The entire Stax Entertainment building felt alive with energy. For the first time in its young history, every artist under the label had gathered in the main practice room that's a high-ceiling space with mirrors on all walls and a projection screen at the front.
Tao stood in front, arms crossed but relaxed. Behind him were Mitsunari, Jun, and the senior staff. On one side of the room was VIRE members Natsuo, Urata, Chang, Kin Yoo, and Shuta all standing proud in their matching dark-stage outfits. On the other were the newly debuted EKO members Yurina, Jieun, Chaelin, Mizuha, and Rina.
"Alright," Tao began, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "This is a historic moment for us. VIRE is back. Block M is on tour, our first girl group is about to debut, and we're stacked with music ready to go."
Mitsunari nodded, standing slightly behind him with a laptop and notes. "We've worked tirelessly for this moment," he added. "And the order of our releases is crucial."
Tao paced slowly in front of everyone. "First up is VIRE. You finished that track two weeks ago, and tomorrow, the world gets to hear it."
VIRE's members smiled proudly. Their new song, "RUNAWAY", was a pulsing pop-rock anthem symbolizing their freedom from the past and the beginning of something new.
"Then," Tao continued, "EKO will drop their first official mini album. It's already finished production and you five should be proud. It's a strong debut."
EKO stood a little straighter, as this was real. It's not just a survival show or just practice as they were about to make their official entrance.
" After that," Tao said, turning toward Mitsunari with a teasing grin, "I'm releasing a solo track of my own."
Everyone cheered as Tao hasn't released music since "On Air". Many trainees in the room had grown up on his early songs. "It's called 'Eclipse', and it's about moving through shadows to find clarity," he said.
"And last…" Tao paused for effect, looking toward Mitsunari, who stepped forward. "Mitsunari will close out this release wave with a personal track. One he's been crafting for months."
Mitsunari gave a quiet nod. "It's titled 'Ashes to Stardust.' It's… about everything from what I lost to what I'm still fighting for."
The room was silent for a second, full of admiration and understanding. The weight of his comeback, his story, echoed through the walls.
"But let's talk about EKO, now that the world knows you exist," Tao said with a smile. He turned to the five girls. "Your debut mini album will be titled 'Origin: EKO.'"
Jun clicked the remote, and the screen behind Tao lit up with the official EKO logo as a sleek silver design that shimmered like crystal sound waves.
The girls gasped seeing it on a screen for the first time. "We're really EKO now…" Chaelin whispered.
Tao gestured toward the track list now appearing on screen. "Your mini album will have seven tracks. The five solo songs from the finale, your finale group song, and one brand new track called 'Bring It.'"
"Bring It," Mitsunari said, "was written for you. It's fierce, confident, and showcases your voices together for the first time as an official group."
Rina's eyes watered as she smiled. "I thought my journey was over but now I get a debut song…"
Yurina placed a hand on her shoulder. "We're doing this together."
Tao continued, "We're shooting the MV for 'Bring It' next week. Expect fire visuals, strong dance as this is your formal introduction to the K-pop world."
Meanwhile, the boys of VIRE exchanged glances. Their moment was coming tomorrow. "We're ready," said Kin Yoo. "This one means everything."
The next day, VIRE's song 'RUNAWAY' released at midnight. The response was instant as fans old and new flooded social media, praising the song's raw honesty and evolution.
By morning, the song had charted at #6 and that's a massive success considering their rocky re-entry into the spotlight.
"You're no longer a comeback story," Tao told them. "You're just back stronger than ever."
That same day, Tao and Mitsunari sat down with the five girls of EKO privately. "We know how hard it was to get here," Mitsunari said, "But this is only the beginning."
Tao pulled out five small velvet boxes. Each contained a silver bracelet engraved with "EKO 1st Gen." It was a symbol of trust and commitment.
"Keep this," he said. "Because no matter what happens, you were the first and no one can take that from you."
Mizuha stared at hers, then looked up. "I want to make sure no one forgets us."
"They won't," Jun said, entering with a camera. "The docuseries about your survival show is also being edited as fans will see everything."
Over the next few days, the team shot the MV for 'Bring It.' Sharp neon lights, high-energy choreography, and cinematic angles captured the girls' strength and unity.
Yurina and Jieun led the vocals, while Chaelin and Mizuha took center for the dance break. Rina's bridge brought vulnerability and power together.
At the same time, Mitsunari quietly prepped for his own release in between producing, coaching EKO, and appearing on variety shows, he barely slept.
Tao noticed and made sure to check in. "You know," he said, "none of this would've happened without you."
Mitsunari gave a small smile. "I didn't do it alone."
With EKO's debut around the corner, Stax Entertainment ran teaser campaigns online. "Origin: EKO" started trending hours before official release.
Fans were eager, especially for the solo versions of the girls' finale songs. Early streaming comments called them "storytellers," "survivors," and "stars."
Tao looked out over the trainees practicing in the other rooms and smiled. "This is only the start."
As the final week before EKO's debut ticked by, the entire building buzzed with pride and pressure. History was about to be written.
In the halls of Stax Entertainment, the dream that began with one fallen idol had now grown into a legacy of redemption, resilience, and rising stars that's led by VIRE, carried by EKO, and guided by Tao and Mitsunari.