The Transmigrated Author

[Seoul, Hongdae - Noerabang]

The interior of the Noraebang was a stark contrast to the urban landscape outside.

Nicely lit hallways led to private rooms, each decorated with garish wallpaper and flashing disco lights.

Rel followed Jan and Bazz down one of the hallways, his eyes adjusting to the subdued lighting.

He found it quite annoying that even indoors, the brightness of the lights didn't dim, but instead grew even brighter.

As they rounded a corner, they entered a small lounge area where Valencia, Lyra, Camila, Jae, and Alice were already gathered.

The lounge was furnished with plush couches and a low coffee table adorned with bowls of snacks and an assortment of drinks.

"I wouldn't have pegged you as the type to go to a karaoke session," Jae remarked with a smug grin, nudging Rel and nodding towards Alice, who sat in the corner, looking out of place.

"Because I'm not," Rel sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Why are you here?"

"Well, isn't it obvious?"

"..."

"No?"

Rel considered the possible reasons for Jae's presence but couldn't figure it out. He furrowed his brow in confusion.

"Argh... free food, free drinks, and a good social outing for a detox." She waved her hands around the room as if presenting a grand prize.

"Definitely doesn't sound like something you'd say."

"What makes you think that?" Jae tilted her head, and Rel shook his head at her reply.

"Don't worry, maybe it was my imagination."

"Okay then~, I'm looking forward to your platinum medal performance in the upcoming hour."

Rolling his eyes, Rel walked past Jae and sat down at the end of the couch, isolating himself from everyone else.

"Yeah, right," he muttered.

A few minutes later, Valencia, who had been speaking with the employee at the front counter, joined the group.

Her expression was brighter than usual after receiving a video call from her father, who congratulated her on receiving the Medal of Aspiration.

"Alright, I just finished speaking with the staff, and I've managed to book a room large enough for..."

Valencia, taking a look around, noticed that everyone she had invited was present.

But her instincts told her something was off, so just to be sure, she did a quick headcount to make sure there weren't any errors.

"2...4...6...7?" Valencia counted seven people in the lounge and her brow furrowed, thinking she had probably overcounted.

"How did we get seven?" She muttered to herself.

But as she went to check again, the number of people remained the same.

Seven.

She quickly took another look at everyone who was sitting and chatting.

Camila, Lyra, Jan, and Bazz were grouped up in a small circle.

Alice and Jae sat together, seemingly ready to go to the room and...

As she turned to the person sitting at the end of the row, there was no question about the confirmed seventh guest.

She rubbed her eyes, thinking she was dreaming, but her vision was crystal clear.

What she was seeing was reality.

"uuu...wah?!"

She not only blushed at the sight of him but her face turned red like a freshly picked tomato.

It was Rel, a person she hadn't expected to come.

Jan had only told her as a joke that he would get Rel to come since it wouldn't feel right that everyone could go but him.

Although in Valencia's head, she didn't think a smart guy like him was the type to go to karaoke anyway—or maybe he might secretly be into it.

His head was leaning against the couch, his hands spread across both sides of his neck, looking at the ceiling almost in boredom.

Then with impeccable timing, he raised his head from the couch and Rel's hair ended up getting caught between his glasses and his eyes.

Quickly taking his glasses off he brushed a hand down the middle of his hair seemingly fixing his messy hair without any problems.

Rel's tired eyes met Valencia's and for a moment Valencia found herself staring at him, but that focus would only be broken by the tap of her shoulder.

"Valencia..." Lyra's voice whispered into her ear.

"Eek!" Valencia flinched at the sudden contact of Lyra's hands on her hips and quickly turned around to face her.

"Y-yes?"

"When's the karaoke gonna start?"

Lyra dug her head deep into Valencia's chest and she bounced in and out trying to maintain her balance.

Valencia feeling slightly ticklish from her antics quickly pulled her head out from her chest.

"Um... now..."

Valencia quickly regaining her composure, got everyone to gather, and she led everyone to the room they were meant to head to.

*

[Rel's POV]

[You've created a new skill!]

[...]

[Luck Has Been Struck!]

[The following skill: Voice Of Enchantment Grading Has Changed.]

[Grade 4 -> Grade 3]

[Skill: Voice Of Enchantment [Grade 3] - This skill grants the user the ability to sing with captivating clarity and resonance. Their vocal cords are fine-tuned, allowing for effortless control over a wide range of tones and pitches. Breath control is enhanced, enabling sustained notes and the delivery of complex melodies.

The user's voice exudes an enchanting quality, captivating listeners with each word or note.

While everyone waited for Valencia to finish her booking I knew I wasn't going to be facing embarrassment like this.

So I created a skill that cost a cheap 1,500 BP since there was no harm in being better at singing the pricing wouldn't be affected since it doesn't harm the main story or any of the character's plot developments.

As Valencia called everyone to follow her the gaudy interior of the Noraebang assaulted my senses as we entered the designated room.

The walls were plastered with posters of pop stars I didn't recognize.

A large table sat in the center, laden with platters of food and pitchers of brightly coloured drinks.

Jan and Bazz immediately made a beeline for the karaoke machine, their fingers already flying across the song selection screen.

Taking a seat on the farthest couch from them I could only hope that I don't get picked to sing.

But knowing Jan I knew there was no taking chances with a guy like him and this was definitely not my idea of a good time.

Scanning the room, I saw Lyra sipping a neon-pink concoction.

Camila, despite her small circle of friends, was engaged in a lively conversation with Jae Yoona, an unexpected sight.

Alice, as usual, was quietly observing from her corner, her expression a mix of curiosity and bewilderment.

If I had to bet on the best singer, I'd choose either Bazz or Alice.

Bazz had the charisma of a performer, the last person you'd expect to be a good singer.

Alice, with a bit more confidence, could have pursued a music career, since she had the traits of an angelic and beautiful voice.

Since Valencia wasn't part of the first-year story arc, I was curious about her singing ability, considering she suggested this outing.

Turning towards her, I saw she was perched on the edge of a chair. The moment our eyes met, her cheeks flushed pink. She avoided my gaze, fiddling with a strand of hair.

Goddammit... I think I might have ruined her mood.

I should really keep my eyes to myself from now on.

_________

Authors Notes:

Best To Worst Singers (Excluding Valencia)

1. Alice Elizabeth

2. Bazz Wong

3. Jae Yoona

4. Camila Garica

5. Jan Ates