Simon Dominic: Doubling Forward

CHAPTER #20- Vibes

Simon D used every free minute, that wasn't spent on Nari, to continue writing lyrics and laying down tracks for his full length album. He'd been originally working on an album with explicit lyrics and hence sold as 19+. But after talking to E-Sens, decided on an entirely different direction. E-Sens had suggested cleaning out his closet and rapping about the past. Then after that, moving on to new projects. It was good advice, but it also dragged up a lot of feelings from the hardships he'd faced, prior to being with AOMG. Nari was one of the reasons he could delve into the past and not return to the present in depression.

"Does this help?" She asked, while massaging his temples.

"Yes, don't stop," Simon replied, his head in her lap. "It's hard... thinking about all the things I should've done and said, but was too young to stand up for myself. I pretended to be happy, but it was a fake mask I wore. I only got through it, because of E-Sens...."

Nari finished, "and because of Lady Jane. I'm glad they were both there for you. I know you worked hard promoting Supreme Team, the company and yourself."

"Last year I was lazy, I wasn't promoting AOMG like Jay was. The past made me annoyed, why should I go on variety shows, when I just wanted to focus on my music. But seeing how hard Jay works, it motivated me, 'cause I know I have to do better. He needs to take a break or he'll get burnt out fast."

"There was a lot of pressure on you in the past. You've said yourself that AOMG is so refreshing, no one pushes you to do things you don't want to do." She reminded him and then added gently, "but yes you do need to help Jay promote AOMG too, like a good co-CEO would."

"Did you see me on the variety shows when I was part of Supreme Team?"

Nari smiled. "When I first came to Seoul, it was before mom and I had to move here. I remember hearing about a Supreme Team concert and how hyped the fans were. I never got to see you guys, but I did like the hip hop songs. As you know, I've always liked hip hop and rap. So when we moved to Seoul, I started watching all the shows that had English subs.... Come to think of it, you were the one mostly on the shows, not E-Sens. You were very competitive."

"Still am," he admitted.

"Like this one show, where your team was in a dodgeball competition. You were so good at it, but aggressive!" She thought back to the Youtube videos. "And another clip, where you were speed rapping all in what seemed one breath. That's when I became a fan."

Simon looked up at her. "I think one of the shows was "Running Man'. So how come when you saw me at the park the first time, you didn't freak out or ask for an autograph?"

"You mean act like a fanatical fan? I was too introverted, because of the problems with Grams and mom's health. Like I told you then, I knew who you were when Haru said your stage name."

"I thought you didn't like me or felt I was a jerk. It seemed like you were more shy around Jay than I," Simon recalled.

"Maybe... but when you lay on the charm, has any girl ever said no to you?" Nari asked teasingly.

"No... when I put an effort into something I want, I usually get what I want or at least what I need."

"See always a positive outcome." Then she asked, "how is E-Sens?"

"He's doing okay. I've got to go visit him again soon.... When I'm checking out tracks, sometimes I think 'this could be good for a Supreme Team reunion'. I have a whole file just like that."

Nari nodded, "I think that would be awesome, but for now you both still need to focus on your solo careers. Have you listened to his new album?"

"Yeah, mostly when I was in the USA, particularly in New York City. E-Sens likes New York rap. When his album first came out, I listened to it, but it also hurt too. It's hard to explain," Simon answered.