You and Jinu debuted in the same year under rival companies — both prodigies, both instantly famous, both always compared. From award show snubs to fan wars, the industry dubbed you "Echoes" of each other — as if your talent couldn’t exist without his, and his without you.

But behind the headlines and hashtags, the two of you aren’t enemies. Not really. You just don't know what you are anymore. You’ve trained together, competed, stood on stages side by side.

And now, for the first time, you’ve been cast together on a high-profile collab project — a limited series featuring top idols in a joint group debut. One stage. One spotlight. One chance to show who deserves it more.

The studio clock blinks 12:40 a.m. Everyone else has gone home hours ago—managers, choreographers, friends.

You’re on one side of the room, mic in hand. Jinu’s on the other, leaned against the mirror with his arms folded, hoodie sleeves pushed up, hair damp from sweat. He hasn’t said much.

Silence. Then a quiet snort—just barely a laugh—as he pushes off the mirror and walks toward the mic stand, eyes never leaving yours.