114 Songwriting

Hyo sits on the couch comfortably drinking a glass of tea as the music in the background blasts through the office.

I nod my head in a rhythmic tempo as I enjoy the spring theme portrayed in the guide.

The beat is light and airy reminding you of first love.

Out of all the demo's Hyo brought with her, this is my favourite.

"This one is it, noona" I say confidently, "What do you think?"

Looking towards me, she clenches her jaw raising her eyebrows portraying a thug like atmosphere.

'Is this not one she liked?'

She nods her head slowly.

'Did she just read my mind?'

"Yes"

"What!?"

"Yes. I also think this one is it." She says before reverting back to that look which I realise is her processing information, "But"

"But?"

"The lyrics are a problem.. I'm not sure how to approach this. The only writer I know who can make this work is Kim Eana, but she's getting married. And won't be available till after my Comeback. Finding a good enough replacement is going to be tough"

"Is that really a problem? I mean, how many people fall in love with songs without understanding. Don't we just need a catchy beat and a hook?"

She looks disappointed in me, sighing deeply "While that is not completely wrong, if you just selling the music. I mean I'm not one to judge, my entire career so far has been consumer music, 'What's the point if no one listens to your song' is what my former CEO used to say.

But haven't I done it more than enough at this point. I mean, I became a singe because music changed my life. I want to do that now… I guess, you don't understand"

Looking at her as she plasts a flat smile on her face, in resignment that the perfection she was seeking won't be possible… Again.

That look is familiar… I have seen it before… in myself.

"Give me a pen" I ask Yuri who supplies me with one and I start writing.

"What are writing down?" She asks

"Lyrics…" I answer as the pen moves fluidly on the page.

"Has he ever written for songs before?" Hyo asks Yuri

"Not from what I know. Unless his been writing in secret. Since when have you been writing music Dylan"

"I don't"

"Then what are you doing right now?"

'Plagirising' "Songwriting"

"I can't talk to you, how long are you going to be?"

"Give me a couple of minutes now. Shhhh"

"Fine"

After 3-5 minutes, I finish re-writing the words in my head. Giving it a once over, I find myself satisfied.

This…. Will work perfectly.

"I'm done!" I announce proudly

Hyo and Yuri shake their head not really knowing what to expect. Whatever expectations they may have will undoubtedly be blown away by my pure 'skill'.

"Noona, play that track again"

"Sure" She says as she happily makes her way over to the disk player and reloads the CD once more.

The pleasant R\u0026B song with jazz and neo soul sounds kicks in.

Waiting for the intro to pass, I take a deep breath readying myself.

The atmosphere in the room changes, my acting skills come into the for, as I picture couple meeting for the first time in years, reuniting at a spot where they first met,the world around them had slowly disappeared, and all that's left is just each other.

Sincerety reflected by my emotions, helps the tone of my voice become less smooth ,

"You tell all the boys … no

Makes you feel good … yah

I know you're out of my league

But that won't scare me, oh no " I talk-sing using the raspyness I am borne with to convey the emotions of a man still falling in love with a girl everyday, more and more.

"You've carried on so long

You couldn't stop it …even if you try,

You've built your wall so high.

That no one could climb." I pause giving the beat a break before using a voice which shows my determination but also my desire

"But I'm going to try.

Would you let me … see beneath your beautiful.

Would you let me … see beneath your perfect.

I wanna see inside…

Would you let me see beneath your beautiful tonight?"

Breath out, I stop singing looking towards the two older females for guidance.

"So what do you think? Will this work?"

By their expressions and the lack of objection, I take it as a sign approval.

"Now, I think that will be all …. Let me know when's recording. See ya, I'm heading back for my afternoon classes bye Noona. "

And with that I exist shutting the door behind me.

--- YURI AND HYO POV ---

"Yuri, did that just happen?"

Yuri looks at Hyo's flush expression and confirms her thoughts, "Yes"

"I guess, he really is a Genius."

Yuri nods her head as Hyo makes her way over to the notebook with the lyrics.

Realising something, Yuri hurries to the book swiping it from her.

"Hey I was reading that!" She protests

"No No No .. Lee Hyo, before you get to read my artists work. We need to discuss something more important"

"Which is?" Hyo asks wondering where she is going.

"Pay. Since Dylan will be providing the Lyrics and singing on the track. I think an upfront payment plus 20% of royalties will be fine"

"20%! The label takes 30, and you want 20?"

"Oh it's fine, I guess you don't want this then" Yuri teases as she waves the notebook around.

Hyo grits her teeth, before plopping down onto the leather seating, drinking the left over tea which has since gotten cold. "FINE… and here I thought you were my friend?" she says poutingly

"I am..." Yuri says with a smile, "I just don't mix business with pleasure. Like some people"

"Was I obvious?" Hyo asks

"Still can't believe you are into a guy 11 years younger than you. Never thought Lee Hyo, would be that type"

"Shut up, Yuri. I have just as much dirt on you." Hyo fights back as they share a laugh, "Now that the stupid business is done, can we go grab a drink? I'm thirsty"

"Its only 11am." Yuri answers, "But"

"But" Hyo puts a knowing look as the two in unison exclaim, "It's 6pm! Somewhere haha!"