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"Why do we have to have a meeting?" Jisung asked Donghyuck, that sat next to him. The older boy only cocked an eyebrow and chuckled. "We have an album meeting, Jisung." - "Ah, true." Jisung was out of his mind ever since he got soft-dumped (a term Jaemin liked to use when talking about that fateful evening).

"I forgot." Jisung looked around. Jeno was playing on his phone, a warm smile on his face. He was probably texting his girlfriend Inhwa; Jaemin and Renjun were leaned over a Nintendo Switch, talking quietly and Chenle was listening to music.

He tried to reason with Chenle, but somehow that didn't really work out. They were really awkward around each other now. And Jisung felt really bad about that. He sighed and fumbled with the hem of his shirt when MC Ari and Mr. Yoo entered the room.

Jeno and Donghyuck put their phones in their pockets, Jaemin and Renjun turned off the Nintendo and Chenle put his Airpods back in their case. The two older men sat on the head of the table and Mr. Yoo handed Jisung a pack of paper that he handed around, until every NCT Dream member had the same pages as Jisung.

"Good evening, boys." Mr. Yoo greeted the teenagers that all bowed to their producer, which gave them a warm smile. "It's been a long time since we had a meeting since our Donghyuck was busy with the preparations for the world tour." Mr. Yoo smiled at Donghyuck that bowed politely.

"But today I finally have the time to announce that the production of NCT Dream's third Mini-Album will start soon!" Mr. Yoo announced and Jaemin started clapping enthusiastically. Renjun chuckled before slapping the back of Jaemin's head.

"If you open to page two on the script you can read a short part about the theme of the album and the tracklist. Most of the songs are already finished except 119, Bye My First, Best Friend and Dream Run. The rap part for these songs must be written by you guys." Mr. Yoo said and pointed his hand towards Jeno, Jaemin, and Jisung.

"Also, I'm happy to announce that one of the songs was produced by a very important producer", Mr. Yoo had a fatherly smile on his lips, while he watched the boys read the credits. It was quiet for a while until Chenle let out a dolphin-scream.

"Han Subin?!" He asked. "Han Subin as Han Subin the intern and Jisung cr— the intern?!" Chenle stuttered and Mr. Yoo smiled. "Exactly. Brandnew Music contacted me a few days ago, saying one of their Junior Producers produced a song for NCT Dream and send me a sample." Mr. Yoo grinned. "I recognized the song immediately since a rough version of this sample was on the USB stick Subin gifted me as her farewell present."

"Subin produced a song for us?" Donghyuck asked and Mr. Yoo nodded. "She let one of Brandnew's Trainees sing the demo for it. I'll give you a sample of all the songs at the end of the meeting. Subin finished the whole song but wants the rap line, in this case, triple J, write the rap for Best Friend."

Jisung saw what Subin did. Even if the song was already done, she worked on it and wrote lyrics that were perfectly made for Jisung and Chenle. He sighed. His crush was one of a kind.

While the boys read the lyrics of each song, Jisung couldn't move along from the song Best Friend. He licked the inside of his cheek and tried to concentrate on the other songs, from their newest album.

Mr. Yoo explained when they'll start recording and when the deadline for the rap parts is. Then he smiled and took a remote into his hands. "As promised, here are the samples, for your third Mini Album."

Mr. Yoo pressed a button on the remote and a heavy bass filled the room. Donghyuck immediately started to move his head to the rhythm and Jaemin let out a "Whoa" here and there. As the song progressed you could hear where the vocal line could shine and where the rap line would make an impact. 

"It's very bass-filled, but it's a song that fits youths like you a lot." Mr. Yoo explained and moved on to the next song. The producer kept explaining all the details of the following songs until they stumbled upon Best Friend.

"As I already mentioned, the song was produced by none other than our dear Subin. And to be honest, she did a great job of portraying the unbreakable points of friendship." Without a further warning, Mr. Yoo pressed play and soft, bass beats started filling the room.

The voice of the Trainee singing the vocal parts, Subin had planned for the song were softly hitting the boys ears and Donghyuck perked up. "That's totally my style!" He grinned and bopped his head. Jisung smiled. He could hear Subin's style in this song and how it slowly progressed. He quickly eyed over the lyrics and shook his head.

She was unbelievable. It was, as if she knew, that Jisung wouldn't have the balls to come clean with Chenle. This was Subin's way of saying, 'come clean with your best friend!'. Jisung looked up from the sheet of paper, while the song ended with the Brandnew Music Trainee singing, 'I'm bored so why don't you come out now? Everyone knows you haven't even left your house'.

Jisung's brown eyes locked with those of his best friend and he felt a sigh creep up. He really needed to speak to him.

― 💌 ―

Jisung decided to catch Chenle after the meeting ended. While Donghyuck was looking lovingly onto his phone and Jeno and Jaemin chatted about an upcoming soccer match, Jisung quickly packed his stuff and watched the one-year-older Chinese walk out of the door.

With an open backpack, Jisung rushed after him, slightly shoving Renjun out of the way. "Sorry Hyung!" Jisung called and fled out of the office. He got a hold of Chenle; just as the boy was boarding the elevator. "Chenle! Wait!" Jisung called and jumped after Chenle.

Chenle sighed. "Don't you have anything better to do? A date with your girlfriend or something?" Chenle sounded sour and Jisung sighed. "I mean that prodigy of a girl even gave us a song!" Chenle threw his arms in the air and glared daggers at Jisung. "Go and run to her, tell her how much you love her and thank her for the song. I know you like her more than me."

There it was. The burning truth that was killing Chenle form the inside. The Chinese lad blew up his cheeks and fumbled with the straps of his backpack. He was tired of acting unfazed to this whole Han Subin topic. He liked Subnin, but he didn't want her to take away his best friend.

And now he finally confessed his biggest fear.

And now Jisung understood what Subin meant with 'Bro's before Hoes'. She didn't want Jisung to neglect Chenle, just because he was in love with her. That was more or less, her major reason for soft-dumping him.

"Chenle" Jisung started and softly poked the older on the shoulder. "Yes, I like Subin a lot. I don't know if I like her more than you, but it's different from the way I like you. I like Subin in a romantic way. In a way where I want to spend my free time with her, watching movies or... cuddling" Jisung blushed, but quickly shook his head. "You are my best friend and I would never, ever forget our friendship just because I have a girlfriend." Jisung scratched his nape, when the elevator door opened and the two boys walked into the hallway of the basement.

"Well, if she ever becomes my girlfriend" a sigh left the youngers lips. "I'm sorry if you felt neglected or left out. I was just very overwhelmed with all these feelings that I never really talked to you about it. Are you still mad at me?"

Chenle was unable to answer. He didn't think Jisung would come up and apologize. Chenle felt bad. "I'm sorry I was the reason Subin dumped you—" - "She 'soft-dumped' me... I still have chances! At least I hope I do..." Jisung looked confused, while Chenle opened the door to the practice room.

"I never wanted to interfere in your relationship. I like Subin. But I guess I was just jealous that it was all you talked about." Chenle blushed. "Sorry for being mean to you and Subin." Chenle looked down and for the first time in weeks, Jisung felt that he had his best friend back.