Sicheng forgot to do the dishes.

He was sure he would go to bed in a mildly foul mood, but that didn't go as planned either. Kana made him her specialty hot chocolate and managed to talk him out of slamming his head into the wall every minute. She's honestly the best roomie anyone could ask for besides blasting Imagine Dragons at two in the morning. (Happens every time she has a deadline.)

When Sicheng wakes up the next morning, Kana is still sleeping. He quietly moves to the kitchen and starts breakfast. It's a busy morning already, as Sicheng's phone is filled with a few messages from his co-workers about some new songs that need to be choreographed for the next coming weeks.

Following those is a video from Xiaojun, mercilessly waking up the rest of the Dream members with the air horn. Renjun lets out an impressive string of swears. The first half in angry Korean, the other, grumpy Chinese. Sicheng raises a brow at Renjun damning some poor soul to hell. Chenle is too tired to scream and instead sits up in surprise. The younger Chinese then pouts sleepily and pulls his blanket over his head. Donghyuck on the other hand, is apparently a light sleeper, because he jerks out of bed and immediately starts tackling Xiaojun screaming.

The video cuts when Xiaojun's phone slams to the floor with a sickening 'thwack!'

There's a laugh from behind, and Sicheng turns to find that Kana had viewed the whole thing over his shoulder.

"You're awake," Sicheng points.

"Yeah. What are you making?" She points to the stove.

"Egg-cheese-ham toast," he replies.

"Is that from your new idol group?" Kana laughs, curly hair bouncing as she claps in amusement.

"More like a group of clowns."

"Yeah! They've got funny air horns to complete!"

"Well maybe," Sicheng thinks for a bit. "Renjun's probably more of a demonic clown. Did you hear him? That guy swears like a sailor."

"I think it's interesting. You for one should know it's a large contrast with his angelic image," Kana says.

"You watch their stuff?" He asks, surprised.

"Well they're all over now. What was their song? 'Kingka'? The MV is all over the place for the fantastic filming and editing. That Renjun guy's been popular for the pretty screentime he's got in the MV."

"You think he's pretty?"

"Isn't that an obvious thing?"

"But you're like his aunt's age or something."

Kana doesn't like that.

"You--! I'm eating your toast!" Kana huffs, crossing her arms in that cute fashion of hers. "We're the same age too!"

"Sure, Auntie."

"I said I'm not creepy like that!"

"Oh, so you know it's creepy--"

"Shut up!"

Sicheng shoves the sour memory of last night into the back of his head. He'd rather not think of it now. All he wants to think of is the delicious toast he's making, Kana's company, and the excitement to work on dances soon.

---

Ready to start the work day, Sicheng makes a mental schedule of what he's to do.

First, he needs to check Limitless' dance practice from eight to twelve, and then he's teaching Jisung for that dance cover twelve to one. After, he'll have to make a drive from 127 Entertainment to Neo Entertainment for Dream's afternoon session of learning the next part of their new single. Kana rushes to her company with post-it notes, and Sicheng cheers her on before hurrying over to his workplace himself.

Limitless is not a quiet group.

They're more like a zoo.

He doesn't know what sort of horrid world he's stepped into when he opens the door to the practice room. Hendery and Yangyang are doing animal impressions but with the Numa Numa Song blasting in the background. Jeno is crushing Mark with a bone-breaking hug on the floor and the older is tapping out for his life to be spared. Jeno just smiles innocently and squeezes harder. Jisung, meanwhile, was off on his own rapping to himself in the mirror. That was considerably more mature behavior than from his so-called hyungs.

Sicheng keeps on getting bewildered and he's been working for them for a good amount of time already.

Limitless always has something new.

"Stretching guys! Let's go!" Sicheng shouts, putting his bag by the door and drinking some water. "Just some touch ups and 'Fresh Flow' today. It isn't official yet, but the rest of the choreo team is developing an intro to 'Chivalry' for you guys. Be ready to insert some ideas when that comes. Now, touch your toes! One, two! We've got to warm up too! Yangyang, stop tickling Hendery! Jeno! Let go of Mark! Somebody pull the airpods out of Jisung's ears!"

Trying to get Limitless into focus is like herding sheep with a tiger. It's pure chaos. They're quite in sync when they are focused though. It wouldn't be Limitless if they weren't a mess. In contrast, Dream was easier to rally together. Maybe it was because they gathered around pizza like no one's business.

As usual, the idols did a phenomenal job. There were a few moves to tidy here and there, but most were polished by the idols themselves after a few recording sessions. Time flew by fast, and when noon came around, everyone was ready for lunch. Mark ordered some chicken while Sicheng and Jisung switched gears to learning for the dance cover.

"So what song are we looking at?" Sicheng asks.

"Ah! Here hyung!" Jisung points to the video on his phone. "It's the trend. Dream's 'Kingka'. I like the song a lot."

Sicheng nodded in approval. At least he didn't need to learn anything new for this. He already knows every part of 'Kingka'. Looks like this would be easy.

"Lucky you. Hyung knows this one," Sicheng smiles. "Now, which parts are we focusing on?"

"I'd like to start with the first verse to the chorus, then do the ending. Is that too long?"

"It's not bad. It would make a good post on your YouTube channel. It would be nice on Insta too. Let's try it," Sicheng agrees.

"Thank you, hyung!"

"Thank me later when you learn all of it. Now, pay attention. It's all about the sharpness and dominating energy for this dance. First we start in a pose---"

"Jisung's a Dream fan?" Mark asks Jeno, watching them dance.

"I haven't seen their MV yet, but they debuted just this year. If Jisung likes it, then it must be pretty good."

"Ah, really? Oh, were they that group that charted right after us?" Mark realizes.

"I think so. They debuted a week after the first promotions for our album. Wanna watch the MV with me? I guess we could kill some time," Jeno suggests.

"Sure."

Before Jeno can even search the MV, several reaction videos are already popping up. Many have thumbnails of a raven-haired boy with a slim figure. He's angelic, almost glowing from the screen capture like he was made from stardust.

"Dude, press the MV. What's wrong?" Mark gives him a little shove.

"W-Wha... Oh. Yeah," Jeno presses the MV.

It's odd.

They're in an industry with so many beautiful people, but that angelic guy really took the breath out of Jeno. Perhaps it's just a fluke. It's just a normal thing to feel that about guys making music like him.

It's not like Jeno looked up the guy after and set his picture as his home screen or anything.

Definetly not.

He doesn't have Huang Renjun as a wallpaper.

(Yeah right, Jeno. We know you did it. Better keep that from the fansites, boo.)

---

"Hi, Ge!" Chenle crashes into Sicheng with a hug. "Can we have carbonara tonight? I know a good place!"

"Chenle, we just ate lunch a while ago. Why are you asking Ge for dinner now?" Renjun nags in Chinese.

"I heard pasta!" Donghyuck runs up to them. "I'm ordering alfredo!"

"It's spaghetti for me," Xiaojun adds.

"Well I do like ravioli," Renjun mentions. "---but that's not the point! We need to practice first."

"Alright alright, we can get Italian food later," Sicheng sighs. "But right now, please stretch. If you've already done that, do some warm-ups."

The day went by fast, and it's already well into the afternoon. Sicheng managed to teach Jisung the first part of the choreo to 'Kingka'. He's a quicker learner, and Sicheng found it admirable that he had chosen to take up Chenle's part.

Chenle had center for the first part of the song, but it was a complicated part and it's not something Sicheng easily picked up either. Chenle took a few weeks to perfect it. Jisung probably stayed up late to learn it the night prior.

"Winwin-hyung, have you heard of this song?" Donghyuck asks as a pretty sick beat fills the air.

"No?" Sicheng listens for a bit. "Whose playlist is it from?"

"Mine! I happened upon it yesterday. It's really good! I was wondering if you knew the artist to this song? You do have some friends here and there," Donghyuck asks. "This song ranked third on the HMH Show, but the artist couldn't show up to the program. I don't know what he looks like, but I love the track."

"Ah! Is this 'Domain'?" Xiaojun asks, overhearing their conversation. "I have this song on my playlist too. It's pretty hype!"

"Yeah! 'Domain' by Na Jaemin, right?" Donghyuck says. "I looked for an MV, but apparently there was only a lyric video. I wonder why he doesn't have an MV for such a nice song."

That sounded familiar.

Wait, was this the idol Kana was talking about last night? The one whose company didn't have enough money to make him an MV? Well, it certainly sounded like it.

"I want to do a cover of his rap sometime later," Donghyuck excitedly bops. "I'll shock the fans with my skills."

"I keep on hearing someone's inflated ego!" Renjun shouts from across the room.

Donghyuck sticks a tongue out at the leader.

"Listen, Ge!" Xiaojun is just as excited. "He's got a smooth and low voice."

Sicheng's not the best at deciphering fast Korean, but the beat was pretty sick, so he gave it an ear. It didn't help that the audio seemed to be from a show either. There were many people screaming, but assuming the idol didn't make it to the program, the show probably played the lyric video on the big screens. The idol in question, Na Jaemin, seemed to be popular despite no MV or program appearances though. His rap song had a fan chant, so that explains everything.

"Domain"  by Na Jaemin

Ahahahahh--- hit me up!

Yeah, yeah, yeah uh!

Welcome to my kingdom
Arms up where I can seem 'em
They be eyeing at my people and askin' how I treat 'em
--With respect! But haters don't hear that!
For some reason 'cuz they only want the bad
Like boo hoo hoo! You'd go as low as that?
Not to face me like a man, but talk behind my back!?
See the fire on this track?
The tables filled with stacks?
Hmm--! Maybe some brain is really what you lack!

Oh really, crazy?
You think you're hot hot lately?
You be rhymin' you the trend, but I be chartin' weekly!
See the diamonds on my hand,
If you won't sit down then stand,
For opinions there's no ban,
But truth is my fam--
I be everybody's jam,
This face is golden cam!
Be boring, this my brand!
Go on! Hate me if you can!

Aye aye! This my domain!
Aye aye! Sing it loud for me!
Aye aye! Prepare to be ashamed!
Aye aye! Get ready to be slain!

So you thinkin'
I be fakin'
Little man who can't be drinkin'
Big talk, big rap, but really I be shakin'
--Why yes! Damn! I be shakin' right now!
You be talkin' with no sense, got me laughin' on the ground!
Ha ha ha!
Why you so damn proud?
Acting for the crowd? (Where?)
But your rap's a nasty sound
Go ahead to try and shout,
'cuz they blastin' me loud

Say! Aye aye! This my domain!
Aye aye! Sing it loud for me!
Aye aye! Prepare to be ashamed!
Aye aye! Get ready to be slain!

So who at top?! ( Na Jaemin! )
So who at top?! ( Na Jaemin! )
Sing again! ( Na Jaemin! )
Who domain this be? ( Na Jaemin! )

So remember, I'm the center!
Take a lesson, be better!
Makin' money, top header
Praises drippin' every letter
Oh, still got hate?
Even in your low state?
This my kingdom, be smart---walk yourself to the gate!
Want my fame? Be the same?
Use your legs! Find a name!
Get out, get out, this my domain!

Aye.

(Mic drop)

That certainly was one hell of mic drop. Na Jaemin was no joke, even if his company didn't have the funds to properly promote him. His lyrics and rythm were fire. By the time his rap finished, Chenle was trying to (messily) rap and Renjun even bopped along.

Sicheng made a mental note to ask Kana about Na Jaemin later. However, for now, they still had to go through practice. The choreographer gathered Dream up and they went right into business.

"Okay! 5! 6! 7! 8!"

---

"It's okay. I'll go hold a table for us."

Apparently the carbonara would have to wait until the Dreamies were done with a short surprise livestream to hint at the new single coming out soon. Sicheng headed to the pasta place first and reserved a table. Sitting around, he decided to check his messages while the Dreamies were busy.

Surprisingly, the first text was from Kana. Most of it was panicked screaming,  followed by a picture of a disc on a desk.

Oh my god.

She had done it.

Kana actually decided to give the producer a disc of her compositions with a post-it note. What? Wait, so now Sicheng has to top that off? Ugh.

Sicheng fired her two cheerful stickers.

The next message was from Mark. He was already pitching ideas for the new dance intro to 'Chivalry'. Giving them an overview, Sicheng decided that they weren't too bad. He sent Mark a thumbs up and told him to bring it up tomorrow.

And the last message...

----------
Mom
----------

Hey sweetie!

I know you won't like
the sound of this. But
your dad and I went
and set up a date for
you and that boy we
we're talking about.

It's this weekend at
Juhwan Gyeong.

8 PM.

Please give it a shot,
sugar buns. You know
your dad and I don't
like to force you. ❤

XOXO, dear.

Okay, mom.

But just this once.

Seen @8:43 PM

Honestly, Sicheng didn't want to agree.

He still can't believe he got set up with someone so notorious in the music industry. He just started his career off. This could potentially de-rail him from all of his goals. Sicheng doesn't need to meet Nakamoto Yuta to dislike him.

He either likes someone or he doesn't.

That's just him.

But he takes a breath and tries to calm down.

He loves his dreams, and he knows his parents love theirs as well. Dongmei Enterprises was doing great, and this was essentially a business deal. He needs to wriggle his way out of this marriage and somehow help his parents out.

He just doesn't know how yet.

He'll have to find out.

"Hyung! Did you wait long?" Donghyuck and the rest of the team waves.

"No, not really. Sit down! I ordered us some cola!" Sicheng smiles, putting his phone away.

Damn it.

Nakamoto Yuta must go down.

Sicheng won't have peace if not.

---

Sicheng has never been on a date before.

He realizes this when he has absolutely no idea what he's going to say. Hopefully, he won't have to say anything. It's very likely he will end up talking though.

Sitting in a dress shirt, waiting in a fancy restaraunt, Sicheng wonders if Nakamoto Yuta was really as bad as the media says. He won't deny, media is toxic. It can drive people to death, and there's so much more to unpack beyond that.

But... could he possibly be polite too?

Sicheng knows his dad. His dad is an experienced businessman. He's met a lot of people, and yet he found Yuta to be a nice guy. What is it with this guy then?

Perhaps this further pushes his parents' suggestion to come to his own decision about Yuta. In any case, meeting him is inevitable. Oh, at that thought, is Yuta even interested in this engagement?

Is he going to come guns blazing in rage?

Or maybe he's ready to pounce on whatever person he can?

He's not too nervous about meeting this man. He's more worried about if he'll be able to navigate this whole issue before their engagement suddenly goes public. Hopefully, however Yuta is feeling, it's something that'll put him in the mood for canceling the marriage but saving his parents' business.

They should really teach you how to solve life problems like this in school.

That thought aside, Sicheng can only hope that Nakamoto Yuta isn't crafty.

He doesn't like dealing with those sorts of people.

"Excuse me, are you Mr. Dong?" A waitress bows to him politely.

"Yes..?" Sicheng nods, a bit confused.

"Ah, well it seems the one who made your reservation has decided to have carry out from our restaurant instead. He's told me to inform you that you should take a cab to Culture T Entertainment immediately."

What an asshole.

Okay.

Does this count as Sicheng getting stood up on a date?

Forget this all.

Nakamoto Yuta's already made a terrible impression--

Okay, perhaps he's just busy because he's the CEO.

Sicheng, mildly embarassed, excuses himself and walks out of the fancy place alone.

Why has it come to this in life?

---

Culture T Entertainment is certainly no match for Neo or 127 at all.

Neo Entertainment is beautiful. It can be mistaken for a luxurious shopping mall, which it sort of is for the first two floors. The building is more landscape oriented, with wide arches that display shining lights and screens that display their artists. The main colors of the company are a sunny yellow and pure white. It's quite a warm and aesthetically soft place to be.

As for 127 Entertainment, things are just as modern, but in a different energy.  127's style is more swag, in a sense. The building is a sleek black high-rise with blue lights. It has a grunge feeling to it. Smooth, but brings a sharp, dark, and bold sort of feeling. It's like a building you would think superheroes or secret agents would report to. The first few floors are mainly to display albums, and the neon lighting outside is different from the charming string lights Neo Entertainment has. The neon lights of the 127 building are always stunning, promoting the names of their artists. If Neo Entertainment is light and neat, 127 Entertainment was cool and chic.

Culture T Entertainment on the other hand?

Sicheng's not very... intrigued.

It looks like just another 4-story building wedged in between an apartment complex and quiet law firm. There's nothing too significant about the facade of the building. Just a single sign the size of a white board on the front, spelling out, "Culture T Entertainment."

It's not very... much what Sicheng expected?

With such a character as Yuta's, he'd expected some thing much more polished?

There's barely any cars in the small parking space, that, mind you, could only fit six cars. Sicheng raises a brow, but decides to enter the place with judgment wiped clean off his face. He can't let Yuta distress him this much already.

As soon as he enters the lobby, it's clear to him that Culture T Entertainment was worse off than one would assume.

There's a single secretary, who greets him nicely. She's sitting at a small desk with a laptop and a squeaky swivel chair. The lobby is really just a bunch of chairs, shelves of old books, and a few posters on the wall of popular groups. They don't even have a water fountain. He can only see a discount water dispenser that's almost empty.

...Okay.

This was NOT what he was expecting.

"Is there anything I can do for you sir?" The secretary asks, friendly.

"Yes. I'm here to have a talk with the CEO," Sicheng replies.

Sicheng slightly eyes her work badge.

She looks like idol material. Fit, pretty smile, and bright persona. Sicheng finds her name is Wakasa Miyu. It seems she's not a native Korean. Sicheng admires her Korean skills. He couldn't tell.

"Ah! Yuta-kun?" She nods. "I see. He's on the third floor. Just take the stairs to your left. It should be the first door."

"Oh, thanks," Sicheng says, blinking in a bit of surprise.

Call him funny in the head, but Sicheng actually forgot that stairs existed. His work and apartment both have elevators, so it's really a surprise to find that a building such as this doesn't have one. Perhaps Sicheng is thinking too much..?

After a few minutes of silent stair climbing, Sicheng makes it to floor three. Once he opens the door, he's fascinated.

It's a relatively small room, but it's more of a studio set. Green screens, set shots, plain white backgrounds, the studio was stuffed full of intricate and interesting photo shoot areas. The cameras were only a few on discount tripods, but Sicheng could see that they were used well. He knows as much recording practice videos for the idols.

At the very far end of the room sat a guy in front of a small window. He's slurping up some cup ramen, sitting lazily on a stool. His hair is platinum blonde, messy, and shoved halfway into a read beanie. Sicheng feels overdressed, seeing as he's standing before some dude in worn sweatpants and a long sleeve plaid jumper.

Who is this?

A worker?

Sicheng guesses the man is a photographer by the camera around his neck. Perhaps he's a part of the team. He doesn't see anyone else around. Sicheng is a really confused, that's why he decides to politely interrupt the man's dinner.

"Um excuse me?" Sicheng says. "Hi, um, do you maybe know where Nakamoto Yuta is? I need to talk to him."

"Oh, I see," the man replies.

He's not looking at Sicheng, but Sicheng can hear the smile in his voice. It's a playful, sort of youthful voice full of energy. It's not childish though. It feels like the voice of someone with enthusiasm.

"Can I ask who you are?" The man asks Sicheng.

"Ah, my name is Dong Sicheng," Sicheng says. "I'm a choreographer. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too," the man turns to him finally, slurping up a large amount of ramen.

He's got bright eyes and a satisfied smirk.

Sicheng's heart does a thing.

He's really handsome.

"I'm Nakamoto Yuta," the guy laughs. "And say, do you like ramen? Because I could be ra-men you into my bed tonight!"

Sicheng retracts his compliment.

Also, the audacity this man has to wink at Sicheng after that bad line is---

[A/n: We will take a short commercial break to mourn the death of my one brain cell that was wasted on that horrible pick up line. Press F to send love, please. TT^TT ]

---

"Dong Sicheng. 23. I work at both Neo and 127," Sicheng says shortly.

"You're talented," Yuta notes. "I admire your work."

"Thanks. I just recently started."

"A great start into this industry. Tell me about the groups you work with?"

"Oh, well sure. I--"

Well, this certainly wasn't going how Sicheng imagined it to be.

Sicheng was ready for a k-drama style dinner at a fancy restaurant in suits. Wine glasses full with silverware and everything. Never did he imagine his first meeting with the industry's most risky CEO was... in a budget studio, while eating cup ramen. On the another note, Yuta invited him to the roof. Sicheng's not sure he would admit it but, sitting on the edge of a building just watching the cars go by while Yuta comments on him is... sort of relaxing.

"-- and Dream. I recently just started working with Dream. They're a great team," Sicheng tells him.

"A newbie team and last year's monster rookies," Yuta nods. "It's kinda cool that you're working with groups that have a fresh concept. The experience is good for you."

"I guess so," Sicheng says, a bit stiff.

How is this normal conversation even happening?

"Sorry about making you come all the way here," Yuta says after a moment. "I should've made my way there, but my schedule isn't open for long. That's why I was quickly eating some ramen there.  I figured that if this date needed to happen, I could squeeze it into my dinner break."

Oh yeah.

This is a date.

"Yeah, sure. Anyways, I need to ask you a question," Sicheng says, determined.

"Sure."

"Are you planning to marry me..?"

Yuta looks up at the clouds.

Oh, it seems like the starts are coming out.

He looks so cold sitting next to Sicheng.

It's as if he's in a small boat floating away.

"Yes. But maybe that's what I should as you," Yuta says gently to the sky.

"W-Well, I don't know if I can agree to this," Sicheng spits immediately. "I'm too busy with my career for this."

"Be our choreographer," Yuta says.

"What?"

"Be our choreographer and maybe I'll reconsider our marriage," Yuta shrugs, standing up to brush off his pants.

"What the-- what do you mean?!"

"I'm not asking for full-time or anything. Just part-time. I understand you're helping two other teams," Yuta says causally. "It's up to you. Either way, I don't feel the need to reject this marriage."

And with that, Sicheng can only watch Yuta leave the roof as the Chinese's jaw decides to fall through four floors.

"Ah, and about that pick up line earlier," Yuta turns to smile at him with closed lips. "Let me know any time if you also wanna take up that offer."

What the--

What just happened?

No.

No way in hell is Sicheng gonna stay in one building with this man.

Take back every good thing he's said about him.

Nakamoto Yuta is a danger not to be careless with.

He needs to get out of here.

Sicheng begins to run down the stairs, but he stops as he hears music coming from a particular room. It's upbeat with adittuide. It sounds familiar too.

It's coming from the door to the second floor...?

Slowly, Sicheng's curiosity gets the best of him.

He opens it.

"But truth is my fam--
I be everybody's jam,
This face is golden cam!
Be boring, this my brand!
Go on! Hate me if you can!

Aye aye! This my domain!
Aye aye! Sing it loud for me!
Aye aye! Prepare to be ashamed!
Aye aye! Get ready to be slain!--"

The second floor is completely clear except for a bunch of mirrors on the wall, a speaker in the corner, and the caramel haired boy rapping as he dances to the music.

Na Jaemin.

Sicheng busts back into Yuta's studio.

"I'll take the offer."

"You seriously want to join me in bed?" Yuta looks at him with wide eyes.

"No!" Sicheng shouts, cheeks red. "What I mean is... I want to teach him. Na Jaemin."

Yuta smiles.

"Welcome to Culture T then, Sicheng."

-----------------------------------------------------------

(A/n: Hi.

I've had this chapter almost finished for a decade, so I've decided to woman up and post it now.

It's a bit rough, sorry.

I tried writing it a few times, and this is the only time that felt decent honestly.

I think Jaemin's rap song is a bit over the top. I wrote it a while ago thinking it was swag. Now that I'm looking at it, it's rather childish. It's good that it matches his concept has a newbie though.

Tell me your thoughts?

Question: Who's excited for WayV's new comeback Kick Back? 💚 Also, which member of NCT would you fake a marriage with?

Answer: I'm super excited! The teasers for Kick Back have pearls, an it reminds me of Make A Wish. NCT looks great in pearls! As for who I would fake a marriage with, either Chenle or Doyoung. Chenle because we'd just laugh our butts off and call it off, or Doyoung, because he and I would probably shove affection away at any moment. Perfect for maintaining the friendship status! 👌

[Please help me credit the original owner, since I don't rememebr whose it is ^^^]

Luwoo pocky pics to keep things sweet!

Until the next time I post, lovelies! I have too many songs written for this one book it's crazy--- 💚💚💚💚💚        )