right now?

What comes next is.

“Anyway, we won.”

“Winning by singing your own song—that doesn’t count as a real win, huh.”

“But, technically speaking, this song isn’t mine. I haven’t even registered the copyright.”

“Wow. You’ve done well again.”

Manager Song Ara’s head also ached a bit.

She already knew what was coming next.

It was natural for this type of reaction to occur.

Initially, Yeo-hee hadn’t composed the song with the general public in mind.

To her, it was like abandoning the Hall of Fame and singing just for one person.

There was no way that one person would resonate with everyone.

‘Longing just keeps overflowing, doesn’t it?’

Hardly crossing that line, yet ultimately not meeting, just watching from afar— that’s where it ends.

Who knows for how long this situation will continue?

‘Maybe Mr. Kang Tae-jin instructed the editing team, right?’

Sua and Young-bin’s faces didn’t appear on the broadcast.

Apparently, showing them would easily lead to identifying Man-Lap Rabbit.

Clearly, the production team had carefully edited the footage.

‘Anyway.’

The song was fantastic.

Really.

Had Yeo-hee sung for the public—she could have resonated with them more.

This was a song for one person.

Or maybe for two.

For the object of her longing, and the rabbit below who gazes up at her.

A prelude.

Yeo-hee often says it as a catchphrase: that her life is always a prelude.

Apparently, this song forms the basis for that belief.

‘I don’t know if it got across though.’

Before revealing the winner, the MC’s skillful time management kept the viewers’ reactions fervently ignited.

– You bastards in the audience, speak up!

– WHO WON?!?!

This match had an unusually uncertain result.

Given such reactions, Yeo-hee thought she had done the right thing.

Of course, had she lost, her ego would have been completely bruised.

‘Anyway.’

While hearing the show prolong the announcement, Yeo-hee thought about different things.

About Young-bin and Seoyeon.

Strangely, it felt like they were hesitating about something.

The reason for Seoyeon’s hesitation was unclear, but Young-bin’s, she understood somewhat.

Chasing dreams now means there are things to protect, so he can’t recklessly go on adventures by himself anymore, right?

She thought it wasn’t a mistaken way of thinking.

No, it was probably the right decision.

But Yeo-hee wanted to see just a little more of the old Young-bin.

The Young-bin who would dive in first without thinking.

‘If you can do it but don’t, you’ll regret it, Young-bin.’

Thinking about that him, she sighed.

She truly believed it was okay.

After all, there were definitely people who believed in him and were willing to support him.

That much was clear.

“Sis, sis! The result is out! It’s out!”

Finally, the result of the *Masked Singer* King of Masks battle was announced.

After twenty minutes of dragging out time, Ashen Crow emerged victorious by just two votes.

Effectively, it was decided by one vote.

Though no one knew who that one person was.

Still, the content after this win was far more important.

At this moment, Yeo-hee and Young-bin were enthusiastically sharing a silent communication of thumbs-up.

At least that’s what she thought.

The problem was Seoyeon.

On *Masked Singer*, the loser had to, naturally, reveal their true identity by removing their mask.

– Who could it be? Isn’t the hottest guess Flara from Elevenrain?

– Absolutely not Flara. (laughs)

– Definitely a singer; I’m confident after seeing the King of Masks round.

– It’s an idol, for sure. He seems young from how he talks.

Amidst such online reactions.

“Alright, as everyone has been waiting for, Man-Lap Rabbit! Please remove your mask!”

At Song Byung-soo’s request, Man-Lap Rabbit hesitantly started removing the mask.

As expected, it made a creaking sound while tearing.

After struggling, it finally came off.

From under the mask, long black hair tumbled down.

Finally, a pair of reddish eyes like a rabbit were revealed.

– What???

– Is it really Su-yeon Joo???

– Really? Can Su-yeon sing this well?

– Then what was going on in Dream Future??

The audience and panelists burst into a commotion when the face underneath the mask was revealed.

Most had assumed the performer would be a singer, an idol, or someone involved in music.

No one expected it to be an actress.

Moreover, Seoyeon was known to have only been learning to sing for a while now.

And she had achieved this level of skill?

‘You fooled them well.’

Indeed, Yeo-hee blinked sleepily, observing the surrounding reactions.

The person who had arranged the song had done an excellent job, perfectly matching the vocalist’s strengths for Seoyeon.

Whoever it was, they were no ordinary talent.

Anyway, that wasn’t the most important thing now.

“Man-Lap Rabbit is none other than actress Su-yeon Joo! Isn’t this surprising? How much practice did you do?”

Song Byung-soo spoke in genuine amazement.

He couldn’t believe Su-yeon could sing this well.

– Was it Su-yeon Joo who sang the Sky Garden OST?

– Could it be?

– It might be real, judging by her voice now.

– Isn’t it strange for someone’s skills to grow so fast?

In the midst of such passionate reactions, Seoyeon mentioned a few things that gave hints.

“Recently, I’ve been working on music projects, so my skills have been improving faster.”

Music projects.

“An older sister from my current drama has helped me a lot with this arrangement.”

Older sister from the current drama.

The name that came to mind in relation to music was only one: Na-hee Cha from Summer Girls.

– Na-hee Cha arranged it?

– Na-hee Cha? This is so unexpected! The song’s really good.

– What’s going on with the Summer Girls group having such an idol at their disposal?

– Stop. They’re on a hiatus right now.

– Well, they haven’t been active anyway, lately.

– But they did compose the Sky Garden OST.

Just as a skirmish with the Summer Girls fandom was about to start…

Seoyeon seemed satisfied with having accomplished her obligation; her shoulders bounced slightly.

A strangely proud look on her face.

Despite losing the King of Masks round, she seemed more at ease and oddly touched, making people realize the reason later.

– Hmm, if she had become the King of Masks, it would’ve been a laughable situation considering she came here for drama promotion.

– That’s right. She probably showed up for drama promotion, huh?

It was true that Seoyeon had no special reason to appear on *Masked Singer*.

After all, the show had recently turned into a talent-rehabilitation program for celebrities.

For drama promotion, this was relatively cute.

Even her slightly bouncing shoulders were a well-known gesture fans associated with her feeling good, something typically seen in variety shows.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say lastly?”

When MC Song Byung-soo suggested this, Seoyeon hesitated to nod her head no but…

“Yes, there’s something I’d like to say.”

The sudden declaration made Yeo-hee, who was sipping beer with her manager, freeze and focus intently on the TV screen.

At that time, both were distracted by other things, missing what exactly Seoyeon had said.

However, judging from the surrounding reactions…

‘I shouldn’t have rejected watching the video so casually.’

Yeo-hee, who turned down a video sent after the filming out of nostalgia, naturally faced all sorts of scolding from Song Ara.

“It was an original composition, but Man-Lap Rabbit has heard this song as well.”

“Ah, really? But it’s new to me.”

Everyone had assumed the song by the Ashen Crow was original.

However, Seoyeon claimed she had heard this before.

– What? Is it a real song?

– Oh, I remember now. It’s from a university music festival! For real!

– University music festival??? Are you kidding me?

– Is that even a legit genre these days?

– University music festivals still exist, though… I heard it ages ago now that I think about it…

As people speculated on the song Yeo-hee had sung, Yeo-hee and manager Song Ara watched in disbelief.

“Back when our parents were in a gaming club, they developed a game and inserted the song into it.”

“Ah, so it’s an original piece?”

“Yes. The voice sounds familiar, surprising me a bit.”

After saying this, Seoyeon looked late into the crowd at Ashen Crow, sticking out her tongue playfully as if to tease.

The meaning wasn’t understood at the time, but now it was clear.

It was out of frustration.

Seoyeon had lost her battle but perhaps had a small urge to be a little petty.

Though this wasn’t a small bit of pettiness at all.

‘Ugh, Seoyeon…’

Realizing the full extent of that gesture, Yeo-hee covered her face with both hands.

At the same time, her phone started ringing like crazy as if on fire.

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