Gun, having spotted Bimad, raised a hand and smiled.
"Over here, Bimad. Ah! Is that my hat? Thank you, it was a favorite of mine."
As Gun expressed delight upon seeing his hat, Bimad awkwardly approached, holding out the boater hat he had been clutching.
"Is it really here?"
"Ha, of course."
Noticing the two women seated beside Gun glancing around as he looked around for a seat, they quickly got up and brought over an extra chair from a secluded corner.
"Here! Sit here."
The woman who brought over the chair sat next to Bimad and said, as he awkwardly laughed and took a seat,
"Ha, it's an honor to have women bring over chairs when I'm with K. I'm just laughing here."
Aaron handed over a stout with a smile, saying,
"You introduced our bar, right? Thanks to you, all the customers are trying K's favorite beer. Yours is on the house."
Bimad, receiving the stout with a surprised look, glanced around to see everyone in the pub drinking stout. Seeing Gun, Bimad put down his glass with an apologetic look.
"Ah.. This wasn't my intention.."
Gun waved off the apology, patting Bimad's shoulder,
"No, Bimad. Buying the beer was my choice, not because of you. Ha, will you give me the hat?"
After a moment's hesitation, Bimad startledly handed over the hat.
"Ah! So, sorry. I was too surprised today."
Gun placed the hat on the table and held out his glass,
"Here's to your last night."
"Ha, thank you, K."
After clinking glasses, Bimad sneakily glanced at Gun. The side view of Gun, laughing and drinking beer, seemed beautiful even to a man's eyes. Turning to look at the woman sitting beside Gun, her eyes became dreamy as she attempted to drink her beer, captivated by Gun's profile. Bimad chuckled at the woman, and Gun raised an eyebrow and asked,
"Hm? Why? Laugh with us."
"Ah, ha, no, it's nothing."
As Gun stared at Bimad, Aaron approached and said,
"K, sorry, but the customers are all staring at you, and there's no space left. Wouldn't it be more comfortable to come inside the bar to drink?"
Gun, puzzled, looked towards the spot Aaron was indicating inside the bar and asked,
"You mean to come to the spot where Aaron is standing?"
Aaron, resting his hands on his hips, nodded and gestured towards the inside of the bar,
"Yes, there's no place as free and comfortable as here. It's designed so only the staff can enter. Bimad and you can drink comfortably, and the women beside you and our customers can gaze at you to their heart's content, right? Ha."
After a moment of thought, Gun turned to Bimad and asked,
"Is that okay?"
"Ah! Of course!"
Bimad quickly stood up, offering his chair to Aaron before attempting to carry Gun's chair, but Gun stopped him and personally handed it over to Aaron. Entering the staff entrance to the bar, Gun stood where the bartender usually would, to applause from the patrons.
"Wow!! K's face is clearly visible!"
"Such a prime spot! Master is the best!"
"Squeal! Someone take a picture with K in it!"
As Gun responded to the cheers with a wave, Bimad, looking on enviously, offered his chair,
"Sit here, K."
"Ah, thank you."
As Gun and Bimad settled in, a woman with long hair hurried to the opposite seat to avoid losing it and introduced herself to Gun,
"I'm Lizzy. It's a pleasure to meet you, K."
Gun shook hands with Lizzy, smiling, as another woman with a short haircut eagerly extended her hand,
"I'm Daniela, K! I'm a huge fan!"
"Ha, thank you, Lizzy, Daniela."
After the handshake, Gun turned to Bimad and raised his glass for a toast, then asked,
"Are you leaving for studies?"
"Ah, yes, that's right."
"What are you studying?"
"Ah... I'm embarrassed to say it in front of K, but it's practical music."
Gun's eyes lit up, and he raised his glass again,
"Oh! Really? Where to?"
"To the U.S. Berkeley, that is."
"Wow, that's amazing. We might meet again someday, ha."
"K, I'm not talented enough to meet K."
Gun smiled with his eyes, playfully shaking his glass. Watching Gun, Lizzy hurriedly began recording with her phone. As Lizzy held up her phone, Gun posed playfully for the camera, prompting everyone inside the pub to take out their phones, hoping to capture a
rare video of Gun. Seeing this, Gun turned his head to acknowledge each camera, interacting and laughing with the people. Watching Gun, Bimad cautiously mentioned,
"K, I've seen speculative articles wondering if you avoid the media due to media phobia or social avoidance, but seeing you now, you're not like that at all. You seem quite cheerful, which surprised me."
Gun looked puzzled,
"Me? Social avoidance? I don't have that.."
"Exactly. But people tend to take speculative articles in the media as fact. I was one of them."
"Huh.. So there were such articles. Truth is, searching my name feels ticklish, so I don't really read my articles, ha."
"Ha, that makes sense. But what brings you to Ireland?"
"Ah, it's a trip. I came here following a retirement trip for a professor I respect, just after finishing a concert a few days ago."
"Wow! So, Professor Leontine Price is here too?"
"Yes, ha. And Professor Sharon is here as well."
"Gasp! Professor Sharon, too? The goddess of Spanish guitar.."
"She's my professor. She respects Professor Price as well. They're close."
"That's amazing... To be with such people every day."
Daniela suddenly interjected,
"What about Kiska Miočić? Didn't she come?"
Gun smiled slightly at Daniela's sudden question,
"Kiska is still too young for international travel; her dad won't allow it."
"Ah.. That's a shame. I wanted to see her; she's so cute."
Then Lizzy cautiously asked Gun,
"Um... K. I've been curious about something; may I ask?"
Gun nodded happily, and Lizzy looked around before lowering her voice,
"Kiska is still young, right? But she wrote lyrics for a song you announced before an opera performance. Do you share the profits with her?"
Gun's expression turned serious upon hearing Lizzy's question. Seeing his change in expression, Lizzy waved her hands and hurriedly said,
"Ah, no. I shouldn't have asked! Even though K would have refined the lyrics, there's no need to share profits with a child, haha."
Gun rested his elbow on the table and thought for a while before shaking his head,
"No. The song was entirely written by Kiska. I just assumed the company would handle it, without paying much attention to that part. Excuse me."
Gun called Byung-jun. After three rings, Byung-jun, sounding half-asleep, answered,
"Hmm, hello?"
"Ah, hyung, were you sleeping? Sorry."
"Gun? How's the trip?"
"Yes, hyung. How's Kiska?"
"What do you mean? She's been crying all day from missing you. She won't even come to the annex, just stays in her room."
"Ah.. I see."
"But why did you call?"
"Ah, hyung, I just remembered. You know the song Kiska wrote lyrics for? How's the profit distribution for that?"
"Sigh, you ask so quickly. Do you think Director Son would let that slide? It's all being saved up, but since Kiska doesn't have an account, they're wondering if they should send it to Gregory. Obviously, linking a corporate account to a mafia boss's account is a tricky issue."
"Ah, that's a relief. Whew, thank you, hyung. You're taking care of things I missed."
"I'm your manager, man. And before I got to it, the director had already taken care of it. So, what should we do?"
"It should go to Kiska."
"That's obvious. But what about the account? Is cash okay?"
"Ah, yes. I'll give it to Gregory directly when I return."
"Got it, I'll prepare it. Oh, and Director Son said, if Kiska is going to write more songs for you, we should make an official contract through Gregory when you return. Let's talk about that too."
"Yes, hyung. Thank you."
"Alright, have a good trip. Don't get into trouble!!"
Gun glanced around the pub, awkwardly smiling,
"Ah... I'll try."
"Yeah.. What? You've already caused trouble!!"
"Ah... haha"
"What trouble!? Spit it out, you rascal!"
"Ha, it's nothing, hyung. I'll call you back!"
"Hey!!!!!!"
Click
Gun wiped off his sweat and looked at the turned-off screen before smiling at Lizzy,
"Thank you. If it weren't for Lizzy, I might have overlooked something important. I'm not very attentive to these things, ha."
Having overheard the conversation, Lizzy waved her hands and said,
"No, no. That's what makes you K! Cheers!"
Lizzy held out her glass, and the others joined in. The four clinked their glasses so loudly
that the sound filled the room. They enjoyed a lively conversation, and as the night progressed and it was time for other customers to leave, they approached Gun to request photographs, which he happily obliged. Having become friendly through their conversation, Bimad asked with a more relaxed expression,
"How long will you be in Ireland?"
"About three more days, including today."
"I see. Are you planning to visit Slane Castle?"
"Of course! It's a must-visit for any rock fan!"
"Ha, that's great. My aunt is the manager there. If I ask her in advance, she can give you a tour."
"Really? Would you do that?"
"Of course! Ha, my aunt's name is Ciara. Just mention her name at the ticket office, and she'll come out to meet you."
"Wow, that would be great! Thank you, Bimad!"
As they raised their glasses once again, the night deepened with their warm company.
It was well past 2 a.m. when Gun returned to the hotel. After drinking four glasses of beer and feeling just tipsy enough for a good night's sleep, he entered his hotel room, took a shower, and fell asleep. He spent about six hours in dreamland before being rudely awakened by the noisy ringing of the room's bell in the morning. Rubbing his eyes in annoyance, Gun got up, shook his head a few times, and headed to the door, shaking his head in disbelief at the continuous ringing.
"Who is it?"
"It's me, Sharon!"
Upon hearing Sharon's voice, Gun opened the door to find her holding a crumpled newspaper with a look of shock on her face.
"Uh? Professor, what's going on?"
Sharon quickly glanced around the hotel corridor before pushing Gun aside and closing the door behind her. She unfolded the newspaper she was holding and asked him.
"Did you go out last night? Look at this."
Still half asleep, Gun looked at the newspaper Sharon opened to find a black-and-white photo of himself smiling and holding a beer glass, prominently featured on the front page.
Gun's eyes widened upon reading the main article's headline. Holding the newspaper, he scratched the back of his head while reading the article, as Sharon sighed, crossed her arms, and sat on the sofa.
"Phew, people who were there posted photos on social media, and it blew up. Dublin's city center is in chaos right now. Everyone who saw the newspaper rushed to Grafton Street hoping they might meet K. Thanks to that, our sightseeing plans are ruined."
Gun lowered the newspaper, looking apologetic.
"Ahaha... I'm sorry, Professor."
Sharon sighed again, shaking her head in disbelief.
"Sigh, I'm okay since it's my third time in Ireland, but Professor Price will be disappointed."
Gun stood awkwardly, then suddenly perked up as if remembering something.
"Oh, right! Professor, you know Slane Castle?"
"Yes, I do."
"A friend I met yesterday said his aunt manages it. If we mention his name, she'll give us a personal tour. How about we go there instead?"
"That sounds great. Let's keep this incident from Professor Price and just go quietly."
"Ahaha.. Yes, sorry about this, Professor, for causing trouble."
"No, it's quite an achievement to have a student so popular. Let's have breakfast with Professor Price in his room, room service. Come over after you shower."
"Yes, Professor."
After Sharon left, Gun finished reading the newspaper and scratched his messy hair before heading to the shower. After showering, they discussed visiting Slane Castle over breakfast with Professor Price, who happily agreed to the visit, thankful for the chance to see a place he'd always wanted to visit. Gun then picked up his guitar, and wearing a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf to cover his face, he headed down to the lobby, where Sharon was already waiting on a sofa. Noticing her guitar case next to her, Gun asked.
"Oh, Professor, you brought your guitar?"
"Yes, it's a quiet place with a nice lawn in front of the castle. I thought it might inspire some music. You probably brought yours for the same reason, right?"
"Haha, yes, that's right."
The three of them took a taxi north of Dublin for about 50 kilometers, smiling as they passed a charming little village. Deciding to explore the village first, they slowly made their way to Slane Castle. At the entrance, Gun paid the entrance fee for three adults, 36 euros, and asked the staff.
"Is there a Ciara here? We had an appointment."
The staff nodded vigorously.
"Oh, you're looking for the manager? She's expecting you. I'll call her on the intercom; please head to the entrance."
"Thank you, have a good day!"
Relieved that the arrangement was honored, Gun and his companions headed to the castle entrance. Approaching, a woman in her late sixties with neatly dressed red hair hurried over.
"My! You really came! I half-doubted Bemad was joking. Welcome! I'm Ciara, managing Slane Castle. Professor Leontin Price, Professor Sharon, and K."
Leontin Price smiled warmly, extending his hand.
"Thank you for welcoming us, Ciara."
After shaking hands with Ciara, who also greeted Sharon, she stood in front of Gun, hiding his face.
"My goodness, are you really K?"
Gun looked around before taking off his sunglasses and smiling, prompting Ciara to cover her mouth with her hand, her voice filled with surprise yet lowered.
"Oh, it really is you! I'm such a fan!"
"Haha, thank you, Ciara."
"Bemad finally did something right, ho ho. Oh! Look at me rambling. Please, come inside. It's just opened,
so there aren't many visitors yet. Now's the perfect time for a leisurely tour."
Ciara opened the door, inviting them in.
"Slane Castle's history is rather short. It bridges the medieval and modern eras. The village of Slane you saw on the way here was founded in the 18th century, and the castle dates from the same period. It was home to the Conyngham family, and even George IV of England stayed here. It's now a private property, encompassing about 2 million square meters of the castle and gardens in the Boyne Valley."
Sharon, admiring the castle's beautiful interior, pointed to the high ceiling sculptures.
"What are those sculptures?"
"Oh, they're carved from wood. Not the whole castle, just parts of it have these carvings."
"The red walls, white window frames, and white carved ceiling decorations are truly artistic. The owner must have a great sense of art."
"Ho ho, it's more about the castle being famous, so renowned architects volunteered for restoration or remodeling. It's been reborn through several renovations."
Proud, Ciara stood in front of a massive white door.
"Normally, this place is only viewed from the outside by the public, but thanks to Bemad's request, I'll let you inside. This is our pride, the Ballroom, known for its music."
Opening the door, Gun gasped at the view.
"Wow!! This is where U2 recorded their entire album?"
Ciara, watching Gun explore, smiled contentedly.
"Not just U2. Queen in 1986, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, and Oasis have been here too. It's known as a sanctuary of rock."
Gun, listening to her, observed the circular room with red walls and white window frames, the high ceiling adorned with the white wood carvings seen from outside. A luxurious chandelier hung in the center, adding to the room's grandeur. Ciara explained further.
"The room's circular structure and high ceiling create good sound waves. This room allows for better recording quality than a studio. It was originally George IV's dining room."
Sharon nodded enthusiastically next to Leontin Price.
"It's amazing, isn't it, Professor?"
Leontin Price smiled elegantly.
"It would be wonderful to sing here."
Checking her watch, Ciara smiled.
"You can sing for a bit if you'd like. We have an amp ready."
Sharon, surprised, asked.
"Really?"
"Yes, there's still time before visitors arrive. It's within my authority to allow that. Shall I prepare it for you?"
Sharon looked at Leontin Price, who was delighted, clasping her hands.
"Thank you so much, Ciara. Please do."
Gun, too, was excited, quickly opening his guitar case to take out the jack. Ciara whistled upon seeing the guitar.
"Whew! That's the White Falcon I've only seen in videos. It suits you well, K."
As Gun connected the jack to the amp and sat down, he laughed.
"Haha, thank you, Ciara. I can't believe I get to play here. Isn't that right, Professor Sharon?"
Sharon, connecting her classic guitar's jack, smiled back and sat down.
"Yes, it's like a dream, ho ho. Professor Price, please take a seat."
Sharon pushed a chair towards Leontin Price, who sat with his hands on his knees.
"What will you play?"
After thinking for a moment, Sharon looked at Gun and smiled brightly.
"How about we play Asturias together, after a long time?"
Leontin Price clapped, laughing.
"Ah, the piece K reinterpreted?"
"Yes, Professor. I've always wanted to play it with K."
"Well, then I'll enjoy being an audience for once. I'm happy, ho ho."
Gun and Sharon exchanged smiles before beginning to play. The beautiful Asturias, depicting nature's beauty, started with Sharon's perfect classical guitar, followed by Gun's electric guitar, blending well with the beautiful surroundings of Slane Castle. Ciara, listening to the performance, closed her eyes with a happy smile.
Startled by a beautiful voice joining in, Gun opened his eyes to see Sharon also wide-eyed, looking to the side. Quietly singing along to Asturias was Leontin Price.
Even if it's an inevitable
narrow bridge, one must choose
whether to move forward,
turn back,
or simply stop in place.
The outcomes of countless past decisions
are the ground beneath my feet,
the time I walk through.
No matter which path I take,
I'll always wonder about the road not taken.
Memories fade into the distance,
as time flows like an arrow.
Memories grow distant,
and the past, filled with regrets,
leaves only a sorrowful longing.
I thought phrases like
"I could have,"
"I should have,"
"I must have,"
didn't suit me,
yet here I am, staring at the ground,
aimlessly scuffing my feet
on the cracked and parched earth.
Listening to the lyrics, as if expressing her heart, Gun's eyes fluttered. The retired, aging woman seemed unable to let go of music until her last breath. After the lengthy performance, savoring the guitar's final note, Gun, holding his guitar, approached Leontin Price, who looked puzzled by his sudden approach. A serious voice reached her ears.
"How about starting anew? The second act of Leontin Price's life."
Tremors flickered in her eyes as she looked up at Gun.