Chapter Two (An Indescribable Feeling)

Stronger Together

Anna's heart raced as she made her way to the small studio where she would be meeting Hongjoong of ATEEZ. She had always admired his skills as a producer and leader, and now she had the opportunity to collaborate with him on a project. Her own secret album project had sparked a deep appreciation for the production side of music, and she was eager to be involved in every aspect of this new song.

After thanking the staff member who had shown her the way, Anna entered the studio, Anna found Hongjoong already at the mixing console, headphones perched on his head. He looked up and greeted her with a warm smile.

"Anna! Is that the time?! Sorry, I was going to come down and greet you."

"Maybe you can make it up to me by taking me on a tour later? It's not often we get to enter enemy territory."

Hongjoong laughed.

"Sure. It's great to see you, Anna. I'm excited about this collaboration."

Anna returned his smile.

"Me too. Thank you for having me."

They settled down at the console, and Hongjoong pulled up a blank project file.

"So, let's talk about the theme for our song. Do you have any ideas?"

Anna nodded, her mind brimming with thoughts.

"I was thinking about something that conveys strength and unity. A message that resonates with overcoming challenges together."

Hongjoong's eyes lit up.

"I love that. It's something that can really resonate with a lot of people, especially our fans. Let's start brainstorming some melodies and lyrics."

They spent the next few hours bouncing ideas off each other, their creative energies melding seamlessly. Hongjoong played a few chord progressions on the keyboard, and Anna hummed along, trying to find the right melody. They scribbled down lyrics, tweaking lines until they felt just right.

As the weeks went by, Anna and Hongjoong met several more times to refine their ideas. They would often stay late into the night, lost in the music. One particular evening, they were working on perfecting the bridge of the song.

Anna glanced at the clock and noticed how late it had gotten.

"Wow, time flies when you're having fun."

Hongjoong smiled, taking off his headphones.

"You're really good at this, Anna. You have a great ear for production."

Anna blushed at the compliment. "Thanks, Hongjoong. I've been learning a lot from you. By the way, you don't have to be so formal. You can call me Noona if you want. Wooyoung does."

"Okay - wait, Wooyoung does?"

"Yeah, I'm his second favourite Noona."

"He said that? That little - who's first?"

"Rose."

"Ah."

"Yeah, so I can't be mad at that."

"I suppose not. Rose Noona's great."

"Do you miss her?"

"Of course, but I'm happy that she's found happiness."

That night, Anna arrived home much later than usual. She tried to slip in quietly, but as soon as she opened the door, she was met by her soulmates' concerned faces. Jimin was the first to speak.

"Anna, where have you been? We were worried sick!"

She looked at their worried expressions and felt a pang of guilt.