Chapter 198: Shining Star
"Prodigy"
Talent bestowed by the heavens.
A term used to describe those blessed with unparalleled abilities that ordinary individuals cannot replicate. Since childhood, the protagonist of this divine gift had frequently heard the term 'prodigy' from those around him.
Hence, he came to believe himself as someone distinctly different from others. No, indeed, he was extraordinary.
"He could converse with instruments through music."
Such an ability might have been akin to a special 'gift' that only an all-powerful 'deity' could bestow.
However, for him, this 'gift from the gods' seemed more like a cursed blessing...
Among all the instruments he could masterfully handle, the protagonist cherished four the most. Among these, the piano and violin, companions since childhood, held the most precious spots in his heart.
In truth, the protagonist had always aspired to become a violinist rather than a pianist. But due to parental pressure, his once lively nature transformed into introversion as he reluctantly played the piano.
This transformation gave rise to two characters: 'Yukinojo Kaori,' representing his vibrant and cheerful side when the violin played, and 'Igawa Rei,' mirroring his quiet and introspective nature while playing the piano.
Likewise, his hobbyist pursuit of the cello birthed the character 'Haruka,' and when he ascended to become a world-renowned pianist... he created the character 'Satsuki,' embodying a cynical and stringent persona.
They were embodiments of the protagonist's life, perpetually by his side, believed to never waver.
"But fate bestowed upon him all abilities and then, at the tender age of 28, took everything away."
Under the shadow of Alzheimer's disease, erasing memories not just of those around him but even of the four women who had been with him since childhood, his world grew dim.
The true ending of the 'gift from the gods' showcased scenes from the protagonist's childhood, illustrating the pivotal events in the game through different illustrations.
What struck me was how each chapter's concert, based on branching paths, symbolized a solo performance representing each heroine's instrument a revelation that left a profound impact.
"It was all just a fading fantasy for a protagonist losing his memories..."
The recollection scenes with heroines during the prepared performance segments in each chapter were, in fact, unfinished tales about his instruments and their departures.
For a protagonist whose limited sociability had kept his human connections narrow, these four heroines were lifelong friends, akin to companions.
Among them, Yukinojo Kaori, the first to approach the protagonist in his childhood with the violin, approached in the final ending, holding a bouquet, shyly smiling as she leaned in for a kiss.
"You did well..."
With the smiles of the heroines surrounding him, the camera zoomed in on the protagonist's face, revealing his voice for the first time.
It was as composed and tranquil as I had imagined.
"Thank you... for everything."
*BEEP*
And then, as I realized the significance of the last ringing beat, a single tear trickled down my cheek.
Like closing the final chapter of a novel, once again, a lingering feeling remained, haunting my heart.
"Sigh..."
Unconsciously, the sigh echoed in the quiet room.
As I listened to Nakamura's story and reloaded the save file of the last chapter, it still struck me as an incredibly profound ending.
"Kwak... Kwak..."
Turning to the crow's cry outside the window, I saw the crimson evening glow, beautifully painted along with the clouds.
"Oh, the record store. The boss must be waiting."
Alert now, I hurriedly wiped away the tears and grabbed the guitar case.
*Ting-a-ling*
Entering the record store, the familiar chime of the bell greeted me along with a man whose face seemed recognizable.
"Kanna, you came at the right time. This person is..."
"Oh no, no need for introductions. It's the third time we've met."
The man in his early thirties, wearing a relaxed smile, looked at me.
"Is that so?"
"Kang Junhyuk... Director?"
Unconsciously mumbling his name, I was approached by the record store owner who inquired.
"You came from Pentagon Soft. You wanted to listen to the songs yourself..."
"Oh..."
"Your story about Kanna... It's become quite the talk in online communities. Didn't you know?"
"My song?"
The online community he mentioned was probably the PC communication Nakamura talked about. I vaguely recalled hearing about it from Nakamura, but I never dreamed that such stories about me would spread so widely in such places where we didn't even know each other's faces.
"Would it be alright to listen for a moment?"
"Ah, well..."
"Don't be too nervous. I've come here purely out of a personal interest to listen to your song again."
I stared at his face for a moment before slowly nodding my head.
After a while, people who had been wandering around the area slowly gathered near the small stage set up by the boss.
When did it start? Initially, it was about 4 to 5 people listening to my music, but now, around 40 to 50 people had gathered. Could this be the 'power' Nakamura mentioned from PC communication?
Tuning the guitar strings and adjusting my voice a few times, I took out a matchstick from my pocket and lit the candle.
It was early February now...
Though the chilly wind still blew on the streets, it didn't feel as harsh as January.
As the small flame flickered inside the glass bottle, the voices around gradually faded.
Director Kang Junhyuk and the record store owner were conversing nearby, glancing at me occasionally.
The sense of awkwardness was palpable, but I chose not to dwell on it. What mattered most was capturing the mood and music of the song.
That alone was sufficient.
Even as each passing day added a touch of unfamiliarity,
I believed our hearts always stood side by side.
Saying it's okay even if we can't be together,
Attempting to act strong only mixes sighs within.
Like jewels left amidst passing seasons,
They're precious pieces of an incomplete puzzle lost.
As the white snow blanketed the streets,
May this album be filled with memories~
Closing my eyes, lips trembling with the intention of sharing my song with the crowd, a rush of relief washed over me as the tension ebbed away, almost as if it were a lie.
"Oh, as expected, it's excellent, isn't it?"
Despite feeling a flush of heat at Director Kang Junhyuk's praise, I didn't meet his gaze. Finishing my performance with the second verse, I released a soft breath, placing my hands down from the guitar strings.
Instantly, a cascade of cheers erupted from the gathered audience.
"Wow~!!! That was amazing."
"Your voice is fantastic..."
"But when does 'that' come on?"
"Just wait. 'That song' comes almost towards the end."
"Did you really attach lyrics to the ending theme of 'Gift from the Gods'?"
"I accidentally listened to it once before, and the moment I heard it, my heart froze. If you give it a listen, you'll be in for a surprise."
"Though I couldn't make it to S rank due to my lacking skills, the true ending revealed in the community... it was truly extraordinary..."
"Ah, 'Streets Without Me' after that, the second impact that will go down in history..."
"Streets Without Me and how many times does that Director Kang Junhyuk kill off the protagonist? There's no devil alive like him, right?"
Despite nearly bursting into laughter at snippets of conversation from the audience somewhere, I held back forcibly. What might Kang Junhyuk himself be thinking as he listens to their conversation?
Clearing my throat briefly, I started the second song.
As I plucked the guitar strings a few times, sighs of admiration poured from nearby listeners.
"Huh? Is this...?"
"The ending theme of 'Gift from the Gods.'"
"Already!?"
"Ah, perfect timing. I came here specifically to listen to this, and you've nailed it."
As the crowd reacted, I turned slightly to look at Director Kang Junhyuk, who stood with a satisfied expression, thumbs up in my direction.
The first time I laid eyes on you...
I knew of my sorrowful love...
It could happen, it could not happen...
My lonely heart...
On the way to meet you...
I knew of my painful love...
The tremor deep within my body...
Fear grows larger than excitement.
&
After the short five-song performance ended, stepping back into the store, the owner offered a warm cocoa.
"Have some of this while you warm up."
"Thank you, sir."
"Well, I'm even more thankful. Thanks to Kanna, there have been more customers lately."
"Oh, really?"
With deep-set wrinkles, the owner chuckled warmly at me.
Behind him, Director Kang Junhyuk also looked at me with a contented expression.
"I enjoyed the songs."
"H-how were... they?"
"Great lyrics that suit the serene melody. Yuki would have loved it, I think?"
"Oh, speaking of which, Yuki unnie gave birth on December 24th last year, right...?"
At that, Director Kang Junhyuk raised an eyebrow and asked me.
"How did you know that?"
"Well... On the day of 'Gift from the Gods' release, I went to buy it. But then I heard that you rushed to the hospital because of your wife's delivery..."
"Ah, Kanna was here that day too. I'm sorry. If we had talked then, this conversation might've been smoother..."
Director Kang Junhyuk scratched the back of his head, smiling sheepishly.
"I thought of calling you using the contact information you left earlier, but somehow, I couldn't muster the courage..."
Feeling embarrassed, I swallowed the cocoa the owner had brought, lowering my head to the floor. Kang Junhyuk smiled without reservation and spoke up.
"Are you free now by any chance?"
"Huh? Ah, yes... Today's the day off for the store."
"Then, would you mind going to a cafe for a moment and talking to me? I have a favor to ask Kanna."
"A f-favor...?"
"Yes. I want to distribute the ending theme of 'Gift from the Gods' through Laon's download sharing router. What do you think?"
>
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