It's probably obvious, but Sicheng still wonders if Culture T Entertainment is struggling.

Everything just seems to be functioning on bare bones. The building is only four floors, plus a basement. The floors aren't very big either. Sicheng did a little measuring around the practice room, and was shocked. If Limitless were practicing their movements and formations there, the members would be squished against walls a lot.

"Is... Is Jaemin the only idol here?" Sicheng asks Miyu curiously. "No trainees either?"

Miyu nods.

"Jaemin is our only artist and was our only trainee. Funny, huh? But he's a real gem."

Miyu is showing him around, but Sicheng pretty much already gave himself a tour. The building is pretry small afterall. He likes Miyu's company regardless. She's pretty easy going and seems knowledgeable about music. He's pretty sure he heard her singing Fall Out Boy, so Kana would definetly like to be friends with her.

She's also got mad cool hair.

It's an ash gray, but more bluish.

"Are you three the only people here in this place all the time?" Sicheng asks as she shows him the small recording studio in the basement.

"Well, you're here now so no," she giggles.

"There's no stylists or managers?"

"Yuta-kun manages Jaemin," she tells him. "We don't have enough to pay for a stylist since we're saving for better equipment. I'm lucky Yuta-kun decides to pay me just as much as other secretaries around town."

"Is his father's company helping out?"

"That," she looks at him with a sort of delicate smile. "Is something I would answer if I knew. Yuta-kun hasn't mentioned support from anyone. Not even his father. Since you seem to be closer to him, why don't you tell me if you find out?"

"W-Well, not really," Sicheng recoils a little. "I just met him for the first time the other day. We're not really close or anything like that. I'm just here to teach Jaemin."

Miyu starts laughing.

"Ah? Why are you laughing?" Sicheng's not pouting, but it sure sounds like he is.

"Well... Jaemin is one heck of a hard worker," she explains. "You may have to prepare yourself. Yuta-kun may be his boss, but Jaemin makes sure to utilize him from head to toe if he can."

"What do you mean?"

"Knowing Jaemin, he'll squeeze out more than just teaching out of you. You'll just have to experience it to know," Miyu claps. She then gestures around the room. "Now! I know this looks like not much at all. Currently Yuta-kun is working on getting us more monitors and sound machines for the set up. The mic we have right now isn't the best as well. It's a miracle we got Jaemin's single to sound alright."

"Wait, who did all of the sound engineering and composing?" Sicheng realizes when he remembers they're short on staff.

"Yuta-kun and Jaemin of course!" Miyu says obviously. "They wrote the song together and Jaemin placed every beat in the song himself. Yuta-kun developed the back melodies and took care of all the cutting and mixing. I don't know about music creation programs, so I just focused on making the lyric video."

"Ah that too. Everyone is wondering why Jaemin doesn't have an MV."

"Well, despite our cameras and sets upstairs, Yuta-kun said they weren't good enough to properly promote Jaemin yet. Hmm... ah, that's right! We don't have proper lights in the studio yet. It also seems that Yuta-kun wanted to test out Jaemin's raw abilities as well."

"He's good. Jaemin should film an MV," Sicheng remembers Jaemin's dancing and rapping.

Miyu sighs, "I know, right? But what Yuta-kun says is how it goes. Perhaps you can convince him."

Sicheng can't understand Yuta at all. Why didn't he promote Jaemin all the way? Sure, the sets were a little small, but Jaemin deserved to have just as much exposure as other idols in the field. It's competitive out there. It really is a miracle the song gained popularity with a lyric video.

Alright then.

Sicheng's going to give Yuta a piece of his mind. Despite the weirdly normal first meeting, Sicheng still knows that Yuta did indeed ruin the careers of many successful women. Perhaps Jaemin doesn't count, but Sicheng won't just stand by and leave it as a 'what if'. Sicheng likes Jaemin, and that's that. He deserves to shine.

"Where is he?" Sicheng demands with a newfound energy.

"Eh? Oh, Yuta-kun? He's probably in the studio now," Miyu says.

"I'm going to talk to him."

● ● ●

It's like Yuta's wardrobe had never heard of the words, 'business casual'.

Yuta's in the third floor studio again.

This time, he's reading a book.

Unruly, long hair tied into a small bun, he's just sitting on the same stool with a t-shirt and joggers on. Sicheng's never seen a CEO wear that to work in his life. Jaehyun wouldn't be caught dead doing that, though Sicheng's pretty sure Taeyong would do it if he could.

"I heard you're not going to give Jaemin an MV," Sicheng says, straight to the point. "That's crazy. He can dance. We just need a camera. We don't even have to use the sets here. We can film on the roof at night."

"No," Yuta just says nonchalantly, turning a page in his book.

"No what? This is Jaemin's debut. He's got to get out there," Sicheng presses.

How in the hell is Yuta taking all of this so casually? Jaemin's not exactly going to use the best of his potential like this. He could be huge. Huge!

"The song charted well," Yuta says. "He's doing fine."

"Yeah, when he should be doing phenomenal," Sicheng fires. "I haven't been a choreographer for long, but I can see it in his eyes. There's so much more he could do. So much more YOU could do."

"I hired you as a choreographer. Not as a CFO."

"Then call the wedding off and let me have Jaemin," Sicheng says sharply. "I'm only here because of him."

"Nothing's being called off," Yuta says a little coldly. "He's not going anywhere."

"Not as long as I'm here then," Sicheng walks right up and pulls the book out of Yuta's hands.

Yuta looks him in the eyes, mild irritation on his face.

"I'm a choreographer," Sicheng says, dead serious. "My job is to watch my students dance their way to success. No one's allowed to just be mediocre and call it okay. Jaemin's special and I'm saying we should let him run wirh it. I'll be doing things without your permission if you still won't see that."

Weirdly, the corners of Yuta's lips curl into a slightly amused smirk.

"And take on the lawsuit that comes your way?"

Does Yuta think Sicheng's scared of that?

"I think you should stop getting involved in lawsuits, Mister Nakamoto," Sicheng fires back, slightly angry. "I'm surprised you would try to sue me when the press knows exactly what sort of messes you've caused before."

Yuta's face falls.

Sicheng can't actually give a fuck.

"You're not making an MV," Yuta says, voice hitting a deep tone that makes Sicheng shiver.

He looks so cold. Sicheng's never seen something like that before, even from his own dad who can be menacing. The older just looks... so dark. Sicheng can't really describe it much further. Sicheng's well aware what he said hurts.

But it also hurts Jaemin if Sicheng doesn't stand up and get Yuta moving.

"There's no point to a company if they can't support their artist," Sicheng tries to steady himself. "Jaemin needs to get out there."

Yuta just glares at him.

Sicheng tenses.

What's with him..?

Yuta's dark eyes just burn down into his soul, searing his skin. There's something also vaguely animalistic about it too. Sicheng wonders if this is what it feels like to be under the watch of a jaguar. There's suddenly heat all around his body. He doesn't usually sweat a lot...

No no no! Come on Dong Sicheng!

Sicheng takes a gulp.

"Please, I don't know why you're not letting Jaemin properly debut, but he's trying very hard. He's practicing like crazy every day. He's just as dedicated as his competition," Sicheng manages to draw out of himself. "He's a good kid. I don't want to see his work understated and unappreciated."

"I don't see anything to be appreciated," Yuta snatches the book back from Sicheng with so much force, Sicheng almost swears because he should've gotten a paper cut.

That really pisses Sicheng off.

What guy would say that about someone he's chosen to train and debut?

"Oh yeah? So it's not like Jaemin has dream, albums, and talent to showcase?"

"He hasn't brought any to me himself."

"What if he does?" Sicheng challenges.

"Then I'll consider it," Yuta's dark energy seems to retreat, and Sicheng wants to slap himself for not telling the older off. "I'll allow you to help."

"I'm a choreographer, not a song writer."

Yuta shrugs,"Like I said, no MV then--"

"No, I mean, I'm a choreographer, not a song writer," Sicheng says with determination brimming in his eyes. "Remember that, because this album is going to blow people away, and it's not even my specialty."

Sicheng turns away and shuts the door solidly behind him.

Yuta looks at the door for a minute.

He glares for just a moment like the choreographer is still there, but goes back to reading again.

● ● ●

"So what did hyung say?" Jaemin smiles, handing Sicheng a water bottle.

"He said he'll get ready for an MV for your next album," Sicheng phrases what he managed to get out of Yuta nicely. "It's up to you to write it, though."

Na Jaemin is, in short, one amazing kid.

Sicheng's only worked with him a few times, but he's managed to understand Sicheng's schedule within a short about of time. He's also got a coffee obession. Sicheng can't believe Jaemin found out that he drives past a Starbucks on the way to the building. Now, he has to get the teen an Iced Americano every other day.

"Write an album..?" Jaemin says, looking at the cracked cement ceiling above.

"Yuta said if he likes it, you'll have an MV for the first time," Sicheng tells him. "We should try it."

"Yeah, I guess we should," Jaemin smiles. "Hey Winwin-hyung, do you wanna write it with me?"

"The album..?"

"Yeah."

"I can help, but I'm just a choreographer, Jaemin."

"That means you'd have the perfect vision on good songs!" Jaemin laughs.

"O-Oh. Well yeah--"

"Say, do you think I could get his help as well..?"

"Huh? Who?"

"I've been a bit of a fan for a while now..." Jaemin says. "You work with Limitless, right?"

"Yeah? Wait, you--"

"For the album, I'd like feedback from Mark Lee if possible," Jaemin grins.

Great, so this is what Miyu meant.

Jaemin really does milk what he can get out of people.

Sicheng finally understands.

● ● ●

Limitless' dorm is pretty much a war zone.

Now that the promotions for their latest album have wrapped up, they have considerably more free time.

That being said, they don't seem to use that free time to do some basic house cleaning in the dorm.

Jeno is trying to convince Jisung that Mark is Spiderman. For his evidence, he put a picture of Mark in a red shirt and blue jeans next to the superhero. Mark's in the kitchen, and it's  only a matter of time before they smell the burning pork belly and remembered that he's banned after pouring milk first into his cereal. Hendery and Yangyang are playing Dance Dance Revolution, but somehow it's now a game of MMA and Twister? Sicheng nearly steps on a pair of unknown shorts as soon as one of their managers, Ten, opens the door.

"Winwinnie," Ten groans as he sees his best friend. "Oh my god I can't stand this anymore! I need to go!"

"Stand what?" Sicheng looks around at the mess. "What's wrong--er, well..."

"Send help or a handsome man!" Ten cries.

"Ten-hyung, it's always the men," Sicheng sighs.

"Oh? Hey hyung!" Mark spots Sicheng and waves with a very burnt wooden spoon.

"The FU-- MARK?! What are you doing?!" Ten tries to intimidatingly walk into the kitchen.

Well, Ten's pretty short so, it looks like an aggressively cute penguin waddle, so Sicheng doesn't tell him that.

Anyways, Mark flinches real big like he's a toddler caught pulling all the toilet paper.

"Eh? Winwin-hyung, when did you come here?" Yang Yang, foot in Hendery's face while they tackle, may we add, says casually.

"Hi guys. What's happening?" Sicheng looks around.

Ten groans, holding up a pan that has pork belly stuck onto it.

"Torture."

"Ten-hyung watched BLs all day today," Jisung snickers from the table.

Just has he does so, Jeno uses the chance to steal what seems to look like the last drumstick from the pile of chicken.

"Yah yah yah!" Jisung cries in that whiny way of is.

"It wasn't me. It was Spider Mark!" Jeno points to the picture of Mark.

On closer inspection, Sicheng realizes it's a picture of Mark in a Mario costume, not just a shirt and jeans.

...Uh, is Jisung really buying that?

"That's not Spider Mark! He looks italian!" Jisung yells.

"Spider Mark IS italian!" Jeno says.

"Oh, well... I mean, that's kind of cool--- WAIT a minute, isn't that Mark-hyung?"

"Well uh, OOP--"

"Hyung, I wrote a new song," Mark walks up to him. "Wanna listen to it?"

"You wrote chords too?" Sicheng looks at Mark's phone that the younger has handed over. "It looks really nice!"

"Well just roughly for now," Mark scratches the back of his neck sheepishly.

"He's been writing that for a while now," Ten hollers from the kitchen, furious scrubbing sounds with it.

"Did you show Kun-hyung yet?" Sicheng asks.

"Ah, not yet! I wanted you and Ten-hyung to hear it first since I'm not sure about the progression at certain parts."

"Sure. Let's listen to it then! I also have a favor to ask you," Sicheng says, laughing a little remembering how excited Jaemin was.

"Oh? Yeah. Funny thing is, I have a favor to ask too!" Mark smiles.

"Huh?"

● ● ●

Sicheng's always thought Mark's room was interesting.

He's got old records hanging up on the walls. They're a bit crooked in predictable Mark-fashion, but it's an aesthetic for sure. He's got lion plushies on his bed and a watermelon blanket. Next to his bed is his guitar, which he picks up and waves for Sicheng to sit down and listen.

"Ten-hyung?" Sicheng asks, looking at the door as he sits.

"Uhh... I kind of busted a pan, so he said he'll listen later," Mark scratches his neck sheepishly again.

"You also busted the pork belly," Sicheng deadpans.

"L-Let's not talk about that!"

"Alright. Let's hear it!" Sicheng claps, excited.

Mark first plays a few chords. They sound warm. Instantly, Sicheng decides that he likes this song, and if Mark doesn't play it around a campfire one day, Sicheng would make him. His voice is a little shaky. It's pretty raw, but very expressive and has an air of shyness to it.

"If you're out there
Could you let me know?
If you're out there
Could you say hello?
If you're out there
My hearts calling for you

I keep searching
Are you searching too?

If you're out there
Am I too late?
If you're out there
Did I make you wait?
If you're out there
Is there a way?

For me to meet you
And say I'm sorry?"

And by some magic, a chord comes out funny.

Mark stops playing after that, bursting out into laughter. Sicheng joins him. It sounded like a dying chicken or something. They laugh and laugh, and when they stop, Hendery and YangYang have come in to see what's going on.

"New song? Nice!" YangYang high-fives Mark.

"Ge, how was it?" Hendery asks Sicheng. "He's been playing it for a week."

"I like it, Mark," Sicheng nods. "It's really sweet."

"Ah really? Thanks!" Mark smiles happily.

"We told you it sounded okay!" Hendery and YangYang say in unison.

"Yeah, but you're Hendery and YangYang," Sicheng deadpans.

"Hey! I have good taste!" (Hendery)

"Hey! My taste isn't bad!" (YangYang)

"I didn't say it was bad. Your music taste is questionable," Sicheng jokes.

"Oh! About that favor!" Mark claps.

"What is it?" Sicheng looks at him.

Mark does that habitual thing where he scratches the back of his neck again.

"Well, um..." His cheeks start to go pink.

Huh?

"I, uh, yeah uh.... Um--"

"HE WANTS TO WORK WITH HAECHAN OF DREAM!" YangYang shouts.

"MARK WANTS A WATERMELON FOR HIS H-- ohh, that's what it was?" Hendery stops, shocked.

"Hey HEY HEY!" Mark slaps their arms, clearly not pleased they spoke for him instead.

Oh god. More work for Sicheng? Well, might as well. He's the only one who works with Dream and Limitless as of now. Add Na Jaemin, and Sicheng supposes he'll need to do a lot of talking between these groups.

"Funny you should ask, Mark," Sicheng chuckles. "I have someone who would like to meet you too."

"Who?" Hendery, YangYang, and Mark all look at eachother.

"Na Jaemin."

● ● ●

"--and so I need to go discuss this all with Jaehyun because he needs to negotiate with Taeyong," Sicheng explains over the phone to Kana.

"What the heck? Okay, I'll leave your dinner in the fridge then," Kana says over the phone.

"Thanks!" Sicheng says. "I'll be back late."

"Whatever. Just don't scare me when you're back, Chengie! See ya!"

"Bye!"

Sicheng hangs up.

Currently, he's on an elevator. It's taking a while, and it's partially due to the fact that Jaehyun likes the lounge room on one of the highest floors of 127 Entertainment. Normally, it's Ten's job to ask Jaehyun about collabs and such as the manager of Limitless, but Sicheng hasn't seen Jaehyun in a while and the pan Mark busted still isn't clean yet anyways...

Why hasn't Ten given up on that pan yet?

Anyways, the collab between Haechan and Mark may have slim chances to be a thing. Maybe none. Why? Well...

Last time Sicheng checked, Taeyong still hates Jaehyun, and Jaehyun still hates Taeyong.

I mean it's normal.

Taeyong, CEO of Neo Entertainment.

Jaehyun, CEO of 127 Entertainment.

Last time they had a conversation, Sicheng heard they broke a table and argued so loud like a divorced couple, their voices could be heard three floors down.

On second thought, maybe this was a bad idea.

The elevator dings.

Sicheng steps out.

"Winwin? Hey!"

It's Jaehyun.

Shit.

Sicheng regrets his decisions.

The things he does for Ten.

-----------------------------------------------------------
(A/n:

HI IF YOU GOT A NOTIF EARLY, I ACCIDENTLY PUBLISHED THE WRONG PART.

I accidently published a part full of the songs for this book and I screamed since YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO SEE ALL THOSE YET---

Anyways, it seems Jaeyong has arrived.

And some other ships..?

Mark's little song as no name yet.
You guys can name it for me!
It's pretty cute and sad.
It's about wanting that special someone but wondering if they've already given up on you since you can't find them.

Question: Which NCT member would you like as a sibling and why? Which one would you like to roast, and for what?

Answer: Yeah no, none of those clowns get to be my siblings. They're a mess. I'm a mess. As for who to roast, Haechan, DAEGAL DOESN'T WANNA MARRY YOU--

Do it. SCREAM.

Yangyang's hair = Shiitake mushroom

CHANGE MY MIND

Until next time lovelies! ❤❤❤❤❤ )