The moment had finally arrived. Nine students, nine dreamers, nine performers - now members of Korea's next global supergroup. It was a victory, but it came with a price. To move forward, they had to leave behind the schools that had shaped them and the friends who had cheered for them.
Graduation ceremonies at Rhythm High, Groove Institute, and Beat Music High were nothing short of grand. Banners, confetti, and cheers filled the air as students celebrated not just the supergroup members but everyone who had made it through.
JL stood among his fellow graduates, eyes scanning the crowd. Ten and Yangyang stood at the back, watching with proud yet bittersweet smiles. He couldn't believe that this was it - his time at Rhythm High was over. No more running through the practice rooms, no more late-night training with his classmates, no more waking up to the familiar sound of his schoolmates singing in the hallways.
At Groove Institute, Park Han stood with perfect posture, wearing his uniform for the last time. Unlike his excited classmates, he barely smiled. The ceremony was loud, full of celebration, but he felt strangely detached. He had won, after all. He was one of the chosen nine. So why did it feel like he was losing something?
At Beat Music High, Woongki was surrounded by friends, laughing and joking like nothing was changing. But the moment he stepped off the stage, that reality hit. He wouldn't be here anymore. His path was set on a bigger stage now.
Once the ceremonies ended, there was only one thing left - goodbyes.
--
At Incheon Airport, JL was surrounded by his closest friends, all there to send him off before he returned to the Philippines for a short break.
Mac slung an arm around JL's shoulder. "Don't forget to message me when you land, okay? And when you come back, you owe me a shopping trip."
JL chuckled. "Of course. That's a promise."
Juwon was standing quietly beside them. Unlike Mac, he wasn't one for loud farewells. "Just don't get too relaxed there," he finally said. "You'll be back in a practice room before you know it."
JL grinned. "I know."
Chih En, however, didn't say much at all. He just stepped forward and pulled JL into a tight hug. The others erupted into teasing, but Chih En didn't let go immediately. Before stepping back, he handed JL a small plush doll.
JL blinked at it. "What's this?"
"A souvenir," Chih En mumbled. "Just… something to remind you of here."
JL smiled as he took it, his fingers brushing against Chih En's for a brief moment. "Thanks. I'll take care of it."
Steven wasn't there. He had messaged earlier, saying he had 'last-minute preparations' before heading back to Australia. But something about the way he worded it felt off.
As JL disappeared past the airport gates, the reality of his departure sank in. They had spent so much time together at Rhythm High, yet now… everyone was going their separate ways.
--
Homecomings and New Chapters
JL and Yangyang landed in Manila, Philippines, greeted by the humid tropical air. But the real moment of surprise came when they were met by JL's biological parents. It was awkward at first - JL wasn't sure how to act around them after so many years apart. But Yangyang made things smoother, speaking to them casually, making jokes, helping JL realize that, despite everything, they were his family.
A few days later, they traveled to Boracay, a famous white sand island. The beach was breathtaking, the ocean stretching endlessly before them. JL felt a rare sense of peace - away from training, away from any pressure, just… him, the sand, and the waves.
Back in Korea, Park Han refused to take a break. Instead of resting, he threw himself into training, practicing even harder than before. Changsub had recommended a nearby music academy for him to refine his skills, and Park Han took the offer without hesitation.
Yet, no matter how many hours he spent in the practice room, he couldn't get one thought out of his head - JL. He told himself it was just frustration, just lingering emotions from the competition. But deep down, he wasn't so sure anymore.
Meanwhile, Woongki reunited with his old friends and classmates from Beat Music High. He organized meet-and-greet parties with fans, embracing the fame that was waiting for him. He loved the energy, the excitement - it reminded him why he wanted to be an idol in the first place.
Shuaibo, on the other hand, had his own priorities. Before flying back to China, he dragged JL and Woongki to a luxury cosmetic shop.
"You two need to take better care of your skin," he scolded while filling their hands with expensive products. "Your visuals are just as important as your talent."
JL laughed but accepted the products, while Woongki just sighed, knowing it was useless to argue with Shuaibo when he got like this.
Jeongwoo, a former class president of Groove's top class, found himself going back to Groove Institute even after his transfer and graduation, helping with student government matters that had been left unresolved. He wanted to leave things in perfect order before fully moving on.
Juwon, however, didn't go on any vacation. Instead, he stayed behind in Rhythm High, continuing his training. He refused to take a break, practicing his vocals and dance every single day. Ten tried to tell him to rest, but Juwon was determined - he had to keep getting better.
And then there was Daisuke, Rhythm High's maknae. The youngest member of the supergroup, only 14, quietly returned to Japan with his older sister. He was still so young, yet he had already stepped onto the biggest stage of his life. But despite his quiet nature, he was excited. His dreams were finally coming true.
--
As their vacations continued, their future home was being prepared.
The National Performing Arts Complex or the NPAC - a massive facility designed to house and train Korea's best performers. And now, it would become their dormitory, their training ground, their world.
Inside, a lone figure walked down the corridor. He was tall, blond, and undeniably charismatic. His steps were measured, his presence commanding.
Though his face remained unseen, one thing was clear - this was no ordinary young man.
He glanced around the dormitory, assessing everything, as if deciding whether this place was truly fit to train a supergroup.
As he continued walking, a familiar song echoed through the hallway - "Pretty Girl" by KARA.
And just like that, the next chapter of their journey was about to begin.