Mitsunari had been planning this date with Mizuha for weeks. After the whirlwind of his debut album, the success of "Burn" with Block M, and the heated music show rivalry with XCITE, he finally had one free weekend. He didn't want just any casual hangout. He wanted to do something special. So, he booked a small rooftop restaurant overlooking the Han River, the lights of Seoul flickering like stars in the water below.
Mizuha smiled brightly when he met her at the entrance. She wore a soft pink dress that danced gently in the evening breeze. Mitsunari took her hand instinctively, their fingers interlocking as naturally as breathing. "You look beautiful," he said, and she blushed.
As they sat down, Mizuha leaned over and looked at the view. "You really pulled out all the stops, huh?"
He chuckled. "Well, it's our first proper date. You deserve more than ramen at the practice room."
They talked for hours, mostly laughing about old training stories, weird trainee food combinations, and that time Tao accidentally booked a studio that turned out to be a yoga class. But eventually, Mitsunari grew a little quieter. Mizuha tilted her head, noticing the shift.
"Something's on your mind," she said softly.
He nodded. "There's news. Big news. Tao told me yesterday."
"Tell me."
"They're finally launching the Stax girl group," Mitsunari revealed. "The survival show is happening soon. Tao wants me to help produce and be a judge again."
Mizuha's eyes widened, then softened. "That's incredible."
"I'm excited… but it's going to be intense. The trainees as they're going to be judged hard. They'll be compared to the rise of Block M."
"I can imagine," she said, watching him with something unreadable in her gaze.
As the night went on, they moved to walk along the riverside. Mizuha had been quiet for a while, and Mitsunari didn't push. He knew her silences often meant she was building up to something.
Then, as they reached the edge of the walking path, she finally spoke. "Mitsunari… what would you think if I became an idol too?"
He turned to her, caught off guard. "You?"
She looked down, a little nervous. "I've always loved music. And… seeing you, Block M, the way you fight for your dreams it's made me want to fight for mine."
He blinked. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. "I already talked to Tao. I told him I want to audition for the Stax girl group. He said… I could. But only if I told you first. And only if you're okay with it."
Mitsunari looked at her, searching her expression. She wasn't joking. There was determination in her eyes. The kind that reminded him of the first time he stepped into Stax, scared but burning with purpose.
"I'm okay with it," he finally said, smiling.
"Really?"
"But" He stepped closer, cupping her face gently. "I'm not going to let you make that group just because you're my girlfriend. You're going to have to work. Fight. Train. Just like everyone else."
Mizuha smiled, tears prickling her eyes. "I wouldn't want it any other way."
He kissed her forehead. "You know I'll support you… but in that studio, I'll be your toughest critic."
As he drove her home later that night, they held hands in silence, the weight of her decision lingering in the air. This was the beginning of something new for both of them.
She looked at him when they reached her doorstep. "Are you scared?"
"A little," he admitted. "But more than that… I'm proud. Just promise me you won't give up when it gets hard."
"I promise," she whispered.
They hugged tightly, longer than usual, knowing that their dynamic was about to shift. From couple to competitors, in some ways. From lovers to artist and trainee.
As she stepped out of the car, Mizuha turned back. "Thank you, Mitsunari. For everything. I'm going to work hard. I'll make you proud."
"I already am," he said quietly, watching her walk inside.
When he got home, Mitsunari sat alone in his studio for a while, staring at the monitor, where Block M's chart numbers were still pulled up. But his mind was elsewhere now. A new group was coming. And somewhere among them, Mizuha would be fighting to earn her place.
He picked up his phone and texted Tao: She told me. Let her compete.
Tao replied: She'll get no special treatment.
Mitsunari smiled. Good. She doesn't want it.
In that moment, he realized something profound. His journey wasn't just about proving himself anymore. It was about opening doors for others. For Block M. For the next generation. And now… for Mizuha too.
He pulled out his notebook, scribbling down a new melody, unsure where it would go but certain it was the beginning of something great.