"One of the biggest projects to be announced. Producer Suga, member of BTS, will be producing Ace’s second comeback song." The news report blared, and Mr. Lee clapped, his focus unwavering. He sat in the conference room with Ace’s members and their manager to the right, and Mr. Min and his son Yoongi to the left. The applause echoed in the room – this project had been pending for six months. Min Yoongi rarely accepted production requests, but his father had relentlessly pressured him to at least consider this one. He’d signed the contract with a curt nod.
"Thank you so much, Yoongi," Rae’s father murmured, smiling at the younger man. Soon, gratitude filled the room as Ace’s members thanked Yoongi one by one for this huge opportunity.
Everyone knew his influence and popularity. He was also one of the most in-demand producers of the moment.
Mr. Lee’s phone buzzed incessantly. He handed it to Mr. Min, who smiled wryly. Everyone in the room fell quiet, especially Yoongi, who was intently studying the song request details.
"Yes, honey?" your dad spoke softly.
"Dad, don't forget to get his signature, okay? I love you," you blurted out from the line, already grinning at the headline you’d read earlier. The collaboration.
"Oh, honey, I just thought it was urgent. I’m in a meeting with him and Ace right now," he answered, smiling at everyone in the conference room.
"It’s really urgent, Dad, you already know I’m a fan of him, why not? I'm at work, so bye. I love you!" You giggled, kissing the phone’s camera. The excitement of a fan girl overwhelmed you. You cut the call before he could respond.
"Uhm, sorry, a call from my daughter," Mr. Lee’s eyes met Mr. Min’s, and they both smiled and nodded. “And she requested a signature from you, Yoongi. She’s a big fan.” He looked directly into Yoongi’s bored eyes.
"Sure," Yoongi responded, his voice clipped and cold as usual. He always appeared serious when discussing music and working with major companies. He handed Mr. Lee a signed photocard from his wallet. He always kept a few on hand.
"Thank you," the elder said, securing the card in his suit pocket. “Let’s start again with the discussion,” he continued.
The meeting progressed smoothly. Ace’s members were introduced and assigned their parts for the first song on the list. Yoongi decided to work on it alone, refusing to collaborate with other producers at Versatile Music Entertainment. He also requested a private studio or room where he could work, preferring not to travel whenever detailed work was needed.
Mr. Lee assigned him the soundproof room on the 13th floor, originally built as a studio. It would be equipped with everything he needed, but he suggested bringing some of his own equipment as well. The room was fixed and arranged the same day he had the meeting with your father.
Meanwhile, in another part of Seoul, Raeya was having a photoshoot, bathed in a natural, beige-toned aesthetic. The scenery was as wonderful as her outfit. The sunset, the lighting, everything—even the staff—contributed to the beauty of the shoot.
"We're done for today," the photographer announced. Jiweon Apparel’s CEO was also there to watch the photoshoot. The staff gathered to arrange and clean the venue.
"Thank you so much, Yujin and Ms. Jung," you politely expressed your gratitude. You smiled at the young woman in front of you. She was older, but looked younger, and her style perfectly complemented her designs.
"Thank you so much, Ms. Lee. It’s such a great opportunity to work with you," the CEO stated, offering a handshake. You accepted it and smiled back.
"It was a wonderful experience modeling your amazing designs. I hope Jiweon Apparel continues to grow," you murmured, flashing a bright smile at everyone you made eye contact with. You also bowed to them as a sign of respect.
You and Yujin weren’t in a very good mood to talk to each other. The two of you had argued about something before the shoot. He’d tried to kiss you when you were alone in your dressing room. He was furious that you always refused his love and affection, despite years of trying to win you over. He always failed. He kept failing, and you found yourself strangely excited that your dad had the opportunity to work with your favorite artist, Yoongi. He had always been your ideal type—hardworking, caring, talented, and serious. Since your first relationship, you wished to find someone as good as this man.
But you always failed.
The shoot ended well, and Ms. Jung gifted you some newly designed clothing. Photographer Hwang Yujin left without speaking to you about his own problems. You let it be and decided to party with some of the staff at a famous club near the area. The club was aesthetic, bathed in neon lights. The reek of alcohol, sweat, and perfume hung in the air. The music pounded, the bass taking over every now and then. Agust D remixes were perfect for the mood.
"Let’s dance the night away, girls!" you shouted, already rolling your hips to the music. You danced with five female staff members, most around your age, some younger. You treated them as a reward for their support during your successful shoots.
"Go Raeya! Shot! Shot! Shot!" Someone shouted. You were quickly swept up in the influence of alcohol, and they handed you another two shots of strong liquor.
"Your turn! Go girl, congrats for being an official adult!" You cheered one of your assistants who had turned twenty recently.
"Ma'am! Truth or dare!" one of the staff asked as you danced. You continued chugging down alcohol.
"Truth," you answered calmly, smirking as you noticed how suspicious her eyes were.
"Is there something going on with you and Mr. Hwang?!" she blurted out, her voice loud and desperate. Her eyes were glazed over with alcohol.
"What something do you want to know? There's nothing. He's just a friend," you answered, tapping her shoulders. “Don't lie! I like him, but he said he likes you and you like him too!" She burst out, tears streaming down her rosy cheeks.
Two of your staff tried to calm her down as you smiled and waved goodbye. "Take her home, thanks for tonight, girls!" you shouted. Your vision was blurry, but you still needed to drive yourself home. You didn’t bother calling anyone.
"Aish!" You buckled your seatbelt and tried to blink away the haze. "Oh my, please let me be safe," you thought. You slowly started the engine.
"Safe drive!" you shouted through the open window. You were the type who talked a lot when drunk, flirting a lot too. You only allowed yourself to drink with yourself, staff, or Yujin. No strangers. No new bodies because you had an image to protect.
You never wanted to read articles or listen to news about yourself with anyone because of your drunken self.
The club was thankfully close to VME. You parked your car haphazardly and walked straight to the elevator, pressing your floor. 13th floor, where Yoongi was currently working. He was outside his room or studio, smoking a cigarette.
Would you be lucky enough—and he unlucky enough—to meet each other tonight?
/A/n: Second day of updating the rewritten version. The original text was…cringe-inducing. /