Pushover or Genius Strategist?
Gyeongbin approached Suhyeon, his tone laced with a hint of worry.
"Hyung, you showed the new song to the Pink Berry kids yesterday, right?"
"Huh? How'd you know that? I told them not to tell anyone."
"You know how this industry works, and you still say that? Hyung, YK has over fifty trainees alone. How's big news like someone getting a song gonna stay hidden? Everyone's desperate for debut... By now, probably everyone in the company knows except maybe a couple people."
Suhyeon sighed. "Man, this business is such a pain... Yeah, I did. I recorded a guide track myself and played it for them. Then I gave them homework—each member has to write lyrics that fit the song within a week."
"For real...? Hyung! You're seriously giving them the song for free?"
Suhyeon realized why the ever-curious Gyeongbin—who couldn't hold back a question to save his life—had come looking for him. He shot back casually, "What, should I charge them? They're trainees who can't even make money yet."
Gyeongbin exploded in frustration, words tumbling out like rapid-fire rap. "That's your call, but hyung, do you not know? Tons of trainees come from rich families. Sure, back in the day it was sob stories about poor kids, but not anymore. Composing a song isn't easy at all. You deserve proper compensation. Even for friends, a few million won as a song fee is standard. You think they'll really appreciate it if you give it free? Don't kid yourself—that's just you thinking that. They won't see it that way."
Suhyeon grinned at the barrage. "So, what do they think I am, then?"
"A pushover! Total sucker, hyung! Handing over a song free after a few meetings? Anyone would call that a sucker move."
Suhyeon, smile broadening, slung an arm around Gyeongbin's shoulders. "Gyeongbin-ah, I get it—you're looking out for me. Worried I'll get played for a fool and lose out every time, right? That's sweet."
"Exactly! Hyung, no one's innocent in this biz. They're all sharks. Right now it's just Pink Berry, but what if other singers or trainees come crawling, saying they're close too, gimme a free song? You gonna keep giving 'em away? Or tell them to pay up since they're not as close? Either way, you end up in a mess. Better change your mind now."
"Whoa, breathe, kid. You'll pass out. Figures, coming from a rapper... Anyway, thanks for worrying. But I've got a plan. Cool off and sit down first."
A moment later, Suhyeon eyed Gyeongbin and Robin. "You both think I'm acting like a total pushover, huh?"
Robin nodded slightly, while Gyeongbin bellowed, "Anyone would say so!"
Suhyeon nodded emphatically, as if agreeing. "Fair point. But there's a reason. Gyeongbin-ah, do I strike you as indecisive?"
"...Nah, not after you decked that manager without blinking or crushed those quizzes on Problematic Human."
"Right. I'm decisive, pretty cold even. Tried not to take after Dad, but... Anyway, this is all calculated. Haiyu sunbae's recording starts tomorrow or the day after. Lyrics are almost done, I hear."
"And?"
"So soon, she'll drop a track I composed and produced. Say it hits big. What'll people say made it blow up? My killer composition? My genius producing?"
"...Nah."
"Exactly. They'll say, 'Haiyu's songs are always fire.' Am I wrong?"
"Spot on, hyung. I'd think that too. 'Classic Haiyu!'"
"Means I got zero rep in music right now. As a composer, I'm a nobody. Even if I give her the song, folks'll think I'm riding her coattails. But then..."
"Then?"
"Imagine an unknown girl group called Pink Berry drops a smash hit. Not just a hit—a massive one. People start wondering who made it, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then they learn that same composer did Haiyu's hit too? Boom—spotlight on me."
"Interest pours your way."
"Bingo. That's the play. Haiyu boosts me some, but Pink Berry? Way bigger for my cred. I see huge potential in them as a group. That's why free song. Not just 'cause we're pals. And..."
Gyeongbin cut in. "Hyung, you really think they'll blow up?"
"Gut says yes—guaranteed. With my full producing, no doubt. I'm killer at spotting talent. That's why."
"Got it..."
"Plus, after they hit with my song, word spreads I gave it free to juniors? Perfect cherry on top."
"'Talented composer with a heart of gold.'"
"Exactly. Killer story: Genius New Composer Gives Free Song to Juniors. News sites, SNS—everywhere. My music rep skyrockets overnight."
"And?"
"No more cheesy titles like Your London Night with Me or Sudden Love Mode. No more Kevin getting shafted on lyrics and royalties. BBG's next single? I'm producing."
"I'd love that, but... will the higher-ups let you?"
"Why do you think I'm scheming this hard? To fight our A&R team head-on, I need music cred. Don't get it twisted—they're not idols living off fame. Pros. Veterans in their field."
Suhyeon paused, gathering his thoughts. "My face rec, SNS followers, fan cafe numbers? Meaningless to them. They only respect peers who've climbed to their level. Professional pride or whatever."
Robin piped up quietly. "Isn't that called 'flexing your credentials'?"
Suhyeon blinked in surprise. "Robin, you grew up in the UK—how do you know that term? Old folks use it mostly."
"Heard it from my parents. Not adopted, remember?"
Suhyeon chuckled with a sigh. "'Flexing' sounds harsh... Call it craftsmanship. Point is, to negotiate, I gotta prove I'm qualified. That's the math behind the free song. Next time, full pay."
Gyeongbin, skeptical, asked, "Hyung, why's everything so complicated with you? Why overthink and make life hard? I just don't get you."
Robin replied matter-of-factly, like it was obvious. "What reason? It's his personality. Suhyeon's the type who can't stand crap that rubs him wrong. Rebellious streak, right?"
Suhyeon burst out laughing at the sharp jab. After catching his breath, he eyed Robin. "You got a knack for cutting deep. Dad took twenty-two years to spot my temper—you nailed it quick. Impressive."
"Parents aside, friends pick up on that fast, no?"
Robin's casual toss lit Suhyeon's face with a pure, forsythia-like grin. "Friends... Yeah, friends. Makes sense. Love this world for that—no pressure, just easy bonds with great people. True blessing."
He gazed warmly at Robin, almost confessional. "Seeing folks trample or exploit others 'cause of talent or status? Pisses me off. Twists my gut. So I rack my brain to smash that crap. Born that way—what can ya do?"
Later, alone in the practice room, Suhyeon fanned himself with his phone, tapping his palm absently as he sank into thought.
I asked for a rush job, but it's taking forever. Day after tomorrow's Handle the Fridge airing, and tomorrow night Marvin flies out for Rules of the Jungle. Time's running out—big problem.
He sighed, impatience bubbling over. "Gotta wrap this before Marvin leaves..."
His phone buzzed. Suhyeon answered immediately.
"Hello?"