When Block M finally released "Burn", the energy was palpable. The public had waited, expectations were high, and the group poured everything into each performance and appearance leading up to the launch. As the track hit digital platforms and streaming sites, fans surged forward in support. Within hours, "Burn" was trending across social media, fan edits flooded the internet, and the choreography was being dubbed one of the most complex idol routines of the year.
By the end of the first day, the track had climbed the charts swiftly and landed at #5. Not quite the crown, but it was a powerful showing for a rookie group's first official single post debut. Block M was proud, especially knowing how personal the song was to them and crafted by Mitsunari as their anthem.
The celebrations, however, were short-lived.
Just a day later, XCITE dropped a surprise single titled "Runner." It was an EDM-styled pop song with pulsing synths, anthemic hooks, and a stadium-sized chorus. With their new member Chen now fully integrated into their image and sound, the group seemed more powerful than ever. "Runner" raced up the charts and planted itself firmly at #3, two spots ahead of Block M.
What stung even more was that XCITE secured the music show win that week. The hosts announced them as the winners with applause, confetti, and a camera focused on their confident smiles. Block M was announced as runner-up, just steps behind.
Back at Stax Entertainment, the atmosphere was bittersweet. The team celebrated the achievement, but the tension was clear. The gap between them and XCITE, though small, was loud.
Block M gathered quietly in one of the practice rooms after the show. They weren't crying but their silence said enough. They felt crushed, like the work they had poured into "Burn" hadn't been enough to keep up with the momentum of XCITE.
That night, Tao and Mitsunari stepped in.
"This is the industry," Tao said plainly. "You're not just dancing and singing. You're competing. Don't take the loss personally but don't forget how it feels either."
Mitsunari, normally soft-spoken, was firmer. "You didn't lose because you weren't good. You lost because you weren't louder. Next stage… I want to see you fight for it."
The words didn't come as comfort. They came as a challenge.
For the next few days, Block M trained like madmen. They practiced late, tweaked vocals, tightened formations, and rebuilt their performance to be sharper, louder, bolder. They knew XCITE would be at the next music show again and they weren't going to lose twice.
When the day of the second music show came, the energy backstage was electric. XCITE stood tall in their flashy outfits, confident, poised. Block M, dressed in darker tones, stood in formation and focused.
The performance of "Burn" was different this time. It was aggressive, defiant, raw. The crowd felt the shift immediately. This wasn't a group trying to be liked. This was a group daring you not to notice them.
When it came time for the results, both XCITE and Block M stood center stage. The tension in the room was unbearable. Fans held their breath. Members linked hands.
"And this week's winner, by just one point…"
The screen lit up: Block M – 738 points. XCITE – 737 points.
The room erupted.
It was Block M's first win, and it had come by the slimmest of margins. But it was a win, and it changed everything.
Jeren covered his face, tears falling freely. Johnny grinned wider than he ever had. Hoya screamed. The others rushed into a group hug, shaking with relief, disbelief, and pride.
Backstage, Tao and Mitsunari watched with pride. "They needed that," Tao murmured.
Mitsunari nodded. "Now they know they can win."
The win sent shockwaves through the industry. News outlets covered the one-point victory like it was a sports upset. "Underdogs Block M beat XCITE," headlines read.
Social media exploded. The hashtag #BlockMBurnsXCITE trended worldwide.
What had started as a rivalry between Mitsunari and his former group now seemed to evolve. XCITE's real competition wasn't just a soloist or his debut album as it was Block M.
Fans began to draw comparisons between the two groups. Both had undeniable talent, intense stages, and loyal fanbases. But Block M had the edge of authenticity, the story of survival, and now, a win under their belt.
XCITE, for the first time, felt rattled. Chen in particular looked stoic at the post-show press conference. His addition had brought them momentum, but now they'd been beaten by the group he once thought would always trail behind.
Within Stax, the mood was triumphant. "Burn" jumped two spots overnight after the win, climbing to #3, just behind "Runner." Sales surged, and more people began tuning in to Block M's journey.
They were no longer seen as just survival show rookies. They were the group that took on XCITE head-on and won.
The path ahead would still be tough. They'd need more songs, more wins, and more consistency. But now, they had proof. Proof they could stand toe-to-toe with industry elites and leave a mark.
Block M wasn't chasing behind anymore. They were running side by side.