A Sprinkle of Snowflakes: 1-8 Orbiting Planets

*She is aware that she is unpopular, and it's simply due to her own choice.*

* **Recommended:** Symphonic Poem Set
* **Rewards:** 3,000 , 600 , 1 , 1 , Blueprint: Extinction and Eruption

## Transcript

Expand for script.

* Yoon-ah stands outside the door, her right hand fidgeting with the strap of her cello case silently.
* She obviously heard Shin Min-gyeong's singing just now, but still appears resistant.
* Shin Min-gyeong seems to be unaware of the situation. Since no one is explaining anything, she looks at us and suddenly asks a question.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** What is there to talk about?

* **You:** Yoon-ah...

* Under the worried gaze of Baek Jun-hyeon and me, Yoon-ah takes a deep breath and calmly begins to speak.
* **Park Yoon-ah:** Sh-Shin Min-gyeong... There's something I need to ask you...

* **Park Yoon-ah:** Why did you back out at the last moment when you were supposed to perform on stage with your partner for the final assessment?

* **Park Yoon-ah:** I don't want this to happen to us during the music...

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** "At the last moment"?

* **Park Yoon-ah:** ...festival...

* Shin Min-gyeong's sudden words interrupt Yoon-ah. She lowers her head and quickly opens the messaging app on her phone.
* She places her phone on the table, indicating that we should look at it.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** The week before the assessment, I contacted that person to say I wanted to withdraw. I sent at least ten messages but didn't get a response.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Is this what you guys would call "at the last moment"?

* **You:** No... But since you already agreed to work with them, why did you want to back out?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Can't you read it yourself?

* I angrily pick up the phone and look at it with Yoon-ah.
* It seems that after the first practice together, Shin Min-gyeong wrote a long list of suggestions for rearranging the score and comments on the performance and sent it to the other party.
* The strict and blunt tone of "Princess Turandot" clearly shattered the confidence of the other party.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** If someone can accept my suggestions, we'll keep working together. If they can't accept them, we'll have to stop.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Didn't I also give you feedback, Jeong Si-eun? And you accepted it.

* **You:** (I didn't accept it willingly!)

* She can tell from my expression that I am not pleased, and her face becomes even colder.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** After I gave my feedback, that kid never showed up again.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** She didn't reply my messages, avoided seeing me, and skipped all the scheduled practices.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** How could I possibly work with someone who only knows how to avoid things?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** From the moment she refused to participate in practicing, she lost the qualification to go on stage.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** ...

* Despite Shin Min-gyeong's behavior, it is clearly the other party's negative attitude that is the main cause.
* **You:** (In this situation, the responsibility for breaking the agreement shouldn't be placed on Shin Min-gyeong's shoulders; it was the other party who failed to fulfill their obligation.)

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** So, what about that situation where you were pressuring your classmates to buy tickets for your personal concert?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** That's not what happened.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** The ticketing was handled by a professional company. I had no control over it.

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** But many people have said...

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Who are these "many people"? Let them come forward with evidence and confront me.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** If the company forced them to buy tickets, I'll sue them.

* Baek Jun-hyeon falls silent. I believe he has come to understand that many things are merely rumors.
* Shin Min-gyeong leans against the wall, her gaze sweeping over each of us with a stern expression. She speaks with a tone that carries a hint of annoyance and anger.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Is there anything else you wish to ask? Let's clear up everything.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** One more matter remains. There was an incident where you were involved in a fight in public, and it was even captured on video.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** Do you deny this?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* Shin Min-gyeong, who has always been resolute and quick to rebut, suddenly falls silent. My heart tightens in an instant.
* **You:** (Is this true?! Oh no, this is exactly what Yoon-ah detests the most...)

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** People took a video and posted it online?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** According to the law, recording and sharing someone's private information can result in a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Are these individuals willing to face such consequences?

* Baek Jun-hyeon falters, and I too feel my knees weaken.
* **You:** Were you contemplating this earlier?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** I'm aware of the matter you spoke about. It's wrong to get into a fight, but I'm not going to apologize.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** He's not worth it.

* She clenches her hands tightly and a hint of suppressed emotions appear on her icy face for a brief moment.
* She quickly lifts her head and tosses her long hair behind her as if to cast away those emotions.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** The person I was fighting with was my mother's ex-husband. The incident is related to my family's personal matters.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** If this is your concern, all I can say is I have nothing to add.

* The anger in her piercing stare causes me to stumble over my words nervously.
* **You:** N-No, we don't intend to intrude into your family's matters...

* **Park Yoon-ah:** So are you implying the other party is in the wrong?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** "In the wrong"? That's putting it mildly.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Why didn't that scumbag make a report and seek compensation after what happened? Consider it for yourselves.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** ...

* Yoon-ah falls into silence. Glancing at her, Baek Jun-hyeon can't help but interject.
* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** In that case, why don't you clarify the matter publicly?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** What do you want me to clarify?

* **Park Yoon-ah:** I mean, sharing the facts would shed some light on the situation...

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** How does that concern me?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** I simply do as I please, and as long as I have a clear conscience, that's all that matters to me. I'm not bothered by other people's opinions.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** But this way, your reputation will be tarnished—no, it already has been tarnished.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Isn't that perfect? I don't want to waste my energy on useless socializing.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** People who genuinely care about my music will come and see for themselves, even if they're prejudiced against me.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Like you guys.

* Her words make all three of us feel somewhat awkward.
* **You:** (It's a compliment, right? Although it doesn't sound very flattering...)

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** As for those classmates who are busy gossiping about sales and TV shows after class, just forget about them.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** If you don't conform to their standards, you'll be ostracized and criticized—what a waste of time!

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** I didn't come to Chaminade to make friends, especially if they're not going to be genuine friends.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** ...heh.

* **You:** Yoon-ah?

* **Park Yoon-ah:** It's nothing. I just feel like the two of you are really similar.

* She gazes at me and Shin Min-gyeong with a twinkle in her eye. That's what Lee Seung-chan said too.
* **You:** No way! I'm not as blunt as her, am I?

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** ...about that...

* I shoot a glare at Baek Jun-hyeon, who's muttering under his breath, but he nonchalantly averts his gaze. Yoon-ah bursts into laughter.
* Shin Min-gyeong, who has been sidelined, unhappily crosses her arms and redirects the conversation.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Is that all your questions? Could you please explain our program for the music festival in more detail?

* Turning to the confident "Princess Turandot", Yoon-ah smiles gracefully and extends her hand.
* **Park Yoon-ah:** I have no further questions. I'm looking forward to performing alongside you, Shin Min-gyeong.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** We'll enjoy the music together on stage!

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* Shin Min-gyeong extends her hand for a handshake.
* However, Yoon-ah gives her a high-five instead.

* The practice week quickly comes to an end.
* I'd rather not dwell on the practice sessions. Even if Shin Min-gyeong isn't as malicious as people say she is, she's still strict and unsociable.
* Yet, it's precisely due to her rigorous demands that our performance has been refined to an almost flawless level.
* As the first audience member, Lee Seung-chan comments that this level of preparation is already deserving of a performance at the Wiener Musikverein.

* We will be going on stage in 15 minutes. I am waiting backstage, having already changed into my performance outfit.
* Baek Jun-hyeon, who just came out of the men's changing room, sees me and hurries over with a gloomy expression.
* **You:** What's wrong?

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** Where's everyone else?

* **You:** They're still in the changing room but will be out soon. What's the matter?

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** Just a moment ago, I overheard some people in the hallway. It sounded like they're planning to sabotage Shin Min-gyeong's performance.

* My heart sinks.
* **You:** Did you recognize any of them? What are they planning?

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** The voices were unfamiliar, but my guess is they're from the vocal department.

* Baek Jun-hyeon and I exchange a knowing glance. We both recall the incident in the storeroom during the final exam.
* Baek Jun-hyeon's face reflects a complex mix of emotions. He understands, but this understanding only intensifies his anger.
* **You:** Don't worry too much, Baek Jun-hyeon. You go check if our instruments are damaged, and I'll return to the dressing room now.

* **You:** I need to make sure Shin Min-gyeong and Yoon-ah are safe.

* **Park Yoon-ah:** Why do you need to do that?

* Yoon-ah, who has finished changing, walked up to me unnoticed. She appears perplexed, and Shin Min-gyeong also conveys her confusion through her gaze.
* **You:** Oh, Yoon-ah! Shin Min-gyeong! Has either of you encountered anything unusual?

* **Park Yoon-ah:** No, what do you mean by unusual?

* **Baek Jun-hyeon:** It's nothing. Maybe I misheard something. Go get ready, it's almost time for us to go on stage.

* Before I can explain, Baek Jun-hyeon quickly dispels their concerns.
* Shin Min-gyeong shoots me a sharp glance, but upon seeing me remain silent, she sits down and resumes studying the sheet music as if I'm not there.
* **You:** ...

* I can understand Baek Jun-hyeon's approach. Our interactions with Shin Min-gyeong are limited to this program.
* After we take the stage and successfully complete the performance, we won't need to be further involved with her and her bad reputation.
* Whether "Turandot" is good or bad, a misunderstood genius or an ostracized misfit, has nothing to do with us.
* The key is, she herself doesn't reject this state of being excluded.
* **You:** (Shin Min-gyeong really doesn't care about what others think and even enjoys the freedom of being alone.)

* **You:** (If she doesn't mind being maligned herself, what business is it of ours?)

* I touch the crystal ball hidden in my bag, feeling its slight warmth as the contents continue to dance inside.
* But unlike the cheerful dancing contents of the crystal ball, Shin Min-gyeong herself stands alone, as if rejecting all external connections.
* **You:** (What exactly is Shin Min-gyeong's wish?)

* I stare blankly at her back, feeling extremely powerless.

* The curtain rises and the instruments are in position.
* Perhaps because we have two performers who got first place in the entrance exams, we've been scheduled as the final program.
* Baek Jun-hyeon is already seated in front of the piano. He nods at us, and Yoon-ah and I meet each other's gaze and prepare to play.
* Shin Min-gyeong stands in the center of the stage. When she sees that we're ready, she turns to face the audience and bows gracefully.
* Just as she is about to begin—
* **???:** Hey! It's the fighting princess!

* With this sarcastic remark, the entire audience erupts.
* A malicious laugh creates the main melody while the hushed whispers of curious students form the bass section.
* After their initial shock, the school administrative staff reacts, scolding the noisy students in a low voice.
* But their stern tone only merges to become another seamless segment of this grand chorus.
* **You:** (Oh no...)

* The situation is already out of control. We are awkwardly left hanging on the stage, unable to do anything.
* Yoon-ah and Baek Jun-hyeon look at me bewildered, while I can't see Shin Min-gyeong's expression as she is still facing the audience.
* **You:** (We can only wait until the audience quiets down.)

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Jeong Si-eun, get ready.

* **You:** Huh?

* Is it my imagination? How could I possibly hear Shin Min-gyeong's calm voice amidst such deafening laughter?
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* She begins to sing.
* Princess Turandot, renowned for her high-pitched singing voice, unexpectedly ventures into the low-pitched range.
* Calm, unwavering, as immovable as a mountain—a resolute tone as firm as a cello.
* **You:** (It's the part for the accompaniment!)

* Her singing takes over from the opening cello, piercing through the noise, traversing the world.
* Even in the raucous music hall, that sound remains crystal clear and distinguishable.
* **You:** (I understand, Shin Min-gyeong. You choose not to engage in verbal disputes because you want to prove yourself through music, right?)

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* I take a deep breath and harmonize with her singing. Soon, I hear Yoon-ah and Baek Jun-hyeon join in one after the other.
* The faithful tones of the cello and piano steadfastly complement the human voice, forming unwavering foundations beneath her.
* She keeps ascending on such a foundation, climbing higher and higher. Suddenly, in the section where the tone should have descended, it soars eight octaves, returning to the original vocal range.
* ...has the noise from the audience lessened? I no longer have the energy to care about it.
* Returning to a familiar vocal range, Shin Min-gyeong holds nothing back and guides the audience with a potent and commanding voice toward the sky above.
* A solitary figure in the vast cosmos that appears out of place due to its enormous size, stirring a tempest that has raged for centuries...
* She is none other than Jupiter, remote and lonely, the ancient planet.

* It appears that in the blink of an eye, the performance has ended.
* When I come to my senses from the music, the audience below is silent.
* There's no noise, no mockery, but also no applause or accolades.
* Everyone seems dazed, as if their thoughts are still adrift in space, yet to return to solid ground.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* Shin Min-gyeong simply bows and turns to leave the stage alone.
* Just as she leaves, a sudden burst of enthusiastic applause erupts in the concert hall.
* **Audience Member A:** Incredible! Amazing! She truly deserves to be the top student in the vocal department!

* **Audience Member B:** Bravo! Bravo!

* The mockery before the performance has transformed into deafening cheers.
* Earlier, we were perplexed by the audience's malice. Now, we're just as perplexed by their applause.
* I catch a glimpse of Shin Min-gyeong heading toward the backstage and swiftly bow to the audience before following her.

* **You:** Shin Min-gyeong, wait!

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...

* She stops and calmly waits for me to approach.
* Before I can say a word, she beats me to it.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Don't say anything for now.

* **You:** Huh?

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** ...let me listen to it for a bit longer... The sound of their cheers.

* She leans against the wall, gently closing her eyes. On her face is an uninhibited expression of vulnerability and peace.
* The audience on the other side of the wall is still cheering for her. She refuses to accept their praise on stage, but behind the scenes, she is deeply moved.
* I silently sit down and accompany her through this brief glory, until she opens her eyes and reverts to her usual icy demeanor.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** I can probably guess what you want to say, Jeong Si-eun.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** Do you hear that applause? All I care about is that sound.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** No matter how much they malign me, they can't malign my music.

* I take a deep breath.
* **You:** (Is this your wish, Shin Min-gyeong? To prove yourself through music?)

* **You:** (That's why you wished for someone strong enough to be willing to understand you to come to your aid.)

* **You:** (A wish buried so deep that perhaps you haven't even realized it yourself.)

* **You:** So, did you achieve what you set out to do with tonight's performance?

* Her gaze shifts and falls upon my face, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind my words.
* After a while, she finally averts her gaze.
* **You:** Yeah, it wasn't too bad.

* While I'm still smiling at her, she pauses and her eyes dart to the side.
* **You:** ...thank you.

* In the quiet backstage area, I seem to hear a muted click. Perhaps it was the crystal ball in my bag.
* But I have no time to attend to it. The imposing presence of Shin Min-gyeong has attracted all my attention.
* **Shin Min-gyeong:** All I want is to crush all the rumors about me. I don't need any other victories.

* **Shin Min-gyeong:** What I want people to remember about Shin Min-gyeong is her singing voice.

* I will probably never forget her gleaming eyes and the resolute vow she has made at this moment.
* **You:** (This will be the path she has chosen for herself.)

* When faced with external doubts, must we always respond?
* Those with a clear conscience only need to stay true to themselves. That is the best response.
* **You:** When your singing is truly remembered by many, I'm sure we will have the chance to collaborate again.

* **You:** Be sure to seek me out when you're ready, "Princess Turandot".

* And in that moment I see her flash a fleeting smile.

* As I exit the music hall, I hear Yoon-ah's surprised exclamation.
* Heavy snowflakes are gently descending, just like the contents of the the crystal ball, enveloping the world like a wrapped present as far as the eye can see.
* The students around me are engaged in an enthusiastic snowball fight. But Shin Min-gyeong remains distant and walks calmly out of the crowd.
* Nonetheless, it doesn't matter. I understand that she will continue to tread her own path.
* And I will do the same—
* **???:** Happy holidays, Miss Jeong Si-eun.

* Our paths may differ, but our destination is the same.
* I close my eyes and count the seconds in my mind, allowing my heartbeat to gradually calm down.
* Three, two, one—

Ending **[No Regrets]**