Equinox Rehearsal Studio – Early Morning
The room was dark except for faint overhead lights, casting long shadows across the polished floor. Equinox moved in quiet precision. Each step, each gesture was deliberate. Every member was attuned to Yul's energy—the way it flowed, magnetic and untouchable.
Yul stood center stage, fingers brushing the mic stand. The first notes of the new track, "Aurora Eclipse," filled the space: a haunting blend of deep bass, electronic synths, and subtle strings weaving through the beat.
He sang softly at first, the words curling around the air like smoke:
(Verse 1 – Yul)"Golden light, fracture the night,I walk alone, but feel your sight.Shadows linger where hearts collide,I'm the ghost you cannot hide."
His voice was mesmerizing—warm, ethereal, and precise. Every word resonated, vibrating through the floorboards, making even the mirrors tremble slightly.
Juno mirrored his movement a few steps back, sharp and protective, while Dara and Rien mirrored the background choreography, flowing like water but cutting with intent. Nox darted across, chaotic but rhythmic, hitting accent beats at precisely the right moment.
Choreography – The Opening
Yul: Center stage, slow, deliberate sway, arms extended like wings unfurling. Eyes locked on the imaginary horizon.
Juno: Guarding Yul, pivoting with angular steps, creating visual triangles of protection and tension.
Dara & Rien: Sweeping floor spins, sliding into extensions, each gesture synchronized to the bass.
Nox: Random-feeling flourishes—jump spins, flicking wrist movements—but perfectly timed to accent the crescendos.
The team executed a silent crescendo, steps and gestures emphasizing Yul's voice, each movement syncing with the haunting chords.
Pre-Chorus – Building Tension
(Pre-Chorus – Yul)"Veins of fire, call my name,Every whisper ignites the flame.Chains of past, break or bend,This is where all worlds end."
As Yul's voice rose, the lights gradually brightened in golden streaks across the floor. The choreography intensified:
Juno leapt across the stage, arms slicing through the light beams.
Dara spun backward, hair and coat tails flaring in perfect timing with the bass drop.
Rien stepped forward, reaching toward Yul as if trying to pull the sound into physical space.
Nox rolled across the floor, landing perfectly aligned, snapping up in a fluid motion to accent the final note of the pre-chorus.
The performance was already electric, yet every note hinted at what was coming next.
Chorus – The Captivation
(Chorus – Yul & Ensemble)"Golden fire, hearts collide,Lost in echoes where shadows hide.Lift me higher, don't let go,Through the storm, let the auroras glow."
The crowd—watching via live broadcast and online stream—exploded even before the chorus finished.
Yul's voice was pure magic: soaring, hypnotic, and fluid. He held notes that shimmered, stretched without strain, and folded into delicate falsettos that echoed into the unseen corners of the studio.
Choreography intensified further:
Yul: spinning in the center, coat flowing, arms tracing arcs in perfect symmetry.
Ensemble: layering formations like fractals, folding and unfolding in response to his movements.
Dara & Juno: interweaving around Yul, each spin and pivot enhancing the hypnotic visual.
Rien & Nox: counter-movements, diagonal sweeps, and sudden leaps creating energy bursts with every beat.
Monarch Watching – Dorm Lounge
On a large screen, Monarch observed the performance together. The room was dim, snacks scattered, energy drinks open, but none of them spoke immediately.
Jiwon's jaw tightened. "He's… perfect," he muttered under his breath.
Zayn leaned forward, hands clasped. "Every note. Every movement. That's not just talent. That's presence."
Kai whistled. "Damn. That's the kind of stage energy that ruins nights… in a good way."
Min whispered, "I didn't think it was possible to feel a voice like that… even through a screen."
EO shook his head, awestruck. "And… the choreography. Every move connects with the music. I… I need to see this again."
Bridge – Yul's Moment
(Bridge – Yul solo)"Through the void, I hear your cries,Golden chains and crimson skies.One last moment before we break,All the world can feel, can take."
Yul slowed, holding the center. His eyes glowed faintly golden under the stage lights, the aura of his presence pulling the audience into a trance.
The ensemble moved around him like orbiting planets, each step precise yet fluid, emphasizing his command.
Even Monarch watched, captivated, unprepared for the intensity. Jiwon's hands clenched, both inspired and unsettled. "We have to outdo this," he said quietly, almost to himself.
Final Chorus – Explosive Climax
(Chorus – Full Ensemble)"Golden fire, hearts collide,Lift us higher, don't let hide.Through the storm, through the night,We are the auroras burning bright."
Every member of Equinox unleashed everything. The lights flickered like fire across the floor, golden streaks catching every leap, twist, and pivot. Yul's voice soared, harmonizing and layering with the ensemble, captivating not just the in-studio cameras but Monarch's stunned gaze.
The performance ended with a freeze: Yul center stage, one arm raised, head tilted back, golden aura glowing. The ensemble framed him like celestial constellations.
Aftermath – Monarch's Reaction
The dorm was silent for a full thirty seconds after the last note faded. Then:
Kai exploded. "Okay, we have to work now. NOW. That just… that just leveled the field."
Min exhaled. "I feel… motivated. Not just challenged… inspired."
Zayn clenched his fists. "We know what we're capable of. We just saw what we need to reach. Let's go. Let's make ours unforgettable."
EO simply nodded, eyes bright, muttering, "We can do this. We have to."
Jiwon stood last, hands tightening around the edge of the couch. "Then it's settled. We rise higher than ever. They showed us the fire… now we bring the storm."
The screen still glowed faintly, Yul's golden aura frozen in memory, a reminder and a challenge. Monarch's next move was clear.