EPISODE 34: The First Bow
**SCENE START]
INT. DRESSING ROOM - MORNING
The small dressing room is a whirlwind of nervous energy. Five young men are being prepped by stylists, their faces a mix of professional calm and raw excitement. The air is thick with the scent of hairspray and anticipation. HYUN-WOO (18) sits in a chair, his hair and makeup already done. He looks at his reflection, the face of his past self staring back at him.
He looks over at the others. MIN-SU is standing, practicing his rap in a low whisper. He's wearing a stylish jacket that makes him look like a star. SEUNG-HO and JAEHYUN are humming a harmony together, their voices a quiet, beautiful melody. TAEYANG is staring at his reflection, a single-minded focus in his eyes.
A stylist approaches Hyun-woo.
STYLIST All set. You look perfect.
Hyun-woo just nods, a small smile on his face. He's calm, but his heart is pounding. This is it. The day that, in his past life, changed everything.
A staff member rushes in, holding a phone.
STAFF MEMBER Five minutes until the music video drops! We need to go.
The five boys stand up, a unified front. They look at each other, their eyes filled with a shared understanding. This isn't just a debut. It's a promise.
[SCENE END]
INT. STARLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT - MEDIA ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The five boys, now standing in front of a large monitor, are watching a live YouTube countdown. Their CEO is standing behind them, a proud smile on his face.
The countdown ticks down: 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…
The screen goes black, and then the music video begins. The first beat drops, and the room fills with the vibrant, powerful sound of their debut song. It's a track that Hyun-woo had a hand in creating, a blend of pop, hip-hop, and emotional vocals. The choreography is a testament to their hard work, with each member shining.
The boys are mesmerized, watching their new selves on screen. As the video plays, the view count and the "likes" start to climb at an astonishing speed.
A staff member's voice cracks the silence.
STAFF MEMBER One hundred thousand views in five minutes! The comments are insane! They love it!
The room erupts in cheers. The boys of ECHO turn to each other, their faces radiating pure, unbridled joy. They hug each other, their relief and happiness palpable.
Min-su pulls Hyun-woo into a tight embrace.
MIN-SU Hyun-woo! It worked! We did it!
Hyun-woo just nods, a single tear of happiness and relief rolling down his cheek. They did it. They changed the future.
[SCENE END]
INT. HYUN-WOO'S GRANDPARENTS' HOUSE - KITCHEN - EVENING
The house is quiet, the day's excitement a distant memory. The lights are dim, casting a soft, warm glow. GRANDMA is washing dishes, and GRANDPA is sitting at the kitchen table, reading.
Hyun-woo enters the room, his face serene. He's still in his debut clothes, a small smile on his face.
GRANDMA (She turns, surprised) Hyun-woo! You're home. How did it go?
Hyun-woo doesn't answer right away. He just walks over to the table and sits down across from his grandfather.
HYUN-WOO Grandma… Grandpa… I have something to tell you. Something I should have told you a long time ago.
They both sit down, their faces filled with concern. Hyun-woo takes a deep breath. He knows this is his second chance. His chance to finally be honest with the people who love him.
HYUN-WOO I… I was an idol. In my other life. I was a member of a group called A-Star. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, and it was also a curse. I was famous, and I had everything. But I lost it all. My family... my career… everything.
Grandma and Grandpa listen, their eyes wide with confusion and worry. Hyun-woo continues, his voice soft but steady.
HYUN-WOO And that's why I was so sad. And so scared. Because I knew what was coming. I knew that I had a second chance to fix things. To save my future.
He looks at them, his eyes brimming with tears.
HYUN-WOO And I did it. I formed a new group. A new family. We're called ECHO. And we debuted today. I did it because I want to protect them. And I did it for you.
Grandma and Grandpa look at each other, then back at their grandson. They may not understand the full story, but they understand his pain. And they see his love. They both stand up and wrap him in a loving embrace, the promise of a brighter future finally here.
FADE OUT.
[SCENE END]