The room was small, dimly lit, and a little too quiet. A single fluorescent light buzzed overhead, flickering now and then — an unintentional reminder of the company's thinning budget.
"We've reserved a theater for the debut showcase," one of the staff announced, scrolling nervously through his tablet.
"How big?" the CEO asked without looking up.
"About 1,500 seats," the man replied quickly. "It was the only one within our budget."
The CEO nodded slowly, his face unreadable.
"It's not ideal," another director added. "The major companies are all promoting their new singles right now — they're eating up the media attention."
"Instagram engagement?" the CEO asked suddenly, glancing up at the team.
"We've launched the account," the man said, licking his lips. "Three short videos and one group photo. A few thousand views… and, uh… only a few likes."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
The CEO exhaled through his nose — not angry, but visibly disappointed.
"This is just the beginning," the marketing lead said quickly. "It's normal. New groups start small."
Around the table sat every soul keeping Starlite Entertainment alive — the CEO, the directors, the managers, and a handful of fresh-faced staff barely out of college. Most were young, some nervous, some idealistic. The only one with gray in his hair was the CEO himself.
He finally spoke. "We all know the stakes. If this group doesn't make it… Starlite goes under. The only thing keeping us afloat is Jung Jihoon's solo work, but his contract ends soon. And given how well he's doing… there's no guarantee he'll renew."
No one said a word. The weight of truth pressed down on all of them.
The CEO straightened his back. "That's why this debut has to work. We cannot fail."
He turned toward one of the executives — Kim Seo-in — who had been silent until now.
"Thanks to Executive Kim, we managed to snag a rare gem — a former Circle Entertainment and HY-PE trainee," he said.
The room murmured in approval. Everyone knew how rare it was for small companies to recruit ex-trainees from major labels-high ranking at that.
"He checks all the boxes — visuals, vocals, dance, composure," the CEO continued. "We'll use him as our ace card."
He leaned forward, his voice lowering. "But not too much."
Confused looks passed around the table.
The CEO smirked faintly. "Most of you weren't here when Jung Jihoon went viral. We made him our entire brand — every headline, every post, every resource went to him. And it worked… for him."
He paused.
"But not for the group. FAMAS could've been massive. Instead, we ended up with one star and four shadows."
The team nodded grimly. Lesson learned.
"This time, we balance it," the CEO continued. "We'll use Kai's visuals and talent to draw attention — he's our hook — but the spotlight must rotate."
He picked up a folder, flipping through photos of the members.
"Loverboyz just debuted last month and already two members are going viral for their looks. We'll take a similar route. So — Kai will take the lead, Tae-yang will follow since he's the second most handsome, and once those two have traction, we'll shift the focus to Seunghyun, Jiwoo, Diego, and Minho."
The PR manager scribbled notes furiously.
"For Seunghyun and Minho, we'll highlight their playful rivalry," the CEO said with a grin. "Fans enjoy that kind of chemistry — as long as it doesn't cross the line."
Laughter rippled across the room. Everyone had seen the pair bicker in practice; it was chaotic but charming.
"For Jiwoo, we'll brand him as the bright extrovert — the one who keeps the team together."
One of the directors frowned. "Wouldn't that fit Diego more?"
The CEO smiled knowingly. "No. Diego's unique card is different. We're going to highlight his roots — his Mexican background. Have him speak Spanish in interviews. Do Spanish covers. There's a huge Latino K-pop audience. They'll rally around him immediately."
The team lit up with approval. The plan was smart — strategic and emotional.
The CEO leaned back, folding his arms. "We have a talented group. We have one shot. So, we're going to do what no small company has done before."
He paused, letting the words hang in the air.
"We're going to make this group the next big thing."
Silence followed — not the awkward kind, but the electric kind. The kind that comes before something either spectacular or disastrous.
And everyone in that dimly lit room silently hoped it would be the former.
–
"You're beautiful. You're sexy. You're one of a kind."
Jiwoo stared at the mirror, wiggling his brows as he puckered his lips dramatically.
Behind him, Tae-yang stood with his arms crossed, unimpressed.
Jiwoo caught his reflection and grinned. "Why are you looking at me like that, hyung? You like me that much?" He winked.
Tae-yang raised a brow. "You're unbelievable."
"This collar's so uncomfortable," Minho groaned, scratching his neck and tugging at his jacket.
Jiwoo blew himself another kiss in the mirror.
Minho noticed and smirked. "You really like yourself that much, huh?"
"I'm blowing them to Tae-yang-hyung," Jiwoo said with mock seriousness. "But he's refusing them."
Minho clapped Tae-yang's back. "Accept it, hyung. We all know you like boys."
Tae-yang sighed and walked off, muttering something under his breath. Jiwoo and Minho burst into laughter, their voices echoing in the dressing room.
On the other side, Kai sat beside Seunghyun, both fixated on the TV where Masked Singer was playing. Mama Li was mid-performance — her voice clear, powerful, and beautiful.
"Wow. Her voice is insane!" Seunghyun said, glancing sideways at Kai before quickly looking away, realizing just how close — and good-looking — he was.
Kai nodded. "Yeah. I've seen her all over Diego's For You Page."
"Diego's?" Seunghyun frowned. "Why not use your own phone?"
"Nah. His account's more fun," Kai said casually.
A hotdog costume appeared on stage next. The two exchanged a side-eye and snorted.
Then the hotdog started to sing — a deep, delicate male voice that was hauntingly beautiful.
"Whoa," they both said in unison.
Kai leaned forward slightly. "This voice… sounds familiar." But he couldn't place it.
"Boys! It's time!" Manager Jo's voice cut through the room.
Everyone started moving at once.
Kai gently shook Diego awake — he'd been passed out on the couch, hoodie over his face.
"Mmm…" Diego mumbled, blinking hard. He looked dazed, eyes heavy from sleep.
"Let's go," Seunghyun said, helping lift him up.
Under the bright studio lights, cameras were lined up, a crisp white backdrop behind them.
"Diego, why do you look half-dead?" an executive called. "Makeup, fix him up."
A staff member rushed forward with a brush and powder, dabbing at his face while Diego blinked through the haze.
"Okay," the executive said, "everyone — act happy and genuine."
They all nodded.
"Kai and Tae-yang in the center."
The group shuffled into position. Tae-yang and Kai stepped forward, the others flanking behind them.
"Ready? Three, two, one—!"
"Hello!" they said in unison, bowing deeply.
They raised their hands in a "1" sign. "We are ECLIPSE!"
"My name is Tae-yang," he began, voice steady but warm. "We're so grateful to meet you. Please look forward to our debut — and let's become good friends!"
Kai followed smoothly, switching to English: "Hi, I'm Kai! We'll be debuting soon, and we hope you'll enjoy our music. We can't wait to meet you all!"
Back to Korean — Minho took over, polished and composed. "Our debut track, Numb, is about loneliness and depression. We hope it resonates with you."
Jiwoo added brightly, "It's got a soft, rhythmic beat — perfect when you're driving, or just alone with your feelings. It's pretty versatile, right?"
Kai, Diego, and Minho smirked in sync, while Tae-yang and Seunghyun nodded with serious faces.
Seunghyun stepped up. "We had fun producing it ourselves, and we hope you'll enjoy it just as much."
Then Diego switched to Spanish, his voice smooth: "Queremos conocerlos a todos y construir una conexión fuerte!"
Minho chuckled quietly. He actually sounds kind of sexy when he speaks Spanish.
Finally, Kai finished in Japanese: "We hope to see you soon! Thank you!"
They all waved — big smiles, hearts pounding.
"...And cut!" the executive called.
The boys relaxed instantly and walked over to the monitor to review the footage.
Minho slung an arm over Diego's shoulder. "Bro! You're so sexy when you speak Spanish, I was like rrrrrrr—" he rolled his tongue dramatically.
Diego burst out laughing while Jiwoo nearly doubled over beside him.
Seunghyun scrunched his nose. "Don't make that sound, Minho. You're embarrassing."
"Don't make that face, Seunghyun, you'll age faster," Minho shot back.
Seunghyun didn't miss a beat. "Keep talking like that and you'll turn gay."
Diego and Jiwoo howled with laughter, clutching their sides.
"Guys, focus," Tae-yang said, tone calm but firm.
The laughter simmered down, though grins still tugged at their faces as they leaned closer to the monitor.
Jiwoo pointed at his part in the video. "Look, look! That's where I smiled at the camera. Perfection."
Kai just shook his head, amused.
Overall, the footage looked good — clean, energetic, and professional.
"Let's do it again," the executive suddenly said from behind the camera.
Kai raised a brow. Really?
Seven takes later, the executive finally gave a satisfied nod. The boys nearly collapsed from exhaustion — their smiles still plastered on for the cameras but long gone the second the words "That's a wrap" were spoken.
Not long after, they found themselves seated in a meeting room, facing every executive, manager, and the CEO himself.
The air was heavy — not with tension, but with expectation.
"I'm scared," Jiwoo whispered to Tae-yang, eyes darting nervously toward the CEO.
Tae-yang didn't look back. "Then stop moving so much," he muttered quietly.
Jiwoo straightened immediately, earning a soft snicker from Diego.
When the CEO and directors entered, everyone stood and bowed deeply in unison.
"Good work today," the CEO said, his tone calm but commanding enough to silence every whisper in the room.
They all chorused, "Thank you, sir."
As the CEO sat, the boys exchanged quick glances — half excitement, half anxiety.
"Your debut is approaching," the CEO began. "The music video for 'Numb' will be uploaded on YouTube within the next two days."
Applause filled the room, light but genuine.
"You all did a great job," the CEO continued, offering a rare smile. "I want to thank the entire team for their hard work. The quality of the MV shows just how much effort went into it."
The tension softened for a brief moment, replaced by soft laughter and small smiles.
But then his tone shifted.
"That being said," he said, folding his hands, "this is where the real work begins."
Silence.
"We're going to push hard to get ECLIPSE out there. The boys will perform on MCountdown in two days. Unfortunately, we couldn't secure more high-profile stages, so our plan is to perform anywhere that will have us — streets, schools, local events — whatever it takes to get attention."
The boys nodded slowly, understanding the weight behind his words. It wasn't glamorous, but it was their reality.
For the first time, the dream didn't seem so glittering — it felt heavy.
"You'll be working so hard that sleep will become a luxury," the CEO continued. "Sleep is for people who've already made it big."
A few nervous laughs. Mostly silence.
"As long as you give it your all, your efforts will bear fruit," he said firmly.
Tae-yang straightened, nodding with conviction.
"You're competing against rookies from major labels," the CEO added, his gaze sweeping across the group. "They have money, connections, and attention. You have none of that — which means you'll have to outwork every single one of them. No mistakes. No excuses."
The air grew still. Even Jiwoo, usually playful, was tense.
"We're all going to work hard," the CEO went on. "Everyone in this room wants to see you succeed. No one is here to sabotage you. But if there are disagreements —" his gaze sharpened "— resolve them fast. Unity is survival."
They nodded again, some swallowing hard.
"Now…" The CEO's tone softened just slightly. "Kai."
Kai blinked, straightening in surprise.
"You're the center. When the performance ends, you'll do the ending fairy."
He nodded firmly.
"Use your looks," the CEO said simply. "That's your weapon."
His eyes shifted. "Seunghyun. Diego."
Both looked up.
"I want you to show your real relationship on camera — not something scripted. Be genuine. People can sense fakeness."
They nodded in sync.
"That goes for you too, Jiwoo."
Jiwoo quickly bowed. "Yes, sir."
"And Diego…" The CEO's voice softened, almost encouraging now. "Use your heritage. Don't try to hide it or act like someone you're not. Be proud of it. Show your Latin roots. That's your color. That's what makes you stand out."
Diego nodded earnestly. "Understood, sir."
The CEO leaned back, eyes scanning the entire group.
"You boys are our main focus now. We're putting everything we have into you. So don't disappoint us."
His gaze hardened once more. "Even if you're sick or tired — you give it your all. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," they chorused, their voices steady even as nerves rippled through them.
For a long moment, silence filled the room — only the faint hum of the air conditioner breaking it.
The CEO finally rose, giving one last nod. "Then let's make ECLIPSE a name the world remembers."
–
Next Day
Everyone in Starlite was advertising the debut of the new boy group.
Flyers with ECLIPSE written in bold letters were spread throughout town—on lamp posts, storefronts, even school gates.
The debut date and showcase location were printed in silver letters that caught the light.
At an elementary school, Executive Kim Seo-in handed out flyers to students.
The kids accepted them eagerly, their small hands clutching the glossy paper.
Among them was a little girl who couldn't take her eyes off one particular face.
He had an ethereal expression—sharp jawline, black hair that framed his pale skin, and eyes that seemed to look right through the paper.
Executive Seo-in noticed the girl's dazed stare and smiled knowingly.
Making Kai the center of the photo was a good idea, she thought.
The girl's friend peeked at the flyer and scoffed.
"It's probably edited. Poor entertainment companies always Photoshop their idols to look perfect."
Executive Seo-in's smile disappeared in an instant.
"Trust me, my dear," she said, her tone sharp but composed. "That face is not edited. I suggest you come to the debut showcase and see for yourself."
The friend went quiet, embarrassed, and the two girls walked away whispering.
Flyers fluttered through the breeze as students passed them around.
A group of popular second-years gathered under a tree, crowding around one of them—an elegant girl with idol-like beauty named Ji-an.
She stood out not only for her looks but for the tall boy holding her hand—the most handsome guy in school. Around them, a crowd of admired classmates buzzed with curiosity, eyes fixed on the flyer.
"Look, Ji-an," one girl teased, holding up the flyer. "Your ex is debuting at that company—you know, the one with that mediocre actor, Jung Ji-hoon?"
Ji-an raised a brow. "Really? He's so short, though."
Her friends burst out laughing.
"True! You two were practically the same height!"
"You definitely got an upgrade."
Ji-an's cheeks turned pink as she shyly glanced at her boyfriend.
He was tall—185 centimeters—and effortlessly handsome. Standing beside him made her feel small, even at 169 centimeters.
"I'm surprised he's debuting," another friend said, flipping the flyer. "He's honestly not that good-looking. And his personality was always kinda weird."
"C'mon," a guy in the group replied. "He's not ugly. His features just don't match his baby face. Maybe it's 'cause of his mixed background or something."
"Apparently Jiwoo's debuting too," someone added.
"Oh, Jiwoo's cute. That makes sense," one girl nodded. "But if they're debuting Diego too, they must be desperate."
"I mean…" another voice chimed in, pointing to the flyer, "the guy in the center looks super handsome. But that's gotta be edited. No one looks like that in real life."
They all shrugged. "Whatever. I wish them luck, but we all know this group's gonna flop."
While the others laughed, Ji-an only half-listened. She was too busy admiring her boyfriend's perfect profile.
I can't believe he's mine, she thought dreamily—though irritation crept in as her friends kept bringing up her so-called ex. She never even liked him that way.
"Guys, can you not?" Ji-an said finally, forcing a polite smile. "He literally means nothing to me."
–
The day of the debut had finally arrived.
Backstage, the boys stood upright in perfect formation, the air thick with nerves and hairspray. They were dressed in sleek tuxedos—dark and light blues that shimmered under the fluorescent lights. Makeup artists gave last-minute touches, brushing highlights onto cheekbones and taming stray hairs.
Each one looked striking, but the staff couldn't help their eyes drifting toward Kai.
He stood there quietly, head bowed, jaw tight. Under the soft glow, his features looked unreal—porcelain skin, jet-black hair, eyes that held both fear and determination. One stylist actually blinked twice, just to make sure he was human.
"He looks like a manhwa character…" someone whispered.
"Or AI," another muttered back, unable to look away.
But while the others were in awe, Kai was trembling.
He leaned closer to Minho, voice barely above a whisper. "What if no one shows up?"
Minho offered a small, shaky smile. "Don't worry, hyung. There'll definitely be people."
Jiwoo, standing nearby, whispered back anxiously, "Yeah, but what if there's not a lot of people?"
Minho stayed silent. Truth was, he was just as scared.
Diego and Seunghyun were pacing quietly in the corner, breathing deeply, psyching themselves up. Tae-yang stood apart, outwardly calm but holding his own storm inside.
"Stop worrying about the numbers," Tae-yang finally said. His tone was even, almost firm. "Even if only a few people show up, we'll give them a performance they'll never forget."
"But still," Jiwoo muttered, fidgeting with his mic, "there are only 1,500 seats. If we're going to make it big, we need to fill them all."
No one answered. The silence was loud.
Kai closed his eyes and drew a slow, trembling breath. Then, softly, he murmured:
"Philippians 4:6…"
The others turned toward him.
"'Don't worry about anything. Instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.'"
His lips moved silently after that, praying in his heart:
Dear Lord, today's my debut. I'm scared. I'm scared that if I see an empty crowd, I'll lose confidence. But I place that fear in Your hands. Whether it's ten people or a thousand, help me give it my all. After eight years, You've finally brought me here—and I thank You. All the honor and glory goes to You.
When he opened his eyes, the trembling was gone. A quiet peace had settled over him.
He smiled at his members. "Sorry, I didn't mean to freak everyone out earlier. Let's just enjoy this moment, yeah? This is the day we've waited for."
They all stared at him in disbelief. Just a second ago, Kai had been shaking. Now, he looked calm—radiant, even.
"How are you so calm?" Jiwoo asked, voice small.
Kai smiled. "God helped me. So now I'm good."
Jiwoo blinked. "Oh right… you're religious."
Minho and Seunghyun exchanged wide-eyed looks. "You are?"
Tae-yang tilted his head, curious.
Diego stepped forward and bumped Kai's shoulder. "Then pray for me."
Kai chuckled softly and placed his hand gently on Diego's head.
"Remember this verse," he said, his tone warm but steady. "Philippians 4:6 — 'Don't worry about anything…' You don't have to carry your fear alone. Put it in God's hands. He'll take it from you. And when He does—don't forget to thank Him."
Diego nodded slowly, his chest rising and falling as the words sank in.
"Let's pray," Kai said.
The room fell completely silent. Even the staff stopped moving.
Kai bowed his head. "Heavenly Father, we thank You for another day of life. Thank You for letting our dream come true today. Please take these anxieties from our hearts so we can perform with everything we have. No matter the outcome, may we glorify You with our efforts. Bless my brothers—Tae-yang, Seunghyun, Jiwoo, Minho, Diego—and everyone here who helped us reach this moment. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
When they opened their eyes, Diego's lashes were wet.
Kai smiled gently. "How do you feel?"
"A little better," Diego said, voice thick. "Thank you for praying."
"You're welcome, buddy."
Tae-yang exhaled, tension finally breaking. "Alright, guys. Whoever's out there—let's give them a solid show."
He extended his hand. One by one, the others stacked theirs on top.
"LET'S GO—" Tae-yang shouted.
"ECLIPSE!" they all roared in unison.
Laughter broke out as they shuffled toward the stage entrance. Jiwoo clung to Seunghyun's arm.
"Why do I have to enter first?" he hissed.
"If you don't want to, I'll switch with you," Tae-yang offered with a knowing smile.
Jiwoo froze. "Wait—that means I'd have to talk more, right?"
Tae-yang raised an eyebrow.
"Heck no!" Jiwoo groaned, adjusting his mic for what felt like the hundredth time.
The stage lights flared on.
The air behind the curtain was thick with nerves — the faint hum of the crowd, the soft crackle of microphones being tested, the heavy rhythm of six hearts beating in sync.
A staff member raised a hand. "Go."
Jiwoo straightened his jacket, rolled his shoulders back, and walked forward with as much confidence as he could muster. The others followed, one after another, until the bright white light of the stage washed over them.
Then they saw it —
The audience.
Only about half the seats were filled.
Jiwoo's heart sank. Seunghyun's smile faltered for a fraction of a second. Diego's fingers twitched against his mic.
But then, the crowd clapped — loudly, sincerely.
Even if it wasn't a full house, it was their crowd. Their first one.
Diego scanned the seats and froze when he saw them — his family. His mother, father, sister, and little brother were in the very front row, waving and cheering as if the place were packed. His brother, Alejun, had a strip of tape across his mouth —and he wiggled his brows dramatically at Diego.
Diego smirked to hide the tears threatening his eyes.
Kai's gaze swept across the room until it landed on his parents and his older brother. His mom waved, eyes already glistening. He lifted a hand and waved back, smiling softly.
Tae-yang spotted his mother sitting a few rows behind them. She smiled proudly, hands clasped together.
Seunghyun's two older sisters waved like crazy, both holding up homemade signs.
Minho's sister grinned from the back, recording on her phone.
The rest of the audience was made up of townspeople and curious kids. Rows of tiny faces peered up at them, clutching flyers and lightsticks.
Tae-yang stepped forward, mic in hand. "Hello, everyone," he said with a warm, confident smile. "One, two, three—"
Together, the boys bowed deeply.
"We are ECLIPSE!"
The crowd erupted in applause.
Tae-yang lifted his head, his calm composure glowing with quiet charisma. "Today is the day we debut, and we're so thankful that you're here. It means the world to us."
They all bowed again.
He chuckled, scanning the front row. "I see some of our families here… it's kind of funny that you're all sitting in the front, and everyone else is way in the back."
The audience laughed softly. Even the boys cracked smiles.
"Why don't you guys come closer?" Tae-yang said, gesturing with open arms. "Come on — we don't bite."
Some of the children in the back giggled and began moving forward, filling the empty rows. The shift in the room felt different now — more intimate, more alive.
The boys exchanged impressed glances. Tae-yang had never been shy, but seeing him lead the crowd so smoothly was something else entirely. The quiet listener had become a natural on stage.
In the second row, a little girl sat beside her best friend. Both were in elementary school.
A day ago, they'd received flyers from a woman on the street — a new boy group called ECLIPSE.
The little girl hadn't been able to take her eyes off the man in the center of the poster. He looked too perfect to be real — black hair, pale skin, an ethereal face that didn't seem human.
Her friend had insisted it was fake. "He's definitely photoshopped. No one looks like that."
But the woman who gave them the flyer had smiled knowingly. "It's real. You'll see."
So, the little girl used her allowance and bought two tickets — twenty dollars total. Children paid ten. Adults paid twenty.
Now, as she sat watching the idols appear before her, her heart skipped.
The picture hadn't lied. If anything, it underplayed him. The man — no, the boy — in front of her was breathtaking. His skin glowed under the lights. His features looked sculpted by hand.
Her friend leaned closer, eyes wide.
"You were right," she whispered.
The girl grinned smugly. "Told you."
She tore her gaze away just long enough to glance at the leader. He was handsome too — confident, sharp features, the kind of face that drew you in when he spoke. But if she had to choose, her vote was already decided. The "manhwa boy" had stolen her heart.
She needed to know his name.
"Let's introduce ourselves," Tae-yang said with a charming smile. "My name is Tae-yang, and I'm the leader of ECLIPSE."
The audience applauded.
Next came him.
"Hello, my name is Kai, and I am the center of ECLIPSE."
The girl's eyes widened. Kai… Kai… Kai.
She repeated it silently in her head, as if engraving it into her soul.
"Hello, my name is Seunghyun, and I'm an all-rounder."
His hair was slicked back into a clean pompadour, his expression calm but confident.
"Hello, my name is Diego, and I'm the dancer."
He had a soft baby face, but his energy and charm were impossible to ignore.
"Hello, my name is Jiwoo, and I'm the vocalist."
His skin was pale and clear, his jawline sharp, his smile bright enough to make the crowd laugh.
"Hello, my name is Minho, and I'm the rapper."
His bleached hair shimmered under the light, his tanned skin and strong features giving him the aura of a movie soldier.
The audience clapped loudly again — even the shy ones.
For the first time, the boys smiled without forcing it.
This was it. Their first audience. Their first cheers. Their first moment.
And for the girl in the second row, it was the day she decided —
she would be Kai's fan for life.