fever | ateez lore story

CH 13

•the watcher•

Another day in the warehouse, the boys are close to finishing the song. Just a few more bits to record, a little editing from the producer and it'll be done.

"Seonghwa, hyung. Can I borrow you for a second?" Hongjoong calls, moving a little to make room for his classmate. When Seonghwa's next to him, the class captain pulls a scrap piece of paper from his pocket, unfolding it and handing it to Seonghwa.

"These are beautiful lyrics. Considering you wrote them, I want you to record this verse for me. I was thinking of a more, soft rap for these lyrics rather than them being sung." Hongjoong explains, fiddling with his track to find the verse it belongs to. Seonghwa read over the lyrics, trying to find some sort of flow between the lines.

I feel like dreaming a dream, I've never seen, even in dreams
It's too vivid to conclude it as just a dream
I draw and draw, it's clear to the ends of the shadow line
I long only for the day I see you again

"Okay, I think I have something." He confirms, adjusting his position to sit in a more comfortable way that allows him to sing to the best of his ability. He held his hand out, waiting for Hongjoong to pass him the microphone, but closes it when he's met with nothing.

"Joong? The mic?" He says, staring at his friend with those big, boba-eyes of his. He's met with a surprisingly excited Hongjoong, who suddenly gets up from the couch.

"Follow me." He instructs, making his way over to one of the small shipping containers. The container was not large enough for heavy cargo, but it looks like it was capable of fitting a person or or two inside.

"Boys, come over. I have a surprise." Hongjoong says, standing in front of the container's doors. He turns and faces everyone, reading anticipation in their expression.

"I just want to say thank you for helping me with this track. I thought this was good on it's own. Solo, with no lyrics. But combined with your each individual talents, we've created something better than I could of ever imagined. I'm so happy to be your producer, and I hope we continue to work together." He suddenly starts, the shocking speech confusing his classmates. They all exchange glances but endearingly look back to their captain, a few of them holding back tears.

"Aww hyung! Why so sentimental? I'm gonna start crying!" Wooyoung blubbers, sniffing. His hand lands on his chest, feeling the love flow.

"Thank you, Hongjoong hyung. For giving us the opportunity." San says, a soft smile on his lips. San meant a 'thank you' for giving him the opportunity, in reality. Never has he felt so secure in a unsecure place. The thought of him leaving floods back into his mind, but his smile never wavers, because he's glad he's able to experience something so special.

"Cap...we'll be with you till the end." Seonghwa gushes, going over to the hardworking producer and throwing an arm around his shoulders when he senses Hongjoong beginning to break into tears. His large hand rubs his shoulder gently, and this calms Hongjoong down. He inhales a deep breath, giving everyone a reassuring smile, letting them know he's okay.

"Right, well. Here's to more songs in the future!" He announces. He turns around and grabs onto the handles on the container door, hauling it towards him. What awaits inside solidifies Hongjoong's speech, like it's been engraved into stone. The boys gasp in shock, a collective 'wah~' erupting in the air.

The shipping container that was once empty, has been decorated to the T. The inside walls have been plastered with sound-proof sponge, with a professional microphone and an isolation shield situated in the middle, a pair of black headphones hanging from the stand. There's a little table next to it for sheet music and lyrics, as well as a music stand in front of the mic. This is the perfect replication of a studio for the boys, who haven't had the opportunity to step into one. Not until today.

"Captain." Jongho sighs, him and Yunho holding onto each other for support before they both collapse from excitement. Mingi, himself, can't hold back a smile, his intimidating figure breaking down at the sight of a studio in front of his eyes.

Hongjoong can't help but laugh at his friends. Their reactions are far better than what he expected. The way they all gush and invade the container like children, he finds it incredibly charming. Their love for it really consolidates their passion for music. Hongjoong knew, from the moment they started recording, they are exactly the people he needs. Who inspire him, and who motivate him to become better, like the songs he will produce in the future. They will get better, but not without the help of his classmates. His friends.

"Alright kids. Out, please. Seonghwa needs to record." Hongjoong states, waving his arms outwards to disperse everyone out of the small studio. Hongjoong gets set up, plugging in the headphones to his laptop and testing to see if it comes through. Once everything is okay, Seonghwa stands at the mic ready.

-"Okay, verse 2, Seonghwa's part. Start whenever you're ready."

The beats ride through the headphones, the bass intense in Seonghwa's ears. His body responds with emotion, getting ready to show off his skills. Once he recognises his cue, he begins his verse.

His voice comes out so easily like a waterfall, each word being spoke with a sense of sadness. The boys listen in awe, some of them closing their eyes and basking in the music Seonghwa record. Once it was done, they all make noises of definite approval.

"That was great, Hwa. Can we do that again?" Hongjoong says, and Seonghwa is more than happy to do so.

---

-"Okay, you're done! Thanks, hyung."

Seonghwa pulls the headphones off and makes his way to Hongjoong, wanting to listen to his recording.

"Um, Hwa? I, uh, have a change of plan." Hongjoong starts. He hates that he turns and finds Seonghwa's smile absent. He worries that he may of offended him.

"It's nothing bad, don't worry. Your verse was great. But, the way you softly sang the beginning of it was absolutely perfect. I feel like you have potential with being a vocalist, instead." He explains, sincerity covering his voice like a blanket. Seonghwa is slightly disappointed, but took Hongjoong's word for it. He never thought of him singing before, but he trusts Hongjoong's judgment more than anyone else's, considering he has a great ear. However, the doubt is still in Seonghwa's head, spiralling like a tornado.

Hongjoong notices Seonghwa's deep contemplation, and shows him another set of lyrics, much shorter than the one he just recorded.

"Don't believe me? Try this. I like the melody you created with this bit of the song, so uh, mind recording it for me?" Hongjoong says, soft insistence in his face. Seonghwa hesitates a moment and continues to underestimate his skills, however, he can't help but accept it, giving Hongjoong a nod for confirmation. He returns inside the container, placing the headphones back on and exhaling deeply.

The beats return to him, and once the cue arrives, he sings.

Every day and night, and I'm gon' chase you

Sung in a low tone, the huskiness in his voice sends a shiver around the room. Hongjoong, although impressed, was still not satisfied. He felt a slight change would make the song, and he thinks he's figured it out.

"Try singing it an octave higher. And, uh, try sounding hopeful, like you're sure you're gonna find this person you're chasing." He asks in a relaxing tone, making sure not to sound too demanding. Seonghwa nods, and waits for the cue to start. Once it came, Seonghwa sounds like his heart was the one that sang. The way his voice ascends briefly to a high note then back down again almost sounds like a cry, like he's so desperate to find whoever he is chasing.

"Wah, hyung!" Yeosang says amazed, his eyes twinkling with joy. Everyone shares the same amazement, surprised to hear their eldest sing with so much beauty. It was like they heard an angel, who was finally able to spread their wings instead of hiding them.

Seonghwa takes off the headphones slowly, confused by all the faces.

"How was that?" He asks quietly, a little shy. Hongjoong can only smile, grateful that his decision works.

-"Perfect."