The numbers came in just before sunrise. EKO's debut mini album "Origin: EKO" had officially charted at #10 on the national charts. For a rookie group from a relatively new label, it was a stunning accomplishment.
The dorm erupted into cheers. Chaelin screamed first, waking up Rina, who sleepily registered the news before jumping up in disbelief. Yurina grabbed her phone and started crying. Jieun just smiled, her hand pressed over her mouth. Mizuha stared at the screen, speechless.
Across the city, at Stax Entertainment headquarters, staff were already popping small bottles of sparkling cider. Tao grinned with pride as Jun fist-bumped every assistant in the room. "We did it," Tao said. "No… they did it."
Mitsunari stood in a practice room alone, quietly watching a loop of their debut performance. "You did it," he whispered to the screen, as Mizuha took center for the final chorus of Bring It.
Later that day, all of Stax gathered for a celebration. VIRE, Tao, and the staff filled the conference room with applause and warm hugs. "To the first generation of EKO," Tao toasted, "May you lead the wave you started."
Everyone congratulated them including other idols, producers, even rival companies. The hard work of the survival show and the powerful storytelling behind each member's journey had paid off.
After the celebration calmed down, Mitsunari found a quiet moment. He gestured gently toward the rooftop where he and Mizuha could talk away from the flashing cameras and roaring crowd.
She followed him, the soft hum of the city beneath them. The sun was just starting to set. "It feels unreal," Mizuha said, looking out at the horizon.
"You earned it," Mitsunari replied, leaning against the railing. "I know what you gave up to get here. How hard you pushed, and I saw it in every round."
Mizuha smiled but didn't look at him. "I had to keep up with you. You're the reason I even thought this could be possible."
Mitsunari looked down at the rooftop floor, then back at her. "Now that we're both here as idols, schedules, fan events, all of it's going to be hard, Mizuha."
She finally turned to face him. "I know and I've been thinking about that too, but I want this, and I want us. I think we can make both work if we try."
He reached for her hand and held it between his. "Then I'll do my best. I'll always find time, even if it's just five minutes between rehearsals."
"Me too," she said. "Even if it's just a text at midnight. Even if we're exhausted."
They stood there in silence for a few moments, letting the reality of their new lives settle in. Two people, finally chasing the same dream, but now from different directions.
The next day brought another reality check. EKO had their first music show performance since their debut album release. They were confident but anxious.
Their fans, already dubbed "Echoes," filled the venue with cheers. Placards with each girl's name lit up across the crowd but also present were fans of Kik Up, one of the biggest girl groups in the country.
Kik Up was also promoting a new song, and the rumors backstage were clear as Kik Up was the favorite to win.
Still, EKO stepped onto the stage with power. Their performance of Bring It was the sharpest it had ever been. The judges nodded in appreciation. Even other idols watched from the wings, impressed.
But when the final scores came in, Kik Up won the music show.
The girls stood backstage, holding hands as Kik Up walked past to accept their trophy. Instead of resentment, there was admiration in their eyes.
"They're incredible," Yurina whispered, still catching her breath. "They were perfect."
Jieun nodded. "And we will be too. Someday."
Chaelin watched the screen replay of Kik Up's encore. "I want to be that sharp. That confident. That impactful."
Mizuha looked at her members and smiled. "Then let's work until we are."
Later that night, Tao gathered the girls for a quick check-in. He saw the disappointment in their faces but was proud of their spirit.
"You're not defeated," he told them. "You're just beginning. Even losing is a part of building your name."
Mitsunari added from the side, "You lost to legends today. That's nothing to be ashamed of. Kik Up has years of experience but you stood on the same stage and that means you belong there."
The girls took his words to heart. That night, instead of resting, they requested one hour of practice before bed. Just one hour to review their mistakes.
Mizuha led the charge. "Let's not chase Kik Up's level. Let's surpass it."
The next few days were grueling. Interviews, variety show appearances, and more live performances, but the girls powered through each with renewed hunger.
Their fanbase grew fast as many admired their underdog energy and the honesty with which they handled their first loss.
The girls continued to speak fondly of Kik Up in interviews. "They're our inspiration," Rina said in one segment. "We hope to grow into artists like them."
The public appreciated their humility. EKO wasn't trying to play rivals as they were playing students of the game.
Mitsunari and Tao met weekly with the girls, guiding them through the rough industry terrain with experience and care.
In one of those meetings, Tao smiled and said, "The world already loves you. You just have to show them you're here to stay."
Mitsunari often watched their practice footage late at night, a small smile on his face. Mizuha was different now as she's stronger, sharper, but still her.
He knew the industry would try to pull them apart but seeing her shine made it worth the challenge.
And Mizuha knew the path wouldn't be easy. But she had her team, her fans, and him. That was enough to keep going.
As the week closed, EKO stood once more in front of a crowd that was smaller than Kik Up's but growing fast and they sang Bring It not just as a debut song, but as a promise. They weren't here to just be seen. They were here to make noise.