Unlikely Harmony || DaouOffroad AU

CH1. Sparks and shadows

The spotlight shone brightly on Daou Pittaya Saechua as he sat at a grand white piano, center stage, his fingers gliding effortlessly over the keys. Dressed in a sleek, tailored beige suit that shimmered under the lights, he was the picture of elegance and control. His voice, rich and powerful, filled the packed arena, reaching every corner as he sang. The crowd hung on to every word, their cheers a symphony that blended in seamlessly with the final chords of his ballad.

As the lights dimmed Daou took a deep breath, his heart pounding with the familiar rush of a performance well done. With a graceful bow, he rose from the piano and the applause grew louder, echoing in his ears as he left the stage. While he slipped into the backstage corridor, the cheers of the audience faded, replaced by the quiet hum of industry professionals, each busy with their tasks.

He was met by his manager, Somchai, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a phone that never seemed to stop buzzing. "Excellent performance as always, Daou," Somchai said, his tone clipped, as though complimenting Daou was just another item to check off his list.

"Thank you Phi" Daou replied, though his mind was already elsewhere. He knew what was coming next, the afterparty, the endless small talk with executives, and the forced smiles as he networked with his peers. It was all part of the job, part of the polished image he had to maintain.

As they walked down the corridor, Somchai's phone buzzed again. He glanced at it, his face twisting into a frown. "We need to talk," he said, pulling Daou aside into an empty dressing room. The door clicked shut behind them, muffling the distant sounds of the concert.

Daou looked at his manager, sensing the shift in the atmosphere. "What's going on?"

Somchai hesitated, something he rarely did, and that put Daou even more on edge. "It's about the Sawadee Soundwave festival next month," Somchai began, his voice low. "They've finalized the collaboration line-up."

Daou felt a knot form in his stomach. He had heard the whispers, the rumours floating around the halls of his company building. But he had hoped, prayed even, that they wouldn't come to pass. "And?" he prompted, trying to keep his voice steady.

Somchai sighed, rubbing his temples as though the news itself gave him a headache. "You're paired with Offroad."

The name dropped like a stone between them, heavy with all the implications that came with it. Offroad Kantapon Jindataweephol, Daou's total opposite in every way. While Daou was all smooth and calculated, Offroad was wild and unpredictable. Their rivalry had been stoked by the media, but the tension between them was real. They represented two sides to music that seemed destined to clash.

"It's a strategic move," Somchai continued, almost defensively. "The festival wants to create buzz, something unexpected. And nothing gets people talking like two 'rivals' forced to work together."

Daou's mind raced, thoughts colliding in a blur of frustration and disbelief. He had worked too hard, for too long, to be reduced to a spectacle. "And what do they expect us to do? Just put on a smile and pretend we don't hate each other?"

Somchai's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "This is bigger than you, Daou. It's about your career, your future. You know how this industry works. Sometimes you have to play the game."

Daou's shoulders slumped slightly. He knew Somchai was right. In the world they operated in, image was everything and this collaboration was a test he couldn't afford to fail. Although Daou was usually known for his calm and easy-going demeanour, just the thought of working with Offroad made his blood boil. They had crossed paths only a handful of times, but each encounter had been a disaster: tense, awkward, and laced with an undertone of disdain.