COME BACK TO ME, SLAVEN | #Wattys2019

Chapter 5 - Please, come back to me.

SOUTH KOREA
EL ENTERTAINMENT OFFICE

Everyone's busy for the preparations of the company's anniversary. Department Heads are holding a meeting. In a few months time, the celebration will be launched marking the 25th Anniversary of EL Entertainment. And fans are looking forward for that occassion.

"6-Teens new single launching, is it all set?" asked the department head for marketing.

"Yes Sir. They're having rehearsals everyday. Taeyang's new product endorsement and TVC launching has been taken care of, as well. And B-Bang's album re-launching. It's all set Sir." Answered his assistant.

"Good. How about Slaven's comeback to the Korean scene? The promotional that we have to get it booming, how are the fans responding to it?" Everyone was silent for Park Joo-In's question. That is the team's main dilemma right now.

"Well.. Actually Sir, quite a number was responding to the promotional that we have. In fact, we receive thousands of videos coming in, up until now even if the deadline was already last week. We even added people to work as the pre-screening panel. It's just that..." She didn't finished explaining because the very person they were talking about stride into the room.

"Go ma wo. I didn't know everyone's here." He said apologizing.

"Well, since you're already here, join us. And explain to the bosses why you rejected all the best video cover we give you for approval." The assistant head for promotions continued.

"They're too damn boring for me." He answered directly. "They are singing the song well, yes. But it seems they don't understand it at all."

"Of course they understand it. They're mostly Korean-speaking people -"

"Understanding the words is entirely different from understanding the song, Shinye. I don't wanna work with someone who, yes, understands my language but is not understanding my music." He cuts her off.

"But what can we do? The cut-off was last week and it's already done. You deliberately rejected everything we find interesting or close to perfect." Frustrated, Shinye answered back. The promotions team is very serious and thorough in choosing the winning video. But they forgot how particular Slaven is especially when it comes to his songs, his music.

The very same reason he was out of the entertainment scene for quite some time. He wouldn't accept a song that is according to him, 'all melody, no soul'. He turned down everything until even his sponsors and endorsements gave up on him. What seem to add up to his down turn is his break-up early this year with long time girlfriend, Kim Hye-je. He lost his drive to make wonderful music which everybody loves about him. Slaven is one of the best song composer in the industry. The songs he wrote by himself speaks volume of his personality and his love for his music.

"Slaven, what are you trying to do with your career? You were out of the entertainment scene for a year and, what? 9 months? You were in hibernation in Japan. And now we're trying to do your career a favor, you're practically wasting it!" Irritated the marketing head of the company add up to the commotion.

"I didn't ask for you to do this. But since I'm still under contract, so make it good. Give me a reason to save my own ass." Slaven just shrug at that. They're almost losing their minds because of the way he's acting up. If only they don't care about his career. But, he was one of the most sought after artist in Korea. They were even saying he'll replace Rain, the # 1 highest paid, most popular Asian superstar, who is now based in Hollywood.

Slaven also used to be the most popular among girls. He's really charming, handsome and nice to the fans. And a very soulful singer. You can say he sings from the heart and not his vocal chords, or larynx or whatever. Bottomline is, they want him back. The production, the company, his sponsors, his fans who love him, want him to come back.

Two months ago, they open a promotional contest through Youtube, tagged as 'Please come back to me, Slaven'. The song 'Please Come Back To Me' brought Slaven to the top. Winning him numerous awards, earning the top spot on some of the most famous music charts and countdowns. And up until now, people are singing their hearts out to the song, begging the singer to come back.

They call out to fans all over Asia to make a video of theirselves singing the song. From all of the participants, they will be picking one lucky winner who'll win $10, 000 in cash, a grand vacation in Korea and a chance to spend two weeks with Slaven. The winner will be working with the famous singer on the promotional single and video of the song - Come back to me. It will be launched on EL Entertainment's 25th Anniversary Celebration. Unfortunately, their plans for him is on the verge of crumbling to the ground.

"Re-open the floodgates this week. Just don't let the public know about this." Said the production head. "For the last time this might do good. And who knows, this last batch of entries, Slaven might finally pick someone he'd want to sing his song with." He's saying in riddles. He turned to Slaven who's just cooly watching them. "And in case you, Slaven, still wouldn't pick someone from this batch, we'll bring Hye-je in." He warned.

The time seems to freeze and everyone's attention was drawn to the head speaking.

"If you still can't pick anyone, isn't it obvious that you still want to sing that duet with Hye-je? Well, originally, that was the plan right? To make a duet version of 'Come back to me' with Kim Hye-je?"

"Are you threatening me?" Slaven's eyes now turn to slits because of anger.

"No. I'm just saying what would happen if no one from the fans will win the promotion. Your fans will be upset about it. So in order to cover for that, we'll bring Hye-je back. I'm sure she won't mind. Besides, your fans like her and you make good music together."

Slaven cursed out loud and left the conference room banging the door after him. Everyone can't believe what just happened. That was the first time that Slaven acted that way. He was always cool and nice no matter how unbecoming for him the situation would be. Well until recently. It must be because of his break up with Hye-je.

And up until now, Slaven won't talk about the real reason of the break-up. Hye-je's mouth is sealed when asked about that topic. And all she ever answers is she still loves the guy and is still hoping for them to be together. Everybody's biggest puzzle is, "Who is to be blame for the lovers' break-up?"

***Author's Note: The story of Slaven's life is slowly unfolding. What do you think guys? Who's to blame for Slaven and Hye-je's break-up? Oh by the way, my inspiration for Slaven's character is at the corner, Se7en of YG Ent. Anyone who knows him here?