Between Spotlight and Shadows (NewJeans x M!Reader/OC)

Chapter 12 - Unravel

November 27th, 10:30am @EDICTA ENT Meeting Room - Taejin POV

My legs still throbbed from last night's MMA performances, and my head buzzed with leftover adrenaline—too many emotions and half-formed memories ricocheting around my mind to let me sleep. Despite the fatigue, I found myself practically vibrating with excitement this morning, the way you do when you're standing on the edge of something life-changing.

All seven of us in SOLANIS had gathered around the conference table in one of EDICTA's larger meeting rooms. Minho, our leader, sat to my left, flipping through his handwritten notes from the early hours—revisions to "CROWN" or possible new choreo ideas. Meanwhile, Jisoo and Jaeyoung whispered animatedly about how our social media accounts exploded overnight. They kept sneaking glances at their phones, passing screenshots of trending hashtags and "OMG SOLANIS" tweets back and forth like contraband. Sungjin, massaging a kink in his neck, grumbled about surviving on three hours of sleep, while Hyunwoo and Ryu flipped through thick piles of show pamphlets and potential schedules, heads tilted in that calm, studious posture they always had when they took in new info.

At the head of the table stood Jihoon-hyung, our manager, who'd just rattled off a list of updates: fan engagement soared after our MMA stage; Korean and international fans alike were searching up our past performances. People especially lost it over the way we seamlessly went from the dark concept in "CROWN" to the rebellious vibe in "New Rules." A flicker of pride warmed my chest each time Jihoon-hyung mentioned it—like my pulse physically resonated with the knowledge that, yes, we actually did that.

But we weren't alone with Jihoon-hyung. Baek Seonjin, our CEO, lingered near the back, a small stack of folders tucked under his arm. His eyes gleamed with the kind of satisfaction I hadn't seen before. He'd taken a risk signing each of us—especially me—but last night proved we could deliver.

Finally, Jihoon-hyung set down his phone, giving us a tight smile. "So, that's the gist on your social metrics and immediate fan response," he said, voice brimming with restrained excitement. "People are beyond thrilled, and we're no exception. Now, we move forward."

Seonjin-hyung stepped up, clearing his throat. "Everyone," he began, his tone somehow both warm and commanding, "I won't keep repeating how proud I am—but I hope you feel it. You truly outdid yourselves last night. The industry is buzzing about SOLANIS."

He paused long enough for the words to sink in. A ripple of relief swept through us. Even typically stoic Hyunwoo let a small grin slip. We'd all slaved away for this recognition—finally, it was hitting in full force.

"And," Seonjin-hyung continued with a knowing nod, "I got a call from an old acquaintance at HYBE—your old stomping ground, Taejin. They're impressed. Don't be surprised if a collaborative stage or some other joint project pops up in the next year."

My stomach lurched. The mention of HYBE was like stepping on an old bruise. Yet a tiny spark of vindication simmered beneath the discomfort. Part of me wanted to show them exactly what they'd lost when they cut me. I forced a neutral nod, grateful for the flicker of pride that overshadowed the sting.

Seonjin-hyung set his folders on the table. "Now, about the schedule ahead." He opened the top folder, flipping through typed documents. "You shook the stage at MMA—this is only the beginning. Here's what's next:

End-of-Year Performances: You're locked in for Gayo Daejeon next month. That's no small feat. They've specifically asked for a throwback cover, and of course, you'll do 'CROWN.' It won't be as grand as MMA production-wise, but it's still a major broadcast. Start brainstorming childhood favourites or classic K-pop hits we can adapt.

No More Award Shows (for this year): We didn't get invites that lined up for MAMA or AAA, so you can take a breather. Don't be discouraged. MMA alone has established you guys as a group that can make a statement