Chapter 22: Tensions, Rivals, and Unspoken Truths
The air in the Eclipse house buzzed with excitement and nervousness. Their twelve-track album had been out for nearly a month, and the fans' response had been overwhelming. Eclipse was trending across all platforms, breaking streaming records, and the live shows had been packed with energy and cheers. Yet, a subtle pressure lingered—especially now that the rival group Titan was gaining attention just as rapidly.
Titan, the new six-member boy group under a powerhouse agency, had debuted with the same number of tracks on the same day Eclipse released their album. Fans and critics alike were already comparing the two groups, fueling online wars and speculative articles.
And now, both groups were invited to a high-profile variety show together.
That morning, the Eclipse members gathered in their practice room. Hana sat beside Minjun, laptop open, preparing notes for the show.
"They're calling it a 'Unity Episode,'" she explained, scrolling through the producer's email. "Basically, a mix of challenges, interviews, and one joint stage performance."
"Unity?" Taehyun muttered, his voice dry. "Or drama in disguise?"
The others chuckled, but the unease was clear. Jisoo leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Let's just keep it professional."
Soyeon walked in at that moment, dropping off a set of updated schedules. Her eyes flicked to Taehyun, lingering for a second too long. Hana noticed, and so did Minjun, who gave her a knowing glance but said nothing.
Later at the Studio
Titan arrived first—polished, sharp, and undeniably confident. Their leader, Seo Jaewon, was tall and serious, with a clean-cut image that screamed discipline. Their rapper, Ryu Jin, oozed charisma and gave Eclipse a nod as they walked in.
Jaemin whispered to Hana, "They're good. Like... too good."
She gave a slight smile. "Then let's show them we're better."
The day's filming began with light banter and variety games. Fans watching the live taping screamed for both groups, but the atmosphere grew tense during a "Hidden Talents" segment.
Jaemin did an impromptu cookie-sculpting bit, cracking everyone up. Jisoo wowed the crowd by solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. Then Titan's Jin rapped while beatboxing—a clear flex that riled up the fans.
But what turned heads most was when Titan's main dancer challenged Eclipse's Minjun to a freestyle battle. It was friendly, but Hana saw how tight Minjun's jaw clenched.
After the round ended, Eclipse gathered backstage. Soyeon stood beside Taehyun, trying to spark small talk, but he answered with curt nods.
"I don't think it's working," she muttered under her breath later to Hana, brushing her hair back in frustration. "He doesn't look at me the way he looks at you."
Hana flinched. "That's not true."
"It is," Soyeon replied bitterly. "But don't worry. I've accepted it. I'm just... tired."
Hana reached for her hand, but Soyeon pulled away, heading out to the hallway. That's when Minjun, who had overheard it from the side of the curtain, stepped closer.
"She still likes him, huh?" he murmured to Hana.
"She does," Hana whispered. "But... he doesn't."
Minjun looked down the hallway where Soyeon disappeared. "That's going to hurt her more than she's letting on."
Backstage—Titan & Eclipse
During a break, Seo Jaewon approached Jisoo and offered a respectful handshake.
"You're leading the charts. Your vocals are tight. It's impressive."
Jisoo smiled. "Thanks. Same to you guys. You've got great stage presence."
Taehyun, meanwhile, exchanged polite but distant words with Titan's vocalist. Hana stayed near the monitors, watching quietly, scribbling notes.
Later, while she passed a water bottle to Jaemin, one of Titan's members walked by and whispered to her, "Good luck keeping up with us."
She blinked. "Excuse me?"
But he just smirked and walked on.
Evening at the Eclipse House
Back home, Eclipse gathered around the dining table. Hana recounted the day's highlights, keeping the mood light. But everyone could feel the tension simmering—between rivalry, unresolved feelings, and expectations.
Soyeon didn't join dinner, instead retreating to her room early. Taehyun stayed quiet the whole meal. Jisoo kept glancing between the two, sensing something was off.
After dinner, Hana stood outside on the balcony, trying to process the day. Jisoo stepped out, leaning on the railing beside her.
"You alright?" he asked.
She nodded. "It's... a lot. This whole Titan thing. Soyoen Taehyung
He sighed "we're a mess huh?
Maybe but we're still a team