William was taken aback by the unexpected suggestion.
However, he soon burst into laughter.
He had thought of Elvis Presley as a figure of admiration for a young kid, given that Elvis was currently the top singer in the United States.
But unlike William, who took it lightly, Elvis was serious.
Fiddling with his chin, Elvis looked at William and said, "Geon, truth be told... I'm not an exceptional vocalist. My voice might be good, but I'm not skilled at singing. If becoming a vocalist is your dream, how about learning from someone else rather than me?"
William exclaimed in surprise at Elvis's words. "Elvis! What are you saying? You're the greatest singer of this era! People consider you a deity!"
Elvis chuckled wryly, watching his excited friend. "My friend William, I appreciate and cherish your feelings for me. But someday, the world will realize that I wasn't such an outstanding vocalist after all. I'm just a unique singer who happens to be white and sings like black artists."
With wide eyes, William said, "The whole world calls you a deity, Elvis. You're their spiritual guide."
Elvis looked steadily at William. "Yeah, buddy. Thanks. But for now, let's first think about how to fulfill Geon's wish rather than getting into that debate."
Elvis and William glanced at Geon sitting on the couch.
As their voices rose due to their conversation, Geon, feeling a sudden rush of fear, blinked with widened eyes when both Elvis and William turned to look at him.
Elvis got up and grabbed a guitar from a corner of the waiting room.
Sitting back on the couch with his custom guitar, Elvis said to Geon, "Geon, the song I'm about to play hasn't been released yet. It's going to be part of the soundtrack for an upcoming movie. Today will be the first time William hears it too. Shall I teach you this song?"
Geon nodded.
Elvis, having pre-tuned the guitar, began playing an arpeggio.
As the slow melody started, William and Geon, enchanted by the beautiful tune, stared at Elvis in awe.
Amidst the seemingly never-ending enchanting performance, Elvis's melodious voice joined in.
"Only fools rush in, they say wise men never fall in love
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay? Would it be a sin?
If I can't help falling in love with you
Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you."
Geon's heart raced as he listened to his mesmerizing voice.
What did a nine-year-old know about love? Yet, Elvis's voice struck so deeply into Geon's soul that it stunned him into a momentary standstill.
As the song ended and Elvis savored the lingering resonance of the guitar, he opened his eyes and looked at Geon.
"How was it? I named it 'Can't Help Falling in Love.'"
Geon clasped his hands and said to Elvis, "It's a very enchanting song, hyung. I also want to sing such a song."
William, covering his head with both hands, thought, "Oh my God! Elvis, this friend of mine has done it again! This song, whenever it gets released, the album featuring this track will turn platinum right after its release!"
Elvis chuckled slightly and approached Geon. "Then would you like to try singing it once? I'll write the lyrics for you."
Geon nodded. "Yes, if it's a song like this, I'd love to try."
Truthfully, Geon was familiar with this song. It was one of Elvis's songs that his mother, Yeongha, loved the most. So, he didn't remember the lyrics perfectly, but he could follow along quite well.
Elvis took out a pen and paper, swiftly jotting down the lyrics.
As the lyrics weren't too long, it didn't take much time. Handing the paper to Geon, Elvis played the guitar while watching Geon read the lyrics.
Strangely, Geon could read the lyrics written in English. Thinking it might be due to the dreamy state, he silently recited the incoming lyrics in his mind.
"Only fools rush in, they say wise men never fall in love..."
He closed his eyes and began singing the first verse in his most beautiful voice.
Suddenly, the guitar accompaniment stopped.
As Geon opened his eyes, he saw a surprised Elvis and William staring at him, mouths agape. Confused, Geon asked, "Why did you stop, hyung?"
Elvis grabbed his shoulders in amazement. "Jesus Christ! Geon, you're a genius! What a voice!"
Unlike William, who was still speechless and in shock, Elvis managed to regain composure relatively quickly.
"How does such a voice come out with those vocal cords? My little friend, you're undoubtedly an angel. I hope I can grow old and hear you as a singer."
Geon smiled, revealing this, "I'd love it if the day I can sing my song comes soon, but I'm still too young, hyung."
Elvis, looking somewhat disappointed, furrowed his brow slightly. "Promise me you'll let me hear it before I die. If I die without hearing your song, that would be too big a misfortune for me."
In Geon's world, Elvis had already passed away. Sharing his songs with Elvis would only be possible in dreams, but observing Elvis's earnest expression, Geon simply nodded.
Elvis, seeing Geon nod, picked up the guitar with a bright expression. "Alright, this time, I won't stop playing. Let's sing the whole song, Geon."
The two resumed playing and singing without saying a word.
Quietly observing them, William unintentionally raised his camera.
Click...
William's camera, aiming to capture a miraculous moment, sounded quietly.
For a while, William gazed at the joyous singing duo with envy but quietly left, thinking, "Can I ever capture another miraculous moment like this in my life? Even if I can't, this single picture will be more precious than gold when Geon grows up and debuts."
Even as he quietly opened and left through the door, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the two.