Season 1_Jang Ma-eum, an orphan with a family of 13

#26_Jang Ma-eum, an orphan with a family of 13

“Do you want to go first, Yeoju?”

Ah, shall we?

Yeah, I don't know when they'll finish.

I'll get it over with first, and if they get bored doing it, I'll give them a ride.

Beomju oppa makes a suggestion to me. Come to think of it, I only have one song, but how many do Seventeen have to do?

"I think you can go by yourself."

Sunyoung oppa got a little worked up. I think he really is jealous. He's so cute, seriously. But sorry, I'm not taking Sunyoung oppa's side! Hehe, I wonder how Sunyoung oppa will react this time.

I would be grateful if you gave me a ride.

“Wow… Jang Yeo-ju was really mean.”

As expected, his expression was a little funny. Is he that fond of me?

Let's go inside and sing for now.

"yes"

I opened the door to the recording studio, a place that always feels good. Because it is a place where I can show my whole self. I put on my headphones and surrender myself to the music playing. And then, I open my mouth.

“Wow… what’s up with Jang Yeo-ju?”

My songs aren't quite at that level. I mean, they aren't good enough to elicit cheers the moment you hear them. There are parts that just don't improve no matter how hard I try.

It’s really gotten much better. But you know…

But the only people who know that are Beomju and Jihun. It seemed to be because they are producers. Knowing my flaws and weaknesses and coaching me to improve.

But at this level, it's amazing that you can understand it.

I don't think you need to worry too much about it.

"thank you"

As I finished my brief thank-you and was leaving the recording studio, Seungwan said...

I taught you just once.

But it is much better than when I taught you.

Did your brother teach you?

Seungwan asks Seokmin. Seokmin shakes his head.

I agree with you. Who on earth taught you that?

Me once? But the female lead sings better than me.

There wasn't really anything to teach.

“No… Jisoo oppa sings so well…”

Well, even I can hear all the flaws in my own vocals.

Did you teach Jeonghan?

“They didn’t even come to me~ Did they not trust me~”

No… you guys are busy. Whenever you’re not busy

I went to see Jihoon oppa, Shua oppa, Seungkwan oppa, and Gyeom oppa. Because of that, I didn't have time to go to Jeonghan oppa…

It didn't happen, right?

Why are you putting so much effort into your excuses?

I wasn't trying to scold you.

He strokes my head again. I feel like I am melting at his gentle voice.

“How was Beomju hyung? Did Yeoju come here once?”

Jihoon asks. Even though I pretend otherwise, he seems a little surprised by the fact that my skills have improved noticeably.

I was contacted just once.

That was about a week ago, I think.

So I had the midterm evaluation here... and then I didn't come.

Your skills have improved tremendously. You interpreted the song brilliantly.

Jeonghan oppa is praising me again. Caught in this hell of insanely pouring praise, I feel good, but it's a little overwhelming. What should I do...

I'm really speechless.

How can you improve this much after just 5 lessons…

Seokmin oppa is impressed.

“No, wait, is it safe to say it’s number 4?”

“That’s right. I just came to get evaluated by Beomju hyung.”

Junhwi oppa agrees.

“It really seems like I was born with it. Of course, I worked hard too, though.”

Jisu, who lives right next door to my room, says this. It feels good to be acknowledged for my efforts. Oddly enough, I think it’s better to be recognized for my hard work rather than my skills. After all, being born with talent isn't something worth being praised for.

“Is it okay… to hear this much praise?”

I feel like I'm still lacking a lot...

No, it's enough. There is also potential for future growth.

It’s okay to hear this kind of praise.

"…huh"

It's okay, they wouldn't just give us this kind of praise for no reason.

I'm listening because I deserve the praise.

Jihoon and Jeonghan say, "Right, praise is the shortcut to becoming a better person. Let's not feel burdened by it. They are acknowledging who I am."

When you get praised, do what you're good at.

Just saying thank you.

Sunyoung oppa helped me view myself objectively.
Oh, right. Whenever I received a compliment, I always said "Thank you." That is why my self-esteem has risen so much.

“Yeah, I will. Thank you.”

In the warm atmosphere, Beomju naturally broke a remark.

“Yeoju, you know the part in the song where you rap?”

Ah… yes

In "Stay with Me," there is rap as well as singing. Or maybe there is even more rap. That is probably why they recommended this song to me, since it is my first time listening to a song.

It doesn't matter if you leave it empty, but wouldn't it be better if it were there?

I heard that EXO's Chanyeol sunbae is doing this...

It is true that Chanyeol is doing it, but,

It’s easier to listen to songs with rap in them.

“Ah… then what should we do?”

I don't think they should do it.

Do you happen to know anyone who raps?

I probably said it without expecting even the slightest bit. Unless I went to an arts high school, there was no chance of having a rapper next to me. But that impossible possibility has actually come true for me.

There is one. Someone named Han Seung-woo.

He's not a professional, though.

I'm really good at it.

There was no need to reveal the name, but I told you to make it easier to address you.

Then try contacting them.

“Yes, I will.”

And I think I need to practice other songs too.

It’s because I didn’t just practice "Stay with Me" during the 10 hours I spent practicing. I have already practiced all the songs you sent me. Though not as much as "Stay with Me."

“May I say, ‘I will go to you like the first snow’?”

I am being cautious because Soyou has already agreed to sing this song. Among the OSTs, "Stay with Me" was the only song that required an audition. The lineup of all the singers performing is absolutely stunning.

Hmm… that’s going to be really, really difficult.

"Still, I want to try it. The lyrics are so beautiful."

"Okay then. We can try it, and if it doesn't work, we can just change it."

"yes!"

After my audition questions are over, Beomju oppa begins preparing for the recording in earnest. Now it is time to record for the Seventeen album. The members who were dozing off, as well as those who had stepped out briefly, come back into the recording studio.