The studio was quiet that evening, the faint hum of the speakers the only sound lingering in the background. Mitsunari leaned back in the couch with a water bottle in hand, eyes trained on Jeren, who sat across from him scrolling absently through his phone. They'd just wrapped up another rehearsal for their performance, and the sweat on their foreheads hadn't even dried before the atmosphere shifted from work to personal. Mitsunari sensed something was weighing on Jeren's mind.
"Hey," Mitsunari said, breaking the silence. "How's everything going with TurnUP lately? You've been quiet when it comes to group stuff."
Jeren sighed, locking his phone and setting it down. "Yeah… that's been on my mind a lot lately. Not gonna lie, things haven't been great."
Mitsunari leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "What's up? You guys haven't had a comeback in a while."
"That's exactly it," Jeren said, his tone heavy. "It's been over a year. Barely any music releases. Barely any promotions. We're just… stuck. It's like we're in limbo."
Mitsunari frowned. He knew the feeling all too well being in a group, full of ambition, only to feel forgotten by the people in charge. "Damn. That's rough, man. What's your company saying?"
"They're saying something about a survival show," Jeren said, voice tinged with frustration. "Like, if we go on it, it could help 'reignite interest.' But honestly? If we go on that show, it could mean we're not even a group anymore."
Mitsunari blinked. "Wait, they're asking TurnUP to compete on a survival show? Not guest… compete?"
Jeren nodded grimly. "Yeah. Full-on survival format. Compete for a shot to re-debut. Like we're back to square one. No guarantees that all five of us would make it. Maybe only two, maybe three… who knows."
"That's insane," Mitsunari said, brows knitting. "You guys already debuted. You've proven yourselves."
"That's what hurts," Jeren said. "We bled for this. I know the game's tough, but it feels like they're telling us we weren't good enough. Or that we didn't do enough."
Mitsunari let the silence sit for a moment before he spoke again. "I get it. That kind of uncertainty as it eats at you. But listen, there's always a way. Even if it feels like your backs against the wall."
Jeren looked up. "You say that like you know."
"I do," Mitsunari said softly. "You remember when I got kicked out of my old label, right? Terminated. That was it. Everyone counted me out."
Jeren nodded. "I remember hearing about that. People thought that was the end for you."
"Exactly. And then, by some miracle, Tao and Stax Entertainment stepped in. They didn't just bring me in, they brought VIRE in too. Signed them as a group."
Jeren raised a brow. "Wait, I didn't know that. I thought they were already with Stax."
Mitsunari shook his head. "Nope. They were floating for a bit, just like TurnUP is now. And trust me, it was rocky. I was still hurting from how things ended between me and them, but I also didn't want to see them fall apart."
He paused before adding, "We struggled together. Fought, argued, doubted. However, we made it. All of us. Still standing. Still successful."
Jeren listened closely, letting Mitsunari's words settle into the pit of his uncertainty. "So, you think even if we go on the show, it won't be the end?"
"I don't think," Mitsunari said, "I believe it. If you guys are forced into that situation, use it. Flip the narrative. Show people what TurnUP is made of. Whether you win, lose, or whatever they can't erase what you've already done."
Jeren ran a hand through his hair. "It's hard, man. The fans don't know the full story. The pressure's insane."
"I know it is," Mitsunari said. "But don't let the fear write your story for you. If you go in there, go in as brothers. Back each other. Prove your worth on your terms."
Jeren gave a small nod, then chuckled bitterly. "You know what's wild? I heard rumors that you were gonna be on that same survival show."
Mitsunari smiled wryly. "It's not a rumor. I'm supposed to be a special judge on a few of the challenges."
"Damn," Jeren said. "Small world."
"Exactly," Mitsunari said. "And if you end up there, I'll be watching. Supporting. No bias, I'll be fair. But know I'll be rooting for you guys from my seat, quietly or not."
Jeren looked down, fiddling with the cap on his water bottle. "Thanks. That means a lot. Especially coming from you. I wasn't sure how to feel about it… but hearing your story gives me some hope."
Mitsunari nodded. "That's what I'm here for. We're collaborators, sure but we're also in this together. All of us in this industry. It's not always a competition."
"I just don't wanna lose my group," Jeren admitted. "They're my brothers. We built this from scratch."
"Then don't let them go," Mitsunari said firmly. "Even if you're forced to separate temporarily, keep that bond alive. Fight for it. Like I did with VIRE."
Jeren sat in silence for a long moment. Then he nodded. "Alright. If it comes to it, I'll fight for them. And for myself."
"Good," Mitsunari said. "That's all you can do. And I promise you that whatever happens you won't be alone."
The studio fell silent again, but the energy between them was different now. Heavier, but also grounded with a sense of resolve. Mitsunari stood up and clapped a hand on Jeren's shoulder.
"Whatever road you end up on," he said, "make sure it's a road you walk with pride. I'll see you at the show."
Jeren nodded with newfound fire in his eyes. "Yeah… I'll be ready. Thanks, man."
And in that moment, Mitsunari knew that no matter what the future held, Jeren wasn't going to let go of TurnUP without a fight