Till There Was You [FINISHED]

Chapter 2: The Project

I woke up the next day still feeling a little tired. I smile when I remember the children's faces.

I prepare some fruits and granola for breakfast.

"My mama told me when I was young..."

"Yumi, how are you?" I welcome the call of my manager and close friend.

"Hye Soo, let's meet in the parking lot and go together when we meet the producer of your next album.I am excited for you!" 

I frown. Something is up. Yumi doesn't get excited easily.

"Yumi, hold on. Have something changed with the initial project plan?"

"No, I am just excited to start your next album!"

Hmmm. Something is definitely going on.I will find out eventually. I trust Yumi so I just reply nonchalantly.

"Okay then, see you!"

I walk to the elevator from the parking lot where I can see Yumi smiling at me, definitely excited about something.

"Hey, you are unusually jolly today!" I jokingly tease.

"Oh, I am just really excited with this collaboration."

"Collab? For my next album?" 

"Yes, I emailed you the details on some changes on your project last night!"

Oh my...

"Sorry, I was not able to check it. I was really flat out tired yesterday." I respond sheepishly.

"But isn't this unusual? We are meeting the production team today. Surely, the change will not drastically affect the theme of my album? Ohmo..."

"Don't worry, everything will be discussed in the meeting and they'll understand if you haven't read it yet. I too, only received it not long ago. Remember when they asked you to drop by yesterday? That was about the little tweak they planned. They would like to get your input about it. But, I asked them to give you free time so they agreed to just include it in today's agenda."

I smile, but I am quite nervous about this. I always go to project meetings prepared but this kind of caught me off guard.

When we enter the meeting room, a few familiar faces are already there. One stood out. Yoon Ha Joon is looking at me.

"Hye Soo, good morning!" I am greeted by the people from my team and agency. 

"Hye Soo, hello." A masculine hand is being held out for me to shake while he bows a little to greet me.

"Ha Joon..." I am not sure what to address him so I used the safest one, his name. Though I heard that he is a couple of years older than me.

I shake his hand and return the gesture. I am quite confused why he is here. I know him through the industry but we don't personally know each other. I am flabbergasted though because the industry is a small world so I always hear of this versatile personality.

We all sit down and discuss whatever is being changed to my next project.

"...you'll be working with Ha Joon. He will produce and take part in a special track..."

That's all I remember as I sit down in Yumi's office.

"Yumi, Ha Joon could really sing? Don't get me wrong but,I only heard of his acting,directing and producing."

I see Yumi smiling from ear to ear.

"I think I heard long before that he sings, but he never really pursued music.That is why I was so excited when I learned he'll replace Producer Na and take part in the production. He even gets to sing with you! Producer Na going to the US unexpectedly must be a blessing in disguise."

"Someone's blushing..." I tease.

"Who wouldn't!" She replies funnily.

I playfully raise my two hands in surrender to her antics.

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Today marks the start of recording for my next album. Most of the tracks are jazz, which I devoted my life to mastering. I love other genres too but I have a soft spot for this enigmatic style.

We are also meeting Ha Joon in the afternoon to touch base with the production.

I am about to take a spoonful of my lunch when our producer graces us with his presence. I quietly put it down and nod in his direction politely. "Good afternoon." I mumble. He smiles to everyone and join us for lunch. 

A few hours later, I feel productive and thankful that I have an amazing team on my side. We joke and laugh at times. But mostly, we have accomplished so much today than I expected. There is still a long way to go but I am happy with the progress.

"Hye Soo, may I talk to you about the special track?" Ha Joon approaches me.

"Of course."

We are the only ones left in the studio, aside from a couple of crew members who are finishing up.

"Here, this was pre-recorded but listen to it when you get home." He tells me with a shy smile and gives me a flash drive. I won't put us in an awkward situation so I just nod and thank him. He also hands me a thin file for the details of the music video we are going to shoot.

There really is a question hanging in my mind... Maybe this is a good opportunity. 

"Ha Joon, I did not know you could sing!" I blurt out.

He laughs. I laugh too, awkwardly... So much for preventing an embarassing situation.

"Sorry, I should have said it more nicely." I say apologetically.

"No worries, I get that all the time when people learn I could. No damage done."

After that, our conversation flows smoothly. He is quite funny but reserved as well. We talk a bit more and at the end, I feel like I got to know him even more. Oh Yumi, if only you were here. She obviously got a crush on him.

But why am I blushing? I ask myself.

We are walking to the parking lot when he suddenly offers, "Let me walk you to your car, Hye Soo." I just smile and let him. It would be rude to decline a gentleman's gesture.

"Have a great evening, Ha Joo. Thanks!"

"And you." He waves.