Chapter 45: Seventeen Months Later – Almost Home
Scene 1: The Army Camp – A Chilly Morning
The wind cut sharply across the open grounds, but the boys of Eclipse barely noticed anymore. It had been seventeen months since they first reported to the military, and now, with the 18th and final month just around the corner, their return felt closer than ever.
Taehyun and Jisoo moved side by side through the last round of morning drills. Their faces were covered in sweat, their breathing steady. The uniforms that once felt strange now clung to them like a second skin.
"One more month," Jisoo murmured, barely containing his smile.
Taehyun nodded, his gaze fixed ahead. "We're almost there. I've been dreaming about that day."
Nearby, Jaemin helped Hyunwoo adjust his pack while Seojun mock-sparred with Minjun, their laughter echoing off the barracks wall. They had all changed—leaner, sharper, more grounded—but the bond between them had only grown stronger.
And though their bodies were trained for discipline, their hearts still beat for the music, the stage—and the women they had left behind.
Scene 2: The News from the Outside
In their downtime, the soldiers were allowed glimpses of the world beyond the base—letters, video messages, and sometimes updates from curated media feeds.
That morning, a junior officer entered with a small grin. "Big day for Eclipse," he said, holding up a tablet. "Looks like your girls are killing it out there."
The boys huddled around the screen. There it was—bold headlines and vibrant photos:
"Hana Entertainment Nears Top Five in Industry Power Ranking"
"Favour's Studio Breaks Streaming Records with New Producers Under Her Label"
"Yunna's Academy Expands Overseas – LA Branch Opening Confirmed"
"Lily Collaborates with Global Brands – Her Art Now on Runways"
"Seulbi's World Tour Announced, First Solo Dome Concert Sells Out in Minutes"
"Soyeon's Management Company Signs Top Rookie Group of the Year"
Silence settled for a beat, then Hyunwoo broke it. "They didn't just survive without us… they thrived."
Minjun's eyes lingered on Lily's photo—paint-streaked hands, standing beside a model in one of her custom designs. "She always said she wanted to paint a world she could live in."
Jisoo's gaze stayed on Hana's sharp yet glowing profile at a press conference. "They turned every goodbye into something powerful."
"They didn't wait for us," Jaemin said, grinning proudly. "They took the lead."
"And they've built something big enough for us to return to," Seojun added. "If we're ready."
Taehyun stood still for a long moment, then smiled. "Let's earn the right to walk beside them again."
Scene 3: Personal Messages
Each of them received a letter or video clip, reminders that even across months and miles, they were still loved.
Taehyun opened Soyeon's letter, full of scribbles and post-it notes: "I built a team, a dream… but I saved a place for you in it. One more month."
Jisoo unfolded a thick envelope from Hana. Inside were polaroids of the new studio, schedules, press passes… and a small note: "I hope you're ready. Because when you're back, I want us to take over the industry together."
Seulbi's envelope to Jaemin had the lyrics of her latest single—one she said she refused to perform live until he came back.
Favour sent Seojun a USB drive with a note: "These tracks are waiting. No one can finish them but you."
Yunna's video to Hyunwoo featured little kids at her dance academy yelling, "Fighting, Hyunwoo-oppa!" before she added: "I miss your awkward rhythm. I expect you to learn at least one choreo before you get back."
Lily had mailed Minjun a new sketchbook labeled "Our Line." Inside were rough designs and notes that always ended with: "Made for Min."
Scene 4: On the Edge of Return
That night, as the six sat in their barracks, watching the stars through the small window, the air felt heavier—not with exhaustion, but anticipation.
"We're not the same guys who left," Minjun said.
"No," Taehyun agreed. "We're better."
"More patient," Jisoo added, "More grateful."
"And still very much in love," Jaemin grinned.
The road back would begin soon.
Not just back to Seoul. Not just back to Eclipse.
But back to the women who never stopped believing in them.
And to the new world all twelve of them had unknowingly built—together, apart.