Watching over Jinae on Jimin's lap.
A certain surge of confusion ran through my body. The phone call was so sudden and I just don't know how to react.
Putting my legs together, hands interlocked.
Something brought me back for a second, gazing at her.
She hasn't changed a bit and I admire that.
Karina - ne. Who am I with?
We exchanged looks, unsure of what to say.
Y/N - go ahead, is it Soo-man-nim?
Nodding, I crossed my arms. Silently waiting.
Karina - oh. I'm with L/N Y/N. uhh- Soo-Young-sunbaenim's brother if you remember.
Watching her go on, waiting for the call to pass.
Karina - I'll tell him. Ne. yeah, of course. I'll gather everyone in the morning. 7am? Okay sure. Ne. arraseo, goodnight.
Hanging up the call, her whole body turned to face me. A bit scared judging from her expression.
Y/N - what's up?
Karina - well.....
Y/N - well?
Karina - he was just checking up on me since I wasn't home, and since I told him your name. You heard me right?
Y/N - yeah, who you were with and stuff.
Karina - he just suddenly went off, not like angry but saying how much he adores you and he just suddenly had the bright idea of- I don't know if you'll like this
Y/N - let me guess, is it a job for me?
Karina - yes.
Y/N - Red Velvet? Producing for one of my noona's or something?
Karina - neither. For us.
Y/N - for Aespa?
Karina - yeah....
Her face crinkled as I uncrossed my arms, sighing a bit where I kept on stroking Jinae's hair.
Y/N - fuck.
Karina - he wants a song he wants to keep in the vault so when comeback season comes, we'll have a song regardless of concept since he wanted a song produced by you for Aespa.
Y/N - goddammit
Scratching the back of my head with my other free hand, feeling a bit weird about it.
Y/N - I'm gonna be honest. I have not listened to any of your stuff
Karina - that's understandable, knowing what you like.
Y/N - this is gonna be hard isn't it?
No hesitation, she nodded confidently.
Karina - do you think I could ca-
Y/N - ani. It's fine.
Waving her off, she was curious why I'm going through with it.
But personally, it's just good practice since I haven't produced in a while and just to remind me why I did a Music Production/Sound Engineer course for four years.
Y/N - I'll do him a favour since he did pull the deal for me and you. So the least I can do is produce a song for a certain very popular group right now
Karina - well thank you
Y/N - you deserve it but I'm gonna have to stay up tonight and do research, do some analysis on your songs. See what your producers do and stuff
Karina - should I call him then?
Y/N - nah it's fine, I'll figure it out myself. What time tomorrow and where?
Karina -at the recording studio down by-
Y/N - yeah I know where that is
Scratching the back of my head, feeling a bit jaded by the thought of it
Karina - are you sure you want to do this?
Y/N - yeah yeah I'm sure just. I'm thinking of all the shit I have to write down, also I have to listen to your entire discography and think about what techniques I have to do
Karina - I think it's usually all set up but aren't you used to the studios there?
Y/N - I am, I remember everything but I'm gonna bring over my own mics and stuff because I don't like the mics you guys have there.
Karina - what's wrong with them?
Y/N - just the responses I get from them and your fucking TLM 102 sucks
Karina - what's that?
Y/N - don't worry about it. Anyways, I'll do it. Will I get paid or anything?
Karina - he said he'll pay you the usual rate for the day.
Y/N - that's a lot. Sure. I'll be in early since I'll make a few tracks and stuff, see which ones you guys would like.
Karina - you don't have to
Y/N - nah nah, it's fine. I'll whip up a couple in an hour or so.
Karina - are you sure? Wouldn't it burn you out or anything? I know how long it takes to make an entire song
Y/N - I'll be okay, I got used to it doing the same thing for Red Velvet.
Shaking my head, her hand lifted up again. Lightly brushing against my face before cupping it fully on there.
Karina - I did miss a lot about you, you know. Ever so dedicated.
Y/N - yeah. I still followed you a lot. As much as I wouldn't want to admit it, actually, let me show you something.
Karina - hm?
Letting go of my face, nodding to Jinae.
Y/N - I'll bring her to bed first, then I'll show you.
Stepping a bit and squatting down to Jinae. Placing a hand on the top of her head, whispering to her quietly.
Y/N - pumpkin, It's papa. I'm gonna bring you to bed okay?
With a little 'hm' from her, I didn't want to wake her up fully but holding by her armpits, gently lifting her up.
Making sure that her blanket doesn't fall off of her as I lifted her up from Jimin's lap, softly smiling to myself.
Y/N - don't worry, she doesn't wake up easily.
Karina - just by loud noises right?
Y/N - like anyone would, well- except for heavy heavy sleepers.
Karina - yeah.
Laying her head on my shoulder, snoring quietly. I walked over to her room, opening the door slowly before stepping inside with Jimin behind me.
Going around her bed, laying her down with the blanket still on her. Tucking her in with the comforter, making sure she wouldn't get cold.
Caressing her head, leaning in kissing her on the forehead.
Y/N - I love you. Goodnight.
Turning my head to look up at Jinae, gesturing to her to squat down which she did.
Karina - what do you want me to do?
Y/N - kiss her goodnight.
Crab walked back a bit, letting Jimin by her side.
Watching her soften up, lowering her hand onto Jinae's head.
Karina - Jinae. I- I love you. You won't know it until you find out, but. I love you, so much.
Putting my arm around her shoulder, pinching her shoulder in an affectionate way.
Y/N - when the time comes, I hope you'll accept her too. You mean the world to her as much as you do to me pumpkin. She's going to try her best.
Bringing her closer to me, my hand now open palmed and caressing her shoulder.
Karina - I- I will. I'm not going to leave you again ever. I promise.
The both of us looked at each other, softly smiling.
Y/N - you did well.
Karina - did I really?
Y/N - all it is, is just time. There will be ups and downs from now on, but it'll be hard and easy taking care of her. When I won't be there for her, you will. But when you aren't, I will. When she needs the both of us, or hell. Three. We'll be there.
Nodding her head softly, pulling me in for a hug. Her head on my chest.
Karina - thank y- you.
Patting her back, comforting her quietly. A nice, mellow atmosphere in the room.
Only listening to Jinae's soft snores before we looked at each other.
Y/N - come on, let her sleep.
Karina - okay.
Standing up together, walking out of the room. Closing her door but stopping momentarily, the both of us peeking our heads inside with an appreciation before actually closing it.
Y/N - come on, I'll show you what I was saying a moment ago.
Following me inside of my bedroom, we both sat on the bed. I leaned over to below, taking out the box where I had noona's albums inside but behind all of that, were some different ones.
Putting it on my lap, opening the lid. Taking out the Red Velvet albums and putting them on the other side.
My hands dove inside to take out as much as I could, showing her what I meant.
Karina - you got our albums?
Y/N - well, EP's and Armageddon to be fair. Since that's actually an album. But yeah.
They were opened, having checked inside and the photobooks and stickers and what not been rearranged.
She looked through them, lifting up a photocard of one of her members.
Karina - you got Aeri, really?
Y/N - hey hey you can't blame me, they're all random.
Looking through album and album, seeing which photocards I had.
Karina - two Aeri's, a couple of Ning's, one Min-Jeong and none of me?
Y/N - again, random.
Karina - does Jinae have any albums?
Y/N - she does. But uh.
Karina - but?
Y/N - different groups.
Karina - re- really? What groups does she like?
Y/N - IVE.
Karina - okay, go on.
Y/N - New Jeans.
Karina - okay I'm starting to see her taste
Y/N - Stayc
Karina - damn. But she knows me?
Y/N - music shows, can't really blame her.
Karina - you're making us songs like them tomorrow
Laughing to ourselves, she picked up the photobook from their newest comeback. Flipping through pages
Karina - when did you get this?
Y/N - a while back about a day or so after you released it
Karina - yeah I heard they sold out quick
Y/N - pre-ordered it
Karina - oh? That's surprising.
Y/N - I wasn't lying that I kept up with you. I said I never hated you for leaving. Watching you from afar even though I never was into kpop, it was a way of supporting you.
Karina - thank you. I- I wish I knew how you were.
Y/N - you didn't ask any of the noona's?
Karina - I was afraid to.
Y/N - yeah, that's understandable.
Karina - I- I just thought you wouldn't ever support me like this.
Y/N - when I made that deal, I knew what I wanted for you. That was for you to shine, and when you made that decision to leave us behind. I couldn't hate you for what you wanted, maybe a part of me knew that one day you'd come back and after a while I thought you wouldn't.
Karina - I'm- five years too late aren't I?
Y/N - but two years early. Honestly, I thought you would've remembered when your contracts ended
Karina - I never forgot dummy. Why would I? I loved you so much, same with Jinae. You two were always in the back of my mind.
Y/N - m- me too. Yeah if I had to be honest, it did hurt a bit when I heard you were dating Jae Wook
Karina - that was a rough time, I just wanted someone to console me that wasn't my girls. And we ended up dating, but- I realised that, I still have someone, two of them still in my thoughts that I shouldn't let go ever.
Y/N - and that was us huh?
Karina - I may have loved Jae Wook, but I didn't love him as much as you.
Y/N - oh.
Karina - what we had, was always special to me. Still is now. And it gave me and you Jinae. I fought with myself for so long, hoping that I'd own up and finally text you or fuck, call you even.
Y/N - but- how'd you get my phone number anyways?
Karina - *sighs* I asked sajangnim for it, I thought maybe he knew your phone number. And, I know people always change them so. After so many times, trying to gather myself to do it. I did it. And, he gave me your phone number.
Y/N - well, thanks Soo-man-hyung. I wouldn't blame you for taking long to contact me, you're at the height of your career now and even more rising, but I appreciate you for finding me again at your highest.
Karina - yeah, it was unexpected that we'd be this popular but. That didn't really matter, just the thought of you and Jinae.
Y/N - yeah.
Putting the photobook back in the album, she gave it to me where I put back all of the albums in the box alongside putting back the Red Velvet albums, the lid back on and slid it under the bed.
Y/N - it's getting late now, I'll drop you off back to your dorm.
Karina - is that fine?
Y/N - yeah. You don't have to question it alright?
Karina - alright.
Standing up from the bed, we looked at each other where she suddenly grabbed me by the hands, swinging them around
Karina - sorry- just- sort of reminds me like old times you know?
Y/N - yeah, I remember.
Letting go of my hands, awkwardly scratching her head.
Karina - Is Jinae gonna be fine by herself?
Y/N - she won't notice. Come on.
Sharing a look of nostalgia between us, it was a matter of time before some parts had come back to us.
â--------
*the next day*
Yawning, my hand covering my mouth.
I walked into the studio building, greeting the staff. I came across an old friend of mine.
Employee - Y/N?
Y/N - yeah it's me
Employee - I haven't seen you in a long time
Y/N - got called to make a song for Aespa, you don't mind me taking studio- uh- 2?
Employee - no of course, the one with the drum kit and everything?
Y/N - yeah yeah, that one.
Employee - knock yourself out, we got coffee brewing in the back. Oh- and how's your daughter?
Y/N - alright, brought her to school earlier
Employee - what grade is she in now?
Y/N - 5th, but pretty smart for her age
Employee - with a father like you, no wonder. You really did save us back in the day
Y/N - hey I did as I was told to. Listen I gotta catch you later, they'll be here in a few hours and you know how time goes for me when I'm locked in
Employee - that's alright, I gotta go too. Been here all night
Y/N - no shit, you look like hammered fuck
Employee - ain't that right, catch you next time
Y/N - Ciao
Waving each other, he was a guy I knew since my early days in SM, a senior really. But we treat each other as equals since our appreciation for each other outweighed the superiority.
Clutching my briefcase in hand containing all my equipment, I made my way into studio two, sitting down the case on the couch, squatting as I opened it up.
Y/N - doo doo do, cool. Looks fine to me.
Examining around, checking out the live room and mixing console. It was still as I remembered it. Exceptionally clean, a ton of toys to mess around with and a lot of creativity surging throughout my brain.
Laying out my equipment flat out, ready for me to grab at any time. Standing up from my position, walking over to the mixer, but remembered I gotta turn on the speakers first. Doing it in the 'standard' order.
Y/N - speakers.... Uh..... desk, uh. Mac. uhm-
Trying to remember it while doing it at the same time, guaranteeing myself that if I mess up something, I am not paying for it, that's for sure.
Sitting down in the studio chair, which was just an office chair but hey. There's no arms or anything to hinder me while playing guitar or something.
Sliding over in front of the desk, setting up everything.
Y/N - bah bah, pro tools and uh-
Getting everything done and dusted except for mics and stuff. I should get started on thinking about what type of sound I'm striving for.
Y/N - hm.
Sitting back in the chair, creaking a little from my back against it. Interlocking my two hands and putting it against my hand, loudly sighing.
Y/N - very electronic, maybe. I'll do something that's more acoustic, more instrument based.
Throughout the spirals in my head, realising that being in JYP really has influenced me a lot. The concept of bright visuals, energetic melodies and experimenting and combining genres.
I mean it wouldn't hurt to try for Aespa right?
Letting go of my hands, standing up. My eyes were looking at the guitar stand, where I went over and picked up an Electric and grabbed a cable.
Connecting it, putting on an amp sim I could use. My jacket was still on me, so that means my wallet is right inside.
Taking out my wallet and gripping a pick out of it. Throwing my wallet onto the couch, thankfully it was a brightly coloured wallet so I can just dig for it easily if I can't find it.
Y/N - uh, what key should I go for?
Ah fuck it, let's just go in Gmin, wait what keys are the gir-
Wait, they're professionally trained. It'll be fine.
The experience of my years of music theory and training has suddenly overwhelmed me but in a good way since I can just focus on making a melody or in the very least, a chord progression.
â---------
Y/N - okay, I hate this as much already.
Already 4 songs in and just finishing up saving the project, they should be coming in any time now.
Did I make any guide tracks for them? No, I genuinely didn't bother making lyrics. But I did bother setting up the mics in the live room,
It still surprises me that they have a live room here. Only one of the two in the building.
I'm very grateful that Soo-man appreciates my production or else I would be getting a smaller studio.
Knocking my forehead against the desk, my fingers and brain hurt from making 4 individually different songs, all in different genres while maintaining the usual chord progressions in the industry and the whole 'pop' feel to it in a way. Catchy yet unique in its own domain.
Y/N - fucking.... Why do I do this to myself?
Thinking about what to do while waiting, a thought had formed in my head.
Y/N - fuck it, I'm playing drums.
Looking up, seeing that the project had been saved already and my hard drive still working.
My hand laid on the mouse and opened up a new project, immediately going into my hard drive folder and dragging a wav file into the project, it was a purely drumless track from one of the songs I usually warm up or practice to.
Y/N - uhhhhh 145 bpm.... Uh... send it into the headphone box into the live room.... Uh...
Getting the drum mics gained in and double checking through everything, I'll just quickly make sure that it's going through the headphones inside first.
Standing up and walking over into the live room, putting on the headphones on the drum throne where I left it when I was making the first and third song if I remember correctly?
Listening in and seeing if the audio was coming through, it was and nodding to myself in success. Going around the drum kit and picking up the drumsticks, figuring out which section or bar it was playing on. Immediately going into the song without any hesitation.
Closing my eyes, the feel of the song coursing through me.
My feet felt light as air, some straining in my forearms because I haven't played drums in a while and also due to the intensity of the song.
Letting muscle memory take control before all of a sudden, the song stopped. Making me open my arms
Y/N - YO WHO THE FU-
Looking through the glass, I saw Min-Jeong and Aeri waving at me with Jimin in front of the monitor beside Ning.
Taking off my headphones quickly, setting them down on the left tom and the sticks on the snare.
Jogging back inside where I greeted them with a friendly bow
Y/N - hey you guys, long time no see.
Aeri came up to me first, opening up her arms asking for a hug which I granted for her.
Giselle - Y/N, it's been so long!
Y/N - yep, 5 years since then right?
Letting go of Aeri, Min-Jeong was next. Giving her a hug as well.
Winter - ah you look so old!
Y/N - that's what age does Min-Jeong-ah.
Winter - hehehe
Unwrapping herself from me, Ning confidently walked up to me where I gave her a big hug, even rocking her side to side
Ning - oppa ahhhhh it's been so long
Y/N - too long
Holding her by the shoulders, the both of us laughed. It was clear the room lit up pretty brightly, seeing their smiles.
It's been about what they said, five years since we all have been in the same room as each other. But with the exception of seeing Aeri sometimes, or Ning or Min-Jeong in the halls since well, I was avoiding Jimin after all. It was great that it felt like a reunion.
Winter - ya oppa you're so mature now too, you've got a goatee on your face
Y/N - ah I've been too lazy to shave lately, too much time taking care of Jinae.
They were aware of Jinae, but with the talk me and Jimin had. Maybe they're comfortable about it now?
Giselle - how is Jinae anyways? Jimin told us but you're the one with her all the time
Y/N - she's alright, brought her to school this morning so we got time.
Ning - who's gonna pick her up?
Y/N - probably Soo-Young-noona
Ning - ahhh she been a helper all this time?
Y/N - yup
Nodding, letting a hand out to Jimin, gesturing to her to sit with them on the couch where they all were.
Following ahead and sitting down beside Min-Jeong, I sat down on the chair, my hands on my lap.
Y/N - well, to start things off. One, a long time, yes. You may have heard rumour wise or just purely factual. Yes I produce, maybe one of the noonas said, the Red Velvet girls probably. Told you I did a music production course and now I'm here
GIselle - that explains you being here, it surprised me that sajangnim said that you were producing for us
Winter - yeah! And aren't you in JYP though?
The girls looked confused except for Jimin. Awkwardly laughing, I still haven't cleared it up
Y/N - yep but as a video editor, I'm just here to do a favour for sajangnim. So don't think I'll be staying around long, if he asks I'll do it though.
Ning - awww can you not produce more for us?
Y/N - I would but your usual guys are just as excellent and congrats on the awards by the way
They all clapped cheerfully in reaction, seeing their faces light up
Giselle - we've been on a good run, do you listen to us though?
Y/N - yes I do, hard to believe that you guys turned out to be such superstars when all I remember you guys were just trainees
Winter - you're so old hahaha!
Giselle - me and him are the same age you know
Winter - right, Jimin-unnie too right?
Karina - mmhm
Y/N - but only a few months older so that's clear.
Turning back around in the chair, facing the monitor. My hand landed on the mouse, picking out the first project from earlier.
Y/N - I made like four songs while waiting for you guys, so. How about you guys take a listen to each one and decide which one you want to hop on.
"Ne!"
â--------
*about four songs later*
Arms crossed, facing them. It was about time for me to talk
Y/N - so, which ones?
Each of them had different expressions, wondering about their own decisions.
Ning - I like the second one
Giselle - really? I liked the fourth one
Winter - third one was cool
Karina - I liked all of them.
Y/N - well, quite a dilemma.
Looking at me at once, Soo-man-hyung didn't exactly say it had to be one song so, I mean. It could be their solo's or just all purely Aespa tracks.
Y/N - I've got an idea
Giselle - tell us
Y/N - he did say to have one in the vault but I made enough for b-sides so I mean, we could all try them.
Karina - I like that.
Winter - could we though?
Ning - we only have today to work on it
Y/N - since it's you guys, I'll just ask to see if we could work on this together overtime. No rush right?
Giselle - that's true, there's no talk of any early comebacks in Spring so we got months to prepare and do our own thing for now.
Y/N - cool, uh. I didn't bring notepads or anything.
Ning - for?
Y/N - making lyrics, I figure it would be great to have songs written by you guys individually instead of your usual writers. Evolution you know.
Giselle - sure I'm up for that
Winter - I'll try my best
Ning - got it! I got this!
Karina - sure.
Y/N - just use your phones and I'll just set up the mic.
Nodding at me, I got up from the chair. Walking over to the live room, immediately taking a microphone stand and started to set it up on the ground.
Quietly going one by one, feeling a tap on my shoulder all of a sudden. Turning my head to see who it was
Winter - yello
Y/N - Min-Jeong-ah. Couldn't get anything?
Winter - mmhm
Nodding gently at me, she went over to my other side, grabbing another microphone stand
Y/N - they teach you how to set one up?
Winter - not really, can you teach me?
Y/N - sure.
The both of us laughed softly, catching a glance at the mirror where the three were deeply thinking and staring at their phone, tapping away.
Y/N - so, you see the dial on the bottom?
Winter - ne
Y/N - just take the main feet, the three poles on the bottom with the rubber balls so it can stand up and then, see the dial on top of the feet? turn it to the left and pull the main uh- pole? Up
Crossing my arms watching her carefully, she did it successfully. Putting it down on the ground.
Y/N - then same thing with the dials, all you gotta do now is just adjust it to the height you want. I know this isn't the booth where it's set up usually but you're with me and in this particular studio so, everything's manual
Winter - we're never here so this is really cool for a change
Y/N - huh, you don't say?
Winter - it's like our second time here? First time was just checking it out when we first got to the studio building a long time ago, they gave us a tour around
Y/N - well, now you're here. This is usually where I used to produce.
Winter - for the sunbaenim's?
Y/N - just for Red Velvet, given with how many sounds there are in each song. Recording them mic'd up was always an option except most of the time it was just done digitally but I wanted a excuse sometimes to do something different
Winter - you're so cool now oppa, you're really all grown up and so just- cool.
Y/N - ahaha, you've grown up too Min-Jeong-ah.
Winter - ani, I'm still the same
Y/N - the same but you're more confident now, remember back then?
She let out a embarrassed yelp while adjusting the stand up to her height
Winter - aww stop that was a long time ago
Y/N - too long. How have you been keeping? Me and Jimin have been catching up
Winter - nothing much, she probably said it but MAMA has passed and I guess we'll just be going on variety shows for now or making appearances but nothing music related for a while
Y/N - sounds pretty tame, I'm glad you guys made it big. Always wished it for you four
Winter - thank you oppa, what about you?
Y/N - just been busy. Working, taking care of Jinae, so not really a lot.
Winter - ah right! Jinae! How old is she now?
Y/N - five, but she'll be turning six on- do you remember?
Winter - on Jimin unnie's birthday right?
Y/N - good job, kind of funny that she was born on her birthday. Celebrating both her birthday and Jinae being born, was a wild time.
Winter - hehehe I remember.
With the microphone stand now fully set up, all was left was to put on the mics.
Y/N - now we gotta put on the clips for the mics to stand up straight and move them however we like so I'm gonna grab one and show you, then I'll grab the mics and put them on. Cool with that?
Winter - ne!
Grabbing a clip out of the box labeled 'mic clips', bringing it up to Min-Jeong's face showing her
Y/N - well, it's pretty easy. You see this uh- I'll just show you
Putting it on the stand where it's supposed to go, spinning it around
Y/N - it'll lock it, you'll know it and then all you gotta do after is just put the mic's inside of the walls of the clip.
Winter - it seems easy enough
Y/N - yep, now I'm grab the mics, be right back
Turning around and walking back out of the live room, listening to Min-Jeong grab the clips to do it for herself, I stood in front of the three where they look at me
Karina - hm?
Ning - oppa?
Y/N - nothing, just grabbing the mics.
Scooting to the side a bit, grasping the first mic into my hand and putting the other two in a cradle position
Y/N - how's it going?
Giselle - I think I got something going on, like a verse
Ning - I- I don't know
Karina - I got a hook maybe?
Y/N - just take your time, we can work with this over time. Don't feel pressured
Ning - can we listen to them again?
Y/N - of course, just- uh- did any of the hyungs around here show you anytime about how to work the software?
Giselle - I know a bit
Y/N - just highlight the entire song, click and drag with the pointer from start to the end, press four on the numpad and then press the spacebar
Giselle - I think I got it
Y/N - cool, be right back
Heading back to Min-Jeong, seeing her happily standing waiting for me before lifting her hands and showing me her fruitful work
Winter - I finished!
Y/N - good job Min-Jeong-ah, want to help me out with putting on the mics?
Winter - ne!
Handing her the first microphone, then the second. We both got to it, while showing her how it fits.
Y/N - there and then you can just manipulate it from there.
Winter - ahh I see.
Y/N - mmhm
Winter - so oppa, you really went to college to study for this?
Y/N - yep. It's really a hit or miss because at times, I got bored. Listening to music theory and acoustics and all that jazz but in reality. It meant a lot and was actually very interesting and you can apply it to when you're actually on the practical side of things. All these techniques and actual thesis on them.
Winter - wow. Do you like it now though?
Y/N - nah, but I don't like it either. It's one of those things where it just became like clockwork for me. 4 years long and it's just engraved in there when I need to. If I need to figure out the bpm of a song and its key or show someone how to record, set up, all that stuff. It's just there for me to take out of the vault from the back of my head and just give them the straight up answer.
Winter - ahhhh, I don't remember you ever wanting to be a producer
Y/N - me neither but, I guess since I've just loved the sounds and just, the whole creativity of it. Being able to create something new from your own head and having to apply it in a way that you love which is music for me. That's how I just ended up doing it.
Winter - mmmhm, but also a video editor too? I remember you did it for Red Velvet, I still see your name on the credits too. I thought you didn't want any credit?
Y/N - sometimes, just to stroke my ego.
Winter - so straightforward still.
Smirking a bit, my fatherly instincts kicked in while staring at her as she put in the microphones, reaching a hand over to the top of her head. Gently patting it.
Winter - hm?
Turning her head to face me, her cheeks a bit blush from me doing it.
Y/N - ah, sorry. I do this with Jinae when I feel really proud of her.
Smiling softly from the touch of my hand on top of her head, she turned her body. Bringing up her heads to squish her cheeks, doing some aegyo for me
Winter - am I doing a good job oppa?
Y/N - yes you are, now you got some knowledge in you
Lifting my hand up, we laughed at each other before she put in the last mic.
Winter - all done!
Clapping quietly in awe of her success, I bent over to the cable box, grabbing one for myself.
Winter - are we connecting them now?
Y/N - yeurp.
Winter - how does that work?
Y/N - for starters. Cable, then-
Pointing to the mirror where they were, just going back and forth.
Y/N - mic, then to the box where if you see the numbers, it'll output to the desk and then I can just set it up into the software
Winter - I think that makes sense?
Y/N - hehe, it's pretty easy don't worry. I'll show you when I get on the desk.
Winter - okay!
Grabbing a cable for herself, we got to connecting the mics where she suddenly clicked her tongue at me, making me turn to her. Where she squatted against the box
Winter - what number is it?
Y/N - go to three
Winter - just put it in?
Y/N - yes
Putting into the input I told her, lifting herself up with her hands on her thighs.
Winter - oof.
Y/N - just one more.
Letting her connect the last one, we went back inside where I sat on the chair. Facing them
Y/N - got any done?
Karina - I got a chorus
GIselle - me too
Ning - I only got a verse
Winter - I didn't do anything!
Enthusiastically blurting that out, Ning slapped her on the shoulder where the girls laughed
Y/N - she did help me out but that's good enough. I'll just lead you guys on this, I say we could try out which chorus you guys like for this song particularly. That okay?
Ning - oppa leading us, that's something new
Giselle - we trust you
Karina - first time for everything
Y/N - cool, let me just gain in the mic I want. But uh- we'll just record each chorus on the mics to see which one sounds the best for this one. So, who's first?
Karina - I'll go first
Y/N - sure, go on. I'll just set up the talkback and mix in the headphones for you
Karina - cool cool
My attention focused on putting on the talkback first, unaware that someone was beside me until I slightly turned my head to the side
Winter - is this it?
Y/N - mmhm, see the uh- top panel?
Winter - I think so
Y/N - the one you put on, number three?
Winter - yes
Y/N - it corresponds the same, picking three. So it picks up especially from that mic.
Winter - ahhhhh okay okay so what are you doing now?
Y/N - just the talkback before we gain in the mics, so I can tell her when to go or not or to switch mics.
Winter - ah.
Speaking into the talkback mic, making sure she could hear me.
Y/N - one,two. Jimin-ah, can you hear me? Give me a thumbs up if you can
Looking up at the glass, seeing she had the headphones on. Eagerly giving me a thumbs up in response.
Y/N - cool cool, now I'll going to gain in your mic and send the mix to your headphones
With another thumbs up from her, I quickly got to it with Min-Jeong watching beside me.
â-----------
My hands behind my head, listening to the song. It's been an hour or so since we started and we had a pretty rough structure.
A little bit of banter, arguing and changing the lyrics here and there. We had an entire lyrical structure done with a bit of help from myself and having to teach Min-Jeong and Aeri how to work the desk while I re-recorded some parts to fit the tone.
Bopping my head while closing my eyes, focusing on the song for anything unusual.
After a minute or so, I opened my eyes before looking at them.
Y/N - what do we think?
Karina - wow.
Jimin clapped her hands, with the rest of them following.
Ning - I understand now why the unnies say you're the best
Giselle - we should hire you definitely
Winter - it was cool!
Y/N - ah, I appreciate the compliments but, still pretty rough. I gotta mix it back home but, all and all. What do we think? Sounds good? Lyrics okay?
Karina - I think it's pretty solid, you really did make me go through five takes
Y/N - you fucked up the first one, then Aeri made you laugh mid way through the second and well, three and four had some up's and downs tonal wise but comping exists for a reason
Ning - what's that?
Y/N - producer stuff. Now. I feel like we've overstayed our welcome, how about we call it a day? I'll just pack everything up.
Ning - awww now oppa?
Y/N - yeah, just. Don't wanna spend too long especially since another of your producers has this booked out so, gotta go.
Giselle - it's only uh, lunchtime isn't it?
Karina - yeah, we thinking we should eat out or go home and make food?
Ning - how about we go to oppa's house?
The girl's looked at Ning before looking at me, feeling a bit enthusiastic over the idea
Y/N - sure.
Nodding my head without any care in the world, it'll be great for some company even though I could use a break from social interaction right now.
Winter - ooooo, did you drive here?
Y/N - I did. Hey, but first. Your manager knows you're here right?
Nodding their heads, I sat up straight in the chair before turning back to the monitor, saving the project and transferring it to my hard drive labeled 'music projects'
Karina - he does
Y/N - just tell him you're going to my place and if he says no, tell him to call sajangnim and he'll let you off scot free
Ning - that wouldn't work though?
Y/N - if it's me it will. I made a bet with him a long time ago
Karina - a bet? Out of all things?
Y/N - if Aespa became popular, he'd consider me equal and I could be free to do whatever I wanted in the company regardless of position
Giselle - anddd here we are. Globally popular
Y/N - and you know him, he's a man of his word so. You can tell your manager now while I tear everything down
Karina - I'll do it
Winter - let me help oppa!
Ning - I'll help too!
Y/N - cool, uh. You two tear down the microphones and stand, wrap the cables anyway you want and Min-Jeong show Ning unwinding the clips and stuff and how to put back the stands
Winter - is it the same for the stands?
Y/N - yep just reverse like how you first saw it
Winter - ne!
Giselle - can I do something too?
Y/N - yeah sure just watch those two and maybe put the mics in my briefcase. There's specific molds in the foam so you can tell which one goes into which
Giselle - okay cool
Listening to them get up and hearing the live room door open, seeing them inside as they got started.
My ears perked up a bit, listening to Jimin talk on the phone.
Karina - ne, okay. We won't be long. Ne. bye.
Y/N - is that a yes from him?
Karina - yep, sorry if I was being too quiet today
Y/N - ani it's fine. Just how you are
Karina - you were cool today
Y/N - you too, haven't listened to you singing in front of me in years
Karina - must've been a throwback huh?
Y/N - big one too. Did you talk to the girls?
Karina - about?
Y/N - Jinae and stuff. They seemed pretty comfortable asking me about her earlier
Karina - we did last night, I cried a bit but they understood
Y/N - no wonder it felt a bit more cheery this time. Well, it's been a long while but a bit more charismatic.
Karina - heh, yeah. Jinae's at school right?
Y/N - yeah, we gotta stop by her school first and then we'll have lunch at home
Karina - is Soo-young-noona stopping by any chance later?
Y/N - nope, but I got a NMIXX member taking her place for today
Karina - who?
Y/N - Kyujin
Karina - ah Jang Kyujin!
Y/N - yeah the maknae, because Haewon has workdol shooting again. I called her up and she said Kyujin was free since everyone else was doing something, and I got Kyujin's phone number and talked to her.
Karina - ah, last night?
Y/N - yeah, a bit late but she accepted it, I'll make her food or something to thank her.
Karina - ahh I see.
Grabbing my hard drive and chucking into my satchel, turning the chair to face her.
Y/N - okay cool, the songs are all in there.
Turning my neck and following the three walking back in, setting my mics in my briefcase before I got up and went over to them. Checking on the placement then finally closing it and locking it
Y/N - good job you three.
Winter - we got it done pretty well I think?
Ning - I think I did a good job
Giselle - yup
Y/N - gonna check on the live room before we go, just get ready to go and stuff
With a nod from them, I made my way inside of the live room, double checking on the stands and cables. Seeing the drum kit in the way it was supposed to be, I made my way out seeing them already standing up.
Y/N - are we all good to go?
Putting a thumbs up and putting on a straight face, they all nodded in response.
Y/N - cool, let's go.
Grabbing my satchel and putting it over me, I grabbed my briefcase as well before Min-Jeong suddenly tapped my arm
Winter - can I hold it for you?
Y/N - yeah sure
Handing it over to her, her little hands holding onto the handle while smiling happily.
Let's see if I can get to Jinae's school in time.
â--------
Driving in the car with Jimin beside me on the passenger seat, quietly driving while they talked with some music in the car.
Making a right turn around the corner, seeing the school in my vision.
Y/N - we're almost there
Getting no response back, they were probably a bit too engulfed in their conversation but I paid no mind to it, continuing to drive
Karina - where is she gonna sit?
Y/N - on your lap
Karina - eh?
Y/N - she doesn't know the girls, but you've been with her longer than them realistically so she's sitting on yours
Karina - oh, that makes sense, even though it's only been a day?
Y/N - yeah she warms up easily, just for today since all of you guys are coming back to the place all at once
Karina - hm
Parking in an open spot by the school, I unbuckled my seatbelt and leaned over to Jimin's side where I opened up the glovebox.
Karina - hey- what?
Y/N - don't mind me
Her hands were up out of surprise, where I grabbed a pair of sunglasses and put it on my face. Replacing my normal glasses
Karina - what's with the sunglasses?
Y/N - my eyes hurt from the sunlight
Karina - are you a bat or something?
Smirking at the sight of me, keeping a straight face as I looked at her.
Y/N - I have sensitive eyes these days because of being stuck at a monitor for hours at a time. Let me be
Karina - okay
Turning back to sucking in her cheeks, slightly making a kissy face where I groaned a bit, stretching my back.
I turned around to face the three in the backseat, slightly leaning over
Y/N - hey, we're here. I'm just gonna pick up Jinae, just wait alright?
Giselle - sure
Ning - ne!
Winter - okay!
Turning back around, my hand on the door handle. Jimin grabbed me by the shoulder, making me turn to her
Y/N - what?
Karina - let me go with you
Y/N - yeah sure
Shrugging my shoulders and opening the door, stepping out on the ground. Jimin followed through as we both walked to the gates.
Karina - a- am I supposed to be this nervous?
Y/N - yeah. First time jitters and besides, if they ask who you are, just say you're my wife
Karina - my wh- what- what?
Y/N - just say you've been overseas, that's why you haven't been around.
Karina - I- who?!?
Y/N - the teachers. Just take a deep breath and hold my hand.
With no hesitation, she grabbed my hand. Where I interlocked it with hers, to me it was no big thing since we're just playing a part.
But a part of me knows that this really would've been us.
Walking along inside, seeing other parents pick up their kids. My eyes caught the eye of Jinae who suddenly ran up to us.
Jinae - PAPA!
A big smile formed on my face, where she hugged me. Laying a hand on her back where I rubbed it
Y/N - munchkin hello!
Squatting down a bit and kissing her on the head, my attention was caught with seeing her teacher in front of me
Teacher - Mr L/N, hello there!
Y/N - hey, she been good?
Teacher - of course, who's this beside you?
Glancing a bit at Jimin who just smiled, bowing at her.
Jimin - I'm his wife and Jinae's mother
Her hand went to her face, slightly covering it in a bit of shock
Teacher - he's never mentioned you before
Y/N - yeah sorry about it, she's been overseas and I just wanted to keep private a bit about her occupation
Letting go of Jimin's hand, lifting up Jinae to hold in my arm where she played with my sunglasses while laughing to herself
Teacher - you really look like Karina from Aespa you know? You're quite pretty
Karina - hehe, thank you.
Teacher - how long have you been married?
Y/N - o- oh for a year or so. She left for overseas right after we got married but we trust each other a lot so we've just been keeping it low
Teacher - oh I see. Now you won't have to be alone for the meetings. Well, see you two and goodbye Jinae
Jinae - bye bye!
Waving to us goodbye, the three of us walking to the gate where Jimin nudged me in the side
Karina - what was that about?!?
Y/N - just something to back it up, now you have to go to the meetings with me
Karina - but what if I'm busy!?!
Y/N - I'll just say work stuff.
Jinae - hi Jimin-unnie!
Karina - hi Jinae, have you been good at school?
Jinae - ne!
Y/N - ahhh that's my girl
Patting Jinae's head making her laugh, we had made it to the van where I gave her over to Jimin
Y/N - you're gonna sit on your Jimin-unnie's lap okay? We have some new friends to introduce to you
Jinae - we do?!
Y/N - uh huh they're in the back
Opening the door for the two, making my way around to the driver's side where I got in
Ning - awwww helloooo!
Winter - ah she's so cute!
Giselle - wow! I can't believe that's-
Looking at Aeri, suddenly turning in my seat to shush her which she understood
Jinae - hello!
Y/N - Jinae-ah, your Jimin-unnie is gonna make sure you don't fall off okay?
Jinae - okay!
Putting on my seatbelt, turning the ignition. We were set to go back home.
â----------
Stepping along in the hallway, seeing someone standing in front of my door
Y/N - Kyujin is that you?
Turning her way to look at me, she waved at me
Kyujin - oh hi oppa!
Y/N - hi Kyujin, sorry about me taking long. Was coming back from Jinae's school
Kyujin - ani it's okay
She suddenly froze seeing the girls behind me, bowing at them
Kyujin - An- Annyeong sunbaenim's
Karina - hi there Kyujin
Ning - oh hiiii Kyujin!
Winter - hehehe hello Kyujin
Giselle - oh you're here?
Jinae - Kyujin-unnie!
Putting the key into the door, my sunglasses stayed on with my actual glasses in my jacket
Y/N - don't mind them, they're just friends of mine.
Leaning over to my ear to whisper, I carefully listened in
Kyujin - so you know Aespa too?
Y/N - yeah. Nothing crazy, I've known them for years
Opening the door and gesturing them to go inside
Y/N - go inside first, make yourselves comfortable
Winter - where do I put the briefcase oppa?
Y/N - first door on the right when you walk inside, it's my room. Just lay it on my bed, I'll deal with it later
Winter - okay!
Watching the girls go in and hearing their excitement except for Jinae and Jimin, I turned back around to look at Kyujin
Kyujin - for years?
Y/N - Jimin is Jinae's mother
Kyujin - s- she's what?!
Y/N - mmhm. Like actual mother.
Kyujin - so you and Karina-sunbaenim-
Gesturing with both of her index fingers, making out what she's trying to say. Which really, it made me laugh a bit
Y/N - yeah
Kyujin - oppa you never seem to surprise me
Y/N - yep yep. Well, thanks for coming by. I didn't know they were coming over but, treat this day like no other.
Kyujin - hehe no problem
Y/N - come on in first, I'll be in there in a second
Kyujin - alright.
Waiting till she went inside, I closed the door slightly shut. Taking off my sunglasses and rubbing my eyes, sighting to myself
Y/N - ah... fuck..
Before putting them back on and heading inside.
â------
Cutting up some vegetables and putting them into the pot, I yawned to myself with Min-Jeong beside me
Y/N - thanks for helping out, I thought you would've wanted to be with Jinae
Winter - I do but I didn't want to leave you alone by yourself
Y/N - thanks Min-Jeong. She how you expected her to be?
Winter - ani, I thought she'd be like Jimin-unnie more. A bit shy but outgoing but she's very much the opposite, she's more like you
Y/N - ah yeah
Nodding my head in response, briefly glancing over my shoulder to see the four playing with Jinae.
Winter - you have a nice home oppa
Y/N - thanks, been here a long time. Well not really, but it really does feel like home
Winter - it's spacious too, how much did it cost?
Y/N - a lot but my job pays well to support the bills
Winter - secretive about it?
Y/N - no I- I sort of forgot
Winter - hehehe
Y//N - but uh- curious question
Winter - yes?
Y/N - how do you feel about Jimin?
Winter - Jimin-unnie?
Y/N - yeah.
Winter - we're great friends, why?
Y/N - nothing. Just- you remember the day when she made the decision?
Winter - ohhh... yeah. I do. I felt bad for you. Because you were gonna be the one raising her and I sort of, disliked unnie for a while.
Y/N - oh. But we pulled through didn't we?
Winter - yes, but. I couldn't hate Jimin-unnie at all. It made sense why she chose to do it. But, it's just the job after all that takes up all our time
Y/N - and that job is who you are now. Never been more prouder of you guys
Winter - thanks oppa
Listening to Kyujin and the girls screaming, it came to me all of a sudden as I shouted with my inside voice
Y/N - Kyujin-ah?!
Kyujin - ne!?
Y/N - do you mind watching the pot really quick? I gotta do something!
Kyujin - ne!
Turning the gas down by a bit, turning to see Kyujin in front of me as I finally turned fully
Kyujin - yes oppa?
Y/N - just watch the stove for me, and just help out Min-Jeong if she needs it
Kyujin - okay! Got it!
Y/N - be careful alright? I know how you are, and I don't want you to get hurt accidentally
Kyujin - y- yes oppa.
Y/N - cool.
Walking away from the both of them, I went over to Jinae and the girls. Squatting down by the couch
Y/N - Jinae-ah
Jinae - yes papa?
Her attention on me alongside the girls. Patting her head
Y/N - can you change okay? You're still in your school clothes
Jinae - oh! Okay!
Running off into her room, I sat down on the couch beside Aeri
Giselle - yaaa she's really more like you
Ning - so energetic and so friendly
Y/N - sort of. She's more like what I used to be
Karina - no no she's exactly like you now too
Y/N - me? Have you seen these eyes? I'm so tired that I could pass out any minute now.
Karina - come on, do you not remember how you were? You were so wild
Ning - ah I remember the prank we did on sajangnim, I thought after that we would've never debuted!
Giselle - only you had the guts to do it, you too Jimin
Karina - what can I say? We were a duo
Y/N - yeah. Right.
Yawning a bit, putting my hand to my mouth.
Ning - tired oppa?
Y/N - really tired. I spent all night listening to your albums again and then having to wake up early to get to the studio to make the instrumentals
Giselle - Y/N, you should take a nap
Y/N - ani ani. I got to cook the food
Karina - Y/N, just take a nap. We'll take care of things
Y/N - ah it's not right, I invited you to my home..... *yawn*
Ning - oppa. Just sleep. It's okay. Jimin-unnie and Kyujin will show us around
Y/N - a- are you sure?
The three nodded in sync, feeling confident in their decision.
Karina - it's alright
Her hand caressed my arm, causing me to ease up.
Y/N - araseo.
Standing up, yawning once more. Turning around to go to my room
Y/N - ju- just wake me up before you leave.
Ning - we will.
Walking towards my room, announcing to the two in the kitchen
Y/N - I'm gonna take a nap, I'm sorry
Winter - ani it's okay, we heard it. You must be tired oppa
Kyujin - it's alright! We got it!
Y/N - thanks....
Taking my shirt off before entering my room, I threw it to the side before grabbing my blanket and closing my eyes.
Ready to drift off.
â------
Jinae - papaaaaa?
Getting shook awake, opening my eyes to see Jinae on top of me. My dishevelled self sitting up straight
Y/N - munchkin?
Jinae - the unnies said they were leaving.
Y/N - ah. Right. Go out okay? I'm gonna put on a shirt
Jinae - ne
Hopping off my bed and running through the open bedroom door, peeked out Aeri's head from around where I rubbed my eyes
Giselle - o- oh- you're awake. And shirtless.
Y/N - yeah.
Tossing the blanket to the side, I walked over to my closet grabbing a hoodie and putting it over me instead of a t-shirt since I'm too lazy right now to look for one.
Y/N - are you guys going now? Have you eaten?
Walking out of my room and now in front of Aeri, she nodded
GIselle - yeah, we just finished and we gotta go now
Y/N - cool with me
Giselle - you uh- been going to the gym?
Y/N - sometimes
Giselle - y- you look good.
Y/N - thanks.
With the rest of them walking up to us. Handbags on their shoulders.
Winter - we have to go oppa
Min-Jeong pouted a bit, making me softly laugh
Y/N - it's alright, you can come over anytime
Ning - really?
Y/N - yeah really, just give me a heads up
Winter - I- I don't have your phone number tho
Y/N - Jimin, give her my number. I'm too lazy to grab it
Karina - yeah sure
Jinae and Kyujin stood by each other, Jinae hugging Kyujin's leg
Y/N - Say goodbye now pumpkin, they're going now
They all turned to look at Jinae, smiling ear to ear
Jinae - bye unnies!
Aespa - bye bye!
Jinae - come back soon!
Ning - oh we will!
Winter - hehehe we will Jinae!
Giselle - don't miss us too much!
Looking at Kyujin, sharing a soft look with her
Y/N - I'll be quick, I'll just drop them off
Kyujin - ne, come back soon
Y/N - I will
Grabbing my jacket from the couch and putting it on, my keys were still inside so no need to worry.
All of us walked out the door, saying their last goodbyes and waves to Jinae.
It made me realise,
Yeah I'm glad I don't do producing full time.