Chapter Text
In Win’s opinion, birthdays are less of a celebration and more of a reminder of time passing by. And how much he’s probably wasting it. That is the first thought he has as he sits up in his bed, his 30th birthday less than 24 hours away. Wondering if it was even worth it to go back to the studio today.
When he basically told his dad that he wasn’t going to take on the family business and pursue music instead. He thought that was the pivotal moment in his life. That his family not approving his career choices would be the only thing holding him back from his dream of music. But here he is, twelve years, a degree, and nothing officially released under his name as an artist.
Something that they don’t tell you is that hopping back and forth through studios doesn’t show your experience but rather makes them believe you’ll hightail at any second. At least that’s what his… “mentor” Yak has been slightly (not so much) been hinting at since he joined. Something about “loyalty” and “putting the company first” or whatever. But Win is kinda over it by now, sure, he’s been here longer than anywhere else but at this point Win is simply not ready to go through a whole job-hunt again when it feels like he’s been to every studio, venue, or concert hall in Thailand.
Besides, Win has gotten used to the life at the company, he’s been here for a while now. The money isn’t bad for the little he seems to do and he likes the people well enough.
*ping*
Win tiredly rumbles around next to him for his phone. A couple more pings helping him find it under his pillow where he definitely forgot to charge it last night.
D: I need that project that I assigned to you yesterday!
Why aren’t you here yet?
You better be here by the time I get out of this session Pawin.
Well, at least most of them.
Win shifts as he checks the weather on his phone, dread filling him as he sees the ever present rainy weather. He’s even gonna have to take the train today. He grabs the flash-drive with his current projects, and gets dressed quickly, if he hurries then he can pick up breakfast at his favorite food truck. Decha can wait his prissy little mind, to be honest Win isn’t even sure what made him the head producer when he ends up shoving all the work onto everyone else.
When thinking about the music business - Win had thought about the actual music, the performing, the hours spent practicing till your hands were numb, not what actually felt like working a typical 9-5 spending hours in front of a computer. Listening to the same shit over and over and fixing all the tiny details. Asshole clients, grueling bosses, and just the same process every single day.
Win sighs then reaches for his headphones, slugging them on as he leaves his apartment. He then opens up his phone and after searching for a while he ends up playing his most recent playlist.
Now Playing… You’re Not Stubborn — Two Door Cinema Club
Could his life get any more boring than this?
ಹ
… You’ll be more inclined to have a point of view that makes it through…
Win sees the kind lady smile in recognition of his appearance. He isn’t sure if that’s a good thing to be recognized probably from just how often he comes to this place. Sometimes even twice a day. He looks around at his options and picks up some of the onigiri, “Just these please.” He says, placing the onigiri up on the counter.
“That’ll be 300 baht!” The lady says sweetly. Win pulls out his wallet and hands her a 500 baht note. She quickly gives him back his change and packs up the onigiri he chose. He even sees her sneak in a water bottle like usual. “Thank you!” She calls, handing the bag to him
He wais to her, returning the sentiment. Before taking the bag and resuming his walk to the station.
ಹ
“Hey! Win!!” He hears, turns and takes off his headphones and sees a smaller frame running after him. He had only just entered the building, so Win really hopes there wasn’t someone there to yell at him for being late (which he wasn’t) or something. It takes him a moment to realize that it’s Por though.
It’s a relief, he’s a newer hire but Win remembers him being one of the new managers - which shouldn’t have anything to do with him. But Win doesn’t really mind, Por has something about him that Win can’t help but feel drawn to. Maybe it’s Por’s overly excited nature that reminds Win of when he first got started, or the fact that despite the fact he just recently started he is already well-known to be hard working and even has some of the bigger artists under his belt. In any case, it seems like to Win just about anyone likes Por.
“What’s up?” He asks, they’ve only spoken a handful of times but the way Por comes up and punches his arm all familiar-like would make you think differently. They slowly keep walking through the corridor together.
“I hear you are the guy to talk to about scheduling a recording session in the studio.” Por explains.
Win inwardly groans, he has no clue when the small studio suddenly became his responsibility (with no added pay he might add). Plus most of the time it’s these assholes who don’t know how to even route the board to their sessions and sometimes he has even seen people not be able to get any sound from the speakers on their own or they mess up the patch-bay or something goes wrong. But anytime he asks if they need help or if they want him to sit in on the session, it’s always a “no we got this” from the newly graduated producer who just got assigned the next single for freaking Nanon or whatever.
It would be fine if by the end they would at least clean up their mess. Bottles of water and, hell, he has sometimes actually found coffee cups right next to the computer. Do these people want to lose their job? Unsaved sessions, unstored instruments, and still cooling microphones all left behind for Win to pick up after. He sometimes wonders if his title of “Post-Mixer/Artist” should instead just be “Janitor for Studio B”.
“What are you using it for and what time?” He asks, if possible, Por perks up even more. It’s like a whole sun is shining on his face which compliments the rainbow cardigan he’s wearing Win supposes.
“Just a simple vocal recording! He wants to do it tomorrow at around 5, is that okay?” Well, there goes his plans of maybe hitting the bar for a somewhat birthday meal. But as Yak would tell him, this job gives as much as you give it. The more you sacrifice, the more you will be rewarded… or whatever. Win nods, plus it’s nice that for once this is scheduled early instead of last minute.
“Awesome! Thanks Win!” That’s when they approach the elevator, “going up?” He asks, as he pushes the button.
Win blinks, “Yeah. Thanks.” They stand for a while, more people gathering with them for the wait. He could ask for specifics for what Por or whoever needs for the session, he probably should. But Win still hasn’t even gotten his coffee yet and he kinda wants to wait for the song that he can still sort of hear through his headphones to finish first.
…Just fuckin’ let go. Greener, greener grass. I want, I want it bad…
Just as the elevators open though, Por suddenly turns to him again, “Sorry, I forgot I actually need to do something, but he’ll see you then right?” But before Win could as much get in another word - Por scurries off like a little mouse. Win is left dumbfounded for a moment until he suddenly remembers the elevator and quickly goes in before the door shuts. It’s a tight fit, he’s nearly pushed against the doors.
Just his luck really, getting stuck late to work on his 30th birthday. He could maybe grab something extra for lunch that day since he won’t be going out. He wonders briefly if he’ll have the money for that. Maybe if he bugs his mom then he can-
“Getting off here.” Someone says and suddenly everyone is jostled as some idiot who was in the back decidedly pushes through everyone. If Win wasn’t caught so off-guard then he probably would’ve yelled some choice words. But all Win sees is a glimpse of silver before the doors close again and everyone rights themselves up again.
Some people - Win swears.
ಹ
Win had barely managed to sit down at his workstation before the door was basically slammed open by Yak. “Win. Thank god.” He cries, running to him and crashing to his knees in front of Win’s seat. Win should be surprised, but he has a feeling he already knows what’s coming.
“Do you have the session from Sizzy’s session not too long ago?” Yak asks.
“Which one?” Win asks, not prepared as Yak slams his hands on Win’s armchair. Shaking the seat.
“Which one?? The one for their new single that is supposed to be done in two days!!” Yak exclaims. “I know you are new here-”
“I’ve been here for two years…”
“But it would help if you were able to keep track of the assignments you have. Is it done or not?” Yak asks, Win rolls his eyes and points to the computer.
“It’s in there, just like it should be.” He didn’t mention how he also basically went in himself and re-recorded the bass. Whoever Yak got to do it had no sense of rhythm at all and it was bothering the hell out of him. He also decided to adjust the reverb on the guitar and fixed the volume automation throughout. “One of the members is supposed to come in and re-record one of the vocal lines-”
“Yes, I’ll take care of that. Don’t need you going and hitting on one of the artists.”
Never mind the fact that he is also an artist but- “Whatever, Four is going-”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Yak interrupts, “You’re into Four?”
“When the hell did I ever say that!?” Win exclaims, but he does feel a bit of a flush come to his face. Four is one of the new hires too and Win has helped her here and there with the studio and answering questions. They actually have quite a bit in common, well, particularly they both like the same music. Win hadn’t really thought about asking for her LINE or anything like that. But Yak’s accusation did bring a good point…
“I mean, I do hear that you are too mean to have ever had a girlfriend before.” Yak says with a laugh, obviously joking but the fire of rage burned hotter in Win’s head. The combination of his foul mood this morning, the erupt change to his schedule, and just overall this whole conversation with his mentor about his own love life.
Well, let’s just say Win had already reached his limit and it was only noon.
Win stood up from the chair, knocking Yak out of the way, “so what if I hadn’t huh!?” Win sees Yak fall to the ground before he really processes it.
Honestly, if Yak was any sane person he would stand up and probably fire Win for talking like that, and literally pushing him to the floor. But he isn’t. So instead he just keeps laughing like a crazy person, which really makes Win take a moment to debate if this job is worth it.
Yak stands up as Win still finds himself debating - Fuck, trying to update his LinkedIn would be such a pain in the ass though - before Yak places his hands on his shoulders. Win really just wishes he could push him away again but he grips his fists together to stop himself. “You’re turning thirty tomorrow aren’t you?” Yak asks with a plastered grin.
The question and expression has Win’s anger cool just a little in confusion, “how do you know that?” He asks.
“Company email or something like that, doesn’t matter. Anyway.” Yak brushes off, “you’ve never had a girlfriend. So that means you haven’t…” He looks down and when Win realizes what the mentor is insinuating the rage builds up even stronger than before.
“You gotta be careful…” Yak then comes closer to Win and whispers, “or you’ll turn into a wizard.” Wait, what?
Then like that, he leans away. Gives a clap on Win’s back. “I’ll be back for that project later.” Almost as if nothing happened, Yak slips out of the room.
Maybe Win should look for a new job.
ಹ
Win doesn’t have much time to really process that more before he is pulled into the studio with Decha.
Decha is the head producer for the company, the only saving grace of Decha is that he isn’t as crazy as Yak it seems. As soon as Win walks in Decha holds out his hand without even looking at him, which Win rolls his eyes at. But he takes out the red flash-drive from his pocket and dispenses it into the open hand.
The older man swiftly pulls up the project Win was tasked with. He doesn’t say anything as he scans the files and pulls on some headphones and listens to the song. Win waits, a little anxiously, he won’t lie that he’s been trying to get Decha’s approval for a while now. He has a lot of standing with the company and Win is sure that if he plays his cards right then he can maybe finally start working towards his debut. Sure, the extra work Decha gives him has him pulling a lot of extra weight, but it has been helping him improve further.
Decha pulls off the headphones, “it’s good.” he says simply. “I think it’s ready for release.” Win preens a little, then Decha looks back for a moment then does a double-take when he sees Win there. He then turns around fully to face Win.
He coughs, “but I do need to make some minor changes.”
Win’s expression immediately falls, “what changes?”
“Just stuff here and there - don’t worry about it, Win. I’ll take it from here.” he brushes off.
“If there’s something wrong with it I can go back and change it myself.” Win tries to insist, but the producer just shakes his head.
“I got it. Besides, I’m sure you have other projects that you should be working on.” Win really doesn’t and he also wants to figure out what is missing but before he can say anything, Decha turns back around pulling the headphones back on. “You can go.” He dismisses.
That’s the thing that sucks about Decha, he won’t ever tell you what exactly you are doing wrong. At least not straight to Win - leading to him basically guessing what the clients and Decha are looking for. He would ask Yak but he doubts he would get a straight answer from him either.
Win ends up leaving in a huff, almost running into someone on the way out. He quickly murmurs an apology before heading back to his place in Studio B.
ಹ
When Win finally gets home he’s exhausted and soaked. In his rush that morning he forgot to grab his umbrella so he ended up running to the bus station in the pouring rain. He sighs and leans against his apartment door, just letting the stillness wash over him.
At the end of the day, Win really does love his job. He loves working with music and producing and mixing. He knows would much rather be doing this than to be working for his dad. But coming home to his apartment on the outskirts of Bangkok every night… It feels like something is missing. But Win honestly isn’t sure what it is.
Win finally decides to get up and take a shower, if he’s feeling up to it he may play video games with Tiw for a while before bed. Or maybe he’ll email Por about the session tomorrow or look over a couple projects. Or…
He ends up falling asleep before he can really manage to dry himself off.
ಹ
When Win wakes up on his 30th birthday, hair cold from not drying it completely. Nothing feels different, he sees a text from his mom and Tiw wishing him a happy birthday. Tiw’s text comes with the offer to get lunch together with him, which Win would never refuse. He texts Tiw back letting him know what time his lunch was, he works at a production company not too far from the studio, in fact, the two companies actually collaborate quite often. Win has helped with the post-production sound on a few of Tiw’s own projects despite it not being Win’s preferred area. But it pays WAY better than the work he is currently doing.
With that Win stretches and gets ready for the day, he looks and sees that it won’t be rainy for once. If this is the one gift from the universe for his birthday he will accept it full heartedly. Win decides to dress up a little nicer for the day, not for his birthday really, but since he is potentially meeting a new client today he figured he might as well. It’s not super dressy anyway, just a striped sweater with a white collar shirt underneath and the only pair of nice slacks he has.
His hair is a little bit of a mess but Win doesn’t really have the time or patience to fix it right now. With at least a little spring in his step, he heads down into the complex’s garage.
For Win, despite not wanting to take over his dad’s shop, he had grown an attachment to fixing up bikes. He constantly works on his motorbike, cleans it, and keeps up to date with works he can’t do himself. He’s pretty happy with it, but imagine his surprise when he tries to start up the bike and nothing happens.
Win tries the key a few more times, but the engine doesn’t even sputter. Win sighs and checks the time on his phone. He really doesn’t have any time to try to figure out what the problem is right now. So he resigns himself and ends up calling the one person he dreaded calling.
“Hello?” A grumbling voice.
“Hello Pa?” He asks, he hears a grunt in return. He holds in his groan of regret and gets to the point - his old man doesn’t care to beat around the bush. “My bike broke down but I don’t have the time to figure out what’s wrong today.”
“And what do you want me to do about it?” The older man asks. Win has to resist the urge to bang his head on the nearest wall. He hates it when his dad is like this, he knows exactly what Win wants him to do about it but wants him to admit it himself.
Win sighs, he doesn’t have time to do a back-and-forth with his dad at this point. “Could you have someone pick it up and assess it for me?” A beat. “I can come by this weekend to fix it myself.” He clarifies.
“The only way to get you down here is if it’s something like this.” His dad seems to mutter, but it’s clear that he was meant to hear his distaste. Which makes Win a little exasperated, it’s not like his dad wants him around, he’s made that pretty clear anytime he has been over since college.
“Listen, I’ll even give a call to Ma later today too. If she offers me to stay for dinner I won’t say no.” He bargains, the one thing his dad has ever told him he did well with. But he is met with silence now. He doesn’t want to plead with the man but he feels himself getting desperate. “Please sir, the engine isn’t responding at all.”
That, out of all things, gets his attention.“At all?” His dad asks curiously.
“No. I have no idea what’s wrong.” Win explains, he hopes he is conveying his worry without burying himself in pity. He waits now. If this fails he will definitely have to take time out of his weekend to pay to get it fixed. It will definitely take a hit on his (very loose) budget for the month but—
“Fine. But come for dinner on Saturday.” His dad said, firm but well… Win wasn’t sure. Win doesn’t have the best read on his father if he’s honest. But he does read the instant relief in himself.
“Yes sir. Thank you.” All his dad does is give him a grunt in return before all Win hears the call disconnect. Honestly, that could’ve gone way worse in Win’s opinion. But he doesn’t have the time to think about that, so he quickly heads out of the garage.
If he’s lucky he can still grab food at the truck on the way but if there is any sort of line Win will be out of luck until later today.
But strangely enough, there isn’t. The lady above him smiles in greeting as he wais, he quickly grabs what looks good and places them up to the counter. He already grabs the notes from his wallet to hand it to the woman. As her hand grazes him he could swear he hears someone say…
“I really hope he isn’t getting sick of these.”
Win looks behind him to see if anyone suddenly came up behind him, but he sees no one. Besides, he could've sworn that it came from…
“Nong?” He looks back at the woman who is holding up the bag for him. Win shakes his head and reaches for the bag. Their hands graze each other again and he hears…
“But he is my best customer - coming everyday without fail.”
“Sorry, did you say something?” Win asks, the woman looks puzzled and shakes her head. Win isn’t sure if she’s lying, after all, no one else is around. But it also could just be his imagination, his stress, or just… something.
He shakes it off and wais to the lady before taking off. Never mind about that, he has a bus to catch.
Everything goes to hell after that.
He tries to ignore it while he hears various comments here and there as he passes by people. It would be easy to mistake them for the other voices in the crowd if it more so didn’t feel like the words were bouncing in his skull like a small echo chamber. Hearing people complain about going to work, the weather, other personal things, Win should really not be hearing about Jesus. It’s even worse when he is actually in the bus having to stand due to lack of room, hearing the voices all around him as his leg brushes someone else, teenagers bumping into him trying to get to the back, the people who end up pressed on his back during unexpected turns.
“What should I make for dinner?”
“I really need to see a doctor.”
“I wonder if my mom picked up my prescription…”
“This bus is so crowded”
“Should I fake sick?”
“I have a meeting at 4, then a meeting at noon, a project due later…”
“Should I ask for her number?”
“Why is that guy looking at us like a creep?”
Win is officially going crazy.
Win pulls out his phone to text Yak - he isn’t sure if he can even hear his own thoughts. Much less, the voice of someone on a crappy-ass phone.
W: P’Yak I’m sick today I can’t come in.
Sorry.
Y: Win I know it’s your birthday but if you wanted the day off you should’ve asked for that a month ago.
You better be on your way here or be actual roadkill.
W: I’m serious I’m actually sick.
Y: Should’ve thought about that before you decided to schedule out the room so much today - now you better be here within the hour or I better see a doctor’s note telling me you are DEAD.
Win groans, he does not have the money or the effort to go to the doctor’s today (thanks capitalism). And as much Win hates to admit it, Yak is right. He has a lot of meetings today, including the one for Por’s artist that he still hasn’t asked about. Win then checks his pockets and to his (tiny bit of) luck finds one of his many pairs of earbuds. They won’t be the best of quality but Win hadn’t bothered to bring his headphones when he was originally going to drive here himself.
But as Win slides the earbuds in, the relief he does get is instant. He can still hear the thoughts if he were to listen closely enough but the thumps of the song take up enough that he can get lost in it. He probably doesn’t have much battery left in these but at least it works for now.
Stuck in my ways and I hate that I’m used to it, I don’t know why…
ಹ
The good news is that the battery thankfully lasts him until he reaches the building. The bad news however is that it doesn’t get him past the elevator that is already crowded around him. He’s trying to keep his distance but he knows when they all actually get into the elevator he is basically doomed.
Win really can’t think this day can get any worse, and is honestly considering taking the five flights of stairs to his studio, when the elevator opens and he already sees him standing in it.
Sound Saran.
Sound is the agency’s golden boy, his charisma and way with words gets him to be able to get all the opportunities he ever wanted. Helps too that Sound had already started by having a popular YouTube channel “SoundAbout” and had been basically a child star. All Win hears from all the gossiping is how it seems like all the women in the building have a crush on Sound. Which honestly is bullshit in Win’s opinion. Because honestly Sound is the most annoying perfectionist prick he has ever met. Despite the fact that both of them joined the company around the same time it seems like Sound has risen in the ranks meanwhile Win is just in the shadows.
So maybe he is a little bitter.
But Win doesn’t hate the guy, Sound seems like a nice guy and there is no denying he is freaking talented but there is just something that seems up with Sound’s whole… good guy persona. Cracks really only show when they are arguing with each other - it’s honestly something Win has never seen anyone else point out. He’s probably the only one in the company who has any sort of problem with him. But whatever, he just wants to get upstairs and away from all of the people and their thoughts. He forgoes the stairs and instead quickly gets inside not realizing his mistake until it’s too late.
Win’s lanky body gets shoved in and he can hear so many thoughts all around him with each shoulder, arm, foot that brushes against him. He is then stopped as Sound grabs to steady Win next to him.
He doesn’t say anything but as Win sits up he gives Sound a nod in appreciation, Sound ends up rolling his eyes though which just pisses Win off. He has half the mind to call him out when he suddenly hears.
“I hate how happy I am that we both got here at the same time today.”
Win whirls to figure out who the hell is still touching him. Then soon realizes that the only contact he has with anyone is at the back of his shoulder which is slightly pressed against Sound’s. Win looks up at him in surprise but Sound isn’t looking at him.
Sound having a crush on someone in the office shouldn’t be as surprising as it is. Maybe Win had assumed that Sound already had a girlfriend, well, he’s sure whoever it is, she’s going to soon become the #1 enemy of the building. Win starts looking around to see if he can figure out who this person is.
“How is it possible for a case of bedhead like that to actually look good?” Damn, whoever it is, it definitely feels like Sound is already whipped. Maybe he could tease Sound about it to get an upper hand in their next fated argument. But the strange thing is, now looking at it, there aren't a lot of women in the elevator with them. The ones that are, well, they are either much older than them or don’t obviously have bedhead like Sound is talking about. Well he could be talking about…
The elevator comes to a stop then people start shuffling out from all over. Suddenly Sound’s thoughts are lost to the masses as they both get pushed and bumped around. But suddenly a particularly hard shove causes Win to be pushing Sound against the wall, basically caging him in.
“Holy shit.” - To be honest Win isn’t sure if those were his thoughts or Sound’s, maybe even both. But it’s Sound’s thoughts that continue to unfold themselves, Win couldn’t escape them even if he wanted to.
“How is it possible that this is the third time we’ve seen each other in the past twenty-four hours?” and… wait. Is he still talking about his crush still or…? But his answer comes as suddenly he is overcome with what seems like a vision of some sort. But he sees the crowd of people all around the elevator, much like now. Sees a familiar pair of headphones among the people ahead of him, or in front of Sound he guesses?
Suddenly the elevator doors open and he feels a panic… or is it Sound’s panic? When he rushes forward, not caring about the people in his way. Is this even the floor he needs to get off at? But his vision then flashes then to a hallway, a familiar one with a familiar door. Win barely has the time to think before he is face-to-face with well… himself. He doesn’t spare him, or Sound (god this is confusing), a glance before muttering an apology and brushing past him. Win watches himself go, he then hears something. Something distant…
But before he can grasp it Win is suddenly pulled out of the… flashback? By being suddenly flung around. He feels himself now being pushed against the wall, “Ugh Sound, what the hell?” He groans out. “What are you doing?”
“What the hell were you doing?” Sound argues back, “He was the one holding me down staring like an idiot!” Win is about to object when he realizes those were still Sound’s thoughts. “I couldn’t stand him staring at me like that. Is my face red?” Wait, what?
Win tries to look back at Sound but his wrists are still pinned tightly, but he can feel Sound’s hands almost… trembling slightly? He can even, if he listens closely, hear a strong beat against him. “Fuck, he can’t hear my heartbeat right? He’s so close…” And… holy shit.
Then the elevator doors open again, Win realizing now that he and Sound were the only ones left in the elevator. Sound seems to come to the same realization and pushes off of Win and stomps out of the elevator. Win trips to follow him out before the door closes again, watches Sound’s figure stalk off. He then reaches up and feels his messy hair that he forgot to take care of last night… bedhead.
Sound… has a crush on… him?
“Holy fuck.”
ಹ
Win tries to pretend like nothing happened. At this point Win is actually considering that he may actually be going crazy. Like, hearing people’s thoughts when you make physical contact? What kind of Japanese romance manga is he in right now? He would say that he is dreaming but the way Yak is currently cursing up a storm are things that his mind would never come up with.
“You certainly don’t look like you’re about to be in your grave.” Yak is leaning down at him, Win is just sitting in his chair looking back at him. Win thinks that this chair is currently serving well as his tombstone.
Win rolls his eyes, “For someone who was complaining so much about me coming to work, you sure aren’t letting me do my job.” He complains.
“Do you even have a fever?” Yak reaches for Win’s head but Win quickly turns away from the touch. He doesn’t even want to know what goes on in Yak’s head.
“Fuck off, I’m here. Now let me work.” Win says, pulling his chair back towards his desk away from Yak.
“I better see you in that meeting at three…” Yak says, Win waves him off. But before he leaves he pauses, “Happy birthday… Wizard Win.” He cackles.
Win swiftly turns, but before he can get any sort of reaction out the door shuts with a thud.
He then remembers the conversation with Yak yesterday, something about the fact that he hadn’t… and Yak had said…
“Be careful… or you might turn into a wizard.”
Oh he is screwed.
Win tries to go on to the rest of his sessions and meetings. Luckily, Win isn’t really the type to be super affectionate with anyone at the office. He honestly thinks he can just maybe get through the rest of today and maybe when he wakes up tomorrow it will all be over. Like an odd version of 13 Going On 30, a fucked up 16 Wishes, or he really hopes this isn’t a Groundhog Day situation of all things.
He honestly forgot about lunch with Tiw until there is a sudden BANG on his studio door as Tiw walks in, “C’mon birthday boy it’s lunch time!” Win doesn’t have any time to react before Tiw wraps an arm around him to get him up from his chair.
“Only Win would be so caught up on his work that he forgets that about me treating him for lunch.” He hears in Tiw’s thoughts, he wants to grumble about that it isn’t always like that. But instead he rolls his eyes and lets Tiw drag him out of the studio before finally pulling away from Tiw's physical grab.
“Dude, what has you in a mood today?” Tiw asks. “It’s literally your birthday have you forgotten? I’m literally taking you to that Japanese place across the street.”
Win sighs, “I know. Look, I’ll explain when we get into the restaurant.” Tiw gives him a curious look but doesn’t push.
Now, is Tiw going to believe him? Win isn’t sure. I mean, out of all the people out there Tiw would be the most likely candidate. They have been friends since college after all - suffered through endless projects together. Tiw knows he wouldn’t make something like this up just for the hell of it right?
ಹ
“So. Let me get this straight.” Tiw starts. Win has exhausted himself from the explanation that took way longer to explain than he thought it would. Tiw hadn’t said a word until now, letting Win basically ramble everything off from this morning until now.
“So, you woke up. Suddenly having magic powers that allow you to hear the thoughts of people you make physical contact with. In doing so, you found out that Sound Saran has a crush on you. And you think this has to do with what your boss said about you being a virgin when you turn thirty?” Win is still embarrassed about that last part but nods.
Tiw nods back slowly, leaning back in his seat. He crosses in arms and seems to be in deep thought for a second. He then looks back at Win, “Are you doing okay? Should I find someone for you to talk to?”
Win bangs his head on the table in distress and groans in both mental and physical pain it brings. He looks back up at Tiw, “you know I wouldn’t make something like this up.” He says pitifully.
Tiw looks thoughtfully at him, “I know you wouldn’t. But are you absolutely sure it’s not just work getting to you? Like, have you confronted Sound at all about this supposed crush he has on you?”
“No way.” Win opposes, “what would I even say? ‘Hey Sound earlier in the elevator I heard your thoughts that made it seem like you have a crush on me. Is it true?’ I would seem like a crazy person!”
“I hate to break it to you, Win, but you already sound like a crazy person.” Tiw replies with a grin.
Win glares back at him, “some romance expert you are.”
“Oh please, all my romance films are huge hits. I gotta at least know a little bit of what I’m doing right?” Tiw points out.
Win scoffs, “Let me know if that feat actually gets you a partner and then I’ll believe it.” Tiw hisses and pulls back as if burned by Win’s statement. Which he definitely was, Win thinks to himself.
“Okay, okay. If you really can read minds you should be able to read mine right?” Tiw asks, Win nods a bit unsure where this is going. Tiw then holds out his hands for Win, “then prove it.” He says with a grin.
Win rolls his eyes, this is a little ridiculous, but he knows if he really wants Tiw to believe him. He has to do this. He places his hands into Tiw’s. Win tries not to feel self-conscious about the people around them.
“So you can hear what I’m thinking right now?” Tiw asks in his head.
“Yes.” He responds out loud.
“That was lucky.” Tiw thinks, Win wants to smack him already. “Uh, what should I think about?”
“I don’t know, just think of something.” Win argues.
Tiw quickly pulls his hands away, “Whoa, man.” He starts to rub his hands as if they were somehow affected by Win’s magic. “That’s freaky.” He mutters.
Win simply scoffs at the reaction. “Believe me now?” He asks, folding his arms.
“It’s that or you are extremely tuned into my personality and what I could be thinking.” Tiw explains, “either way, it’s extremely freaking me out.” It’s at that moment that the waiter comes with their food. Win’s mind now has a different goal entirely.
“Whatever, let’s just eat now. I’m hoping that this will simply just go away tomorrow.” Win says, grabbing his utensils. Tiw, however, still has a look of concern about him.
“Well, based on what Yak said he made it seem like the only way for this to go away is if you-”
“Don’t.” Win stops him.
“If you-” Tiw tries to continue.
“A’Tiw don’t speak it into existence. It’ll go away tomorrow.” Win says with a huff, then decidedly turns to his food and starts to eat.
Tiw simply sighs and picks up his own utensils, “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
ಹ
After lunch with Tiw the day pretty much moved like normal, a few collisions here and there. But Win simply just tried his best to ignore it, he just needed to get to five o’clock and then he can escape to his apartment where hopefully everything will go away (no matter Tiw’s theories).
Win was about to pack up to go home, ready for this whole day to be over when he hears a notification go off on his phone. He checks it and quickly groans in frustration.
Por (manager): Hey Win just reminding you about the session tonight! He shouldn’t need much but he says he’s already in the studio waiting for you.
God, with everything going on Win had completely forgotten about whoever Por said needed to use the studio. He wishes that he could just cancel but apparently whoever this guy is is already waiting for him.
Win just hopes that maybe they just need him to turn on all the equipment and just leave afterwards. That is usually what happens, he can come back early tomorrow to clean up whatever mess is left behind. Win decides to pack up his stuff anyway and bring it with him to studio b. Hopefully max, this will just take about fifteen to thirty minutes depending on who he is dealing with.
He could text Por now to ask who is waiting for him and what he needs but if the guy is already in the studio waiting for him he might as well ask the guy himself. He locks his own studio behind him before heading off to studio b down the hall.
Win is a few minutes late and it really shouldn’t matter but-
“Took you long enough.” Sound says as he opens the door.
Just his fucking luck, it turns out Sound freaking Saran is the one who booked the studio.
He doesn’t look at all surprised to see Win here though. So he must’ve known. Why does Win never ask questions, he wonders to himself. He really can’t catch a break today. Some god out there decided to play a sick joke and he hasn’t even had the proper time to really dissect the fact that Sound Saran has a crush on him…
Either that or Win is going crazy.
“Are you just going to stand there or…?” Sound wonders aloud, standing up from the couch.
Win shakes his head, walking through the door. “Why did you book your session here?” He asks.
Sound shrugs, “was the only one available.” and Win finds that severely hard to believe. He would’ve called him out on it if it weren’t for Sound suddenly brushing by him. His thoughts almost whispering, “I wanted to see you.” Win immediately rushes over the board, away from Sound. He doesn’t see Sound’s reaction to that but decides to push through anyway. He starts setting up the system: getting the board, the desktop, and speakers turned on.
“Do you need me to set it up for you or do you just need the keys?” He asks, he then looks around, “who are you even working with? Por didn’t really say.”
Sound doesn’t seem to answer so Win turns around to see Sound looking at him expectantly. “What?” he asks.
Sound shakes his head, “set up a 58 and a direct-in for my guitar. I’m going to go grab something.” and just like that, he leaves the room. Leaving Win to set up everything by himself, asshole.
Win tries to think up a simple game plan, he hopes that Sound is just waiting on a producer to get here to work with him on whatever project he is working on. Maybe then Win will just sneak back to his own studio and simply have Sound message him when they are done.
He’s already almost done with setting up everything when Sound walks back in the door. He’s holding two water bottles and a small white box. He sets them down on the table before walking into where Win is finishing setting up.
“I also set up the talk-back if you need it.” Win says, gesturing to the headphones that are sitting on the chair next to the 1/4 inch cable for the guitar.
“Okay. We need to… set levels now right?” Sound asks.
“Well you can do that with whoever you are working with.” Win explains, “I was just going to go back and work on some stuff.”
Sound then scowls, “you asked why I chose this studio and now you are just up and leaving? Are you really that lazy?”
Win glares, “the fuck do you mean? I came here after my working hours to set this up and now you’re calling me lazy.”
“You were late.” Sound reminds him.
“I forgot!” Win exclaims, “it’s been a really busy day for me. You don’t know what goes on in my life.”
Sound then gets closer, “if you are going to be so forgetful maybe I don’t want to be working with someone like you.”
Win doesn’t back down, getting right up on Sound “if you are going to be such an asshole then work with someone else!” They are practically nose to nose right now. Win isn’t sure if the frustration he is feeling is completely his or if the small enough contact they are making is causing Win to feel Sound’s own anger as well. But the heat in Sound’s eyes is enough to see that the feelings are definitely mutual in that moment.
Did Win simply just mishear this morning? Or just misunderstand? Because he is pretty sure that if Sound were to actually have a crush on him they wouldn’t be like this. Or just the way Sound happens to like people is just very strange and very annoying.
Win is pretty sure he is actually ready to throw hands at Sound when suddenly the door to the studio opens, “hey guys I was just checking up on you and-”
Of course it’s Por, who is now looking a little dumbfounded. Sound turns back and gives Win a little push to give a little distance between them. “Well that’s embarrassing.” is Sound’s lingering thought and Win can’t really help but agree as Por quietly lets the door shut behind him and he walks up to the two of them.
“Um, sorry to interrupt.” Por says, he looks at the setup with the chair and mic, “I see you got everything set up, are you guys about to start?”
“I was waiting on whoever Sound is working with.” Win excuses, but Por just gives Win a confused look.
“Um, I’m pretty sure that would be you.” Por explains.
Now it’s Win’s turn to be confused, him? Working with Sound? Like actually producing? But Sound seems to simply scoff, but turns to Win and explains, “I’m making a mix-tape. Por suggested we set up a meeting with you.”
Por looks like he’s about to interject but Win beats him to it, “What kind of mix-tape is it?”
Sound shrugs, “some covers and maybe some original stuff maybe? I prepared a cover of ‘First Love’ to kind of show the vibes I’m going for.”
Win simply stares at Sound, as if he could read his intentions from looks alone. Win honestly isn’t sure why he was Por’s first suggestion but he isn’t going to question it. Besides, this will be the first time for Win to be involved in a project like this. It may finally give him the chance he is looking for to prove to Decha and Yak that he can do more than do post-mixing. Never mind the fact that he’ll have to put up with Sound for however long this will take, it will lead to greater and better things in the future, Win assures himself.
Sound has kept firm eye-contact with Win throughout this thought process, Por is probably looking between them wondering if a bomb is about to go off. “So?” he asks.
Win sighs, “let’s set levels I guess.”
ಹ
Honestly, Win gets it. Despite any other encounters they’ve had since working at this company ending in arguments and people needing to separate them; Sound is actually quite the professional. His cover of First Love goes quite smoothly and he takes Win’s directions without much fuss and his own ideas are good ones. When Por eventually leaves they only get into minimal fights, most deterring from Sound’s need for perfection and Win being annoyed with said needless adjustments.
The whole session only takes about two hours. It’s all nonstop and Win almost walks out a few times but he then finds himself drawn back to Sound’s voice and trying different things with different mics and adjustments and different styles for Sound to (begrudgingly) try. Win isn’t sure if Sound is going to want to work with him after all of this. Sound seems to have this ever present scowl on his face that only gets deeper when Win suggests something to him.
But at the end it hits around seven-thirty and apparently Sound has his ride scheduled for eight so they decide to leave it there. Sound comes back into the mixing room to listen to what Win managed to put together. The whole time it’s been Sound on the other side of the glass, no physicality needed luckily. But now Sound has taken the spare chair next to him as the song comes out in the speakers.
Win thinks it’s pretty good for this being their first session and with the time constraints as well. He was able to do some doubling and managed to get Sound to pull some nice harmonies as well. In his notebook beside him he has even written out a solid bass-line he could add later as well as names of some people who can maybe come in for any extra instrumentation Sound may want. Even if Sound doesn’t end up wanting to work with him then at least he can have some sort of direction and he will have contributed at least a little bit. Maybe not enough to get credited but…
“Would he be up to adding a rap line to this?” He suddenly hears, and Win double takes to suddenly see the small distance they had between them has dwindled without his notice and Sound is now leaning over to the computer leading their legs to be slightly brushing against each other and Sound’s hand on the desk hitting Win’s elbow. Win doesn’t really process Sound’s thoughts as he now tries to figure out how to put some distance between them again before he hears something that intrigues him.
“Like, he never does any rapping work despite being an artist here.” Sound thinks. Win wants to roll his eyes, it’s not like that’s by choice or anything. He hasn’t achieved the same opportunities unlike Sound has. He’s pretty sure that no one really knows who he is despite being in the company for so long.
“Maybe I could just ask him…” Win waits, he is definitely ready to whine about his woes of his unsuccessful career. Or maybe just to tell Sound to mind his own fucking business. But when Sound says nothing, Win turns his mind back to the song. A little rift right here would go well, he isn’t sure if for sure Sound is for sure wanting this cover to be apart of this mix-tape but maybe-
“His freckles are cute.”
“Excuse me?” Win turns to see Sound already looking at him. He looks a little shocked at Win’s reaction but that’s the time it takes for Win to realize that Sound did not say that out-loud, you idiot. Win then pulls back from the physical contact with a cough, “I mean, are you for sure wanting this song in the project?” He ends up asking, reaching to pick up his notebook as the final chorus is finishing out.
Sound seems to pull himself together, Win isn’t sure if Sound is freaked out or if he was able to hide the incident well enough. But Sound has that scowl again though which may be even worse. “What if I am? Is that a problem?” He asks, annoyance prevalent in every syllable for no goddamn reason.
Win ends up scoffing at the tone, “No. I just have some people who would be able to also help contribute if you wanted it.” He holds out the notebook for Sound, who definitely looks down at it as if wondering if he can trust it. “C’mon it’s not going to kill you to just look at it.” Win says.
Sound glares at him and uses both hands to forcibly take the notebook from Win, “It might.” he grumbles. He gives Win’s foot a shove with his own which has him hearing, “from actually being one of the privileged people able to see inside this notebook.” It takes a lot from Win to not jump out of his seat, as when Sound sets his foot back down their toes still touching. “Is this a whole bass line? Does that mean he does want to do this project?”
Win looks and… is that? “No, stop smiling, I’m gonna look so fucking stupid.” Sound then holds up the notebook to hide his face from Win’s. Win has to try his best to hold in his laughter. “I’m not sure if I want to go so extreme for there to be a full band backing me… I kinda want this to be a more intimate work.”
Huh, that makes a lot of sense to Win. “Is it bad for me to just want to only work with Win?” That thought then makes Win suddenly become very still. What does Sound possibly mean by that? But before Win can tune in deeper into the musician’s thoughts, Sound turns to Win. Moving his foot away to look directly at him, breaking the physical connection.
Sound hands the notebook back to him, it takes a second for Win to process and snatch his work back. Sound then suddenly stands up and starts picking up his stuff. Win rushes to stand too, turning to save the session he put together from the computer.
“A’Win.” He turns and sees Sound handing him a flash-drive, Win nods and takes it, hands unavoidably touching. “This is… nice.” and strangely enough as Win puts the flash-drive into the computer, he thinks he agrees. With all the arguing they had, it actually made the experience… entertaining almost? Trying to see Sound figure out his instructions and laughing at the little comments Sound makes when he messes up. This was probably the most fun Win has had in the studio… maybe ever?
Win doesn’t really know what to think about that, but he focuses on getting a copy of the session to Sound’s flash-drive and one onto his own and his online storage as well (it never hurts to have multiple copies). When he finishes he turns around to see Sound scowling again. Win is about to ask what hell Sound’s problem is when he notices what Sound is holding.
It’s a cake.
It must’ve come from the white box Sound had brought in before. It’s a small thing, purple and white icing simply decorated, a small lit candle on top. When Win looks back up at Sound in his surprise, that’s when he notices it. Sound’s scowl doesn’t actually look that angry… but rather… nervous?
“Are you gonna let me sing to you or not?” Sound asks. Win is still a little stunned, how did Sound even know it was his birthday? But wordlessly, Win also takes a hold on the cake and looks into the flame. Sound takes a breath, their hands now trapped beneath the small gift.
“Happy birthday to you…” Sound starts to sing, it’s a little awkward but Sound hits every note perfectly. But his own voice almost fades as Win then hears the more prevalent thoughts that are taking up Sound’s head.
“Should I say anything after this?” Sound looks a little unsure but his voice doesn’t waver, Win should be looking at the candle but he can’t help but keep looking, seeing Sound.
“Happy birthday to you…”
“Thank you for working with me? Sorry I made you be here on your goddamn birthday cause I didn’t fucking know?” Well, at least that explains a little bit.
“Happy birthday dear Win…”
“You notice even the tiniest details, are considerate to anyone who asks, take on all this extra work instead of pursuing your own career like you should be.” Win feels his whole body lock up. This is…
“Happy birthday to…”
“You do such good work here. I just… wanted to work with you. Not anyone else.”
“…you.”
The ending comes off a little flat, but Win is trying to focus on keeping a straight face. He didn’t ever think anyone would think such things about him. Much less… Sound Saran. Is he… about to cry?
“Well?” Sound asks, Win looks at Sound for the first time. He still looks nervous. Win sees it now. “Are you gonna make a wish or not?”
When he makes eye-contact with Sound again he wants to say something. Thank him maybe? But everything feels too fragile now. Win isn’t sure how to feel, much less on what to wish for, the revelation of Sound’s feelings and just the whole day in general. He feels speechless from it all.
“I… found out it was your birthday.” Sound starts, Win knows that Sound is taking Win’s silence as confusion. “I felt bad for making you stay.” It feels like an excuse. If this was the Win of just yesterday, or hell just a few hours ago, he would’ve taken it that way. But it’s not one. Win isn’t sure what it is now.
He nods slowly, awkwardly, “God, I hope I didn’t fuck this up.” Win looks at Sound again. The fear in his expression, not looking at Win but rather the cake in their hands, is so much clearer now. Has Sound always looked like this, felt this? Sure, it wasn’t like they were ever close to begin with, but Win has had these assumptions about Sound since they’ve known each other for the past two years. It’s the realization that… he doesn’t know Sound at all.
Win quickly takes his hands away from the cake, putting them up in prayer before blowing out the candles.
He meets Sound’s eyes when he opens them. Win then takes hold of the cake again, thus of Sound as well.
“Thank you, Sound.” He says. It doesn’t feel like much, compared to all Sound had said. Well, thought. But it’s all Win has. He would think to hear some sort of reaction of that from Sound, but what he hears instead… he heard it before. Win didn’t know what it was, and it’s still not clear but is that… a melody?
Before Win can try to identify if knows this particular tune, Sound is shaking out of Win’s grip. Thinking to himself, “I need to get out of here before I say or do something I regret.”
Sound coughs and picks up his guitar case and bag, “I gotta go. My ride is probably waiting for me.” He starts for the door but then stops and turns back to Win again.
“Happy birthday.” He mutters. Then rushes out the door, not giving Win the grace of even saying anything back. Not that he could, Win still finds himself stunned. Standing alone in the empty studio, cake in hand, and a mess of emotions in his wake.
Win’s thoughts are a blur as he finishes shutting down the studio. By the time he’s done, Win realizes he needs to hurry if he wants to catch the next bus back to his place. He puts back on his headphones and runs. Thoughts of Sound and the cake in his hands are put to the wayside.
ಹ
By the time Win reaches his apartment it’s almost nine. It also started to rain on his way back yet again. Yet another thing that has gone wrong is this whole fiasco of a birthday. He lets his bag drop to the ground and walks to the table, setting the white box there. He then sits at the table, opens the box, revealing the cake once again. But then just sits there, not really knowing what to do.
Of course he should eat the cake, but Win more is consumed about what he should do about Sound. He really only has a second of staring at that goddamn thoughtful cake before his phone starts ringing.
Win doesn’t even take his eyes off the cake when he answers, “hello?”
“Win dear?” He hears his mother’s voice. Shit, he forgot he was gonna call her.
“Hey ma.” He says, slumping deeper into his seat. He now feels all the exhaust from the stress of this whole entire day hit him like a truck. He keeps looking at the cake, as if it will just suddenly sprout horns or start moving on it’s own or something else unexpected.
“Happy birthday, did your day go well today?” She asks. What a loaded question that is.
“It certainly was a day.” Win answers, he then remembers the promise he made his dad that morning. “Can I come by this weekend? I have some free time in my schedule.”
His heart breaks a little as his mom gleefully replies, “of course sweetie! I’ll make up your room for you.”
He smiles, “thanks ma.” he runs his other hand through his hair. Maybe he should make a better effort to see his family more often, if it makes his mom happy that is.
“Did you get anything nice for your birthday?” she then asks. Win pauses, his eyes back on the cake again. Sound’s thoughts, eyes, and voice replaying in his mind.
“Yeah. I did.”
“That’s great Win.” His mom replies, “Well, we will see you this weekend. Happy birthday.”
“Thanks.” The line then goes dead. Win slowly put the phone down, then stands from his chair. He walks to the small kitchen and grabs a fork from the drawer and sits back down again.
Win doesn’t really know what he is going to do with Sound and all those revelations. But he is going to eat this cake, enjoy the last few hours of his 30th birthday.
He then sticks his fork into the purple frosting, revealing the chocolate cake inside. His favorite.
Win will blame the fact that he hasn’t eaten since his lunch with Tiw that the cake tastes so good. He will finish the whole thing pretty quickly, he then soon will fall into bed. Freshly washed, his hair dried properly. He then will start one of his favorite films, it will be hard for him to focus with how tired he is. He will hear his phone buzz once more before the clock on his nightstand strikes midnight.
Sound (Saran): I look forward to working with you.
Win won’t have the energy to type back, eyes already shutting against his will. But he will manage to think. Not about his work, the stress of seeing his family, or even about the thought of this curse finally going away, but of Sound. That melody that played in his mind.
Me too.