Legacy in Play

The room sat in heavy silence, as if frozen in the film's lingering grip. No one spoke. No one moved. The air carried the weight of emotions left behind, holding everyone in quiet reflection long after the credits had disappeared.

Then, a slow breath broke the stillness, pulling the room back to reality.

At the front, Lee Sooman leaned back, the leather of his chair creaking softly. He let out a quiet chuckle, rubbing his chin as his gaze swept over the others.

"Well," he said, his voice measured yet satisfied, "I think we can all agree—that was one hell of a film."

He let the words settle before adding, "And without a doubt, it's going to make us a lot of money."

His statement sliced through the quiet, grounding the executives in the moment. A few straightened in their seats, nodding, still processing what they had just witnessed.

Jihoon smirked but didn't speak right away. His fingers drummed lightly against the armrest, as if still feeling the echoes of the film's final notes. Then, turning to Jongbin, he spoke with quiet certainty.

"Yeah," Jihoon murmured. "This is all thanks to Jongbin hyung. He's the one who made it happen."

Lee Sooman let out a hearty laugh, clapping his hands together. "Haha! You're right! He's the true mastermind behind this masterpiece."

Then, with a sly glint in his eyes, he turned his gaze to Jongbin and Jihoon. Leaning forward slightly, he spoke with the smooth confidence of a seasoned businessman.

"Jongbin-ssi, why don't you join SM instead? We can give you full support—whatever you need."

It was a calculated move, one that Jihoon recognized immediately.

Lee Sooman had spotted Jongbin's potential, just as Jihoon had, and was now taking a shot at poaching his newly discovered director.

After all, if there was a chance, why not try? Who knew—maybe it would actually work.

Jihoon, however, wasn't having any of it. Without missing a beat, he rolled his eyes and let out an exasperated sigh.

"Uncle Lee," Jihoon said, shaking his head, "if you try hard enough, maybe you'll get some extra sleep. In your dreams, you can have everything you want."

Soft laughter rippled through the room as Jongbin let out a small, awkward smile. He knew the offer was tempting, but deep down, he was certain that Jihoon was the right choice. Still, he wasn't sure whether to take the moment seriously or just play along.

Lee Sooman, however, wasn't the least bit discouraged. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he leaned back comfortably, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"Well," he mused, his voice carrying an easy confidence, "can't blame me for trying."

Jihoon scoffed, shaking his head. "You never do."

Lee Sooman chuckled, then leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the armrests. His tone shifted, carrying a rare note of admiration.

"But I've got to admit," he continued, his gaze settling on Jihoon, "only JH Entertainment has the ability to create something this emotionally powerful."

"Your style—your trademark—it's impeccable." He gestured vaguely toward the now-dark screen. "The way you blend music, art, and visuals... it's not something anyone can just replicate. It need to sticks with people."

He let his words hang in the air for a moment, watching as Jihoon absorbed the praise.

"People won't just watch your films, Jihoon," he added, tapping his fingers against the chair's armrest. "They'll remember them."

Jihoon finally spoke, his voice calm but firm. "Thank you, Uncle Lee. This is JH Entertainment's foundation. Every film we make—now and in the future—will carry that legacy."

Lee Sooman studied him, a slow smile forming as he nodded. "A bold goal," he said. "But if anyone can make it happen, it's you."

And he meant it. Jihoon's words weren't wishful thinking. They were conviction. And if there was one thing Lee Sooman had learned about Jihoon—it was that he always turned conviction into reality.

The discussion continued as executives from both companies shared their insights and suggestions.

Jihoon listened carefully, weighing each point with a calculated mind. Across the table, Jongbin remained attentive, jotting down notes, absorbing the perspectives being exchanged.

The conversation spanned everything from marketing strategies to international release plans, each detail meticulously analyzed.

Despite the occasional disagreement, a consensus gradually formed.

By the end of the meeting, they had finalized the publishing details and agreed on the distribution rights.

Once again, CJ Entertainment would handle the film's distribution. Jihoon, though far from fond of the company, knew it was the most practical choice.

He could have sought alternatives—there were other players in the market—but none with the reach and infrastructure CJ possessed.

Of course, in an ideal world, he wouldn't have to rely on them at all. If JH Entertainment owned a network of cinemas and strong distribution channels, he could control everything from production to screening.

But building that kind of empire would take time and money, and both wasn't something he could afford now.

For now, CJ was the best option.

As the meeting wrapped up, people began leaving the room one by one. Jongbin was among the first to head back to JH Entertainment, taking his notes and thoughts with him. Jihoon was about to do the same when Lee Sooman called out to him.

"Jihoon, stay a moment," he said casually.

Jihoon paused, glancing back. With no one else left in the room, he sighed and sat back down. "What is it, Uncle Lee?"

Lee Sooman reached for his cup of tea, taking a slow sip before speaking. "A friend of mine came by my office the other day. He asked if SM could help with the OSTs for an upcoming TV drama."

Jihoon raised a brow, waiting for the catch.

"Normally, I'd just hand it off to our in-house songwriters," Lee Sooman continued, setting his cup down. "But this time, it's different. My friend made a betting agreement with the broadcast station."

"A betting agreement?" Jihoon repeated, leaning forward slightly.

Lee Sooman nodded. "He's gambling on the drama's success. If the ratings don't hit at least 25%, he's in trouble."

He smirked. "And when he found out I knew you—someone who's been making headlines lately—he came to me, practically begging. He wants to know if you'd be willing to write a few songs for his drama."

Jihoon frowned, processing the request. "Let me guess," he said after a moment, eyeing Lee Sooman suspiciously. "You're getting something out of this, aren't you?"

Lee Sooman chuckled, knowing there was no use hiding it. "Of course. He promised me a second lead role in the drama."

Jihoon narrowed his eyes. "And who's the lucky actor?"

"Lee Yeonhee," Lee Sooman answered without hesitation. "Thanks to your last movie, her popularity has skyrocketed and if word gets out that you're composing an OST for this drama, it'll create a huge buzz."

"So with you in the picture it will be the perfect chance to boost her even further."

Jihoon nodded, understanding the business strategy behind it. Then he leaned back with a smirk. "Alright, but what's in it for me? You don't expect me to work for free, do you?" he teased.

"You brat!" Lee Sooman pretended to be angry, but his laughter betrayed him. "Aside from the usual fee, what else do you want?"

"I know you don't really need anything from me, but if there's something, I can help."

Jihoon rubbed his chin, thinking for a moment. Then, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he grinned. "You're right—I don't need anything right now. But how about this? Consider this a favor I can cash in later."

Lee Sooman blinked, momentarily speechless. "Aish, you and your nonsense," he muttered, shaking his head.

Jihoon just laughed, already thinking about how he might use this favor in the future. Perhaps, for someone special.

Jihoon leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the table as he spoke.

"Alright, I'll take the gig," he said casually. "Have him send the script over to JH. I'll go through it first before I start working on anything."

Lee Sooman's face lit up with satisfaction. "Good! I'll let him know. He'll be thrilled."

With business settled, their conversation naturally drifted to their own film, '200 Pounds Beauty' and before long, Lee Sooman clapped his hands together and grinned. "Come on, let's get some lunch. The canteen's got a decent spread today."

Jihoon chuckled but didn't refuse, though he couldn't resist spouting nonsense.

"What? The great founder of SM can't even afford to treat a guest to premium hanwoo?" he teased, raising an eyebrow.

Lee Sooman didn't bother responding. He simply gave Jihoon a look—one that spoke volumes. After all, he knew this brat too well. Engaging would only give him a headache, and at his age, he wasn't about to let Jihoon be the cause of his rising blood pressure.

The two spent the rest of the afternoon at SM Entertainment, chatting over lunch and engaging in lighthearted banter.

Hours slipped by unnoticed, and by the time Jihoon finally stepped out of the building, the sun had long set.

What had been broad daylight when he entered was now a city painted in twilight, neon lights flickering to life along the streets.

As he stepped forward, about to hail a cab, a pair of small hands suddenly covered his eyes from behind.

The touch was familiar—too familiar.

Then, a playful yet exaggerated voice whispered in his ear, "Hey, sexy~ Wanna go get a drink?"

Jihoon immediately knew who it was. He smirked, not even bothering to turn around.

"Yeah, sure," he said smoothly, "but I don't think a five-foot-tall tiny singer can even get into a bar these days."

Before he could say anything else, Taeyeon—whose antics had been exposed—immediately fumed. Without hesitation, she sank her teeth into his shoulder.

Jihoon flinched. "YA! What the hell?!"

But before she could apply more force, she suddenly yanked her mouth away and began dramatically spitting on the ground.

"Peugh! Peugh! Ew! Why are you so salty?!" she whined, wiping her tongue on her sleeve.

Jihoon, still nursing his shoulder, stared at her in disbelief. "What kind of person just bites someone?!"

Taeyeon ignored his complaint, still scowling at the lingering taste.

"Seriously, why do you taste like ocean water?" she accused, crossing her arms.

Jihoon sighed. "I just finished Taekwondo training and came straight here. Didn't have time to freshen up."

Taeyeon's face twisted in exaggerated disgust. With a dramatic gasp, she took a step back—then another—as if Jihoon had suddenly contracted some contagious disease.

Jihoon smirked. "Oh? You're running away now?" He took a step toward her.

Taeyeon immediately jumped backward. "Y-YA! Don't come near me!"

He took another step. She retreated.

And just like that, they began chasing each other down the street, Taeyeon shrieking and dodging as Jihoon laughed, thoroughly enjoying her flustered state.

Eventually, when she was too out of breath to keep running, Jihoon took mercy on her and finally stopped, grinning as she leaned against a lamppost, panting.

"Had enough?" he teased.

Jihoon chuckled, dodging her glare. "Hey, don't blame me for your own short legs. Besides, my one step is basically your whole journey."

Taeyeon gasped, smacking his arm with exaggerated fury. "Excuse me?! Do you have a death wish?"

Still grinning, Jihoon raised his hands in surrender before hailing a cab. "Alright, alright, shorty. Time to go before you commit a crime."

She huffed but got into the cab, sticking her tongue out at him as the door closed.

And so, the night ended in the most ridiculous way possible—with two grown adults acting like kids. But for Jihoon, it was exactly the kind of nonsense he enjoyed the most.

[Author's Note: Heartfelt thanks to Wandererlithe and Daoist098135 for bestowing the power stone!]