Morning came too fast, like the world refused to give me time to breathe.
The alarm blared at 5:30 a.m., sharp and unforgiving.
I rolled out of bed before the others stirred, movements smooth, silent, almost mechanical.
No groggy haze.
No heavy eyelids.
Just instant clarity, like someone had flipped a switch labeled "idol mode."
Ae-Ri was waiting on the windowsill, already dressed for the day in a tiny silver mini-dress that matched the city lights outside.
She yawned dramatically, stretching her wings until they shimmered.
"Up and at 'em, superstar! First official group practice as Eclipse's golden children. Can't be late on day one."
I dressed quickly—black leggings, cropped hoodie, hair pulled into a high ponytail that somehow looked editorial even without effort.
The mirror caught me again.
Skin glowing under the dim bulb.
Eyes bright, almost luminous.
I looked ready for a photoshoot, not a 6 a.m. sweat session.
Down in the practice room, the others trickled in one by one.
Hyejin first, still half-asleep, clutching a banana milk like a lifeline.
Minseo next, hair in a messy bun, smiling softly when she saw me already stretching.
Sera arrived silent, earbuds in, gaze flicking over me like she was cataloging changes.
Chaewon last, clipboard in hand, schedule printed and highlighted.
We started with vocal warm-ups.
The coach—a new one Eclipse had assigned—stood at the front, arms crossed, expression skeptical.
"Alright, LUNARIS. Show me what you've got. Main vocal line first."
Chaewon stepped up, voice steady and warm.
Then Minseo, sweet and clear.
Sera's rap flowed sharp and effortless.
Hyejin added her signature playful ad-libs.
Then me.
I stepped into center.
Took one breath—deep, controlled, endless.
Opened my mouth.
The first note soared.
High, crystalline, no waver.
I layered harmony beneath it, then climbed again, effortless runs that used to make my throat burn.
Now it felt like floating.
Like the sound lived outside me, perfect and separate.
The coach's jaw dropped.
He scribbled furiously on his clipboard.
"Again. Higher."
I did.
Higher still.
A whistle note that pierced the room like glass breaking in reverse.
Everyone froze.
Even Hyejin's banana milk paused halfway to her lips.
Ae-Ri danced in the air behind the coach, invisible to him, spinning with glee.
"Listen to that! Listen! They're speechless. You're not just good anymore, princess. You're untouchable."
The coach cleared his throat, voice hoarse.
"Yoona-ssi… that was… exceptional. We'll adjust your parts. You'll take the main vocal bridge in the title track. And the high note climax."
Chaewon nodded slowly.
Sera's eyes narrowed.
Minseo beamed, proud.
Hyejin whooped and tackled me again.
But under the celebration, something shifted.
The room felt different.
The air belonged to me now.
Not us.
Me.
We moved to choreography.
The new routine was brutal—fast footwork, intricate formations, body rolls that demanded perfect sync.
I hit every mark.
Every angle.
Every expression timed to the millisecond.
The mirror reflected five girls moving as one… except mine was sharper.
Cleaner.
Brighter.
During a water break, Minseo pulled me aside, voice low.
"Yoona-yah… are you feeling okay? You seem… different. Like, really different."
I smiled.
The automatic one.
Teeth, eyes, slight head tilt.
"I'm fine. Just focused."
She searched my face.
"You don't seem… excited. Or tired. Or anything."
Ae-Ri landed on my shoulder, whispering hot against my ear.
"She's noticing, superstar. Careful. Too perfect starts looking fake."
I shrugged lightly.
"Maybe I'm just happy. Finally."
Minseo hesitated, then nodded.
"Okay. Just… talk to me if something's up, yeah?"
I nodded back.
But inside, nothing stirred.
No warmth.
No guilt.
Just calm, glittering certainty.
Practice ended at noon.
We were drenched, exhausted—except me.
My breathing stayed even.
No sweat stains.
No flushed cheeks.
Just glow.
As we packed up, Chaewon approached.
Quiet.
Serious.
"Yoona. A word."
We stepped into the hallway.
She crossed her arms, leader mode on full.
"I'm happy for you. For all of us. But something's changed. You're not the same girl who cried after evaluations. And I need to know why."
Ae-Ri hovered between us, grinning like she'd won a prize.
"Ooh, confrontation time! Tell her, princess. Tell her about the tiny fairy who trades pieces of you for stardom."
I met Chaewon's eyes.
Steady.
Empty.
"I'm just trying my best, unnie. For the group."
She studied me for a long moment.
Then sighed.
"Alright. But if you ever need to talk… I'm here."
She walked away.
I stood there, hallway lights buzzing overhead.
Ae-Ri floated in front of my face, blocking the exit.
Her smile was softer now.
Almost gentle.
"Tick-tock, superstar.
They're starting to see the cracks.
And the next trade?
It's going to be a big one."
She blew me a kiss, sparkles trailing.
"Get ready.
Because once you say yes…
there's no going back to the girl they used to know."
I stared at the empty hallway.
Felt the cool, perfect calm settle deeper.
And for the first time, I didn't fight it.
I welcomed it.