The buzz from Undeniable hadn't faded.
The performance was hailed as "the most courageous comeback in idol history."
LUMINA's fanbase doubled.
Their song hit #1 on every major chart within 24 hours.
Even critics who once doubted them now used words like iconic, genre-defying, liberating.
But success came with a price.
And CYN Entertainment came to collect.
---
Kael and Klan sat opposite the company board in a private room. The air felt tight—like it had learned to choke dreams long before either of them walked in.
The CEO slid a fresh contract across the table.
> "This is our final offer."
Kael didn't touch it. "What's the catch?"
The CEO smiled tightly. "Public acceptance of your relationship is your choice. But no official endorsements. No interviews about it. No PDA. The company stays 'neutral.' In exchange, we triple your budget, full creative control, international tour."
Klan read the contract with slow, trembling hands. The words were sharp. Calculated.
> "You can be together… just not seen together."
Kael's jaw tightened. "So the same leash. Shinier chain."
"It's compromise," the CEO insisted. "Be smart, boys. This isn't about you. It's about your value. We're offering you everything."
Klan looked up. "Except our truth."
The CEO's voice turned colder. "You can leave. But you'll lose the machine behind you. No promotions. No media access. No funding. Do you know how many idols fade after leaving companies?"
Kael finally stood. "Then we fade. But we fade free."
He reached for Klan's hand, not even bothering to hide it this time. "You built us up with a lie. We'll rebuild with the truth."
Klan followed him as they turned to leave.
"Wait," their manager called softly. "Are you… sure?"
Kael looked back, just once.
> "We were born in their shadow.
But we're done living there."
---
The news broke that night.
[BREAKING] LUMINA Leaves CYN Entertainment – Group to Pursue Independent Path.
Fans cried. Fans celebrated. Sponsors panicked. Indie labels whispered.
And in a small apartment the five of them had rented together, LUMINA stood in a circle.
No mics. No makeup. No money promised.
Just five boys, five hearts, and a thousand possibilities.
Eren grinned, holding up a can of soda like champagne. "To freedom."
Sion smirked. "To risk."
Tavi giggled. "To being broke and in love!"
Klan turned to Kael, eyes glistening.
Kael whispered, "To starting over. With you."
And they toasted—not to a company. Not to a comeback.
But to themselves.
---