Music Unites Us | Haely

Chapter Five: The Source Of My Smile

**Working session**

Haewon started playing some melodies she had prepared, while Lily examined the lyrics she had written. The discussion about the album's concept and theme proceeded warmly. Haewon admired Lily's firmness when expressing her opinions, seeing another side of the cheerful and easy-going singer. Lily was serious and very meticulous about every detail of the song, showing an extraordinary dedication to her career.

However, their creative differences began to spark some tension. Haewon, with her perfectionist attitude, often found herself wanting to change and improve every idea suggested by Lily. Meanwhile, Lily remained steadfast with her vision, defending the elements she felt were important for the album.

"Maybe we could try this melody with a slight change in the chorus," Haewon suggested, showing some musical notes.
Lily stared at the sheet music, thinking for a moment before replying, "I understand what you mean, but I think the original melody suits the lyrics better. It touches the emotions I want to convey." Haewon sighed, feeling a bit frustrated. "Alright, we can try both and see which one is better."

Despite their differing views, they continued working with full enthusiasm. Each time they reached an agreement, Haewon felt a growing respect and admiration for Lily. In her heart, Haewon couldn't deny the increasing attraction she felt towards the singer, even though she tried hard to hide it.

As time passed, they both began to understand that their differences were strengths that could produce something extraordinary. Haewon learned to be more open and listen, while Lily learned to be more flexible and accept creative input. Their collaboration became increasingly smooth, and Haewon couldn't wait to see how their hard work would shape this extraordinary album.

**After four hours of non-stop work**

Haewon looked at her wristwatch, which showed 7:00 PM, indicating it was dinner time. She realized that she and Lily had been working very hard, so she offered to take Lily out for dinner and some fresh air before continuing their remaining work for the day.

"Lily, how about we go out for dinner since it's already dinner time? We've been working non-stop," Haewon suggested to Lily.
Lily smiled upon hearing this. "Sure, I could use a break. Maybe some food and fresh air will help."
Haewon said, "I want to take you to a well-known restaurant in this area," and Lily just nodded and smiled.

They then left Haewon's studio and walked to the parking lot. Before leaving, Haewon greeted her studio manager, Kyujin. When they reached the parking lot, Haewon opened the passenger door for Lily. This was a usual gesture for Haewon, but for Lily, it showed that Haewon was quite a gentlewoman, despite her cold and mysterious exterior. Haewon drove her Audi at a moderate speed while having a brief conversation with the blonde singer beside her. Of course, it was Lily who started the conversation.

In just 10 minutes, they arrived at the restaurant Haewon had mentioned, chosen for its good privacy with more secluded dining spaces. This was another reason why Haewon brought Lily here, knowing how easily recognizable Lily was to the public. To avoid any rumors that might trouble the blonde singer, Haewon chose this place.

They enjoyed their dinner in a relaxed manner while chatting. Haewon was slowly getting to know the singer named Lily, and Lily was starting to become interested in the composer in front of her. For Lily, the more she talked with Haewon, the more she discovered another side of Oh Haewon that perhaps no one else knew. The composer actually had a warm personality compared to her cold and aloof exterior.

They also exchanged phone numbers, claiming it would be easier to coordinate in the future since Haewon had previously only communicated with Lily's manager, Sullyoon. After dinner, Haewon paid for their meal before they headed back to the studio to continue their work.

By 8:30, they were back at the studio, and Lily entered Haewon's studio first while Haewon talked with Kyujin. Kyujin said goodbye to her boss as her working hours were over. Haewon smiled, humoring her studio manager, who was two years younger than her. After Kyujin left, Haewon returned to her studio to continue working with Lily

Until she received an iMessage from Bae: "Don't work too hard, Oh Haewon! Remember that Lily needs to rest too."

The clock showed 10:45 PM. Haewon felt it was enough for both her and Lily for the day. They had worked from evening till night. Haewon could see the exhaustion on Lily's face. She knew the blonde singer was working hard to prepare for her album. Only the vocal recordings and perhaps some refinements for the recording session remained.

Haewon and Lily packed their things and got ready to leave. According to Lily's schedule, they would meet again next week. After tidying up, they exited the studio and were greeted by heavy rain and thunder. Being in a soundproof studio felt like being in an isolated room because they couldn't tell what was happening outside.

Due to the heavy rain, Haewon offered to drive the blonde girl to her apartment. She couldn't bear to leave Lily waiting for Sullyoon to pick her up, as the girl might get soaked in the rain. Lily initially declined Haewon's offer, feeling embarrassed to accept help from the handsome composer. But after being persuaded by Haewon, who was worried about her, she agreed. Besides, Lily didn't want to get caught in the rain and fall sick, as there was still much to prepare for her comeback.

Haewon drove carefully, and 20 minutes later, they arrived at Lily's apartment. Lily, who was almost asleep from exhaustion, perked up when she heard Haewon's voice informing her they had arrived. Haewon dropped Lily off at the apartment lobby. Before getting out, Lily said, "Thank you, Haewon, for driving me home. See you again, and drive safely," with a warm smile.

Haewon hearing that, couldn't hide her smile. She wished Lily a "Good night" before continuing her drive back to her apartment with a warm feeling in her heart. The distance between her apartment and Lily's was only 15 minutes, and it would have been quicker if she had taken her motorcycle.

Lily, having just entered her apartment, decided to clean up and rest. Today had been a tiring day in preparation for her new album. After showering and putting on her pajamas, Lily lay on her bed. She thought about Haewon, who had just driven her home, and intended to check on the short-haired woman. Lily sent an iMessage to Haewon: "Hi Haewon, sorry to bother you. Have you reached your apartment?"

On the other side, Oh Haewon, who had just finished cleaning up and was drying her hair, heard the notification of an iMessage on her phone. Haewon reached for her phone on the table and saw the message from Lily asking about her whereabouts. Haewon replied, "I just got home 20 minutes ago and just finished cleaning up." They exchanged messages for a while before both decided to call it a night and rest.

Haewon, now lying on her comfy bed in an oversized t-shirt and shorts, stared at the ceiling. Her mind replayed the events of her day. She then smiled to herself, recalling Lily's antics that had entertained her, before drifting into a deep sleep from exhaustion.

To be continue....

[please feel free to share your thoughts about this chapter, thank you 😊]