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if i’m the devil...

in which chanyeol turn to @idryusan in search of an opinion to ignore

Though preparations for their impending comeback obviously take precedence, recent weeks have seen Chanyeol once again return to his solo material. The path has proven more winding than ideal, every few feet a new obstacle presenting itself, but finally the end seems to be in sight. Producers had been reluctant to associate their names with him, a brand whose toxicity is still in flux. Despite 99 Entertainment’s attempts to rehabilitate his image, public opinion is still split. Depending on the day of the week, he’s either a monster who bought his success and makes fans cry when they ask the wrong question, or a successful idol and skilled rapper that takes himself perhaps a little too seriously but is ultimately respectable.

Their reluctance serves as a reminder that, at least for now, it’s better to play nice and appease those he needs to. That saying goes that there is no such thing as bad publicity, but in the Korean entertainment business that was patently untrue. After years of proving himself as an artists, as well as someone able to be trusted after the countless controversies that have previously plagued him, he’s finally granted some semblance of autonomy, and one false move could see it ripped away

If lady luck is on his side, his compliance will pay off and Killing Me will be a success, making a perfect springboard to launch from shortly after promotions cease. If she isn’t, it’ll be a way to mask their failure and push it to the back of everyone’s minds. A win-win situation.

For now though, he has to actually finish the Mini before it goes through the usual motions ahead of release. Most everything is completed with the exception of two songs. One that has caused him and it’s producer to come to blows on multiple occasions, and the one he’s working on in a private studio, Polo, when he reaches out to San.

His relationship with the dancer is unusual. Chanyeol doesn’t despise him in the same way that he does so many of his other contemporaries. Describing them as close would perhaps be a stretch too far, but to be remotely tolerable is a feat in itself. Both of the third generation of groups, it’s only been around a year or so since they’ve spoken in any real capacity despite existing on each other’s periphery for several more; even more unusual considering how the years have soured him. They’re work friends, in his eyes at least.

Maybe it’s the hint of himself that he senses within that fascinates him. A glance at how things could have turned out had different choices been made. Proof positive that he doesn’t always have to be the villain. Or maybe that’s why he’s always kept the other at arms length; his self loathing refusing to accept that anyone even remotely like him is worth more than cursory glances and dismissive shrugs.

Regardless, he invites the other to the studio. Wants a second opinion to confirm his own that he can go on to disregard entirely if it doesn’t line up with his thoughts, and as the most recent conversation in his messages not currently trading insults or hurling profanities at him, San seems the most convenient to ask. The message is simple. Are you busy? Because if not we’re chilling. Followed by the address.

Once they’re eventually together, the usual platitudes (Or as close to them as Chanyeol can bare to stray) are exchanged. “How have you been? It seems as though we haven’t seen each other in a while.” He asks, only half interested in the answer as they move back towards the room he’s been using as base camp. “I saw you on that dancing show the other day. You were… pretty decent.” The closest thing to a compliment you can expect from him.

“Listen, I want a second opinion. And not from someone at the company who only cares about shifting units.” Chanyeol says matter of factly as the door shuts behind them. He wanders over and pulls up the track, filling the space with more idle chat as it loads. It takes a second to process before it blares out, letting each verse he’s recorded thus far over the almost melancholic guitars that back them play out. Throughout his face is emotionless, reverting to it’s usual intense resting position. “Thoughts?” He asks, the question sounding more like a challenge.

#chanyeol ;; san 01 #if i'm the devil...#1/4 #wc: 737 #( i've linked to the song in case you haven't heard it / are interested )