Chapter 6 :One Song to Prove It

Chapter 6: One Song to Prove It

The glass meeting room was too bright, too clean, and far too quiet for Hana's pounding heart. She sat at the long conference table beside the three other songwriters—all of them older, glossier, and far more experienced.

The first, a woman named Yoon Haeun, was dressed head to toe in sleek black. Her portfolio included tracks for three top-tier girl groups. The second, Seo Doyoung, was a former idol-turned-producer known for his flashy beats and louder opinions. The third, Oh Mirae, was a polished lyricist who barely looked at Hana except to smirk.

"She's the intern?" Doyoung said, flipping lazily through his folder. "Cute."

"She's the fan who got lucky," Mirae added, not bothering to whisper.

"I'm just here to write," Hana said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Haeun gave her a passing glance. "And we're here to win."

Later that afternoon

The members of Eclipse stood behind the soundproof glass as the songwriters presented their demo tracks in turn. The CEO, producers, and A&R team sat in the front row like judges at a talent show.

Soyeon stood to the side, arms folded, expression unreadable—but Hana could feel the heat of her stare.

One by one, the professional producers stepped up.

Haeun's song was moody and elegant. Doyoung's track had a trendy beat, something danceable. Mirae's was dreamy and romantic—technically perfect.

Then it was Hana's turn.

She stood up with nothing but a flash drive and her voice.

"This is called Still Here," she said softly. "It's the first song I wrote after giving up music. And the one that made me start again."

She hit play.

The melody began with a single piano note—soft, raw, real.

Then her voice joined:

"Built walls to breathe, not to break,

Still I drown in every wake…"

It wasn't perfect.

But it was honest.

As the song played, Hana glanced at the Eclipse members. Jisoo was smiling. Jaemin was mouthing the words. Even Minjae nodded to the beat.

But her eyes drifted to Taehyun. His gaze was locked on her, unreadable but intense. He said nothing—but he listened.

When the final note faded, the room was still.

No one clapped.

Then the CEO leaned forward. "You wrote that alone?"

Hana nodded. "The members helped shape it. But yes."

Outside the room

As Hana stepped out, Mirae brushed past her, nose in the air. "Pretty song," she said. "Too bad you're not industry."

Hana didn't respond. She didn't need to.

Because a few hours later, Soyeon called her back in.

With a face like she'd swallowed a lemon, the manager spoke through gritted teeth.

"You're Eclipse's producer," she said. "Congratulations."

Hana blinked. "Wait—what?"

"You heard me," Soyeon snapped. "They picked your song. They want you to write the rest of the album."

Before Hana could even respond, Jaemin and Jisoo burst in behind her, nearly knocking over a potted plant in celebration.

"I knew it!" Jaemin shouted, lifting her in a spinning hug. "You did it!"

Minjae gave her a firm nod, and even Hyunwoo cracked a smile.

Taehyun walked in last.

He said nothing.

But he met her eyes.

And that was enough.

End of Chapter 6