The greenroom was buzzing with energy. It was one of the biggest music shows of the season, and all the top rookie groups were gathered under one roof. The cameras would be rolling even backstage—every smile, every interaction recorded for fans to dissect.
Kael sat on the black leather couch, legs crossed, scrolling through the stage setlist. His jaw tightened when his eyes landed on the name right above theirs: ASTRIX.
Of course.
"Hyung," Tavi said nervously, tugging on his sleeve. "Are you okay?"
Kael looked up briefly and forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine."
But his grip on the phone was so tight his knuckles were white.
Eren was sprawled across the armrest, his lip curled in annoyance. "Why do we always have to go after them? It's like the universe hates us."
"Maybe it's fate," Sion muttered from the corner, smirking as he scrolled through his phone. "People like them. We just… have to work harder."
Kael shot him a sharp look but said nothing.
Before anyone could reply, the door opened—and the energy in the room shifted.
ASTRIX walked in.
Their presence was magnetic, the kind that made people turn their heads. Lior led the way, his smile polished and perfect, like it had been carved for the cameras. The other members trailed behind him with the same confidence that came from fame.
"LUMINA," Lior greeted, his voice smooth as honey. "We meet again."
Kael stood slowly, his amber eyes locking on Lior's. "Lior."
The cameras were already on them, filming every second. Lior smiled wider, like this was all just friendly banter.
"You did well last time," Lior said, his tone dripping with mock sincerity. "I mean, considering the circumstances. Small fanbase. Limited resources."
Kael's jaw clenched, but he didn't break eye contact. "We don't need pity."
"Oh, it's not pity," Lior said, stepping closer, his voice dropping so only Kael could hear. "It's reality. This industry doesn't wait for shadows to shine."
Kael's fists curled at his sides. He could feel the cameras, the staff, his members watching—but his control was slipping.
Then Klan spoke.
"Kael," he said softly, placing a hand on Kael's arm. His gray-blue eyes looked up at him, steady but pleading.
Kael inhaled sharply. That single touch stopped him from snapping—barely.
Lior noticed. His eyes flicked to Klan, then back to Kael, and a slow, knowing smile curved his lips. "Interesting," he murmured before turning away.
"ASTRIX, on standby!" a staff member called. Lior gave a mock bow before leaving with his group, their laughter echoing in the hallway.
When they were gone, Kael sat down hard on the couch, his hands shaking. Not from fear—but from rage.
Klan knelt beside him, his voice low. "Don't let him get to you. That's what he wants."
Kael stared at him, the storm in his amber eyes softening just slightly. "I hate him."
"I know," Klan whispered. "But… I don't want you to do something you'll regret."
Kael's chest tightened. He didn't trust himself to speak, so he just nodded.
But deep down, he made a silent promise.
Next time, Lior wouldn't walk away so smug.