While making money is definitely important to stay alive, I never knew how much of a sucker I was for it.
Perhaps it was because I've almost tasted death from the lack of it?
I'm not sure, but what I know now is...
I must milk others dry with my own efforts!
And that's why I'm standing on the side of a busy street with a cardboard box in front.
That's right, it's time for busking.
I sighed one more time, one hand holding a plastic spoon that acted as a microphone.
"Here goes nothing..."
I cleared my throat and opened my mouth. Whatever foul voice comes out now doesn't matter anymore.
~Tonight the star is me
Dazzling, go shining through
Pick me up, I don't feel like myself
So why don't you give me one more chance~
I sang for god knows how long.
I was wearing sunglasses, but my eyes were closed as I started feeling embarrassed.
Once I swallowed my shame and started singing as loud as I possibly can, I started sensing the presence of people around.
They were watching every gesture, every motion, listening to the one-man a capella I made up just one hour ago.
The weather was hot, the sun scorching relentlessly onto everyone who stopped and stood on the street.
The heat isn't the thing making me sweat, though.
I honestly thought I was over this sense of anxiety, but I was still sort of nervous.
Okay, maybe that's a bit of an understatement.
I was super nervous to be here.
But of course, I (can you guess?) held on.
Because mama didn't raise wimps.
Anyways, by the time I had finished singing four songs, the back of my neck was drenched in sweat.
I finally opened my eyes to see small crowd of people clapping, some having their phone cameras pointed at me.
"Oh, is it over?" A person in the back asked.
I nodded, then decided it was better to bow instead.
"Yes, thank you for listening!"
"You were great. Will you be performing here again?"
I was surprised, but quickly flashed that same service smile.
"I will this Thursday, at same time. Please do come."
This was pretty fun, I guess.
.
"14, 15... Exactly eighteen thousand won."
Seriously, people? I thought I was gonna earn more than this.
"Guess I could squeeze this into two days of food if I try."
It's fine, so long as I can eat.
I spent the next few hours singing in my apartment. Judging by people's reactions, my skills were good enough but still had room to improve.
I guess they were just stingy with money.
At evening, I went to the gym and worked out for about two hours then went back home.
I still sleep on a thin mattress.
It was as good as sleeping on the floor, but I convinced myself it was good for the spine.
I couldn't sleep and ended up checking Instapounds.
Oh, shit!
I'm trending again.
.
Under a post made by @ukeepmeup, there was a video attached of a man singing, wearing a hood and a cap.
This man could be anybody, and no one knew who he was.
Then there was a series of comments under that post, creating a new name for this street performer.
I can now proudly(?) call myself the Hongdae Siren!
These people need to get a life, or at least some more creativity.
First it was Rice Cake Oppa, now this?
Honestly, the title may be embarrassing, but that's actually not what I'm worried about right now.
So.
The thing is, my street performance...
It isn't legal.
If it had just been a small crowd surrounding me, I would probably get away with a scolding.
But the comments, some even saying they would use their break time to visit, are making me worry.
I might have to get permission from the council at this rate, and that's such a pain to do.
After all, the plan is to lay low and make my appearance on that idol program.
Now that I know Grandpa Jung wants me to work in his restaurant, this program doesn't mean much anymore.
But I am under a contract already, and I've already practiced anyway.
When the time comes, I'll just half-ass the show and get sent home. It sounds like the old man would like to see me on TV, too.
But anyways, back to the topic: I shouldn't make any stupid performances anymore.
I'll just go do another one on Thursday and see how the crowd is doing. If there's too many people, I can just find another plan to have people judge my singing.
...and make money out of it, if possible.
I slapped myself before I realized it.
"No! Why am I suddenly so materialistic?"
I need to gather myself and get some rest. These problems will be settled in like, three days, anyway.
.
Thursday came.
And I kept my promise to that girl from Monday, even arriving early.
I wore the same cap and sunglasses borrowed from Grandpa Jung, even a similar hoodie and sweatpants from last time.
An empty box was already placed in front of me.
This time, a street vendor stood nearby as if ready to sell to a crowd.
...why is this lowkey a big deal?
I sighed, having prepared more than before, too.
I had an e-bank code written on the cardboard and brought a Bluetooth speaker (also borrowed from Grandpa Jung).
This isn't necessarily because I want more money or anything. I just wanted to know more about what people think of my singing.
And money just happened to be a good way to find out.
If I sung well, they wouldn't be stingy. That's the completely logical thought process behind this.
No other reason.