Perhaps Love, Perhaps More

Jihoon stepped out of the recording booth, rolling his shoulders as he let out a satisfied sigh. "I Am a Fool" was done—another OST track under his belt.

Singing wasn't his profession, nor did he have any desire to make it one.

To him, it was just another means to an end—an efficient way to bring his compositions to life without waiting on someone else.

And yet, there was something unexpectedly satisfying about it.

Seeing a melody take shape, fitting lyrics to music like puzzle pieces snapping into place—it gave him a sense of completion he hadn't expected.

As Jihoon packed up his things, he glanced toward the studio wall, where Jessica stood with her arms crossed, watching him with a knowing smirk. She hadn't announced her arrival, but she didn't need to.

Word of Jihoon recording another OST had spread quickly throughout SM Entertainment.

He wasn't just any composer—he was a renowned film director with international awards under his belt. His striking looks and reputation only added to the intrigue.

Every time he stepped into the building, people took notice. Staff whispered, trainees stole glances, and before long, the news had reached Jessica while she was in the middle of training.

Despite not being an official songwriter or composer under SM, his talent was undeniable. The secret OST, the tracks for 200 Pounds Beauty—each had turned out to be remarkable.

Now, Jessica stood there, earphones in, reviewing the latest track with a thoughtful expression.

"Hey," Jihoon spoke up. "Let's not waste time. If we can, let's record the second OST tomorrow. You good with that?"

Jessica raised an eyebrow, amused. "You're really getting into this, huh?"

Jihoon scoffed. "I just like finishing things quickly."

She shrugged. "Fine. I'll be there."

With that settled, Jihoon grabbed his bag and left, not giving it much thought.

The Next Morning

Jihoon arrived at the studio expecting just another recording session. But the moment he stepped inside, he knew something was off.

Sitting comfortably in the control room, sipping coffee like he had all the time in the world, was none other than Lee Sooman himself.

Jihoon's steps faltered for a brief second. His grip tightened around the strap of his bag. Lee Sooman wasn't someone who just dropped by without reason. If he was here, it meant something.

Lee Sooman, already inside, smirked as he sipped his own coffee. "Took you long enough," he teased. "Looks like you've got a fan."

Jessica turned at the remark, greeting Jihoon with a warm yet unreadable smile. "Morning, Jihoon."

Jihoon forced a polite nod. "Morning."

Lee Sooman chuckled. "Still late as usual." He gestured toward the seat across from him. "Have a seat."

Jihoon rolled his eyes, dropping his bag onto the couch. "I don't remember inviting you here."

The older man only smiled. "I heard your recording yesterday," he said, lacing his fingers together. "And I have to say, I'm impressed."

Jihoon blinked, slightly caught off guard. "It was just a demo," he said flatly.

"Maybe." Lee Sooman tilted his head. "But even as a demo, it was good enough to get people talking. Your tone, your control—it's not something you come across every day."

Jihoon said nothing, choosing to ignore the compliment. He already didn't like where this was going.

"I think you should consider formal vocal training," Lee Sooman continued, his tone calm but firm. "Not necessarily to become an idol, but at least to develop your skills. See where it takes you."

Jihoon didn't even hesitate. "I get what you're saying, but I'm not interested."

Jessica leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "You know, most people would kill for an offer like that."

"I'm not most people," Jihoon shot back. "I have other priorities—you know like film making stuff."

Lee Sooman didn't look discouraged. If anything, he seemed entertained by Jihoon's defiance. "I understand," he said. "But talent like yours deserves to be refined. Even if you don't see yourself as a singer, collaborating on an official track could open doors you never even considered."

Jihoon exhaled sharply. "I appreciate the thought, really. But I know what I want, and this isn't it."

A brief silence settled in the room. Jessica studied him curiously, while Lee Sooman seemed to weigh his next words. Finally, the older man nodded.

"Fair enough. I won't push. But think about it, Jihoon."

Jihoon didn't reply, just gave a respectful nod. But as the conversation ended and he turned back to his work, an uneasy thought lingered in the back of his mind.

Lee Sooman glanced at his watch before shifting his gaze to the two figures inside the recording studio.

Jessica and Jihoon were already deep in preparation for the next OST, their quiet exchanges barely audible through the glass. With everything falling into place, he knew it was his cue to step away.

There were always matters to tend to at the company—calls to make, meetings to attend, decisions that couldn't wait.

Without another word, he stood, dusted off his coat, and left the room, leaving them to their work.

The sound engineers moved around the studio, making final adjustments to the equipment.

Jessica settled into her spot, adjusting her headset while flipping through the sheet music.

She glanced at Jihoon, curiosity evident in her eyes. "Why did you suddenly decide to record the OST yourself?"

Jihoon, still focused on the lyrics on the monitor, barely looked up. "It was just a demo. Someone had to do it—plus, I was too lazy to find a male singer and wait for them to set everything up."

Jessica smirked, amusement flickering in her eyes. "And here I thought you just mumbled melodies into a recorder and let someone else clean it up."

One of the producers chuckled. "Nope. The guy's got some serious vocals. You should've heard it."

Jessica tilted her head, studying Jihoon with newfound curiosity. She hadn't known him for long—just a few months—but watching his rise felt like something out of a storybook.

First, he was an up-and-coming filmmaker; now, he was a full-fledged director whose reputation stretched far beyond Korea. He was sharp, ambitious, and annoyingly good at anything he set his mind to. But music? That was something she hadn't seen coming.

And for some reason, it made her want to push him further.

"Alright, then," she said, crossing her arms. "Since you're so capable, how about a little challenge?"

Jihoon sighed, already sensing trouble. "What kind of challenge?"

She tapped the music sheet on the stand. "We record 'Perhaps Love' as a duet. No backing out."

Jihoon groaned, already regretting coming in today. "Jessica—"

She cut him off, raising a finger with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And if I win, you agree to take proper vocal training."

Jihoon frowned. "Win? How do you even win a duet?"

One of the sound engineers grinned. "We'll be the judges."

Jihoon ran a hand through his hair, looking around for an escape route. But Jessica and the producers had already closed in, leaving him no choice but to sigh in resignation.

"You heard him, Jihoon," Jessica teased, nudging him toward the mic. "Time to prove you're more than just a pretty face with a camera."

Despite his protests, he found himself in the recording booth, standing beside Jessica as the instrumental intro to 'Perhaps Love' filled the room. The soft piano notes set the tone, and he exhaled, adjusting his headset.

"Fine," he muttered. "But don't blame me if I ruin your perfect take."

Jessica smirked. "Just try to keep up."

Then, they began to sing.

The moment their voices intertwined, the teasing and the challenge melted away.

Jihoon's deep, steady timbre seamlessly blended with Jessica's smooth, emotive delivery, creating a sound that was both intimate and powerful.

Outside the booth, the producers exchanged glances, captivated by the unexpected harmony.

Jihoon had entered the booth reluctantly, expecting to endure an awkward session, but as the song unfolded, something shifted.

He found himself lost in the music, responding instinctively to Jessica's voice, matching her tone, her rhythm. He forgot about the challenge. Forgot about the deal. Forgot about everything except the music.

For Jessica, however, this moment held a meaning far deeper than just a simple duet. From the very beginning, she had always found herself drawn to Jihoon—sometimes in ways she didn't fully understand.

But now, standing this close to him, their voices blending together with effortless harmony, a realization crept in—one she wasn't ready to acknowledge, not even to herself.

It wasn't just admiration. It wasn't just curiosity.

As the melody of 'Perhaps Love' swirled around them, the lyrics struck her in a way they never had before.

"I don't remember when it all started, when my head became dizzy because of you…"

Her heart pounded in sync with the song, erratic and unexplainable.

When had it started? Was it back at the taekwondo studio, when they first clashed in an argument neither of them winning it?

Or was it in moments like this—subtle, unspoken, where the distance between them felt almost nonexistent?

The more she thought about it, the more undeniable the feeling became. Somewhere along the way, the simple desire to understand Jihoon had turned into something more.

She had always liked being around him. But maybe… she liked him more than she was ready to admit.

As the final notes faded, silence hung in the air before the sound engineer let out a low whistle. "Damn," he muttered. "That was… something else."

Jessica turned to Jihoon, a triumphant yet impressed smile on her lips. "So," she said, "about that vocal training…"

Jihoon sighed, but for once, he had no retort. Because deep down, he knew—he couldn't argue with what had just happened.

And Jessica? She just watched him, her heart beating a little faster than before.

[Author's Note: Heartfelt thanks to Wandererlithe, Kesna_Bailey_5589 and DaoistaLrAXA for bestowing the power stone!]