After the whirlwind of his debut live performance and an unforgettable week with Mizuha, Mitsunari finally got some much-needed rest. However, his passion refused to stay quiet for long. Waking up refreshed, inspired, and more motivated than ever, he headed straight to the studio with a clear goal in mind that was to record the six tracks that would make up his debut mini album. Tao greeted him with his usual calm but excited energy while already prepping the booth and cueing up beats Mitsunari had helped co-produce.
The first track Mitsunari laid down was On My Own, a gritty yet reflective anthem about rising up since being counted out to standing tall. The lyrics pulled from his time after leaving VIRE with loneliness, growth, and the hunger to prove himself. The track had a moody intensity that showed a different side of Mitsunari, and Tao nodded with approval after the final take. "That one hits deep," he said.
Next came Is This Something More, his solo debut single and the emotional centerpiece of the mini album. They cleaned up the vocals, adjusted the mix slightly and finalized the version that had stolen the stage during his live debut. Listening to it back now in the studio, Mitsunari couldn't help but smile especially when the hook played. It felt more real than ever, and he knew now exactly who he had been singing about.
The third track was titled Dejavu, a song filled with sharp rhythmic delivery and emotional tension. It echoed the feeling of seeing the same patterns in life and love and wondering if you were destined to repeat them. The production was upbeat, even danceable but the lyrics were introspective. Tao called it "a perfect contrast" and suggested they consider a future MV for that one.
Mitsunari then recorded a solo version of On Air, the breakout collaboration track that had launched his return. The new version still held Tao's hook, but the verses were all Mitsunari's polished, more personal and reflecting on his own experience being constantly watched in the public eye. It felt right to include this as a reimagining of where everything started.
For the fifth song, Mitsunari collaborated with Bella, the sharp and charismatic rapper from girl group MASH. The track, Chart Topping, was high energy, filled with swagger and a celebration of success. Bella's verse brought fire to the track and their chemistry on the beat turned the studio electric. Tao couldn't stop grinning. "You two just made a summer banger," he said confidently.
The final track of the album was Lost Without You, a heartfelt pop ballad featuring Luna and Yuri from KIK UP. The three harmonized over a soft piano and synth melody as the lyrics explores themes of longing, connection, and how love can be an anchor. Mitsunari's verse was vulnerable, and Luna and Yuri brought the perfect emotional weight to their parts. It gave the album its emotional sendoff as one that tied together all the themes he had built up to this point.
As the songs were finalized, mixed and mastered, Tao took to social media with cryptic tweets and teaser photos, building hype for the upcoming release. Fans were already speculating what the new album would be called, and industry eyes were locked in. The duo was riding a high, but just as things seemed to hit their peak, whispers of a new threat reached them.
Tao pulled Mitsunari aside during a session and dropped the news: Floor7 was gearing up to debut a brand-new boy group named XCITE. The group featured four new members named Erik, Mashiro, Haechan, and Taiki and all reportedly selected for their charisma, vocals, and dance power. Floor7 had halted all VIRE promotions and placed them on sudden hiatus. "They're putting all their resources into XCITE," Tao said grimly. "It's obvious they're preparing them to compete against you."
Mitsunari's heart sank. "What about VIRE? They've been quiet for weeks." Tao paused before answering. "Their contract ends soon. It's been nearly two years. Rumors say Floor7 doesn't think they can beat you… and if that's true, they might not renew." The words hit Mitsunari like a punch. Disbandment. The idea of his former group ending was not just growing distant but being erased that shook him.
"The new guys in XCITE they signed the traditional seven-year contract. The kind VIRE didn't. Floor7 is going all-in on them," Tao said, voice steady but thoughtful. Mitsunari nodded slowly conflicted. He had worked so hard to stand on his own, but he never wanted his success to mean the end of his old group. "What now?" he asked. Tao looked at him, eyes serious. "Now? We finish this album. We make sure that when they drop their debut… everyone's still talking about you."