EPISODE 29: The Weight of Tomorrow
**SCENE START]
INT. STARLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT - PRACTICE ROOMS - MONTAGE
(SOUND of a metronome clicking)
The montage begins. Ten months pass in a blur of hard work and growing camaraderie.
SCENE 1: HYUN-WOO (18), MIN-SU (18), and SEUNG-HO (18) are joined by JAEHYUN (18) and TAEYANG (18) for their first group practice. It's a disaster. Min-su and Taeyang clash constantly, each unwilling to compromise on their style.
SCENE 2: Hyun-woo pulls them aside. Instead of yelling, he uses his knowledge of their personalities. He shows Min-su how a synchronized move can make his solo moments pop. He shows Taeyang how his emotional dance can elevate the entire group's performance. The two of them start to listen.
SCENE 3: Late-night sessions. They're all exhausted, collapsed on the floor. Seung-ho brings them all snacks he bought with his own money. Min-su and Jaehyun complain about their strict diets but eat them anyway, laughing.
SCENE 4: Hyun-woo is at the keyboard, working on their debut song. He has the melody and lyrics from his past life, but he's rewriting it to fit the new members. He adds a rap part for Min-su, showcasing his unique street style. He adds a harmonized chorus for Jaehyun and Seung-ho. He works until he falls asleep at the desk.
SCENE 5: They are filming a music video. They are awkward and nervous at first, but with each take, they get more comfortable. Their chemistry is natural. They are not just a group of trainees anymore. They are a family.
SCENE 6: The five of them stand together, looking at a large poster of their future album cover. The title: ECHO. Their faces are confident, excited, and full of hope. The date on the poster: JULY 16, 2014. The same as the original A-Star.
[SCENE END]
INT. NEXUS ENTERTAINMENT - DIRECTOR'S OFFICE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
The office is sleek and modern, but there's a nervous energy in the air. The year is 2008. A younger, scruffier DIRECTOR LEE (20s) is a junior scout at a major entertainment company, sitting in a meeting with a group of dismissive executives.
JUNIOR EXECUTIVE Look, Director Lee. The trainees you've brought in are good, but they don't have that "it" factor. We're looking for stars, not just talent. We need a perfect group.
DIRECTOR LEE (His voice is passionate) But these kids have potential. They have something real. This is what the public wants!
The senior executives laugh.
SENIOR EXECUTIVE The public wants what we tell them to want. We have a formula. A clean image. A perfect backstory. You're too emotional, Director Lee. You'll never make it in this industry. It's all about strategy, not passion.
Director Lee's face hardens. He watches them, his eyes filled with a deep-seated hatred.
DIRECTOR LEE (V.O.) I swore that day I would build my own company. I would have my own formula. And I would show them what power truly looks like. I would show them that anyone can be a star if they have the right person pulling the strings.
[SCENE END]
INT. HYUN-WOO'S ROOM - NIGHT
Hyun-woo is alone in his room. The ten months of hard work have paid off, but the memories of his past are more present than ever. He sits at his desk, and with a nervous hand, he opens a browser on his laptop. He navigates to a cryptocurrency exchange site.
He logs in and sees a number he can't believe. His small investment in Bitcoin from his first life has grown exponentially. The amount is staggering. It's enough money to buy his own building. Enough to start his own company. Enough to never have to rely on anyone again.
He closes his laptop, a quiet, almost cold look of power on his face. He is not just a boy from the past with a secret. He is now a kingmaker.
[SCENE END]
INT. STARLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT - CEO'S OFFICE - DAY
Hyun-woo stands with the other four members in the CEO's office. They are all wearing matching suits, ready for their debut. The CEO is smiling, a look of pride on his face.
CEO LEE (To all five) I've seen your talent, your drive. You're not just a group; you're a family. You are the future of this company.
The CEO's phone rings. He answers it, and his face instantly hardens.
CEO LEE (Into the phone) Jung Min-jun? And who? Nexus Entertainment? I'm sorry, but we're not interested.
The CEO hangs up and sighs.
CEO LEE (To the boys) Just a small-time company trying to poach talent. You don't have to worry about them.
The other four boys laugh, but Hyun-woo's face remains calm. He knows who that was. Director Lee. He's made his move. He now has a direct rivalry with Hyun-woo's new group.
Hyun-woo looks at his new brothers. He has saved them, but in doing so, he has put a new target on their back. Now, he's not just trying to win. He's trying to survive.
FADE OUT.
[SCENE END]