by BLMorticia
“Kao? Kao?”
“Yes, father?” Kao snorted and closed his tablet down. He’d found a condo not too far away from his parents. Although they’d told him he could stay for as long as he liked, he couldn’t have parties or even have company with Mom and Dad around. How awkward would that be for Kao at age twenty-nine to be sneaking someone inside? No. He had to move ASAP to get laid.
“Son. You should come to the golf club.”
Kao cocked an eyebrow and put his tablet on the table. “Um. I don’t play golf. And it’s boring as… um, heck.” Kao stopped himself from cursing.
“Aiisshhh.” Kao’s father waved his hand. “I know that, but a few of my best clients would like to meet you. Or I should say the client’s daughters.”
Kao made a face. “Dad? Are you trying to marry me off?”
“No, no.” Kao’s father Kim laughed and sat across from him in the large black recliner. He looked so much more relaxed these days, even getting a tan from living in sunny California. He was a lot more outgoing than Kao’s mother, who preferred staying in the shadows and learning international recipes. Kim had taken to American life quite easily.
“Then why do you want me to meet them?” Kao crossed his hands over his stomach, waiting for this answer.
Kao’s father smirked and bowed his head slightly. “One of the daughters is a sponsor of a large beauty firm. She wants you to advertise her products.”
“Ohh… well, um, how can I be a brand ambassador when I don’t use her brand?”
“But you could.” Kao’s father crossed one leg over the other.
“Sure, I could, but our skin care regimen works fine. We were blessed with gorgeous skin. We don’t need all the chemicals Americans use.”
“Soo, true, but, think of it as an opportunity, you know, just in case music doesn’t quite work out.” Kao’s father’s smirk turned to an uneasy expression.
Kao blinked, not believing what he’d just heard. “Dad, you don’t think…”
“Well, of course I do.” Kao’s father toyed with his fingers. “But you can use the brand as a fall back.”
Kao shook his head and chuckled nervously. His father was forever the opportunist. “That’s a thought, Dad, but I fully believe my music career will thrive.”
“Singing songs about loving men, though?”
“Not all of them will be about that. I’m doing a nice variety of love songs, uplifting tunes, kick a… uh, butt tunes, and even one with a choir.”
“I see. Well, then perhaps it will work, but you could —”
“No, no.” Kao didn’t want to get into arguments with his father. He huffed out a breath. “With all due respect, Father, I don’t want to be anyone’s brand ambassador right now. I want to concentrate on my music first and foremost. Besides, I already have a couple of brands asking me to sponsor them when I go on tour and they’ve got nothing to do with my complexion.”
“Ahh, good, good.” Kao’s father clapped his hands and pointed at him smiling.
Kao returned the grin. His father meant well, but ever since he quit his job, he couldn’t stop thinking about opportunities to make more.
“I knew you were smarter than that. Never rest on your laurels, son.” His father said in Korean. He got up from the chair and started walking out the room. After taking three steps, he stopped and turned to face Kao. “I’m proud of you, Kao. You took a stand and even though I worry about your future, I know you made the right decision.”
Hearing that, Kao blinked back tears. Very rarely did his father say those words. “Thanks, Dad. I appreciate that.”
Kao’s father nodded, then quickly walked over to Kao, holding out his arms.
Immediately, Kao jumped up, taking the hug given to him. He leaned on his shoulder and openly cried, knowing his parents were truly on his side.
With their support, Kao could do anything, and he fully intended to live up to their expectations.
After finding a nice beachfront condo, official record release day had arrived. Friday’s online drop was a success, making Kao’s album entitled On My Own the number one streamed album on several outlets, including two from South Korea. He’d already done three online appearances with personalities from there, gaining praise from many of his peers and SK4 fans alike.
For all the positivity however, there was also backlash. Fans of his former band and others from different parts of the world didn’t appreciate his musical direction, saying he sold out to become Americanized. Kao thought that was nonsense though, especially since much of KPOP was an extension of American music. How could he sell out when all KPOP acts borrowed something from their western neighbors?
Despite the hurtful comments, Kao refused to let it bring him down. He’d achieved the first step in his plan which was to make a hit album.
On this day, Kao would appear on a local music television show affiliated with MTV. There was a small studio audience attending, Lawrence is manager, and his PR person, Gaia. This would be his first in person appearance since relocating to the States. To say Kao was excited was an understatement.
Instead of taking a rideshare, Lawrence sent a limo to pick Kao up from his parent’s house. He was greeted by a good number of fans holding up pictures from SK4 appearances, as well as newer ones he’d taken in recent months. To see so many fans, Kao was overwhelmed, but grateful, nonetheless. Apparently, he had more fans of his music than he thought.
Thankfully, the weather was good for his special day. Sunny and clear, about seventy-two degrees, but hotter because of the people crowded in this small area. Their screams of Kao’s name overtook the car noises. Several of them patted him on the way in, while others tugged at his clothes.
Kao breathed in and out, attempting to keep calm. He wasn’t used to being in such close proximity with fans, but he’d have to get over this hang-up so he could make connections.
The security guards tried their best to hold the fans, mostly women, at bay. But some were being overzealous.
I’m going to be okay!
Kao swallowed hard, waving as he waded through the crowd. He buttoned his sport jacket and blew kisses making several women swoon.
“We love you Kao!” Several of them yelled in English and Korean.
“Love you too!” Kao said in both languages. Caught up in the moment, he stopped to thank them as well as take selfies with a couple of ladies who had their phone ready.
Being a member of SK4, WRL staff wouldn’t have allowed this, but Kao would talk with the people who supported him. Although not stopping was a matter of personal safety, Kao couldn’t in good conscience keep going when he was beginning this new facet of his career. So even with the threat of something happening, he pushed that out of his mind and visited with his fans. Surely if he hadn’t, Kao would be branded as unapproachable.
After signing a few more autographs, a staff member, he supposed from the station, grabbed Kao, pulling him inside the building.
“Thanks?” Kao laughed and shook out his hair. After hearing from a fan in South Korea that she liked his gray locks best, Kao dyed it for today’s occasion.
“You’re welcome. You looked like you might’ve needed help. I’m Darryl, by the way.” The man with blondish brown hair, wearing the station’s call letters on his shirt, held out his hand.
“Kao.” He accepted the handshake, then unbuttoned his jacket. “Yeah, I was having a blast, but then they started being way too touchy feely and I got scared.”
“I bet. Let’s get you to the green room.” Darryl spun around and walked in the opposite direction.
Kao followed, taking notice of the surroundings. After they passed through the bolted door, a security guard patted Kao down and waved a wand over him. The thing beeped, but only because he had on several pieces of jewelry.
“You’re fine. Go on ahead.” The guard told him.
“Thanks.” Kao continued walking behind Darryl, noticing the change from drabby black to off white hallways. He passed a large desk
where a secretary sat answering phones. She looked up and winked at Kao while continuing to do her job.
Kao nodded and smiled, then went on through the door Darryl had waved him into.
“Kao! Congratulations, man!” Lawrence bowed first, then opened his arms for a hug. Unlike the other day when Kao met Lawrence, he was dressed in a full suit and tie.
Kao returned the gesture and hugged him back. “Thanks, bro. It’s fucking awesome. I had no idea so many people cared about little old me.”
“Oh yeah they do. The studio people allowed a few more to come in because so many folks had been camped out here since Saturday just to get a look at you. And by the way, number six on the Billboard hot 100 for pop and R&B.”
“Are you serious? Holy shit!” Kao shook his head and covered his mouth.
“Totally, man. You’re a hit, like I knew you would be.” Lawrence patted his shoulder. “Gaia’s ironing out a few more email interviews for today also.”
Kao cocked an eyebrow. “Email? Who the fuck still does those? And after this I’m doing two radio interviews, right?”
“Yeah, but the email you can do at your leisure.” Lawrence said with a chuckle. “They’re fanzines from the US and UK. Also, a Twitter interview tomorrow.”
Kao whistled low and shook his head. “Well damn. Good thing I’m single, huh? Naw, really, I get it. Gotta get the word out. And while I appreciate all of this, just remember —”
“Oh yeah, I know. No overworking you. You left WRL because of that. I’ll be careful. This week is booked but we left next week empty. Then we have a few appearances lined up after that.”
Kao pointed his finger at Lawrence and winked. “Okay, cool. I’m moving so that’ll work out.”
“Yeah, so I heard. Congratulations! Terry told me.”
“Yeah. I’m happy as a pig in shit. Lawrence, the place is top notch and so is Terry but…”
“Watch it.” Lawrence cut him off, glaring at him.
“Whoa, okay, I’m just joking. He’s engaged anyway. Although I would’ve loved for him to take a ride on my stick, I don’t fuck around with married men.”
“Damn, really? I didn’t think he was the marrying type, but I suppose he’s changed. Anyway, congrats man.”
Thanks. Hopefully I’ll have my car soon too. I’d like to drive it before I go on tour.”
“I’m sure you would. Anyway, I told you this would work, right? They’re excited to have you on. By the way, I told them to keep the sexuality questions to a minimum.”
“Good. Not that I won’t answer them, but I don’t want my sex life to overshadow my record.”
“Agreed. And, they hoped you’d do a little impromptu performance. How about it? Are you comfortable singing to the background track?”
“Sure. I’ll do the first single, My World. It’ll be without many dance moves, because I haven’t prepared a routine.” Kao thought to himself, knowing that area would have to be addressed soon. If he was still in SK4, the dance practice would’ve been done way before the record was pressed. Still, Kao had to remind himself, everything was now done on his timetable.
“We’re still set for the video shoot in three weeks, right?”
“Yep. And you sure you don’t want something bigger than just your own iPhone videos?”
Kao grinned. “I’m sure. This is my work. It’s me, taking selcas with my camera, enjoying time on the beach. I don’t need an overpriced production for Summer Time Love.”
Lawrence shrugged and blew out a breath. “All right. Just sayin’. This is your first solo album. You should want to do it up.”
“I will, but for now I wanna start out small. I’m trying to get away from the fancy and prove my music can stand on its own without all the extra effects. You feel me?”
“I do.”
“Cool.” Kao sat in the chair as the makeup artist for the show beckoned him to sit. “Please go easy on the war paint, maybe a few curls in my hair?”
She giggled and wrapped the apron around his neck. “Yes, sir.”
Lawrence joined her in the chuckle. “Yes, Kao wants very specific things. After being told how to wear his hair and makeup all these years, he’s ready to call the shots.”
Kao bowed his head, eying himself in the mirror. Lawrence was absolutely right about him wanting to tell the stylist exactly what he wanted. No more looking like a made up doll for him. He oversaw his appearance, his career and his life. From now on, he was the top dog.
Kao waved to the fans as the interviewer finished her line of questioning. As Lawrence mentioned, she asked him one question about coming out, then moved on to his new direction as a solo singer. She asked how he enjoyed working with one of R&B’s hottest producers, Manny Otto, as well as his choice to use an actual band instead of the sound machines and keyboards that made SK4 famous. Kao loved talking about that, saying he’d been dying just to sit in front of a piano or play the guitar instead of dancing.
For SK4, Kao was chief songwriter and often helped arrange the rhythms for their records. The others helped, but Kao was the most musically trained. After his parents pushed him to learn violin, he taught himself piano, drums, and guitar.
When the show host stepped aside, Lawrence and Gaia stepped in.
“I’ve been watching the numbers, Kao. They’re steadily rising. You might be number one by day’s end.”
“No shit?” Kao couldn’t help but smile.
“Yeah.” Gaia chimed in, pushing one of his stray hairs from his eyes. “You sure I can’t book a couple more appearances for next week, boss?” She smiled brightly at him.
Gaia, a PR person from WRL, had left to follow Kao to the States. Being that she already knew the ropes, Gaia probably didn’t think Kao would mind fitting two more things into his already busy schedule.
“Nope. Like I told Lawrence, I’m moving. They can wait until I get done. It’s not like I’m going anywhere special, just moving into my condo.”
Gaia sighed aloud. “All right, but I’m just saying, you wanna strike while the iron is hot. Your name is sizzling, and we want to take advantage of every opportunity before it fizzles out.”
Kao cocked an eyebrow. “So you think it’ll fizzle if I take off the week?”
Gaia shrugged. “It might. You never know. The American market is very competitive. Plus, although you’re not labeling yourself as KPOP, you’re still competing with KPOP acts. BTS and BlackPink, largely.”
Kao dropped his head. Gaia had a point. Perhaps he should do at least a couple of things to stay fresh in people’s mind. “All right. How about this. I’ll take Sunday through Thursday off. Schedule the two interviews for me Friday and Saturday. How’s that?”
“Yay! You won’t regret this, Bossman!” Gaia hugged him, then left the area, already tapping on her phone.
“Good Lord! How did she get you to change your mind, and I didn’t? Is she prettier than me?”
Kao chuckled and crossed his arms. “Both of you are pretty, but she had a point. Maybe you should come up with better rebuttals. And by the way, just ‘cause I like dick doesn’t mean I don’t like to give the ladies what they want.”
Lawrence straightened his tie. “Spoken like a true KPOP idol. Ahhh, whatevs. That’s why she’s the PR person and I’m the manager. I only oversee things.”
“Yes, and you both do a damn good job too. I appreciate all you’ve done and will do in the future. The more success I have, the more we’re all gonna get paid.”
Just as Kao stopped speaking, a man tried to fit him for an ear microphone.
“Naw, not that one, my man. I need a mic stand, please?”
The guy harrumphed and walked away.
Lawrence laughed. “I don’t think he liked you telling him what to do.”
“Maybe not, but why have an ear mic when I’m not really dancing. I won’t be like a statue, but again, no set routine. For this one, I wanna do some impromptu moving, maybe make the fans scream by making love to the mic stand?”
“Ooh, I get it. Yeah, you need to get laid.” Lawrence snorted.
“For sure, but I think that’ll excite people.” Kao stood up and handed the man his stool in exchange for the mic stand. “I’m a swoony soul singer. It’s my job to make everyone’s undies wet.”
“Uh huh. It is. Don’t use it all in one place, though. You still have two more appearances this week.”
“Believe you me, I won’t.”
“We’re about to go back on air, Kao.” A lady ran up to him, then jogged back to her spot.
Lawrence gave Kao the thumbs up, then scampered in the opposite direction.
The hostess for the show returned with a smile and Kao’s album in her hand. “Ready?”
“I am. Let’s do this.” Kao adjusted the mic stand to his height and moved away from her. He cleared his throat, then breathed in and out before checking his voice. My World’s tone wasn’t too sultry, but he planned to add a little to excite the crowd.
This is it! My first big moment!
As the hostess announced his performance, Kao looked around at the hundreds of people crammed into this small studio all clapping for him. His stomach twisted in knots and his face flushed. Kao really was about to sing one of his own songs.
I got this!
Kao huffed out more air and closed his eyes, thanking the deities, for this opportunity. Then, he grabbed the mic with both hands, belting out the first note. “Myyyyy worllld.” He dragged it out, and then he heard screaming that sounded like a banshee.
When Kao re-opened his eyes, he was tackled to the floor.
Kao coughed and struggled to breathe as this woman had her full weight on him. She hit Kao in the face. Her nails tips dug into his skin. They were overly hard, but not pleasant. Kao felt as if he was being attacked by an oversized insect.
Kao didn’t dare retaliate. He just covered his face, saying, “Get off me!” He heard footsteps and shouting to turn off the cameras. Why the heck were they more worried about what was on the television than him?
“Kao!” Lawrence shouted. “Help us, you idiots!”
Kao sensed some of the pressure being lessened. He assumed Lawrence tried to pull her away.
