Chapter 45: Empty Stages and New Beginnings
Scene 1: The Quiet Studio
The once-bustling practice studio now sat still. The polished floors gleamed under the afternoon light, untouched. Hana entered first, her fingers grazing the old mixing console that had captured Eclipse and Lunar's greatest hits. Memories lived in this room—late-night practices, emotional breakthroughs, laughter, tears.
Behind her, Yunna twirled absentmindedly, her dancer's body unable to stay still. Lily entered next, carrying a sketchpad, her clothes flecked with dried paint. Seulbi followed, humming a soft tune under her breath. Favour was the last to walk in, her laptop hugged to her chest like a shield. Their team, once so defined by movement, now hovered in transition.
"So…" Seulbi began, perching on a stool. "What now?"
Scene 2: A Life After Lunar
The disbandment of Lunar hit hard—not because it was scandalous, but because it was silent. A mutual decision. Peaceful. Respectful. But still an ending.
"It feels so weird," Yunna said, stretching her arms above her head. "No practices. No warmups. No '5, 6, 7, 8.' I miss it already."
Favour tapped away on her laptop, her expression focused. "I've already been getting production offers. Some idols are looking for new sounds… I think I might finally launch my solo producer brand. Not just behind-the-scenes anymore."
Lily flipped open her sketchpad and showed them a design—an ethereal concept for an album cover. "I've been freelancing as an illustrator. Fashion brands and music companies keep reaching out. I even got asked to design the uniforms for an indie girl group."
Yunna's eyes lit up. "Can I choreograph their debut?"
Everyone laughed.
"I mean it," Yunna added with a grin. "If Eclipse can inspire someone else, I want to help shape how they move—how they feel when they dance."
Seulbi smiled softly. "I got asked to record a solo ballad for a drama OST. Just one track, but… it felt good to be behind the mic again. Just me."
The room grew quiet for a moment.
Then Hana spoke.
"I've decided to start my own production label."
All eyes turned to her.
"Nothing massive," she clarified, "but a place where artists can breathe. Real stories. Real emotions. No idol masks. I'll scout talent, produce their music, maybe even work with all of you if you're willing."
Favour leaned forward. "Say less. I'm in."
Lily smiled. "I'll design your label's branding."
Yunna bounced on her toes. "Let me choreograph for your artists."
Seulbi held up a hand. "You'll need a voice on some of those tracks, right?"
The room, once quiet, buzzed with renewed energy. They had lost a team, but found their purpose.
Scene 3: Looking Ahead
As the girls walked out of the studio, the sunset bathed them in gold. The city lights flickered to life, but instead of feeling like they were fading away, it felt like they were about to shine in new directions.
They paused on the street, looking up at the sky.
"Lunar may have ended," Lily said softly, "but we're still stars."
"And stars don't disappear," Yunna added. "They just find new constellations."
They all smiled.
End of Chapter 45: Empty Stages and New Beginnings