leave it all behind

“run, king, and don’t look back~ just make sure to come back like… once. empire will have a comeback stage someday that you’ll need to be present for,” he laughed

“i think we have a lot of busy schedules to coordinate before that can happen,” he retorted. “you’re the most in demand variety comedian in the industry, and your brother’s no slouch when it comes to acting either.”

“Going solo after being in a group for so long probably felt pretty jarring, I’d bet.”

“yeah, no, you had the biggest song of this year probably. and you were on itaewon freedom too. you could probably move to the bahamas on no notice and higher would let you.”

“no bahamas. maybe bali, though. i’ve always thought it looked nice,” he said with a tiny smile

“True, when we’ve got the whole team, it’s a bit less obvious because we’re all kinda dumb when we’re all together. It’s fun, though.”

“Oh, i’m okay. Just worried and a bit stressed with some things.” She says quietly, offering a small smile at the other’s concern, “Producing, parents, personal things; the three p’s are messing with my mojo at the moment.”

“well...i hope those three things grant you some grace soon,” he answered after a moment of thought. he got it. he really did. “i hope it subsides soon.”

“maybe, man, but i don’t think higher is like that. they seem a lot more…grass roots. for the artists, you know? they let jisung do whatever the fuck he wants. they’d probably let you do the same.”

“i.. didn’t think of that,” he admitted with a tiny frown. “i was about to say something about jisung being wildly more popular than me, and he is, but eyes nose lips.......i guess i’ve probably bought myself some time.”

“they are. and i get their appeal, and i know they help fans connect. i just think that having so many of them, and having all of them repeat ideas…it’s just kind of draining.”

“no, you’re right. they’re all the same, and they’re so many of them. it’s a real headache in the midst of promotions i’m sure.”

“that’s just your fault for having the voice of an angel, man,” jaemi countered, shaking his head with a laugh. “i mean, you have all the power, don’t you? you’re a veteran soloist, with a ton of pull. if you want to slow down, the success of a good song shouldn’t negate that.”

“everyone keeps saying that, but i have genuinely no idea,” he admitted. “maybe i’m just stuck with the radioactive mindset, but i signed a contract. i’d imagine higher would want to get the most out of it they an.”

“Oh god, especially when I’m back at work. I can keep focus onstage but during variety? I’m all over the place. It’s legitimately a little embarrassing watching it back sometimes.”

“you know, my jawline isn’t all that bad. i could totally use that as a hail mary,” deokjun laughed. “thanks for the suggestion.”

“hey, if i could help at all, i’m happy. those shows are so awkward for everyone-- especially those of us who are quieter.”

“oh– i didn’t even think of that. you’re probably right,” kyungmi admitted. “do you think reign’s done anything that suits this concept?”

“i think some of their newer stuff could be useable? like for as if its your last, or maybe even stay or whistle? it’s worth looking into if you’re really in a pinch.”

“honestly, i don’t even think i’m exceptionally good at that. i think i’m just a conventionally good looking guy who got lucky. that doesn’t really work on profiles.”

“i’ve heard you sing, deokjun. you have a nice voice,” daeseok assured him. “i’ve seen people list their jawline as a special talent-- have any cop out like that that you could try?”

“oh, i didn’t think of that,” she admitted. “none of delight’s old stuff came with us to siren but….i might have a top or two that could work. i’ll have to ask the stylist……………..thanks, daeseok.”

“if you want, i can try to talk to higher’s styling division. you ... uh... could be similar proportions to byulah,” he pointed out, turning bright red. that felts so crude to say. “they might have something you could borrow.”