Two weeks after the release of Mitsunari's debut mini album, the music world couldn't stop talking. The six-track collection soared to the top of the charts and captured hearts with its raw emotion, catchy hooks, and genre-blending production. Fans praised On My Own for its grit, Dejavu for its artistry, and Lost Without You for its vulnerability. Critics were unanimous as Mitsunari had officially arrived as a powerhouse solo artist. Tao's vision, Mitsunari's voice and their partnership had solidified Stax Entertainment as a rising force in the industry.
At every fan event, media appearance, and studio session, Mizuha was there. No longer just watching from afar as she had become a comforting and constant presence in Mitsunari's new life. Supportive and sweet, she cheered the loudest at his events and brought snacks to late-night recording sessions. People started to whisper about "the girl in the VIP section," but Mitsunari kept things quiet, just as Tao had advised. Still to him her support meant more than any chart position.
Meanwhile, Floor7 launched their counterattack. Their new boy group XCITE, debuted with thunderous momentum. With sharp visuals, strong performances and a polished debut single, they managed to chart at number 2 just behind Mitsunari. The label spun it as a massive win and began hyping XCITE as the new standard of the industry. Yet despite the buzz something was missing. The debut felt calculated, corporate and lacked the emotional story that had made Mitsunari's rise so powerful.
In the background, quiet but deliberate moves were being made. Tao had sent a trusted representative who was someone neutral and respectful to approach the former members of VIRE. Their contracts had officially not been renewed by Floor7, and the group was now disbanded. They were free agents who were unsure of what came next. The representative invited them to a studio meeting where Tao and Mitsunari were waiting.
When VIRE entered the studio, the room filled with a tense but unspoken history. Tao calmly explained his plan. "Mitsunari, if you're alright with this, I want to bring them in, not to reunite you but to re-debut them as a new version of VIRE under Stax. You'll stay solo and your paths will remain independent. Rui, one of our best producers will take over VIRE's creative direction. I'll continue producing your solo work. This way, you don't compete, you coexist."
Mitsunari turned to his former bandmates and asked them directly: "Do you want this? Not for the industry, not for revenge but because you still want to make music?" One by one, the members nodded. Their expressions softened. "We're sorry, Mitsunari," all of them said. "We weren't allowed to speak up back then and when we did, we were punished for it. Now that we're free, we can finally be honest and the truth is, you didn't deserve what happened. None of it."
The air in the studio shifted. The tension eased as old wounds began to heal. Mitsunari accepted their apologies with a nod. "Then let's move forward. We've all got something to prove but this time, let's do it our own way." Tao and Rui exchanged a look and nodded in agreement. "There's one more thing," Tao said. "Mitsunari, we want you to feature on VIRE's debut single here at Stax. It'll be called We're Back—and we want to make it a moment no one can ignore."
The strategy was bold. No teasers. No early promotions. Just a surprise performance. The perfect chance had already presented itself as XCITE was set to headline a stadium showcase event that was fully sponsored by Floor7. The plan: VIRE and Mitsunari would take the stage as unannounced guests before XCITE, stealing the spotlight in front of tens of thousands of fans and media.
Stax secured approval from the event organizers behind the scenes while keeping everything under tight wraps. Tao coordinated the choreography and visuals while Rui honed in on the sonic direction of We're Back. The track blended VIRE's signature harmonies with a powerful rap verse from Mitsunari that is symbolizing the bridge between their past and present. It was not a reunion; it was a rebirth.
As the day of the event neared the excitement was electric. Stax staff worked in silence, sworn to secrecy. The world thought XCITE was going to dominate the night. However, in reality the stage was being set for a moment no one saw coming that was when the fallen stars would rise again and the one, they cast out would help lead them into the light.