From A Producer To A Global Superstar-Chapter 300: A Breather

Another week passed, and the studio continued to operate like a well-oiled machine.

Dayo, as usual, made the studio his home. He rarely went out. This level of dedication wasn’t new to him, but this particular album demanded more than usual.

First, it was because the project was in a different language from the English he was most familiar with. Every word, every pronunciation, every emotional nuance required extra care.

Second, there were emotions still buried deep within him emotions he refused to confront directly. Instead of dealing with them, he worked. Relentlessly in order to force his brain to forget what he is feeling deep inside.

And third, it was simple: Dayo was a perfectionist. He hated mistakes. He preferred things done his way.

Even Min-Jae had once brought in an experienced producer to assist with the tracks. After a few days, Dayo politely but firmly rejected the help. The producer couldn’t understand Dayo’s process, his pacing, or the precision he demanded. It wasn’t arrogance it was compatibility he would have called for Wayne but the brother didn’t understand Korea.

Across the JD Label, there was a growing sense that something big was happening. The atmosphere felt heavy, charged. Whispers circulated in hallways, but no one spoke openly. Everyone had been warned: no leaks, no discussions, no assumptions.

Meanwhile, the artists working on the album were exhausted.

Dayo demanded a lot from them long hours, repeated takes, constant corrections. Yet despite the fatigue, there was one thing they all agreed on: they had never worked with anyone like him.

Dayo didn’t just point out mistakes. He explained them.

He broke down what was wrong, why it was wrong, and exactly how to fix it. Step by step.

Most producers they’d worked with before weren’t experienced musicians themselves. They could hear something was off, but they couldn’t guide an artist toward a solution. With Dayo, it was different. He understood music from the inside out.

Over the weeks, they could feel themselves improving not just on the songs they were recording, but as artists their abilities were improving at a crazy rate.

Still, they were overwhelmed.

Dayo seemed to have unlimited energy, while they were running on fumes. Yet despite the pressure, the experience was undeniably valuable.

One night, Dayo leaned back in his chair and smiled as he looked at the completed tracks on the screen.

Six songs finished out of twelve.

Four from Yura.

One single of his own.

Two from the original three artists.

Progress.

He took another sip of coffee, his eyes straining as he stared at the monitor. With the main sessions stable, he shifted his focus to his second single.

Time passed unnoticed.

The morning sun crept in quietly, thin rays slipping through the studio windows. Dayo was still working, eyes bloodshot, shoulders tense, fingers moving automatically across the controls.

That was when Min-Jae walked in.

One look at Dayo, and something in him snapped.

Min-Jae knew the real reason behind this obsession. Dayo wasn’t just chasing perfection—he was running from Luna. And as much as Min-Jae understood the pain, he couldn’t watch his friend destroy himself like this.

Smart as Dayo was, he could still be painfully foolish when it came to emotions sometimes and sometimes he gave the most amazing advice even when he was stuck with his fiancée he was the one who advised him.

"Dayo," Min-Jae said firmly. "That’s enough. We’re going out. Now."

No room for argument.

Dayo looked at him, then smiled faintly. Surprisingly, he didn’t resist. He knew Min-Jae was right. He hadn’t seen sunlight in over a week.

"Alright," Dayo said, standing. "Anywhere you choose."

Min-Jae blinked. "Huh? Wait—what did you just say?"

He had fully expected a fight.

Dayo smirked. "If you don’t want to go anymore, I can just continue working—"

"Absolutely not," Min-Jae cut in quickly. "We are going out. Right now."

Dayo laughed and headed to the private bathroom to shower.

When he came out, Min-Jae looked him over and teased, "You look better. Unlike before."

"What do you mean?" Dayo scoffed. "I’ve always been handsome."

"Oh really?" Min-Jae grinned. "So handsome, yet you can’t even find another lover?"

The laughter paused for a split second as they locked eyes.

Then they both burst out laughing.

They laughed so hard they ended up sitting on the floor. Dayo coughed, barely able to breathe, while Min-Jae patted his back.

"At least I know I’m heartbroken," Dayo shot back once he caught his breath. "Unlike you—your fiancée can’t get enough of me."

That was his favorite comeback. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

Min-Jae only laughed harder.

After thirty minutes of teasing, they finally headed out.

As they walked downstairs, employees bowed and whispered. Word had already spread: their CEO had been laughing with that director for over half an hour.

Curiosity grew

Who was this Dayo ?.

Dayo and Min-Jae, oblivious to it all, stepped outside.

The City

The moment they hit the streets, the air felt different.

No studio or microphone to sing just the fresh air and peace.

Min-Jae led the way, taking Dayo through places he’d almost forgotten existed small street cafés, food stalls, quiet parks tucked between buildings, narrow roads filled with everyday life.

They sat on plastic chairs eating street food. Walked without purpose. Watched people argue, laugh, live.

For the first time in a long while, Dayo felt... normal.

People recognized Min-Jae almost instantly.

A few whispers. A couple of discreet photos. Polite greetings.

No one looked at Dayo twice.

It felt strange.

He wasn’t used to being invisible but he wasn’t uncomfortable either. Just mildly amused.

"So this is how it feels," Dayo muttered.

Min-Jae smirked. "What?"

"Being the unknown friend."

Min-Jae laughed. "Enjoy it while it lasts cause after your album you would be chased like this if not more."

"Haha yeah right."

They kept walking.

At one point, a kid ran past them, chasing a ball. A street performer played a familiar melody nearby. Vendors shouted over one another.

Life moved on, completely indifferent to albums, charts, or expectations.

They sat on a bench later, drinks in hand.

Min-Jae leaned back. "You’ve been pushing yourself too hard."

Dayo didn’t deny it.

"I know," he said quietly. "I just... didn’t want to stop."

Min-Jae glanced at him. "Because if you stopped, you’d think."

Dayo exhaled slowly.

"...Yeah."

They sat in silence for a moment.

Then Dayo spoke again. "I appreciate this. More than you know."

Min-Jae turned to him.

"You gave me everything," Min-Min-Jae said . "The company. Creative freedom. Stability. You trusted me when you didn’t have to."

He smiled softly. "You changed my life, Dayo."

Dayo laughed lightly. "You’re never going to let me forget that, are you?"

"Never."

As the evening settled in, they walked back toward their cars.

"Come stay with us," Min-Jae said casually. "You won’t be alone here."

He said pointing at Dayo’s mansion.

Dayo smiled. "I’ll think about it."

They stopped.

"Thanks," Dayo said again.

Min-Jae clapped his shoulder. "Anytime."

They parted ways.

As Dayo drove off, he found himself smiling.

For the first time in weeks, his chest felt lighter.

Tomorrow, the work would continue.

But tonight—

He was okay.