Devil’s Music

It has been two weeks since Geon returned to the United States. A new semester had begun, and although Geon went back to school, he was no longer a part of the usual student dynamics, which spared him from strenuous classes.

Geon, who had either already known the content or completed the courses, found that the only person he could discuss his situation with was Professor Sharon. He had visited her before the semester began and since he saw her daily, he felt no hesitation knocking on her office door. Sharon was alone in the middle of her office, sitting on a makeshift chair with a guitar.

"Oh, professor? Even someone of your stature practices?"

Sharon set her guitar aside with a gentle smile.

"A musician must practice daily to prevent rusting, come sit over here."

Geon sat down on a couch where he usually conversed with her, his anxious gaze not escaping Sharon's notice as she smiled and started to brew some tea.

"You’re here because you're pondering whether to continue school?"

Geon, startled that Sharon had read his mind, fidgeted and replied.

"No, well, it’s not exactly that, it’s just something I’m contemplating."

As the water boiled, Sharon poured it into a teacup containing a tea bag and offered Geon a cup.

"Ha-ha, it makes sense. I've seen many students at your age who became stars, grappling with such decisions and eventually dropping out."

Geon pursed his lips as he watched the steam rising from the teacup.

"What should I do, professor?"

Sharon, with a beautiful smile, lifted her cup and blew on the tea to cool it.

"Ha, ha, ha, delicious. Have some."

After taking a sip of the tea on Sharon's urging, Geon cracked a slight smile.

"I always feel this way, but your tea is really delicious. Ah! I’ve got some tea leaves from a friend in England, their mother grows them herself. I’ll bring some tomorrow; the flavor is exceptional."

"Ha-ha, that would be lovely. I’ll gladly drink it."

As Geon discussed his school life and personal dilemmas, Sharon simply listened without a word. The most troubling aspect for Geon was the classes that seemed pointless; the professors were capable, but the education was tailored so that students who were learning and professors were on the same level, which didn't help him.

It had been over a week since Geon felt he was just killing time at school. He had a lot on his mind, and his monologue continued for a while.

Sharon patiently waited for him to stop talking before she finally placed her cup down.

"Are you done?"

Geon, who had not shared these worries with classmates like Byungjoon or Lin because they seemed distant, felt somewhat relieved as he sank into the couch.

"Phew, yes, I’ve said it all."

Sharon smiled with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Do you feel better?"

Geon looked into Sharon's eyes blankly before breaking into a deep smile.

"Yes, I feel relieved."

Sharon tested the tea with the back of her hand to see if it was still warm and propped her chin while locking eyes with Geon.

"You didn’t really need a discussion, did you?"

Confused, Geon asked.

"What? Yes, that’s right."

Sharon smiled and said,

"You just needed someone to listen to your complaints, didn’t you? The Geon I know doesn’t shift his decisions onto others; he’s someone who listens to others' opinions but pushes forward with his own beliefs and decisions, a real stubborn one, right? Haven’t you been told that often?"

As Byungjoon flashed in Geon’s mind, he smiled awkwardly and nodded, prompting Sharon to laugh.

"See? You just wanted to vent your frustrations. So, have you made a decision?"

Geon sighed before replying.

"I’ve been attending for three years, and with just one year left, I think I should stick it out a bit longer, though I don’t want to waste time, so I haven’t decided yet."

Sharon nodded thoughtfully before suddenly looking at Geon and saying,

"Don’t want to waste time? Then let's make it not a waste."

Geon looked at Sharon with puzzled eyes, and she explained with a smile,

"You’re in your senior year, right? Typically, universities encourage seniors to do internships or job placements and consider it for academic credit. We don’t have such a policy at Juilliard, but if your professor agrees, your activities can be credited."

Geon, slightly surprised, asked,

"Do you think the dean would allow it?"

"Ha-ha-ha, who do you think you are? The dean would try anything to prevent you from dropping out. If you hint at possibly quitting otherwise, what can they do? Ha-ha."

Worried that he might be bothering others with his decision, Geon's

expression grew contemplative, and Sharon approached to gently squeeze his shoulder.

"I’ll handle it, so just prepare for what comes next. After you graduate, you’ll live a musician's life, and there’s much to prepare."

Geon looked up at Sharon with gratitude in his eyes and gently placed his hand over hers on his shoulder, smiling.

"I’m really lucky you’re my professor."

"Ha-ha, I’m glad to hear that. Want some cookies too?"

"Yes, please."

Sharon opened a drawer, took out a paper-wrapped cookie, and placed it in a dish.

"Actually, I have one more concern. It’s not really something to discuss with you, professor... haha, I feel like a kid who wants to tell everything to their mom. Will you listen?"

As Sharon approached the table with the dish of cookies, she smiled and replied,

"I’m not old enough to be your mom, but it feels nice. Tell me anything."

Geon crossed his arms and thought of Arthur.

"I recently made an investment. A friend in England is launching a watch brand. Since I'm an investor, I want to help by appearing in advertisements, but I'm clueless about business."

Sharon looked puzzled.

"Huh? Doesn’t Son Lin, the marketing genius, work for you?"

Geon scratched the back of his head.

"Ah... this investment is personal. Unless Fantagio handles the profit distribution, I can't ask the director for help. They're too busy to listen."

Sharon chuckled.

"Have you tried talking to them?"

"No, I haven’t even mentioned it. But since Byungjoon knows, Director Lin probably knows about my personal investment."

"Just try talking to them."

"Ah, how can I? I'd feel bad..."

"Ha-ha, they might be waiting for you to ask."

"Really? Why would they wait? They’d be annoyed, they’re always so busy..."

Sharon pushed the cookies towards Geon as if to say, taste this.

"Hmm, looks like you still have a reason to be at school. You need more mental growth, ha-ha."

Geon looked puzzled.

"Mental growth?"

"Ha-ha, 'the other person will think this, so I should act like that.' This thought process is natural for someone who has manners and common sense. Those who lack such thoughts cannot truly consider others."

Geon nodded as Sharon continued.

"But, Geon. What if 'the other person will think this' is wrong?"

"Uh... if that’s wrong..."

"Ha-ha, then the actions that follow are also wrong. It’s not just that my actions are wrong; not asking for advice or help on important matters from someone who cares about you can disappoint them."

"Ah... I see."

"Try talking about it. If it doesn’t work out, just apologize."

"Maybe I should?"

"Want to try it here?"

"Right now?"

"Yes, ha-ha. I'm curious too."

After some hesitation, Geon pulled out his phone but lingered over calling Lin’s speed dial. Sharon, finding it amusing, ate cookies while waiting. Geon glanced at her, pressed the call button, and blurted out,

"Screw it!"

"Ha-ha-ha, good."

The call tone sounded, and Lin’s calm and composed voice answered as usual.

"I was wondering when you’d call, Geon."

Expecting a hello or preparing a greeting, Geon was perplexed.

"Yes?"

"It took you longer than I thought. You’re calling about the investment thing, right?"

"How did you know?"

"He-he, you’re practically a novice in that area, so naturally, you’d ask for my help."

"Is it possible, Director? It’s a personal investment, not company business..."

"Why is that a personal matter? It’s part of increasing your stock value."

"Really?"

"Everything’s designed and ready. Now that you’ve called, we just need to execute it."

Gratitude filled Geon’s eyes as he held the phone.

"Director..."

After a brief silence, Lin spoke again.

"Whenever you need anything, come to me. I’m always here to help you."

Tears welled up in Geon’s eyes as he wiped them and smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Director."

"I’m heading to the U.S. tomorrow. There’s a meeting, so please wear a suit."

"A meeting?"

"Yes, a meeting. It’s with the board of Gretsch, the company that made your White Falcon guitar. Wear a suit even if it’s uncomfortable."

"The Gretsch that made the White Falcon? Why?"

"We need to sell watches, Geon."

"What does that have to do with watches?"

"Ha-ha, we’ll talk about it tomorrow. See you then."

As the call ended, Geon looked up, and Professor Sharon, smiling brightly, snapped her fingers.

"Resolved, right? Ha-ha."

Geon looked back and forth between his phone and Sharon, a smile gradually spreading across his face. Having never regretted following Lin’s advice before, he decided to fully trust her this time too. Warm air filled the professor’s office as the two chatted comfortably.

>

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