As the theatre erupted into thunderous cheers, the five of them stood shoulder to shoulder, arms wrapped tightly around one another. They bowed as one—wide smiles, shaking breaths, eyes bright with disbelief and joy.
They basked in the applause, letting it wash over them. This wasn't just noise—this was earned. Every drop of sweat, every sleepless night, every moment of doubt was being repaid in sound and light.
The cheers roared on for nearly a full minute before finally settling enough for the evaluators to speak—though even then, the air still buzzed with excitement.
And then, Foca began.
"I feel like you guys really went above and beyond for this performance," he said, his voice rich with wonder and unmistakable pride.
"I just have to say this first—Ahn Jae, August, Silas. Bread Music personally seeking you three out was never a mistake. Not for a second. What you showed today is only a fraction of what I saw in you from the very beginning. Truly… excellent work."
Ahn Jae, August, and Silas bowed deeply, gratitude written plainly across their faces.
Foca continued, eyes now shifting to Mika and Kang Ian.
"This performance also felt like a love letter—to your fellow trainees. Bringing Ryu out for that violin intro. The paso doble. That cheeky little voguing section. And that stunning contemporary ending…" He chuckled softly. "Every element was surprising—yet somehow felt inevitable at the same time. Can you share what went through your minds while creating this masterpiece?"
Kang Ian stepped forward, still slightly breathless, his chest rising and falling.
"Ah—yes," he began, voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. "For this performance, we wanted to show the culmination of everything we've learned here at LEAVEN. Especially the lesson you personally taught us, sir—creativity."
He smiled as he spoke, genuine and warm. Foca felt his chest tighten—the good kind.
"Mika and I learned so much throughout this show, and we wanted to honor all of it. Yone taught us the paso. The Kweens didn't hesitate to teach us voguing. Jordan patiently guided us through contemporary—and even taught August classical techniques when he showed so much interest."
August smiled shyly at the mention.
"We also received help from Corsair and Ryu with our harmonies. They really helped us tighten everything. And of course, Ahn Jae hyung, August, and Silas brought in everything they learned under Bread Music."
Kang Ian inhaled, eyes shining.
"What you saw tonight is the result of our hard work, perseverance, hunger, and passion. And we hope we did it justice."
He bowed deeply. The others followed without hesitation.
"Beautifully said," Foca replied, nodding slowly. "This performance felt like art meant to be preserved—something people will talk about for a very long time."
He paused, then smiled.
"And as the person who made this song… I feel like I get to be part of that legacy too. For that, I'm incredibly grateful."
The revelation—that Foca himself composed the song—sent a ripple through the theatre.
Foca stood and bowed to the trainees.
The five immediately bowed back, voices overlapping in gratitude. It was humility, camaraderie, and shared love for art on full display.
Then Luca spoke.
"You all have an incredibly bright future ahead of you," he said, standing. "The level of artistry you've shown tonight is top-tier—this should be the standard others strive for."
He gestured toward them proudly.
"You've gone beyond survival show territory. What you presented was professional, refined, and beautiful—something people would gladly pay to witness. Congratulations on an outstanding performance."
He began clapping, pride etched into every line of his expression.
And then—Tuesday.
"I have never seen a performance like that on any survival show. Ever," she declared. "Because you know why? That wasn't survival show material."
She grinned.
"What you showed tonight felt like a preview of what you'll be doing in stadiums and sold-out concerts."
Suddenly, she covered her mouth dramatically.
"Oop—was that a spoiler?" she asked coyly, glancing at Foca and Luca.
They only shook their heads slowly, smiling, clearly amused by her "slip."
The audience, however?
They ran with it.
"Kyaaaaaaa! Mika and Kang Ian debut confirmed!" Hyouka screamed, waving their banner like their life depended on it.
@Rumi: OMG—did they just confirm Kang Ian and Mika are debuting tonight?!
@Yoyo: MISS MA'AM DROPPED A SPOILER AND WALKED AWAY. QUEEN BEHAVIOR. WE LOVE YOU, TUESDAY.
@Oppa-ya: GUYS CALM YOUR TITS. NOTHING IS CONFIRMED. PLEASE MY HEART IS FRAGILE.
→ @MileyCircus: I mean… look at Foca and Luca's faces. It's basically confirmed. Or I'm delulu.
→→ @Totoro: NO SAME. PLEASE LET THEM DEBUT. I'M BEGGING.
Mika and Kang Ian stood quietly, expressions composed—barely. Inside, their hearts were pounding violently against their ribs, hope and fear tangling together.
Nothing was official.
Not yet.
So they held it in. They didn't celebrate. Not yet.
The five bowed once more—deep, respectful, grateful—before finally turning and heading backstage, the echoes of cheers still following them like a promise.