The conference room smelled of fresh printer paper and ambition so thick you could chew it.
A long glass table reflected the overhead lights like a frozen lake.
The three Eclipse scouts sat on one side, folders open, pens poised.
We filed in single file, bowing again, deeper, hearts pounding in perfect sync except for mine.
Mine beat slow. Steady. Unnaturally calm.
Ae-Ri perched on the edge of the table, invisible to everyone but me, swinging her legs like a child at a picnic.
The lead scout—Mr. Kim, silver watch gleaming—spoke first.
"We've reviewed your performance. LUNARIS has potential. Strong synergy. Excellent visuals across the board."
His gaze slid to me, lingering.
"But today, one member stood out in a way we rarely see. Kang Yoona-ssi, your improvement is… extraordinary."
Chaewon's smile stayed perfectly polite.
Minseo shifted beside me, fingers brushing mine in silent support.
Hyejin bounced once on her toes, barely containing a squeal.
Sera watched the scouts like a hawk sizing up prey.
Mr. Kim continued, voice smooth as contract ink.
"We'd like to offer LUNARIS a debut slot under Eclipse Entertainment. Pre-debut single in three months. Full album rollout by end of next quarter. Promotions. Music shows. International push from day one."
He paused, letting the words sink in like glitter confetti.
"Contingent, of course, on continued performance at this level. Especially from you, Yoona-ssi."
The room went quiet enough to hear the air conditioning whisper.
Then Hyejin whispered, "Holy shit," under her breath.
Minseo's hand squeezed mine so hard it hurt.
Chaewon bowed again, voice trembling with controlled joy.
"Thank you, sunbaenim. We are deeply honored."
Ae-Ri clapped her tiny hands so fast they blurred.
"See that? SEE THAT? They're not offering the group. They're offering YOU, princess. The rest are just accessories now~"
I should have felt something explosive.
Joy. Terror. Relief.
Instead, a cool, glittering satisfaction settled in my chest like champagne bubbles.
No butterflies.
No nausea.
Just… yes.
This was what winning felt like when you'd already paid the entry fee.
Mr. Kim slid a thick folder across the table.
"Take time to review. Legal will follow up tomorrow. But we'd like an answer by end of week."
His eyes met mine again, direct, almost hungry.
"We believe you could be the next generation's center. The face that carries the group global."
Sera's jaw tightened—just a fraction.
Chaewon's smile didn't waver, but her eyes flicked to me, searching.
We bowed one last time.
Filed out.
The hallway felt longer on the way back, echoes bouncing off the walls like applause that hadn't happened yet.
The moment the practice room door closed behind us, Hyejin screamed and tackled me in a hug.
"YOONA! YOONA YOU LEGEND! We're debuting! We're actually debuting!"
Minseo laughed, tears shining in her eyes—real tears, the kind I used to make.
"I can't believe it. Three months. Three months!"
Sera leaned against the mirror, arms crossed.
"Congrats, everyone."
Her tone was even. Too even.
Then she looked straight at me.
"You really stepped up today, Yoona. Like… a different person."
Chaewon stepped between us, voice gentle but firm.
"Let's celebrate properly later. Right now, we have work. If we're debuting in three months, every second counts."
They chattered. Planned. Laughed.
I stood in the center, smiling the perfect idol smile I'd practiced a thousand times.
It felt natural now.
Too natural.
Ae-Ri floated down to sit on my head like a crown, wings brushing my scalp.
"They love you," she whispered, voice dripping honey and venom.
"They want you. They need you. And the more they want, the more you'll have to give."
I looked at my reflection again.
The girl in the mirror looked back with flawless skin, steady eyes, and a smile that could sell albums.
She looked like a star.
She looked like a stranger.
Ae-Ri leaned down, lips almost touching my ear.
"Ready for the next trade, superstar? Because this little debut is just the appetizer. The main course is coming… and it's going to cost you something you can't get back."
I didn't flinch.
I didn't cry.
I just whispered, so quiet even Ae-Ri had to strain to hear it.
"Bring it."
Her laugh was soft, delighted, and completely without mercy.
"That's my girl."