Chapter 10:Behind the Curtain

Chapter 10: Behind the Curtain

The studio was buzzing with activity as Eclipse prepared for the final stretch of their album production. There was a heightened sense of anticipation, and for Hana, a growing anxiety that gnawed at her. The competition was drawing closer. Every lyric, every note, had to be perfect. One mistake could cost her the chance to be their official producer.

But it wasn't just the music that worried her—it was the underlying tension.

Soyeon's Sabotage

It started small. A misplaced comment here, a subtle jab there. But it grew more noticeable.

During a recording session, Soyeon had cornered Hana in the hallway. "You know, you're really lucky they're all humoring you," she said, her voice icy. "None of them would care about your songs if you weren't... conveniently close to them."

Hana's throat tightened, but she refused to let the words affect her. "I'm here because they chose me. Not because of any 'convenience'."

Soyeon's lips curled into a smirk. "We'll see how long that lasts. Your 'competition' is still coming, remember? Don't think for a second they'll choose you over someone more... qualified."

The words stung, but Hana stood her ground. "I'll make sure they choose me for my work."

Soyeon's eyes narrowed, but she said nothing more, slipping away as quickly as she had come.

Taehyun's Subtle Support

Despite Soyeon's constant attempts to undermine her, there was something—someone—that made Hana feel like she wasn't invisible. Taehyun.

He'd always been distant, always cold. But lately, he'd started offering her small, unspoken gestures of support. Whether it was helping her with a melody or simply sitting beside her when she was alone, there was a shift. A silent acknowledgment that perhaps, just maybe, he saw her for more than just a songwriter.

And then, during a particularly difficult session where the group struggled to find the right feel for their new song, Taehyun stepped in.

"I think," he said, his voice quiet yet firm, "the song needs to capture the chaos of who we are. We're not perfect, we're human. Let's show that."

Hana was taken aback. Was he... defending her choice for the song?

"We're all just trying to fit into a mold," Taehyun continued, "But it's the cracks in the mold that make us different. Make us real."

The others nodded, some still unsure, but the energy in the room shifted. The song that had felt stuck now had a direction. Taehyun had not only given her a crucial perspective on the track, but in that moment, he had proven he was on her side.

The First Test: The Recording

The day of the first official recording session for the album arrived. Hana stood at the control panel, adjusting the settings, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She was anxious, hoping this would be the breakthrough moment.

"Ready?" Jaemin called out from the studio. He was always the one to lighten the mood.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Hana replied, forcing a smile. The tension between Soyeon and her still weighed heavily on her shoulders, but the support from the group, particularly Taehyun, made her feel like she had a chance.

The first song played. Minjae's deep, commanding voice filled the room, followed by Hyunwoo's smooth falsetto. It was Anchor, a song Hana had crafted for Minjae's strong presence. As the vocals blended with the music, she felt a sense of pride. This was her work. Their work.

But then, the second track—Glass Skin—began. Hyunwoo's voice was raw and delicate, carrying the emotion Hana had embedded in the song. The lyrics, so personal and raw, almost felt like they belonged to Hyunwoo himself.

But as they moved through each track, Soyeon's comments echoed in Hana's mind. She could feel the manager's disapproval, could see the way Soyeon scrutinized every note, every lyric. But Hana pushed it away. This was her chance. She couldn't let anyone—especially Soyeon—hold her back.

The Competition Looms

But no matter how hard she tried to block out the negativity, the competition loomed. Hana knew that in a few weeks, there would be a public showcase—a test for the final producer spot. She had no idea who else was competing for the position, but one thing was clear: the pressure was on.

"Don't worry, you'll do great," Jaemin said as he passed by, his usual smile still bright.

But Hana wasn't so sure. What if she didn't measure up? What if Soyeon was right? What if the others started doubting her?

"Do you believe in your songs?" Taehyun's voice came from behind her, breaking her thoughts.

Hana turned, startled by his sudden appearance. "Of course," she replied, trying to steady her breathing.

"Then that's all that matters," he said softly. "The rest is just noise."

His words hung in the air, and Hana found herself nodding. Maybe he was right. Maybe the only thing that mattered was the music.

End of Chapter 10