DARK HORSE

間違えている箇所もあります。

….

f i v e

There is no specific way to success

'Yes, I was once a part of Glay, but that was two years ago, then I came to Arch, we held no grudges against each other.'

Park Chanyeol was in for a mini press con in front of the Neighbor building, which would air live on every entertainment channel. His full lips curved up into a small smile as if this topic was not a big deal to decrease the tension, which fortunately was a success, the Arch members were also standing alongside him in this event.

'Luhan Jongin and I knew Chanyeol since then, everything is all good.' Yifan added

‘What about the picture that has been surfacing in the social media? The one that captured Park Chanyeol dragging only Glay's main singer away from the crowd?’

'It was not only him' Chanyeol answered. 'The members were also with me, or this picture wasn't also captured and uploaded?’

‘Is there any meaning to this?'

‘We were close friends who haven’t met each other for two years, if you expect me to hug them on the spot, wouldn’t that make the other contestants distracted?’

Lies that are totally different from the truth in Baekhyun's heart kept coming out of that mouth again and again, but before his hands could reach the remote to turn the tv off, Sehun was already hugging it tight while moving to the other end of the sofa. That made Baekhyun even more frustrated , seeing that Junmyeon was playing the song 'Clockstrike' on his bass, and Kyungsoo drinking beer with a poker face.

No one was afflicted to the fact that every person in this room were prevented from going outside, or that Arch came out to clear the misunderstandings as if it was not a big deal. They even said that our relationship was close and that everyone should look forward to Glay. This topic spread like wildfire through the SNS, Glay's old performances were posted online, coming from their old fans or the people who asked for the video from local fans. But what made Baekhyun angry was the fact that everyone called Glay, Chanyeol's ex band.

Close friends my !

Baekhyun laid down on his bed after he slammed the door on the other three outside, irritated with the way they were acting after Jongdae told them to stay in their dorms for the time being rather than holding a press conference to clear the misunderstandings before Glay's debut, but when Baekhyun brought up that topic, he was answered with a 'It's already taken care of, wait and see through the television.'

But who would think -- who would think that 'taken care of' would mean that Arch would also help by making up stories to cover the truth? Right, they can't say that Chanyeol left his own band for fame. Why don't they pass the mic this way, idiot.

Until when does Glay have to be that person's shadow? Everything was Park Chanyeol's fault; he has the right to be angry because Arch was affecting their public responses.

‘I missed you….’

Every time he closed his eyes that phrase would haunt him, making him spring up from his place before finding things to do to distract his own heart. Baekhyun saw the world in grey after that day and yes, he actually liked it. He liked the fact that he was striking back at Park Chanyeol although his heart was crumbling into pieces, although it hurts to the point that he felt like dying. The only memory of them was burning on his left ring finger.

He repeated to himself that ‘If the Glay that once had Park Chanyeol was his life, then Baekhyun would already be dead, and this person wasn;t the old Byun Baekhyun.’

‘Nothing lasts forever, if the saying is real

Everything would end up with pain, loneliness

Although I want to believe it

But betrayal leaves a deep wound’

Hestia called Glay in for a meeting, saying that this could be an opportunity for them on promoting, in which Baekhyun feelings almost burst if not for the three remaining members who are refraining him to do so.  One side supported the idea since Chanyeol being Glay’s ex member could make them more popular by using Arch’s name, the other side was neutral, rather challenging Glay if they would have enough skills to reach people’s expectations. Which is why their marketing method is being discussed today.

“Actually I have something to suggest” Kim Ryeowook rolled up the paper in his hands, eyeing the members who are waiting for his suggestion. “I don’t think debuting with the name ‘Glay’ is a good idea since people would always remember them as Chanyeol’s ex band.”

Being met with silence, he added, “It was just a suggestion”

The four of them looked at each other, Sehun being the first one to agree with the idea since he came later than the rest, leaving those who have Glay in their blood thinking for quite a while.

“I agree, since this already happened I don’t think the name ‘Glay’ would receive positive responses” Jongdae added, expression serious, his hands meeting on the desk, “I don’t think you guys would like being called Chanyeol’s ex band either, please think of this as starting anew from zero”

The name ‘Glay’ holds too many things that can’t make them throw it away in just a few seconds easily, the three of them asked for more time to discuss the topic among themselves and would give them the answer later, which is why the calendar on the desk is being marked with promoting activities in the next hour.

Jongdae called in the new staffs into the meeting room, the completed song, ‘Clockstike’ was played loud and clear throughout the meeting room, while the people in the room closed their eyes immersed into the song, Baekhyun heard the kid beside him humming along when the chorus started.

“I think the chorus was very good” One boy said after the first listen, this was the person Glay saw tapping his foot throughout the song “All the instruments stood out, it – I don’t know how to describe it but I really liked it”

“It’s easy to listen to, I think people who don’t like rock music would still like this song.”

Since the opinions were positive they would be ensured that this single wouldn’t flop right away for a debuting band. Satisfied with the song, the four of them plus Jongdae proceeded to record the other two songs that would be in the single, one song was relaxing with a duration of five minutes and a half while the other song is alternative rock with a strong drumbeat that would make the performance really fun.

The three songs were played over and over again in the next hour, so they would know how it would appeal to the market. The staffs already went out, on the projector was the handwriting of Kwon Boa, the head of the company’s creative market, who is now pointing the red laser light throughout the slides.

“ We need to recreate our image” Boa said loud and clear “I thought about Ryeowook’s suggestion and it actually made sense, please don’t be offended, but you guys are going to be celebrities, there must be a change to be able to make profit, don’t get stuck in the past.”

Sehun nodded his head like a good child, ah, it’s actually a little embarrassing seeing his own face in the poster that was stuck in front of the meeting room, who would think that there would be a day that he would perform live, comeback, go on variety shows, or perform in many places. Ah… would he be able to meet Arch as a whole again?

“I’m okay with the idea” Kyungsoo said before looking at the other two before adding “Since this is still like starting anew, I’m okay with creating a new image that is not Glay.”

 Joonmyeon was speechless after that, he and Baekhyun didn’t have an answer yet, Boa knew, so she didn’t press on the subject further before talking about the plans on promotions.

“These days, the big studio located at Yongsan is available on about the 2^nd until the 8^th, preparing the location would take about two days, and filming would be finished in a day. If you already have the new name, we’ll arrange a meeting again, in the meantime, you guys take care of your body and skin care, ask the codi noona for advice since any hair color would suit you guys. Oh, and what about the concept that we discussed? Will the costume finish in time?”

After the meeting was filled with serious matters, The MV premiere would be due in two months, next week would be discussing about the MV filming and briefing of concept. Their standing arrangement would be Kyungsoo, Joonmyeon, Baekhyun, and then Sehun. Since he was taller than most of his hyungs, he needs to work more on standing. Their characters were not really different from their own self which was a relieve for Joonmyeon since he wouldn’t want to act like kings like Arch or act according to fantasies. Baekhyun was ordered to smile more and be more relaxed, believe it that he actually scowled when Boa said the main singer should be the band’s entertainer and that he shouldn’t always look unfriendly.

“Single would be sold and MV would release on the 7^th of July, the first teaser would be out on the 19^th, the second would be out on the 2^nd, and 9^th which is a Thursday, you would be attending the premiere on the show ‘Music Star’, I’ll call and book the queue for you guys” Sehun glanced at Kyungsoo who was using a stylist pen to note down all the things Boa said on his 5 ½ inch phone, ears listening carefully to what Boa is saying while rechecking their schedules again. He remembered that the show ‘Music Star’ was the same show that Arch used to release their single, ‘Trap’ “And on the 10^th, officially perform live in K-Live”

Four mouths formed into an O shape when K-Live was mentioned. Fridays would be the day that the progression of K-wave could be seen through KBC and K-Live  (Korea Broadcasting Corporation) , bands and idols performance that isn’t lip-sync would be on air live, and on Saturdays would be STV (Seoul TV) rival of KBC which has almost the same ratings.

“And on Saturday—“

“M-Captivate on STV” Sehun interrupted, eyes sparkling, “This feels like a dream”

“Excuse me” Jongdae said after listening to their marketing plan. Everything was well planned actually, but if they would focus on making profit from their music, said things wouldn’t be enough. “I don’t want to ignore the fact that Glay is trending right now, since Arch has already made a path for us, I don’t want us to stay silence for two months.

The creative marketing team and art director nod their heads in agreement. Baekhyun tried to keep himself cool but it looks like he wasn’t doing a good job since he was now sitting tense and straight, that made Junmyeon and Kyungsoo tense as well while Sehun is oblivious.

“Wanna do a live session?”

Everybody is interesting in this topic.

“We could cover songs that are trending right now for the remaining one and a half months, that wouldn’t be so bad.”

“That’s a good idea” Kwon Boa said, pen pointing towards Jongdae’s direction. Since there is nothing to worry about the schedules, the live session could be managed by the producer and creative team.

 “Well, is there any songs you’re interested in right now?”

“Trap!” Sehun was the first to answer. That made Kyungsoo worried if the younger would sign his own album and send it to each member of Arch.

Baekhyun rolled his eyes silently, if not for the fact that Sehun is a fan of that band and doesn’t know about what happened last two years, he would think that this kid is hitting his nerves on purpose. He doesn’t want to put the blame on other’s since he was the one who let Park Chanyeol into his own life, and now he doesn’t like the fact that he would always react when he thought of that man, not one bit.

“Okay” Junmyeon and Kyungsoo instantly look at him when the main singer agreed with a relax tone of voice. How could this happen? The Byun Baekhyun would agree to cover one of Arch’s song? “Since we’re going to use them anyway, I friend covering a friend’s song wouldn’t be a problem.”

Everytime he was mad, Baekhyun knew that he would lose. The image of Park Chanyeol on stage that day made him realize that the person who doesn’t feel anything is the scariest. Would throwing away ourselves to reach our goal and thinking less of the ways to achieve it be best? Well then, he would hold on Arch, close his ears and eyes and make Glay the best band and when that moment comes—they would face each other. Baekhyun would win no matter what, even if he would become someone who doesn’t see his own self in the mirror.

“Oh and also”

 Those thin lips said a monotone, eyes scanning through the people in the room before stopping at their picture on the projector screen.

“I vote for changing Glay’s name”

Kim Junmyeon tensed up when the vote became 3 to 1. They were now in the process of rearranging the song “Trap” with Jongdae alongside them. Baekhyun was the last person he thought would agree with changing the band’s name, but was he angry? Oh no, at least he has a moment to sulk for two or three days.

The four of them came back to Hestia’s studio after being gone for two weeks. Live session wasn’t something big if compared to other ways of promoting. Stable artist usually use this method to keep fans attached when they do not have new releases but what Jongdae is doing now is using it as introducing them to the public, it’s simple but can light up interest from the audience. A staff recommended shaking the light in black scenery, and then the director suggested them not to show a clear profile of the members in the video, focusing only the silhouette, body part movements, and shooting in a remote distance.

When the shooting day came, they were nervous as hell. It felt like practicing for their own MV. They were in a small studio and ready in their positions.

Jongdae wants the shooting to be all in one take, choosing the best one out of all the shootings. Until today, the new band name was yet to be decided. Yes,they knew that they seemed stubborn, but Glay wasn’t a band that was created two months ago, or two years ago, it’s been longer than that. It holds happy, beautiful, such precious memories of the three and Sehun could do nothing in suggesting new names since the answer he would always get would be the shaking of heads and a million reasons of how the name wasn't their style.

Their version of ‘ Trap’ took four hours for the shooting. Jongdae decided to link the sound with the last take since it seem to be the best one. The live session would be aired next Saturday, which means that they have a remaining of six days to think about the bands name.

“Huh?”

While they were packing up, Jaehyun,the new staff who was waiting for the file to be transferred to the computer looked at his phone before passing it on to the nearest person, which is Jongdae. 

‘Dammmit’ The young producer interjected, grabbing the attention of the four and also the other creative managers. Baekhyun and Kyungsoo stopped what they were doing after seeing the indescribable look on Jongdae’s face, worried if there was something that errupted on the internet again.

When he saw that Baekhyun was going to grab the phone he quickly returned it to Jaehyun before clearing his throat to announce the bad news.

“Arch”

This name tugged a string in his heart again.

“Arch are going to release their single on the 7^th of July, the same day as us.”

The first thing that came into Junmyeon head was that he needed to contact Chanyeol fast to ask about his intentions. Didn’t Boa say that the release wouldn’t be confirm until the name was decided. If Chanyeol answered that this was just coincidence, this would be a bitter joke. If asked if he was scared, well they didn’t even prepare themselves, and that band is the number alternative rock band at the moment.

You could also call this a direct hit.

TBC

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Hey guys! I'm back!!! Sorry I kept you all waiting for so so long TT 

I was so busy last year and is now preparing to go to university so there's lots of exam ;__; 

Please forgive me I did not give up on this yet huhuhuhuTT

Well here's a little update! I hope you enjoy it! xoxo <3