They performed "Start Line" to a cheering studio audience and a sea of cameras.
But it didn't start there.
The lights dimmed. The stage was bathed in soft gold, with a glowing path projected across the floor like a trail of stardust. The audience hushed as the show's host stepped into the spotlight, grinning with easy charisma.
"Welcome to the first episode of Idol Awakening! Tonight, you'll meet the next generation of stars—trainees who've worked day and night to earn this moment. And kicking us off is team one, performing the track Start Line! Let's give it up for Haru, Ren, Daiki, Jin, and the rest of Team One!"
The crowd erupted into applause as the music began—soft piano notes that swelled into an upbeat synth rhythm. A camera panned across each trainee's face, lingering just a second longer on Haru's wide-eyed expression before cutting to a sweeping stage shot.
The intro was gentle, melodic—Ren's voice starting them off with a smooth line:
"Even when the road feels far away,I'll take one more step today..."
The choreography was clean, tight, rehearsed down to the breath. Haru stepped forward for his harmony with Jin. Their footwork landed in perfect sync, boots hitting the floor with practiced grace.
Then came the pre-chorus. Haru's solo.
"I was scared to run,But now I see the sun..."
His voice didn't crack. His jaw stayed relaxed, just as Aoki had taught him. And when he lifted his gaze to the lights, it was like something clicked—his nerves melting into resolve.
The tempo lifted. The beat dropped.
"Start line—I don't know where it goes,But I'm ready to try—"
The choreography exploded into motion. Daiki spun left, Ren dropped into a sharp slide-step, and Haru hit his center cue with a firm, grounded turn.
He landed the spin this time.
He didn't fall.
Cameras caught the way he looked forward as he sang—eyes wide, voice clear:
"Even if I fall, I'll rise again.This dream begins with me!"
From the seats, the crowd screamed. Cheering signs waved—mostly for well-known trainees—but a few fans had come with bunny stickers and hastily scribbled "Haru ♡" since seeing him from the preview broadcast, signs shone under the stage lights.
Online, the reactions began pouring in before the performance even ended.
@kpoporacle: Who is the center?! Haru? I'm obsessed already 😭✨
@idoltea: Haru's vocals are so soft and earnest omg… I felt that solo.
@traineewatch: Daiki slayed as always but HARU STOLE THE BRIDGE OKAY
By the final chorus, all six team members were singing together, movements tight and bright—like stars pulling into alignment. The last pose ended in a raised arm formation, Haru's silhouette framed by warm gold light.
The music faded.
Applause thundered through the studio.
Even some of the judges stood to clap.
Backstage was a whirlwind of clapping hands and shouted praise. Staff rushed in to pull off mics and touch up makeup for post-performance interviews. Someone shoved bottles of water into their hands; another handed out tissues.
Haru stood quietly in the middle of it all, heart still racing. The world felt like it had shifted—like something inside him had changed on that stage.
He'd done it.
And somewhere in the crowd, someone had cheered just for him.
Afterwards, backstage was a whirlwind of clapping hands and shouted praise.
"You were great out there," Jin said, patting his shoulder.
Ren grabbed him in a quick, tight hug. "You nailed it. Center king."
Even Mizuki cracked a rare smile.
But it was Aoki—standing at the edge of the crowd, hands in his pockets—who caught Haru's attention.
He didn't say anything. Just gave a small nod. But his eyes lingered, warm and unreadable.
Haru beamed and waved. "I didn't mess up!"
"No," Aoki said, lips twitching. "You didn't."
He meant to walk away after that. He really did.
But Haru stepped forward, still breathless. "Thanks for helping me. I really couldn't have done it without you."
Aoki opened his mouth, then stopped. His heart stuttered in a way that was entirely unfamiliar.
"I'm just doing my job," he said finally.
But it sounded too quiet. Too close to something else.
Haru tilted his head. "Are you okay?"
"Hmm" Aoki looked away. "Go celebrate with your team."
Haru hesitated, then nodded. "Right. See you later!"
He ran off, light on his feet, his laughter trailing behind him.
Aoki exhaled slowly and closed his eyes.
He was in trouble.
***
That night, the first episode aired.
The dorms exploded with energy as trainees gathered in the common rooms to watch. Screams, laughter, cheers. Haru's phone lit up nonstop with texts from his parents, old classmates, and even strangers tagging him online.
"Bunny Boy is trending for real!" Daiki shouted.
Haru blushed and tried to hide behind a pillow. "Please stop saying that."
Ren leaned over, grinning. "You were good. Seriously. You looked like you belonged up there."
Haru smiled. "I felt like I did... I really did."
Later, in the hallway, he spotted Aoki by the vending machines, sipping a can of coffee like the chaos of the dorms didn't reach him.
"Aoki-san!" Haru jogged over. "Did you see it?"
Aoki nodded. "You did well."
Haru beamed. "You sure? I didn't look weird or… I don't know, stiff?"
"You looked like you belonged," Aoki said, echoing his earlier words.
They stood there for a moment, quiet hum from the machines filling the silence.
"I'm glad I met you," Haru said suddenly. "You always know what to say."
Aoki's heart squeezed in his chest.
"I'm glad too," he murmured.
But Haru just smiled, oblivious, and waved goodnight.
Aoki watched him go, his fingers tightening around the can.
He'd fallen. He knew it now.
And Haru hadn't the faintest clue.