Syncing Hearts

Part 3

The Next Day

Zion's POV

I'm on my way to work, watching the city pass by through the car window. Last night, the CEO called me with urgent news: the song needs to be completed sooner than planned. The girls have an event at the end of the month, and the music video shoot is conflicting with it. I've only got a week to get everything recorded. Normally, I'd take my time perfecting the music, but I'll just have to push through. I can't afford to disappoint anyone, especially when I've only just started this job.

When we arrive at the company building, I wave goodbye to Jaehyun and head straight to the studio to set up. The equipment here is far more advanced than anything I've ever used—this is the big leagues.

After about 15 minutes of tinkering, I finally have everything ready. Just then, there's a knock at the door.

Zion: Come in.

The door opens to reveal the girls. I stand and bow, and they do the same.

Zion: Good morning, girls. How's everything going?

Minnie: It's going well. Ready to get this show on the road.

Zion: Alright, let's get started.

One of the girls—Soyeon—comes over and sits beside me, pulling a notebook from her bag. Without a word, she places six pieces of paper in front of me.

Zion: What's this?

I glance down and realize it's written in Korean. Soyeon meets my gaze with a cold stare.

(Words)= Korean
Normal= English

Soyeon: (It's the song we'll be recording.)

I look at Minnie, waiting for her to translate. She stands up, walks over, and leans down, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

Minnie: This is the song we'll be recording.

Zion: Oh. The CEO asked me to tell you that we'll need to put this song aside for now. He wants me to write a new one for you girls.

Minnie: What? Why didn't he call us to tell us that?

I notice Soyeon glaring at me, her expression darkening.

Zion: *He said when you showed him the sample, he felt it sounded too similar to your previous hit. Queen-.

Minnie: QueenCard?

Zion: Yeah, that's the one. He also mentioned that he thinks it's time for the rappers in the group to showcase their vocals again. He's thinking of a ballad, something your fans have been asking for.

Soyeon: (I'll be back.)

Without another word, Soyeon gets up and marches out of the studio. I have a sinking feeling I know where she's headed.

SOYEON'S POV

Why would the CEO trust that guy to scrap our song?

I storm into the elevator, heading straight for the CEO's office. When I reach his door, I bang on it loudly.

CEO: (Come in.)

I push the door open, slamming it behind me.

CEO: (What's wrong, Soyeon?)

Soyeon: (Why would you let that unknown producer come in here and take over my job?)

CEO: (He's not here to take over, just to help with the song. He's a new pro—)

Soyeon: (NEW? You brought in a new producer to work on a song for a group like ours, where one bad lyric could ruin us? Why? Tell him to leave, or I will.)

CEO: (Soyeon, you know I can't do that.)

Soyeon: (Fine, then I'm leaving.)

Just as I'm about to open the door, the CEO speaks up.

CEO: (Okay, okay. I'll tell him to leave.)

Soyeon: (Good. And I want you to do it in front of all the girls.)

CEO: (Alright.)

ZION'S POV

Back in the studio, Minnie and the girls are practicing the lyrics. They seem to be enjoying them.

Minnie: How did you write the lyrics in Korean?

Zion: I had a little help from a friend back home who's also a producer.

Yuqi: I love this. It's definitely going to be a hit.

Before I can respond, there's a knock at the door.

Minnie: Come in.

The CEO and Soyeon enter. I notice Soyeon nudging the CEO, and a wave of confusion washes over me. Then, the CEO looks at me and says:

CEO: Zion, I'm sorry, but your services are no longer needed.

My heart sinks.

Zion: Did I do something wrong?

I can feel my pulse quickening as I wait for his response.

CEO: No, you didn't. We've just decided to use the song that Soyeon wrote instead. You can leave now. Thank you.

With that, the CEO leaves the room, and the air grows heavy with silence. I stare down at the floor, feeling tears well up in my eyes. This was supposed to be my big break. Why did it all fall apart so quickly?

After a moment, I gather the courage to speak one last time.

Zion: Even though I've only known you girls for a short time, I want to say I really enjoyed working with you today.

I turn to the four girls sitting on the couch.

Zion: Thank you for welcoming me. It meant more to me than you know. I wish you all the best in the future. Goodbye.

I hug each of the girls besides Soyeon, and saving Minnie for last. As I approach her, I can see the tears in her eyes. I smile gently and pat her shoulder.

Zion: Thank you, Minnie, for making me feel welcome.

She starts crying, and I realize she must see me as a friend, even though we've only just met. She wraps her arms around my neck and hugs me tightly for what feels like a long time.

When she finally lets go, I bow in respect. Without looking at Soyeon, I wave goodbye and walk out of the studio, feeling the weight of the lost opportunity on my shoulders.

As I step outside the building, the sky opens up, and a heavy downpour begins. I don't bother calling Jaehyun; instead, I just start walking, letting the rain soak through my clothes. Each step feels heavier than the last, the rain masking the tears streaming down my face.

With every drop that hits me, I wonder what I'll do next. What's my path now? But in that moment, all I can do is keep walking—one foot in front of the other—hoping the rain will wash away the sting of this defeat.