HEARTS IN HARMONY

Chapter 9: The Hidden Track

The days were a blur of recording sessions, back-and-forth edits, and an increasing sense of pressure as the deadline for the album approached. Hana could feel the weight of it on her shoulders—the expectations from the company, from the fans, and... from herself.

She'd written the six songs, but there was one that she hadn't shared. One she kept for herself. A song that wasn't for Eclipse's image, but for Taehyun. For everything she had seen beneath his cold exterior.

But Soyeon wouldn't let her forget that she didn't belong.

The Demo Hearing

The tension in the room was palpable as the members of Eclipse sat in front of their monitors, headphones on. The team was ready to hear the demos, the ones Hana had spent countless hours perfecting.

Jisoo leaned back, already smiling. "I have a feeling this is gonna be a blast."

Jaemin fidgeted with his phone, but his attention was split between the screen and Hana, who was behind the console, nervously glancing at her notes.

"I hope you like them," she said quietly. "I tried to make sure each of you had a song that fits."

Hyunwoo spoke first, as always, his voice calm but with a hint of excitement. "I'm sure they'll be great."

Then the music began.

The first track was Anchor, Minjae's. The beat was solid, his power resonating with every note. He nodded in approval as it played, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Next was Glass Skin for Hyunwoo. The lyrics hit deep—raw, vulnerable. He leaned forward, watching Hana with a small smile of understanding. "You get it."

Jaemin's Bittersweet came on next. It was playful, fun, and full of life. Jaemin laughed and clapped his hands. "I love this! It's me!"

Jisoo gave a thumbs-up when his own song, Luminous, was played. It was elegant, graceful, just like him.

But then came the moment that made the room fall silent.

Phantom Heart began, soft and haunting.

Hana's heart raced as Taehyun's song filled the air. It was everything she'd hoped for—and more. A song full of shadows, a sound that matched his reserved soul, his walls, his fear. She watched him, waiting for his reaction.

But Taehyun didn't move.

Not a smile, not a frown. He just listened.

The Reaction

Soyeon, who had been standing off to the side with her arms crossed, was the first to break the silence. "It's… fine," she said, her voice cool. "But it doesn't fit the image."

"What do you mean?" Hana's voice was tight with frustration. She knew what Soyeon was implying.

Soyeon gave her a sharp, dismissive look. "It's too... personal. Eclipse doesn't do personal. We sell fantasy."

"Let me decide what's right for the group," Taehyun said suddenly, his voice cutting through the tension.

Everyone froze.

He didn't look at Hana, but his words were clear. His usual indifference was replaced with something colder, sharper. "You don't get to dismiss her work, Soyeon. Not this time."

Hana felt her breath catch. She glanced at him—really looked at him—and for the first time, she saw something crack in his eyes. It was as if the walls around him were finally starting to crumble.

Soyeon didn't reply, though her lips were pressed into a tight line.

Taehyun's gaze shifted to Hana, and for the briefest moment, his usual mask slipped. A small, genuine smile tugged at his lips. "I think it's perfect," he said softly.

Hana blinked, unsure if she'd imagined it. But then, he stood up, his voice quieter but confident. "Let's keep it."

After the Hearing

The room dispersed, and Hana stayed behind to tweak a few things, her head spinning. The team was in the final stages now, and she had to make sure everything was perfect. But the conversation with Taehyun had left her more confused than ever.

Soyeon's jabs still echoed in her mind, and she knew she had to prove herself every step of the way. But for once, she wasn't afraid.

And as she sat in the control room, reviewing the tracks, she felt a tap on her shoulder.

Turning around, she saw Taehyun standing there, his posture relaxed for the first time.

"You know," he began, his usual coldness replaced by something softer, "If you ever need help with… any of the songs, just let me know."

Hana's eyes widened in surprise. "You'd help?"

"Only if you're willing to let me," he said, the ghost of a smirk on his face. "I may not be good with words, but I know what it means to sing with meaning."

Before she could respond, he turned to leave, but paused at the door.

"I'm glad you're here. Don't let anyone make you doubt that."

And just like that, he was gone.

End of Chapter 9