"If you had to choose between the two, would you give up love to make millions of people happy, or would you give up fame to be with the one who makes you happy?"
In the hopes of making it big within a solo-artist focused academy, seven friends come...
Those words echoed between them and resonated with everyone around.
Navigating life at Shine Academy, a prestigious institution known for launching solo artists, was no small feat. The intense competition made every day a battle, with each student vying for their moment in the spotlight. The academy, renowned for its rigorous standards, held an annual exam where only those who met their exacting criteria and showcased exceptional talent were accepted. It wasn't uncommon to see the children of celebrities strutting through its halls, adding to the pressure and prestige.
Yet amidst this fierce environment, a remarkable turn of events unfolded. Seven extraordinary individuals, whose sheer talent and determination had earned them a place among the academy's elite, joined forces with another seven equally gifted souls. Together, they dared to defy the academy's stringent rules, crafting their own path in a world that demanded conformity. Their rebellion wasn't just an act of defiance; it was a bold statement of their collective spirit and unyielding passion.
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"It's still hard to believe how much we've been through in just a year." Sohee murmured, awe lacing his voice as he sat in the salon chair.
The gentle snip of scissors was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of memories in his mind — Every sleepless night, every whispered plan, every moment of doubt that had threatened to unravel them. Now, as the stylist worked, it was as if each lock of hair falling away was shedding the burdens of the past year, revealing a new version of himself, one forged in the fires of their shared struggles.
"A lot can change in a single year." Sungchan said, his voice thoughtful, almost reflective.
He had always been the one who looked at things from every angle, the strategist of the group. But even he couldn't have predicted the twists and turns their journey would take.
The past year had been a whirlwind, pushing him to grow in ways he hadn't imagined. The sacrifices, the late-night practices, the moments of doubt — They had all shaped him into the person he was now. And though he knew there were still challenges ahead, he felt more prepared than ever to face them, with his friends by his side.
"I can't imagine what it would've been like if each of us had debuted as soloists. I would have felt so lonely and scared. Debuting in a foreign country is challenging enough, but doing it alone... it would have been overwhelming." Shotaro said, a hint of melancholy in his voice.
The idea of standing alone on a stage, the spotlight blinding and the audience's eyes all on him, sent a shiver down his spine.
The others nodded in silent agreement, each of them remembering the isolation they had once feared, a loneliness that now seemed impossible in the warmth of their friendship.
