The lights of the stadium in Seoul burned brighter than ever, casting a golden glow over thousands of eager faces. The air buzzed with anticipation—fans cheering, light sticks glowing like a galaxy under the night sky. It wasn’t just another night. It was the night. Backstage, nine members of V Group stood together, their hearts racing in sync with the distant roar of the crowd. This was their moment—their first time performing in Korea at one of the most prestigious award shows. Years of dreams, practice, and silent struggles had led to this very stage. Yet, something felt incomplete.

"The 10th member… where are they?” one of them whispered, glancing toward the entrance. Time was slipping. Just beyond the stage curtains, the show had already begun. One by one, K-pop groups stepped into the spotlight, introducing themselves with confidence and charisma. Each performance sent waves of excitement through the stadium, the crowd growing louder with every passing minute. Backstage, the energy was different—tense, electric.

The nine members exchanged glances, trying to steady their nerves. They could hear the music, the cheers, the announcements echoing through the massive arena. Their turn was getting closer. And still… no sign of the tenth member. Somewhere in the distance, hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway. The night was about to change everything.

The announcer’s voice echoed through the stadium— “Next up… performing for the very first time on this stage… V Group!” The crowd erupted. Backstage, the nine members froze for a split second. This was it. There was no more time.

Their leader took a deep breath, clenching his fists.

The music cue began. The first beat dropped. They stepped onto the stage. The lights blinded them for a moment—but then came the sound. Deafening cheers, fans screaming their name, light sticks waving like a living ocean. It was overwhelming, surreal… everything they had ever dreamed of.

They began performing—sharp, powerful, perfectly in sync. Every move carried years of practice, every expression filled with emotion. But even as they gave it everything, there was a space… a missing presence that all of them could feel. Backstage corridors— Footsteps pounded against the floor. The tenth member was running, breath uneven, heart racing, eyes filled with urgency.

On stage— The music shifted into the second verse. And then— The lights flickered. A sudden change in formation. The crowd gasped. From the side of the stage, a figure ran in—sliding perfectly into position as if she had always been there.

The tenth member. For a split second, the other nine glanced at her—relief, disbelief, and joy flashing in their eyes. No words were needed. They were complete. The performance exploded into something even greater—stronger, sharper, alive in a way it hadn’t been before. The crowd roared louder than ever, sensing the shift, the unity, the story unfolding right before them.

Every step hit harder. Every move felt more powerful. This wasn’t just a performance anymore. It was a moment. A statement. A beginning. As the final beat dropped, all ten of them stood together at center stage, breathing heavily, eyes shining under the bright lights. For a second, there was silence.

Then— The stadium erupted. Cheers thundered through the night, louder than anything before. Backstage anxiety, missed timing, fear—it all disappeared in that one moment. They had made it. Together.

As the final echoes of the music faded, all ten members stood together, catching their breath under the blinding stage lights. For a brief moment, they looked at each other—smiles, relief, and unspoken pride passing between them. Then, in perfect sync, they bowed. The crowd bowed back in waves, cheers rising louder than ever, filling the stadium with admiration and love. It was overwhelming… unforgettable. Slowly, they made their way off the stage, hearts still racing, adrenaline still coursing through them. The moment they stepped backstage, the energy shifted.

Jays didn’t hesitate. She rushed forward, her breath uneven, eyes filled with guilt as she stopped in front of Rorary.

Rorary’s face tightened, frustration flashing in his eyes. For a moment, it seemed like he might scold her. But then… he let out a sigh. How could he stay angry? Not at her. Not at their Jays. She was their baby—the one they protected, the one who somehow held them together.