I glanced at the mirror.
Baggy jeans. White shirt. Black sweater.My skin looked smooth and fresh, my black hair falling neatly across my forehead. My eyes felt awake, sharp. Truthfully… I looked good. Effortless, but still good.
"Good, good," I muttered, adjusting my black cap carefully over my head.
I slung my backpack over one shoulder and stepped out of my room.
"Are you ready?" my mom asked, her voice bubbling with excitement. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw me. "You look so handsome, baby!"
I took a slow breath before smiling at her. "I'm ready."
She pulled me into a tight hug and pressed a quick kiss against my lips like she always did. "My baby is finally debuting."
"Mmhmm."
"Starlite Entertainment is lucky to have you, my boy!" She fussed over my jacket, smoothing the collar with tender hands. "Show them how wonderful you are. The company doesn't matter. What matters is the artist."
Her gaze softened, warm and full of pride. "No need to be nervous. You've been through worse. They'd be stupid to let you go—it'd only be their loss."
I nodded, swallowing the knot in my throat.
She hugged me again, tighter this time. "Oh, my baby has been through so much. Just be yourself. As long as you're happy, I'll support you no matter what."
I smiled faintly, letting go. She offered to drive me, but I told her I wanted to go alone—to settle my thoughts before everything began.
On the bus, I scrolled through my phone absentmindedly until a notification popped up.A message from Sihun.
Hey hyungs! It's been a while. I didn't want to say anything before because I didn't want to jinx it, but in the last two evaluations, I ranked 1st. And guess what? I'm on the debut team! We'll spend some time practicing together first, but soon… we're debuting!
A rush of pride and joy flooded my chest. I knew he would make it. That's our maknae.
I typed quickly:Congrats, Sihun! I knew you could do it! As soon as you debut, I'll buy your album!
A smile spread across my face.I'll work just as hard—so one day, I can stand across from him on stage.
***
Starlite Entertainment.
My eyes lingered on the letters stamped across the glass doors of the building in front of me. Compared to HY-PE, it was modest—clean, respectable even—but nowhere near the gleaming empire I once belonged to. HY-PE had wealth, prestige, and idols who dominated charts across the world. Starlite, on the other hand, was a survivor. Barely afloat, its name clung to relevance thanks only to one semi-successful group: FAMAS.
And even then, it wasn't the group itself keeping the lights on. It was Jung Jihoon—their golden child who'd broken free of idol life and reinvented himself as a drama star. One name carrying the weight of an entire company.
I tightened my grip on my bag strap.If I debut here, there won't be shortcuts. No glittering stage handed to me, no built-in fame. I'll have to work harder than I ever did at HY-PE. Hard enough to carve my own name into the world.
I drew in a long breath.This is my new home. And I'll prove I was worth the risk.
Inside, the receptionist looked up immediately, eyes widening with recognition. "Ah! You must be the new trainee. Please, follow me."
He led me down a quiet corridor and into an office, bowing sharply as he opened the door. "Boss, the new trainee has arrived."
I stepped inside and bent at a perfect ninety degrees. "Hello, Boss."
The man behind the desk looked up. Elderly, with white hair, glasses perched low on his nose, and a smile so warm it seemed to light up the whole room."Yes, hello, Kai!"
I straightened slowly, studying him. At HY-PE, trainees were tools—disposable, interchangeable. But this man's eyes gleamed as though I weren't a number on a roster, but a prize he'd fought to win.
"Welcome to Starlite Entertainment," he said, his voice thick with pride. "We're very happy to have you."
The words hit me harder than I expected. My chest tightened. For the first time in a long while, I felt… wanted.
"It's an honor," I answered sincerely, bowing again.
The boss chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "You have a presence about you. I could feel it before you even stepped into this office. We've truly found a jackpot."
Heat rose to my face, and I lowered my head to hide the smile tugging at my lips. This boss… he's nothing like HY-PE's. He actually sees us.
"If you ever have concerns, don't hesitate to come to me directly," he added warmly.
"Yes, sir. Thank you so much for this opportunity."
"What a mannered young man," the boss mused. Then, with a nod toward the staff member beside me: "Take him for a tour. And introduce him to the others."
The man bowed. "Yes, sir."
***
Meanwhile, in the practice room—
"Are we… not going to practice?" Seung-hyun asked cautiously, glancing around. Staff and cameras were already set up, but the members weren't exactly focused.
Minho was writhing on the floor, shrieking with laughter as Jiwoo dug merciless fingers into his sides. Diego dove into the pile with a battle cry, sending the three of them into chaotic screams and flailing limbs.
"Why should we practice?" Minho wheezed between gasps, half-laughing, half-choking.
Seung-hyun's frown deepened. "Because we have a new member joining—"
"Guys."
Tae-yang's deep voice cut through the noise like a blade. At the mirror, their leader stood tall, arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked on them. "They're recording all of this."
The younger ones didn't even hear him, still tangled in laughter. Finally, Tae-yang marched over, tapping his foot firmly against Jiwoo's side.
"Enough." His tone brooked no argument. "I mean it."
The laughter died instantly. Jiwoo scrambled up, Minho sat up straight, Diego backed off with an awkward grin.
Seung-hyun cleared his throat softly. "We need to make a good impression. He's from HY-PE."
That single word—HY-PE—hung heavy in the room. Even Minho, usually unbothered, sat a little straighter.
At Tae-yang's signal, the members drew into a huddle. His expression was hard, voice steady."This new member… he's not just anyone. He's HY-PE-trained. If we look sloppy, he'll think we're beneath him."
Minho swallowed. "Feels surreal…"
Diego grinned, though his excitement had a nervous edge. "I'm more hyped than scared right now."
Tae-yang's stern gaze softened, if only slightly. "Good. Just remember—we have our strengths too. None of us had it easy getting here. Don't you dare forget that."
The others nodded, steel creeping into their spines.
"Alright then." Tae-yang clapped once, the sound sharp and commanding. "Let's show him who Eclipse really is."
Music blasted through the speakers. The boys moved in sync, hips rolling to the sensual beat of Moove by Jaemin.
From behind the cameras, staff shrieked with delight.
"Oh my goodness!"
"They're so sexy!"
"This group is going to kill it!"
The members hit the dance break with precision, bodies snapping into place. Sweat glistened, energy crackled.
And then—
The door swung open.
A middle-aged man entered, his smile warm, almost proud. But every head turned toward the figure beside him—a young man in a black cap and loose, baggy jeans.
The music suddenly felt too loud. The air too heavy.
"Hello, everyone!" the man greeted brightly. He gestured toward the newcomer. "This is your new member."
***
Silence.
Their breathing still rough from dancing, the five members turned in unison, sweat dripping down their temples. Each expression carried something different: wariness, curiosity, maybe impressed.
For a moment, the air seemed to still. I straightened my shoulders, reminded myself not to shrink, and stepped inside.
"Hello, I'm Tae-yang," said the one with sharp yet steady features, stepping forward first. His voice was calm, almost regal.
Leader, I thought immediately.
His eyes lingered on me longer than the others, measuring.
"I'm Minho!" The blond-haired boy flashed a grin, his energy practically bouncing off the walls. His gaze slid over me head to toe, as though already trying to figure out my style.
"I'm Jiwoo," another piped up, his dark bangs framing bright eyes. He grinned wide, the kind of smile that disarmed you instantly. "Let's work hard together!"
"Seung-hyun," came a quieter voice. The boy barely raised his chin, but I noticed how his eyes flicked over me quickly—sharp, like he'd already made a judgment.
Then footsteps cut through the silence. A taller boy strode up confidently, his handshake firm and rough, not the polite brush most Koreans offered. I blinked, then smiled despite myself.
"Diego," he said with an accent, his grin lopsided. "Glad to have you, man."
There was a spark of familiarity there, the kind you only find in another foreigner. His features were still soft, but beneath them, the kind of handsomeness waiting to break through.
For a moment, I felt the tension ease.
"Thank you," I said with genuine warmth. "Let's succeed together."
I turned to the staff and bowed deeply. "My name is Kai. I'll do my best—please take care of me."
The instructor stepped forward. "Welcome. I'm the dance instructor here."
I bowed again. "I look forward to learning from you, sir."
He gave me a shrewd smile. "The team was just practicing Moove by Jaemin. Since you're joining them, I'd like to see what you can do. Let's test your skills."
I nodded. I'd been expecting this. "Of course. Would you like me to perform a song?"
"Yes. Do you have one in mind?"
Originally, I'd prepared Blood Sweat & Tears by VTS. But looking at the staff—still buzzing from the group's earlier routine—I decided to gamble.
"I'll perform Moove."
The instructor's eyes widened, then curved into a grin. "Bold. Alright."
The staff clapped in excitement as the music was cued.
Diego stepped forward to take my bag. "Here, I got it."
"Thanks," I said, pulling off my cap. I debated removing my jacket—but decided to keep it on.
I heard the staff murmuring excitedly.
I strode to the center of the room and turned my back to the mirrors. Murmurs rose immediately.
"His stage presence is so strong."
"Wow. So this is what it takes to be a trainee at HY-PE."
I shut out their voices, centering myself.
Sexy. Sensual. Delicate. Mesmerizing.
The music dropped.
I snapped my fingers sharply, turning slowly with precision. Each step deliberate, smooth, in perfect rhythm.
"Get drunk in this strange atmosphere
You can let yourself go
But you can't get away from me
This drowsy moment," I sang softly, my voice deep, mysterious, and vulgar.
Murmurs rippled through the staff.
Then the music shifted—I rolled my hips, eyes glinting as I locked onto a staff member. I winked.
"Ohhh!" she squealed.
My voice slid in effortlessly: "Ohhh yeaaah…" My hips rocked with sinuous control.
The staff lost it—screams, gasps, hands flying to mouths.
Medusa could turn people to stone with a glance.
My gaze swept the room like prey.
I want their eyes fixed on me. So I'll become Medusa.
My voice dropped husky as my hips swayed side to side, carrying the dance move that had once sent the entire industry into a frenzy, fusing with every addictive beat pulsing through the room.
"Under the dark lights, starting again is a move
Your elegant gestures, your subtle gaze
You're reflected on the clear window, your shuddering move
That strange feeling, this breathtaking attraction."
The dance instructor's jaw fell open.
The staff erupted into cheers.
My tongue flicked across my upper lip, followed by a sharp smirk—polished, deliberate.
I had practiced this look countless times in front of the mirror, and I knew exactly how devastating it appeared.
I immersed myself into the music.
I sang the rest of the song in a husky, seductive voice, every movement deliberate, smooth, calculated. Not too much, not too little. HY-PE had drilled this into me—natural charisma, never overdoing the face.
The endless hours of training—the repetition, the exhaustion, the countless mirrors I had faced—flashed in every controlled gesture. Years of grueling practice, each detail sharpened and perfected, had molded me into this moment.
I was no longer just a trainee. I was a weapon trained to perfection.
I finished the song with a pose—two fingers hooked in my front pocket, head turned sharply to the right, letting my hair fall just enough to cover my eyes, my jawline sharp under the light.
And that's when I saw them.
Minho. Diego. Jiwoo. Seung-hyun. Tae-yang.
Their eyes locked on him, each one carrying something different.Minho's were wide, unblinking. Jiwoo's jaw hung slack, stunned. Diego's lips parted slightly, caught between admiration and rivalry. Seunghyun glanced away too quickly, biting his lip as if to hide his thoughts.
And Tae-yang—the leader—stood the stillest of them all, arms crossed, his mouth slightly open.
My heart thumped. I did great… didn't I? Did I look like I was trying too hard?
For a heartbeat, the room was silent.
My stomach dropped.
Then—chaos.
The staff burst into applause, voices overlapping in shrieks.
"Incredible!"
"He's already debut-ready!"
"Did you see his eyes? My god—"
"It's like watching an idol on stage already!"
I exhaled, relief flooding me. Thank goodness.
The instructor clapped slowly, still stunned. "Your singing—smooth, stable, effortless. Every note was perfect. And your dancing…" He shook his head, almost laughing. "Flawless. I couldn't even hear your breathing."
My chest rose and fell evenly, a smile tugging at my lips.
"Looks like we've found ourselves a secret weapon," one of the stylists whispered, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
Another giggled, "And his face card is unreal."
Laughter rippled among the staff.
"Welcome to Starlite Entertainment," the instructor declared, his tone both proud and triumphant. "Let's welcome the sixth member of Eclipse!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
***
Tae-yang's mouth hung open—and the other members weren't any different.
Kai stood, calm and composed, as he took in the compliments. His gaze locked on the instructor, cool and steady, as if he hadn't just set the stage ablaze.
We did well… but him? That was another league entirely, Tae-yang thought, his chest tightening.
Jiwoo and Minho stared in awe, while Seung-hyun's lips parted soundlessly, too stunned to find words.
"Wow… that's a HY-PE trainee for you," Diego breathed, admiration flashing in his eyes. "I think I just found my idol."
"The way he moved was so natural—seductive, even. He winked at one of the staff!" Jiwoo hissed, excitement bubbling. "Honestly, I was impressed the second I saw his face." He leaned closer, voice dropping theatrically. "I was ready to sue HY-PE if he wasn't as handsome as I expected. But when he walked in, I got it. Look at him. No wonder they didn't pick me."
The others exchanged reluctant nods.
"How can someone even look like that?" Jiwoo muttered, shaking his head.
"I was aiming for the visual position," Minho admitted with a sigh. "But with him here? That's gone. And honestly… I'm not even mad. With a face like his, we're bound to blow up."
"It's surgery," Seunghyun whispered knowingly. "HY-PE trainees get work done all the time."
Minho frowned. "You think so?"
Seung-hyun nodded, turning toward Tae-yang. "Right, hyung?"
Tae-yang crossed his arms. "Back when I trained at Cube, most guys had at least something done. If Kai's had work, I wouldn't be surprised."
"Look at his nose," Seung-hyun pressed. "Too straight, too perfect. Most Asians don't have noses like that."
"And his eyes," Jiwoo chimed in. "Almost Western. Striking as hell. I'd bet on eyelid surgery."
"Damn." Minho shook his head. "If that's surgery, I want his doctor's number. It looks natural."
Tae-yang's gaze lingered on Kai. "Real or not, every feature suits him. He looks… unreal."
"What if it is natural?" Diego cut in suddenly.
The group turned to him, disbelief written on their faces.
Diego smirked. "Let's bet on it. We will ask him later. Loser buys us all ice cream."
Before anyone could answer, the instructor's booming voice silenced the chatter.
"Eclipse, take a good look at your newest brother. With talent like this, I expect nothing less than perfection from the six of you!"
The word perfection landed heavy, and though the staff clapped enthusiastically, the members exchanged quiet, uneasy glances.
Kai straightened, masking himself in calm confidence.
He had always been the slowest to pick up choreography, the one trailing behind until he forced himself to catch up. But he worked until his body obeyed. He'd do the same here. No way would he be the one to hold this team back.
"Lines first, then choreo," Tae-yang said firmly, raising his hand like a team captain. The members sat in a circle going over their lines.
Kai's eyes flicked to the title of the track: Numb.
"I'm the leader of the group," Tae-yang said, tilting his head. "How old are you?"
"I figured," Kai replied with a small smile. "You give off leader vibes. I'm twenty."
Tae-yang's lips curved into a softer smile. "Same here. Guess we can drop the formalities then. The rest of the guys are younger."
"I'm the maknae—sixteen," Diego piped up proudly.
"I'm sixteen too," Jiwoo added. "Nice to have another hyung."
"I'm nineteen," Minho said.
"Me too," Seung-hyun followed.
The room broke into light laughter. "That's hilarious—everyone has an age twin now!" Diego teased.
"Congrats, Tae-yang," Jiwoo joked.
Tae-yang waved off the comment, pretending not to care, but his chest warmed at the thought. He stepped a little closer to Kai, the discovery of their shared age stitching an invisible thread of closeness between them.
"Our song is about battling loneliness and life's challenges," Tae-yang explained. "How we grow numb to emotions as the world consumes us—until we're just… existing souls."
Kai's lips curved faintly. I already like it.
"Based on your performance," Tae-yang continued, "Your voice fits the intro and the chorus. Do we all agree?"
Murmurs of approval rippled through the group. In the end, Kai was given seven lines— the opening and the final chorus.
"What do you think?" Tae-yang asked carefully, lips pursed.
He probably thinks I'll push for more, Kai mused. And maybe I could. Tae-yang has ten lines, but the company would side with me if I demanded. Still… I don't need to. Seven is already more than I ever had in ACE's pre-debut lineup. Back then, I only got one.
Kai's smile deepened. "Looks good to me."
Tae-yang exhaled, visibly relieved.
"Same," Jiwoo said quickly.
"Looks fine."
"Yep."
"Alright then," Tae-yang said, grabbing the lyric sheet. He handed it off to the staff.
"You're done already?" the instructor said with raised brows. "Good. Now—formation practice. Eclipse, positions. Kai, just watch for now."
The boys took their positions and moved, shoulders brushing, feet falling into place with practiced precision. Kai hung back, eyes scanning their movements, already dissecting the choreography beat by beat. His instincts sharpened.
"Music!"
The track pulsed through the speakers—soft, dreamy, almost like DJ beats melting into the room. The members moved as one, their heads dipping in unison as if weighed down by invisible fears.
Seung-hyun started the song.
His voice was clear, delicate:
"Numb… that is all I feel."
His tone cracked on feel, raw and unpolished in a way that pierced.
"Sunset to sunriiiiseee…" he held the note, trembling, before snapping back into rhythm.
"How. Can. I. Break. Free?"
Their bodies hit sharp pops with each syllable, his words colliding with movement in perfect sync. The vulnerability in his delivery seemed to spill into every corner of the room.
The song carried on—emotional, aching lyrics wrapped in soft beats. Each member carried the weight in both voice and movement, every step etched with longing.
Then Tae-yang's deep voice took over:
"I can't feel your loooovvveee… noorr caan I loove you."
Bum bumm da da dunnnnn.
"Truly. I. feel. Noth—ing…" his voice dipped lower, "Nothing, nothing, nothing."
The music swelled. Jiwoo stepped forward, voice bursting like a cry:
"Cause I'm so numb!"
"Heyyyyeeeaaaah," Diego added from the side, his raw backing vocals tearing the air open.
The formation shifted—Jiwoo now in the center. His voice fell soft, chest rising and falling with the beat.
"Numb… numb… numb…"
The performance radiated sadness, movements slow but sharp, every line clean. Their choreography wasn't flashy—it breathed. Each beat clung to the music's hypnotic pulse, like sorrow made visible.
Kai's lips curved, just slightly. Admiration flashed through his eyes.
Why aren't they Big 4 trainees? This is better than what I expected.
The performance ended with all five faces tilted to the right, gazes hollow and distant.
Kai clapped.
"That's how the performance will end," the instructor said. "Now we'll teach you the dance and positions."
An hour later, the mirrors dripped with condensation, laughter bouncing between tired breaths. The track played again, soft and melodic—music that belonged to neon lights and midnight walks.
The members moved smoothly, perfectly in sync. Kai shadowed them, each movement absorbed almost instantly. His body flowed with theirs, but sharper, more fluid. Even when he stood at the back, eyes were drawn to him without effort—his lines cut cleaner, his aura heavier.
By the second chorus, staff had already turned to watch.
"Wait—he's never practiced this before, right?"
"Look at him… he memorized not just the dance, but the entire performance—instantly."
The murmurs spread. The members heard them. Felt them.
They finished, the formation snapping into place, their sad gazes tilted to the right.
The staff burst into applause.
"Wow, you're really impressive!" the instructor said, wide-eyed. "You memorized the choreography down to the facial expressions. I thought this would take all night, but you nailed it. Big 4 trainees really are in another league."
The words landed like a blade. A few smiles faltered, stiff. Pride bruised, quiet resentment sparking.
Kai pressed his lips together.
Yikes! There it is again—the comparison I used to hate hearing. I know how much it stings. The last thing I need is to divide this team.
"I'm not a HY-PE trainee anymore," he said calmly, scanning each of them. "That's the past. I'm at Starlite now."
The instructor blinked, flustered, waving his hands. "Of course, of course—it slipped out. Forget I said that."
The tension cracked, loosening just a little. Someone chuckled under their breath.
Tae-yang's smile was soft, cautious.
I think we'll get along just fine.
"I think he's a good guy," Jiwoo whispered to Seung-hyun.
"Then we're done, right, teacher?" Diego asked.
The instructor hesitated, then finally nodded. "Yes, there's no need to practice when Kai has it all perfectly memorized. Use this time to get to know him."
"Yes!" Jiwoo cheered, bouncing on his heels. "Let's get ice cream!"
Tae-yang nodded approvingly.
Minho let out a shout of excitement as he and Diego smacked their palms together in a loud high five.
"Hey, you're really good," Seunghyun said, a little shyly, turning to Kai.
Kai smiled. "Thanks. Let's get ice cream together."
Tae-yang clapped him warmly on the back. "Yes—and let's take lots of pictures. Welcome to Eclipse Kai."