Riding the euphoric high of their performance, Ryu, Corsair, and Yone regrouped instinctively at center stage. Without even needing to look at one another, they closed ranks, arms draping over shoulders in a familiar, grounding embrace. Their chests were still rising and falling from exertion, sweat clinging to their temples and necks, but their faces—oh, their faces—were lit up with radiant, unfiltered joy.
Bright smiles were plastered across all three of them, the kind that only comes from surviving something monumental together.
The lights softened, and the applause—still thunderous—washed over them in rolling waves. Cheers echoed from every corner of the theatre, chants breaking out spontaneously, fans screaming their names until their voices cracked. Some people were still on their feet, clapping so hard their palms stung. Others were clutching their friends, mouths hanging open, as if trying to process what they'd just witnessed.
And it wasn't just the live audience losing their damn minds.
Over on the internet, chaos reigned.
Clips were already circulating. Screenshots, fancams, slowed-down moments of Corsair's high note, Yone's rap, Ryu's harmonies—everything was being dissected in real time. Comment sections flooded faster than mods could blink.
@Yoyo: that was such a 👏👏👏👏👏. That's all I have to say.
@Rumi: That was SUCH an amazing performance! Like—hello??? That was literally concert touring, award show, year-end worthy. Let. Them. Debut. Already.
@SirenCoach: Truly another outstanding performance from Ryu and Corsair. But I must say—Yone has grown tremendously as a vocalist. Brava to these three young men.
@Miley Circus: I feel like I watched a whole ass movie. Like HELLOOOO?? What the hell was that production? How much money did they dump into ONE performance? And y'all gonna hate me for this, but current idols right now could never. I said what I said.
-> @Edward Cullen: Gasp bitch WHAT did you say—
…you right though 🤣🤣🤣🤣
-> @CaliforniaMaki: SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!!
The praise was relentless, piling on top of itself until it felt inescapable. Anyone scrolling could practically feel the aftershocks of the performance through their screens.
Eventually, once the live audience calmed—just a little—the show smoothly transitioned into the evaluators feedback segment.
Tuesday leaned forward in her chair, hands clasped together, eyes bright and practically sparkling.
"Whew!" she exclaimed, laughing breathlessly. "I felt like I was watching a movie!" She gestured animatedly toward the stage. "You three have outdone yourselves, and I couldn't be more proud. The way you utilized storytelling—from the production, to the costumes, to the choreography—every single decision felt intentional. Meticulous. And it paid off so well. Truly outstanding."
Ryu visibly relaxed at her words, Corsair nodding enthusiastically, Yone biting back a grin that threatened to split his face in half.
"I have to agree," Luca chimed in, still shaking his head as if in disbelief. "As a director myself, I noticed details most people wouldn't even clock. The ensemble in the background—living their own fantasy without ever pulling focus—that's not easy. Their presence enhanced the entire narrative. And during the krump section?" He let out a low whistle. "If I were directing the camera work, every single angle would've been a masterpiece."
He paused, glancing sideways with a knowing smile.
"I'd love to keep going, but we're tight on time… so I'm going to pass the spotlight to the guy over here who actually made your song."
The words landed like a bomb.
The arena buzzed instantly—confused murmurs rippling through the crowd, viewers at home sitting up straighter. What did he just say?
Onstage, Ryu, Corsair, and Yone froze.
Their smiles dropped. Eyes widened. Jaws slackened.
"…Huh?" was the collective, unspoken thought.
"I see you're shocked," Foca said with a chuckle, clearly enjoying the moment far too much.
The trio could only nod, speechless.
They were still riding adrenaline from the performance—and now, suddenly, fear crept in, sharp and unwelcome. Nervous anticipation wrapped around their spines.
Because what did he mean… Foca made the song?
Internally, all three of them were screaming.
Pull it together.
Don't panic.
Why is this happening right now?!
"I have to say," Foca continued, his voice calm, steady, "you three did the song justice. And then some. You went above and beyond expectations tonight."
That was all it took.
The tension shattered instantly.
Ryu actually jumped, Corsair letting out a breathless laugh as Yone clutched his chest dramatically. Any trace of anxiety evaporated, replaced by sheer, unfiltered relief and joy.
"This was one of the few songs I wrote after I discovered J-pop and anime," Foca explained. "I was still in high school back then. My head was filled with fantasy—big emotions, big worlds. And watching this tonight…" He smiled softly. "It felt like you took that fantasy and made it real."
The trio listened intently, eyes shining.
"I especially want to highlight the choreography Yone conceived," he added. "Masterful. The transitions, the fluidity, the way the movements mimicked waves and water—it was a brilliant choice."
Yone's ears burned, but he bowed slightly, clearly touched.
"And the vocals—spot on," Foca continued. "Ryu, Corsair, we expected excellence, and you still exceeded it. Teaching the ensemble that harmony section? Sublime."
He paused.
"Now," he said carefully, "this is me being extremely nitpicky. Truly."
Here it comes.
"During the ensemble harmony, I did hear some voices slightly off-key. Some sharp, some flat—very soft, very nearly unnoticeable."
The trio stiffened for half a second.
"But," Foca raised a finger, "please don't let that overshadow what was an excellent performance. This is just my musical OCD talking."
He smiled again.
"Congratulations. And thank you for such a wonderful performance."
The feedback segment wrapped, and the trio bowed deeply—smiling, relieved, exhilarated. Whatever critique existed was microscopic compared to the mountain of praise they'd received.
Backstage, as they returned to their waiting room, laughter and excited chatter spilled out of them all at once.
Online, however?
The discourse continued.
@Madoka-San: Truly an excellent job. I heard what Mr. Foca mentioned as well, but overall—well done!
-> @Malory: Y'all are nitpicking. What the fuck was that feedback? The harmony sounded fine. Haters 🤬
--> @SirenCoach: My dear, no one said they hated the performance. Trained ears notice different things. Please don't dampen the mood.
---> @Malory: Here you go again you elitist fuckers! Not everyone has trained ears! Let us enjoy shit without you smartasses!
----> @sirenanggabun: Please don't engage. This person is a known troll in the LEAVEN community. Serial hater. Not worth it.
@overcaffeinated: These three brought the house DOWN.
@RokuRoku: Hell yeah! Yone, Ryu, Corsair absolutely killed it. I'm smelling a debut 🤞
-> @Cake_Enthusiast: Please Lordt let this be true 🙏🥺
And as the internet continued to buzz, argue, praise, and spiral—one thing was undeniable.
Something had shifted.
Tonight wasn't just a performance.
It was a statement.