Backstage, Monarch's adrenaline hadn't yet faded. The cheers still echoed faintly through the massive arena, a persistent hum in the bones. Sweat slicked their hair, glittering under the dim overhead lights. Every member exhaled deeply, some laughing, some silent, all processing the enormity of what had just happened.
Jiwon leaned against the wall, eyes fixed on the floor, letting the adrenaline settle. Zayn sidled up beside him, folding arms.
"You okay?" Zayn asked, voice low.
Jiwon's lips curved into the smallest of smiles. "Yeah… just thinking. That shield—it worked better than I expected. But I need to tell you something."
Zayn's brow furrowed. "Now?"
Jiwon glanced around, ensuring the rest of the group was preoccupied. "It's about Yul… and about what happened before the performance." He lowered his voice to a near whisper. "He and I… we met. Privately. And… I didn't want anyone to know yet."
Zayn's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded slowly. "I figured as much. Just… be careful, hyung. Don't let it cloud your focus. You know the stakes."
Jiwon's jaw tightened, and he nodded. "I know."
Monarch's Debrief and Chill
The group gathered in the lounge area of their penthouse later that night. The city sprawled below, lights twinkling like distant stars. It was the first moment of peace they'd allowed themselves since the chaos began.
Kai plopped onto the couch, stretching arms wide. "Guys… we did it. And it was insane. Like… insane insane." He laughed, catching his breath.
Min, sitting cross-legged near the window, closed his eyes. "I could feel everything… the energy, the shields, the fans. It was exhausting, but… good."
EO leaned against Zayn, holding his water bottle like a lifeline. "I didn't even know I had that much power in my voice."
Zayn's grin was tight but proud. "We all do. That's what makes us Monarch."
The room was warm, alive with quiet satisfaction. Laughter and casual chatter filled the space — a rare, grounding moment. For now, they allowed themselves to breathe.
Planning the Next Song
After a short break, Jiwon gathered them in the studio section of their penthouse. Lights dimmed, instruments ready, pads for lyrics spread across the table.
"Alright," Jiwon said, voice firm but calm, "we're going to channel everything from tonight into a new track. Something aggressive, fast-paced — like taking down anything in your path. But also… personal."
Kai's eyes sparkled. "So, basically, 'Takedown' vibes?"
Jiwon nodded. "Exactly. Lyrics in English, Korean phrases where it fits. Choreography that feels like a fight — not just dancing. Every move a strike, a block, a shield."
Min tilted his head, thoughtful. "We'll have to pace it carefully, though. Don't want to burn ourselves out."
Zayn set up the music software, pulling in beats with sharp snares and punchy bass lines. "We can mirror the rhythm of a fight… every high note a strike, low note a drop."
EO hummed a melody, tentative at first, then bold. "I've got something for the chorus. It could lift the energy, let the fans feel the strength in it."
Jiwon's Vision for the Song
He stepped to the mic, headphones on, and began to hum, letting the emotion flow into the words.
"Burn through the night, we won't fall,날개를 펴, 끝까지 (Spread your wings, till the end)Every shadow we face, every call,With fire in our hearts, we defend."
The room went silent for a beat, everyone listening. The lyrics weren't just words—they were their truth, their shield, their connection to the fans.
Kai immediately mapped the first movements: a sharp pivot here, a block-like sweep there, spins that mimicked deflecting attacks. Min and EO added flowing lines, blending intensity with grace.
Zayn coordinated spacing, ensuring each member's motion complemented the other, creating a visual net of protection and impact.
Closing of the Session
Hours later, they leaned back, exhausted but satisfied. The skeleton of the song was built, the choreography roughly mapped.
Jiwon finally allowed a small smile. "Tonight was a success. Tomorrow, we rehearse. And after that… we bring it to the stage. But this time, no interruptions. Just us and the music."
Kai stretched dramatically. "And the fans, don't forget the fans."
Zayn laughed. "They'll feel it. We'll make sure of that."
Min quietly added, "It's like… every performance is more than music now. It's protection, it's connection. It's everything."
Jiwon nodded, thoughtful. "And the next one… it has to be even stronger. Not just for us. For them. For what we're fighting for."
The city lights outside the penthouse shimmered, unaware of the battles to come — but Monarch was ready. They had each other, their music, and a fire that wouldn't fade.