Parental Discretion Advised

What Dreams May Come

Taemin's POV:

I had no idea what this meeting was going to be about. All I knew was that the CEO of SM wanted to meet with me. In hindsight, if I would've known that they would have not only approved my proposal for cultural sensitivity training and workshops, but also offer me a position in the department of ethics and organizational integrity, I probably would have at least worn a suit.

As it was, I stood before both CEO's in jeans and a button down, grinning like I'd hit the lotto. They both praised my enthusiasm over the subject and assured me that should I take the position that it would not impede on my Idol obligations. That it would be in conjunction with my current activities.

Then, when I had retired from making music, I would be given more responsibility.

This was a fantastic opportunity. Yet, I couldn't help but to wonder if it was what I really wanted. It was only a few short weeks ago that I had talked to Kikah about the possibility of starting not only a performing art academy but a label of my own with Kai.

Now here I am shaking hands with the CEO's of the label I was signed to and considering employment outside of performing. I told them both that I would consider the offer and thanked them for green lighting my proposal, then left the office.

Taking out my phone, I dialed Kai's number and he picked up on the first ring.

"Hello" he greeted.

"Man, you're not going to believe this." I stated disbelievingly.

"Kikah's pregnant?" he guessed teasingly. "Man, I told you to invest in condoms, but you never listen, do you?"

I scoffed, "No. Kikah's not pregnant." Shaking my head, I elaborated. "SM not only approved my proposal for the workshops, they offered me a job in the ethics department."

"That's great man." Cheered Kai. "Are you going to take it?" he asked.

"That's why I called." I began. "I want to, but I still want to do the things that we talked about. It's confusing and I can't really decide what I should do." Sighing, I finished. "I thought that maybe you could help."

For a while, he said nothing. Then taking a deep breath he advised. "I think you should take the job. It'll give you a chance to learn how a company that size operates and help you to decide if that's the route you want to take, when it's time for us to launch our label. If we still even would want to. To be honest, I think we're both better suited to opening an academy. Even, going in and teaching a few classes here and there."

"Look at Seungri from big bang." He explained. "His academy produced some extremely talented Idols. His school had a waitlist longer than the Great Wall of China. I know that could be us. That it should be us and honestly, I know that it will be us."

"I think you're right. We'll go in steps. Learn all we can about managing a record label while we open our academy and then, when we're ready, launch our label. Should we still want to go that route." I agreed. "I'm gonna tell Kikah then call you back later so we can figure out a name for our school."

"Alright man. I'll talk to you later. Kiss RoRo for me." He ended.

After I got off the phone with him I called Kikah to meet me for lunch.

We met at the same little café we always do. The one that's not that far from her office, and just like always we took a booth at the back of the café away from prying ears and eyes.

I quickly told her everything, from what happened with the CEO's, to what I had agreed upon with Kai. She listened attentively to everything and her smile never left her face.

"So, what do you think?" I asked, after finishing my lengthy explanation.

"Kai's right" she beamed. "This approach suits the both of you better and in the end will hold more stability. A lot of times, people just jump into something without really taking the time to understand what it is they've gotten themselves into. Then they become overwhelmed and before they know it, everything they tried to build crashes and burns."

"Sure, it's a slower approach but I think that you guys are going about it the right way. No matter what I'll support you." She assured.

Clearing my throat, I tried to think of a way to start the other conversation I needed to have with Kikah. Since I couldn't think of a good way to begin, I just spoke I just spoke from the hip. "I also needed to talk to you about Teyana."

"What about her?" Kikah asked wearily.

"Kai told me that she's been to jail before. Not only that but her line of profession is selling information and stolen idol memorabilia to saesangs. I told Kai that it wouldn't matter to you and that she'd still have a job at Neris but he was still a little worried." I finished lamely.

"Oh, is that it?" Laughed Kikah. "I thought you were going to tell me she was a murderer or sold children to sex traffickers or something horrible like that."

Sighing, she agreed. "No, you're right. That job I offered still stands, if she wants it."

Looking at me, she smirked. "Now, back to this academy. Have you thought of what you're going to name it?" she asked, taking a sip of wine.

Before I could answer, my phone rang. It was Kai. Answering, I put him on speaker.

"Hey, Kai" Greeted Kikah.

"Hey, Kiks!" came Kai's cheerful response. "Did Taemin tell you about our performing art academy?" he asked

"Yeah, he did." She acknowledged. "We were actually just talking about what you guys were going to name it."

"I was thinking maybe Kikah should name it. She's good with stuff like that." I said into the phone.

"Yeah, man. I think that's a great idea" Agreed Jongin. "So, any ideas Kiks?"

"One." She began thoughtfully. Then looking at me, she suggested. "How about the Terpsichore performing arts academy."

"Why Terpsichore?" I asked curiously.

"She's the goddess of performing arts and dance. It's supposed to be good luck." She smiled. I smiled at that. Of course, my Kikah would think of something so perfect and fitting.

"Well, I like it." Agreed Kai. "It kinda sounds like Tupac Shakur performing arts academy. Who wouldn't want to go to something called that? It's cool." He laughed.

"Looks like Terpsichore it is, then" I agreed.