New Beginnings and Hidden Shadows

The morning light streamed through the windows, bathing the room in a warm glow. Mia and Liam woke up feeling fresh, their smiles reflecting the joy of the previous night. As they lay next to each other, memories of their shared intimacy flooded back, igniting happiness within them.

"Can you believe we're officially lovers now?" Liam said, his voice soft yet filled with conviction. As he held Mia's hand, he brought it to his lips, an endearing gesture that made her heart flutter. "No matter what happens from here on out, I'll always be standing next to you."

Mia beamed back at him, her heart swelling with affection. "I promise the same, Liam. We're in this together," she affirmed, touching their foreheads together in a moment of connection. "And no more flirting with Kai," he added with a light chuckle, reminding her of their pact.

"Agreed," she replied playfully, her heart racing at the prospect of their new relationship as they drove back into the city.

Upon arriving, their first stop was the dorm, where the other members were gathered. Excitement bubbled in Liam, ready to introduce Mia officially. As they stepped inside, they found Kai out on the balcony, and Liam cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"I have something to announce," he said, taking a deep breath. "Mia and I are dating now." 

Cheers erupted around them, the members celebrating their relationship with genuine happiness. Mia felt warmth wash over her as they congratulated her with hugs and laughter. Afterward, as the excitement faded, Liam pulled Kai aside, determined to set boundaries.

"Listen, I need to talk to you about Mia," Liam began, looking Kai straight in the eyes. "She and I are together now, so I'd appreciate it if you could stop all the flirting."

Kai nodded, unperturbed. "I understand, Liam. Honestly, I noticed something was brewing between you two. I respect that. The thing is, I tried to kiss Mia last night, but she refused. I knew then what it meant."

Relief washed over Liam as he realized there was no lingering confusion between them. After they shared their thoughts, Liam excused himself to head back to his room. He reached for his phone, and the screen brightened with a call from his director. With a sinking feeling, he answered.

"Liam, I need you to come over tonight," the director ordered, his tone serious.

Mia looked concerned, but Liam reassured her. They had a plan in place this time, and he would be ready. That evening, he arrived at the director's vacation home, the weight of familiarity pressing down on him. 

What had once been a trap was now an opportunity. This time, armed with the knowledge from their previous life, Liam was determined to prevent the director from framing him for the actions he never took.

As the director attempted to be charming, inviting Liam to drink, Liam felt the uneasiness creep into his heart. He had seen this play before—the manipulation, the calculated kindness that hid ulterior motives. The director's plan was to get him drunk and set him up with Yuna to accuse him of sexual harassment and impregnating a minor.

Liam's resolve hardened as the conversation shifted. He focused on gathering evidence, knowing they had planted hidden cameras around the office and that his watch was modified to record audio.

Two days passed, and as the media frenzy began regarding Eclipse's silence about the situation, it was palpable. Mia and Liam knew they had to act smartly. They had to work together to dismantle the director's plans.

As 2022 came to an end, they made plans to welcome the New Year together along with the other members of Eclipse. "Nothing is going to happen to the band," Liam reassured Mia, his hand intertwined with hers as they prepared for the celebration.

When the countdown began, Liam pulled Mia in for a tight embrace. As the clock ticked toward midnight, he whispered, "Make a wish."

Surprised but delighted, Mia closed her eyes and thought deeply, feeling Liam's warmth encircle her. "I wish for us to stick together in this battle and to emerge as winners," she said earnestly.

"And for me?" Liam asked, curiosity dancing in his eyes.

"I want to remember you even when we're back to 'real life,'" he said, his voice heartfelt. "I want you to be the first thing that comes into my mind as I wake up on that day at the hospital "

With those words, Mia felt her heart swell. Their lips met again in a soft, lingering kiss that held the promise of their future. 

However, on the day their planned exposure of the director's dirtiness finally arrived, they received troubling news. Yuna had gotten into an accident, and there were reports that she had miscarried. This shocking information reached both Mia and Liam, causing them to pause in their plans. The director had been informed as well, and it appeared he was laying low, taking advantage of the situation to cover his own tracks. 

Mia and Liam knew they had to be cautious; they refrained from making any public statements that could disturb the delicate balance they were attempting to maintain. They had hoped to expose the director for his manipulations, but now the scenario had shifted, and their timing was critical.

As the news spread about Yuna's accident, the media clamored for details, but nothing substantial was released regarding Liam or Eclipse. The director's influence loomed over the situation, but Mia and Liam remained determined. They could not let the director's schemes go unpunished.

As 2022 ended and the start of a new year looming, they had to strategize carefully. They took to their circle, discussing the next steps, making sure not to reveal any vulnerabilities. Whatever it took, they would uncover the truth and protect their relationship and the integrity of Eclipse.

In the silence of the evening, as they planned and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead, Mia held Liam's hand tightly, their bond growing stronger in the face of adversity. Together, they would navigate the turbulent waters that defined their world, emboldened by the promise they had made to one another.