Chapter 1083: I am New Black, Class of ’18 (7)

Exciting!

This is fun!

"You know, when I was in the military preparing for the college entrance exam, I wanted to go to music school."

"Oh, uh..."

"I was planning to major in composition, so I'm really excited today."

"Ah, yes..."

"The chance to sit in on a class where composition is taught professionally..."

Everyone has at least one thing they regret.

It wasn't quite a complex, but one thing I always regretted was never having the chance to formally study composition.

How wonderful would it have been if I'd gone to university and studied counterpoint, orchestration, music history, and all those subjects in depth?

"Hehehehe!"

I was so happy that a laugh escaped me without me realizing it.

Just as I was wondering what the composition department I'd dreamed about as a student was actually like...

The other students didn't look nearly as cheerful.

"Hahaha..."

"Haha..."

Everyone was laughing awkwardly.

I turned to the male student sitting next to me.

"So what are we covering in class today?"

"We're listening to the assignment pieces today."

"Ah."

I immediately understood why everyone had looked so uncomfortable.

Of course it'd be embarrassing.

Whenever I showed songs to the producing team, I still felt awkward sometimes.

Then the professor called my name.

"Wooju."

"Yes?"

"Come on up."

"...?"

Tilting my head, I walked toward the podium where the professor was standing.

The professor pulled out a chair with a scrape and politely gestured toward it.

"Please, have a seat."

"??"

I sat there blankly, looking at the students.

The professor smiled warmly and gestured.

"You can begin judging now."

"Me?"

When the professor nodded, I stared at him in bewilderment.

The students burst into laughter.

Before I could say anything, the professor quickly grabbed a chalkboard eraser and started wiping away the course title.

Songwriting: Theory and Practice

Scritch, scritch—

Songwriting Theo...

Scritch, scritch—

The professor even rubbed the board with his left hand as he hurriedly erased the words and replaced them.

Guest Special Lecture: NewBlack's Wooju

The students applauded and laughed.

Behind the camera, Producer Gu Jaeyoung wore a thoroughly satisfied smile.

Standing behind me, the professor addressed the class.

"Today's lesson will be replaced by a special lecture from Wooju, and your report assignment will be based on that."

"Yes, Professor!"

"Kids, this is an incredibly valuable opportunity. One of the most successful composer alumni in the industry is here today. Listen carefully."

"Yes, Professor!"

"Um..."

I reached out to say something, but the professor ignored me and pumped his fist as if saying, Good luck!

It felt like he'd slammed a giant red emergency escape button and launched himself away.

"No, but..."

I wanted to explain that I'd come here to attend a class.

But everyone was already looking at me with shining eyes full of anticipation.

Even the professor had quietly taken a seat in the front row and was staring at me expectantly.

Producer Gu Jaeyoung grinned mischievously.

"Please begin the lecture, Professor Wooju."

"..."

When I stared at him blankly, he immediately hid behind the camera.

I scratched the back of my head and looked around at everyone watching me.

"Should we start by reviewing the assignment songs?"

Twenty-six years old.

The idol widely regarded as the greatest genius in the industry sat in the professor's chair.

The students instantly relaxed.

Comfortable.

This is it.

Just sitting next to Wooju had been enough to make them feel like they might get indigestion.

It wasn't a perfect comparison, but it was like studying art with Leonardo da Vinci sitting beside you.

Or studying classical music while Rachmaninoff stared at you from the next seat over.

Of course, Sun Wooju wasn't a world-famous historical master on their level.

But to students majoring in practical music, he was essentially a living legend.

"It's my first time attending a university class, so this feels a little unfamiliar. Could someone help me out?"

The handsome young man brushed back his silver hair.

The professor immediately jumped to his feet and helped set everything up.

Wooju asked curiously,

"How are composition classes usually conducted?"

"There isn't really one standard style. Every professor teaches differently, so you can handle it however you feel comfortable."

"Hmm... Then I'll do it the same way I teach my younger members. It works out nicely since the topic is idol music."

As he examined the assignment instructions to compose a K-pop song, Wooju said,

"Let's go in alphabetical order. Starting with Kang Jihyun..."

The first track began playing.

The student covered her face as though she wanted to die from embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Wooju listened quietly.

After the song ended, he smiled.

"First of all, you did a good job."

The student's expression brightened instantly.

Wooju continued encouragingly.

"This is a draft, right? I think it could become a really great song with a few revisions."

"W-Wa..."

"Yes?"

The student replied in a tiny voice.

"It's... not a draft. It's the finished version..."

"..."

A suffocating silence fell over the room before everyone burst out laughing.

Looking genuinely apologetic, Wooju said,

"This is why the members yell at me all the time. I'll say, 'It'll be great once we polish it up a little,' and then they'll tell me it already is polished. The same thing happened with Falling Blossoms. It even happened when I listened to a fan song Biju wrote."

Then he spoke gently.

"Overall, though, you did a great job. It feels like you wrote this for a girl group. Your personal color is very distinct. The pure yet wistful atmosphere is really nice. I think leaning into that strength would help."

The student nodded vigorously after receiving the praise.

Then NewBlack's leader turned to the class.

"Surprised? You probably expected harsher criticism."

"Yes."

"People have different philosophies, but when I teach creative work, I think it's important to focus on strengths."

He raised his hand as though holding a coin.

"Because strengths and weaknesses are two sides of the same coin."

The students listened intently.

"The spicy kick of kimchi stew might completely relieve someone's stress. To someone else, it might feel like their tongue is burning. If you keep criticizing the kimchi stew for being spicy, eventually it'll become bland."

The students nodded in understanding.

Trying to erase a weakness often erases the strength attached to it.

NewBlack's leader continued.

"So today, after listening to your songs, we'll talk about the strengths and individuality that you should continue developing. Composition is a process of cultivating your strengths."

As though anticipating the question already forming in everyone's minds, Wooju grinned.

"At this point you're probably wondering, 'Then what about my weaknesses?'"

Nod. Nod.

"Don't worry about them. If your strengths are strong enough, weaknesses become insignificant. These days, whether in K-pop or global music production, collaboration is the trend, right?"

Nod. Nod.

"When you collaborate with other people, those weaknesses naturally get covered. Large-scale projects like K-pop aren't created by one person alone."

At his words, the students nodded with moved expressions.

Everyone had already become fond of Professor Wooju.

"Alright, shall we continue?"

The evaluations continued as each assignment song played.

"You have an excellent sense for writing hooks. I'd recommend developing that even further."

"Looking at the elements in this song, I get the impression you're afraid of making mistakes. Don't be afraid. Try writing more freely. I can see a lot of potential here."

Every comment made the students' eyes shine brighter.

Thank you, Professor.

I need to carve this into my bones.

Advice from a legendary senior actively working in the industry.

It felt as though the God of Composition had descended from heaven and declared:

"Hmm! So this is your true talent!"

And revealed gifts they hadn't even known they possessed.

Maybe his expression contributed to it.

Why does he feel like some elderly master professor?

Every now and then students found themselves freezing.

His expression looked exactly like the kind that would earn a teaching evaluation comment such as:

"A little old-fashioned because he's from another generation."

When the song evaluations finally ended, there was still plenty of class time remaining.

Wooju looked around.

"Does anyone have any questions?"

Every hand shot up.

Wooju pointed to one student.

"Professor, could you tell us how you compose songs?"

"Ah. My process?"

"Yes."

Wooju rummaged through his pocket and pulled out his phone.

Everyone immediately gasped.

Floral-pattern case!

So that's who buys those!

After scrolling through a list, Wooju explained,

"It's probably similar for most composers, but whenever an idea comes to me, I record it and work from there."

As an example, he played a recording of himself humming the verse of Like The Sun.

The students sighed in admiration at the sweet melody and voice.

Wooju slipped the phone away again.

"Something like that..."

And then the next file started playing.

♪ I like her~ I like her~ ♪

♪ I like Kim Deoksun the most~ ♪

The staff and students exploded with laughter.

Wooju frantically unlocked his phone.

"Wait, why is this—"

♪ I like her~ I like her~ ♪

♪ I like Souffle too ♪

♪ But I like Kim Deoksun even more~ ♪

The recording continued.

The classroom dissolved into chaos.

"Why won't it stop? What is this...? Ah..."

At last, Wooju managed to stop the playback.

After furiously tapping the screen, he fanned his burning face with his hand.

"No, seriously. Why is my phone..."

"Hahahahaha!"

The students couldn't stop laughing after unexpectedly glimpsing a piece of the professor's dark and ancient history.

Wooju clapped his hands.

"Okay. On three, we're all forgetting that happened. One, two, three!"

Clap!

He looked around.

"What just happened?"

"...? Did something happen?"

A student wearing a red cardigan replied with a completely straight face.

Wooju smiled warmly.

"Ten points to Gryffindor."

"Thank you, Professor!"

"Now then, getting back to how I compose..."

As Wooju smoothly resumed the lecture, Producer Gu Jaeyoung smiled.

This wasn't the picture he'd originally envisioned.

But it wasn't bad.

The original concept for NewUniverse had been:

[NewBlack, Class of '18!]

NewBlack experiencing college life among bright-eyed university students.

Attending classes together.

Eating at the student cafeteria together.

Enjoying the autumn campus.

A youthful campus story.

The lecture went a little off-script... but it's not too late yet.

Producer Gu Jaeyoung was already planning to film Wooju wandering around campus with the students afterward.

Then—

"Alright, shall we stop here? Great work, everyone."

"Thank you, Professor!"

As Wooju exchanged bows with the students, Professor Lee Jiyeon approached.

"Professor Woo, shall we go eat?"

"Ah, yes."

Naturally falling into step beside the professor, Wooju headed toward the faculty cafeteria.

Producer Gu Jaeyoung hurriedly reached out.

No, this isn't how it's supposed to go...?!

The shoot was heading in a very strange direction.

At the same time.

The other NewBlack members were each participating in university experiences related to their own areas of interest.

Of course, not everyone had been allowed to do exactly what they wanted.

Especially the younger members.

They'd had rather unusual requests.

"Ri Hyuk."

"Yes, Producer?"

"If you went to university, what would you want to do?"

"I'd like to study in the library. Sit by a sunny window and read textbooks for my major."

Rejected.

There was no way that would generate broadcast footage.

"Jiho."

"Hm? Want a snack, Producer?" munch munch

"What do you want to do?"

"My dream college experience? That thing. What's it called? Self-cancelled classes? Free periods? I want to skip class with college students and go hang out at a PC café. Basically anything except studying."

Rejected for inappropriate content.

As a result, everyone ended up experiencing activities related to their professional specialties.

And everywhere they went, they caused professors to experience minor earthquakes in their pupils.

"Hello, Professor. I'm Ri Hyuk. I'm here to attend today's class."

"..."

The singer teaching the vocal course in the practical music department swallowed hard.

There's nothing I can teach him.

What exactly was he supposed to teach the person Cha Woohyun himself had designated as his successor?

Most of the famous ballad singers who had competed against Ri Hyuk on Mission Singer were his own seniors.

In the end, the professor chose the only escape route available.

"Ri Hyuk."

"Yes?"

"Wouldn't it be meaningful for the students if you gave today's special lecture?"

"...Me?"

While Ri Hyuk found himself unexpectedly being handed the instructor's seat...

Similar things were happening elsewhere.

"Woooow! So this is the practical dance department!"

"Welcome, Biju!"

"What are we doing today? Practice? Is it practice?"

"Today's activity is an Overcooked challenge with Biju."

"...We're not learning?"

The professor nodded.

From the professor's perspective, Biju was the most burdensome student imaginable.

#1 Idol Dancer Chosen by K-pop Idols

Countless active idols described him the same way.

"Biju sunbaenim's lines are insane..."

An idol who had also taken first place on a dance competition program.

Someone connected to industry legends like Clay Tyler and top choreographer Han Ayoon.

He's way beyond my ability to teach.

Thus, every NewBlack class was gradually turning into a special lecture.

Of course, the professor and students who suggested the Overcooked challenge with Biju soon regretted it.

"Should we try one more time?"

"..."

"I think we'll regret it later if we stop here. Just one more round..."

"..."

"Great work! Now let's do just one quarter as much more..."

While the dance department suffered through a class with only one happy participant...

Chaos was also unfolding in the acting department.

"Ta-da! Cute little Wang Jiho has arrived!"

"Everyone, today's special lecture will be given by a highly active senior actor."

"???"

The NewUniverse project was rapidly transforming from a student-experience special into a professor-experience special.

And it wasn't simply because NewBlack was so skilled.

For the professors, NewBlack's visit was an opportunity that absolutely couldn't be wasted.

A genius vocalist in his twenties who could stand toe-to-toe with Cha Woohyun.

A dancer considered the greatest talent in the idol industry.

The lead actor of a globally successful NetPlus drama.

Lessons weren't the only valuable thing.

Experience itself was an education.

Honestly, wasn't it a waste to teach people who were already building world-class careers?

Kids! Listen carefully to NewBlack's secrets!

The professors were only thinking of their students.

It definitely had nothing to do with internet comments like:

"Wait... isn't NewBlack better than the professors?"

"Uh... is that really the professor?"

Anyway.

Because of all that, the members who had unexpectedly become guest lecturers were now heading to lunch.

[Faculty Cafeteria]

The moment 4Black entered the cafeteria, they looked at one another.

"Huh?"

"Hm?"

Their eyes met.

Then all four broke into radiant smiles.

"Guys. You too?"

"Hyung, you too?"

They immediately hugged one another and pretended to cry.

"This isn't the college experience I imagined..."

"Me neither."

It wasn't that they hated it.

They'd heard the faculty cafeteria food was better.

Still, since they were at a university, they wanted to experience youth alongside people their own age.

What's popular among college students these days~?

Should we go for a walk around campus~?

Their dreams had involved sticking flowers behind their ears and happily wandering around with students.

Sob...!

It's all over!

They'd tried socializing with students.

But maybe because of the special lectures, everyone treated them more like professors or guest instructors.

The members could only feel sad.

Ri Hyuk muttered,

"Maybe we should've just sat in random classes we wanted to take."

"You should've."

"But if we walk into a lecture halfway through, we won't understand anything. Imagine suddenly sitting in a microeconomics class right now."

"True..."

The members chatted among themselves.

Then they all tilted their heads.

"Come to think of it, where's Junghyun?"

"Good question. Maybe he's teaching some rap class or something."

Right then—

Murmur, murmur—

University staff and professors standing in line inside the cafeteria began gathering near the windows.

"Huh?"

"It's Junghyun! Ah—Mr. Junghyun!"

Hearing that Junghyun was outside, 4Black became curious.

As they approached, the onlookers stepped aside so they could see.

Pushing through the crowd, they reached the window.

Below, a line of students was marching across campus.

"Oh. Looks like the agriculture department is heading out for field practice."

The students all wore faintly embarrassed expressions.

At the very front was someone walking proudly with a shovel slung over his shoulder and gardening pants on.

Everyone burst out laughing.

"..."

"..."

As though sensing NewBlack's gaze, Junghyun looked up from the distance and gave them a wink.

Immediately, everyone's eyes turned toward 4Black.

Without hesitation, they declared:

"We don't know that person."

The entire cafeteria erupted with laughter.