#sswcantlivewithoutyou

In the middle of preparing Kaeun’s gift, Manager Siwan calls Wendy for a meeting. Hugo was officially out of the company, so she wonders whether this has something to do with that. Perhaps the higher ups have found out and that’s also why Hugo was gone? As much as she wants to think it’s only really health reasons, she also can’t help but be paranoid. When she enters the meeting room, she’s surprised, not to mention relieved when the atmosphere in the room isn’t as grim as she expected. 

Instead she receives congratulations and a demo and lyrics are handed to her. It’s for an upcoming drama called “The Entertainer” and she has yet another OST to add to her name. Apparently, several idols will be starring in it, including her very good friend Kangjoon. At least, that’s what manager Siwan has gathered from the production team. Wendy almost hugs the manager out of sheer excitement, but she controls herself. Instead, she bounces back into the dorms with all her excitement. 

Listening to the demo, the song is probably the most dramatic one she has gotten so far. It is also probably the most vocally demanding one with all the high notes and vocal runs in it. There is also a rap part, that thankfully, she doesn’t have to do. Otherwise, she probably would have been murdered in the recording room when D-Day comes. 

Singing for dramas never gets old. Wendy’s mom is an avid drama-watcher, so this is one way for her to show her mom that she’s doing things. After all, idol music isn’t her mother’s thing. Her parents admitted that they only stream AND*ROMA’s songs out of obligation to her. Wendy knows that, after all, they aren’t into idol music. However, both parents watch dramas, so that’s another way for them to support her too. It’s also a more agreeable medium for them. 

There’s not much time to practice, as they are also in the middle of promotions. She contents herself with practicing in waiting rooms, in the car, and in the dorms. She almost feels bad for the other members having to hear this song again and again, but she doesn’t really have much time. Wendy knows she has to do this perfectly, especially if she wants more producers to notice her and want to work with her again. 

D-Day finally comes, and Wendy comes to the recording studio still dressed in her stage outfit from M! Countdown. She gifts the members of the producing team vitamin drinks and rolls of kimbap. Recording goes as smoothly as it possibly can, at least as smoothly as it can go. 

How fitting that this song comes in at this time in her life. It’s not like she and Hugo broke up, but it’s difficult not to have him here anymore. It’s a song that refuses to let go and begging to be saved. Wendy hates that she can somewhat understand the feelings behind the song. She may be strong, independent, and not need a man, but she misses seeing Hugo more than she likes to admit.

Ugh. Even her thoughts are beginning to sound like a K-drama. Despite this, Wendy supposes that it’s good for recording. Especially for a song that’s as powerful and dramatic as this one. She has to bring all the power and feeling she can incorporate.

Sensing that Wendy is overthinking, the producer reminds her to calm down. “You’re here because I think you can do a good job with the song, Gyeoul,” the producer reminds her with a laugh. “Go a bit easy on the feelings though. It’s getting in the way of your breathing. But so far so good.” 

Wendy follows his advice. She relaxes a little bit and finds herself breathing much better, thus the high notes coming out more naturally. She tries not to let her relief show until she’s asked to come out again. With this positive mood in mind, Wendy uses this to carry her through the rest of recording.

Once it’s done and the producer lets her listen to how it will all sound, Wendy can’t help but ask the other drama staff for any hints on the plot and why it calls for a dramatic song with a lot of tension like this one. Regardless, she records a supportive message for the drama all the same, making sure to leave an extra special message for Kangjoon oppa who was making his acting debut. 

“Please check out my song ‘Can’t Live Without You’, and please be sure to give “The Entertainer” lots of love and high ratings!”