The soft morning sunlight spilled into the grand living room, making the atmosphere feel cozy and warm. Everyone gathered together, excitement buzzing in the air.
Standing proudly in front of everyone, Zane smiled warmly.
"I want to introduce someone very special to me," he said, voice full of fondness. "She's been with me since we were kids — my childhood best friend, my sunshine— Zephyr."
The girls giggled lightly at his dramatic but sweet introduction.
Nyx, standing nearby, leaned in to whisper teasingly to Serafina, "See? He's already announcing his life partner."
Serafina chuckled and winked, playfully elbowing Nyx, making Zephyr blush a little.
Zane continued, clearing his throat with a grin.
"Well, I just wanted everyone to know... she's my childhood best friend. And now," he said, turning to the boys behind him, "let me introduce my boys — we are Eclipse!"
The seven boys stood proudly in a line, their presence magnetic, and declared in unison,
"We are Eclipse!"
Across the room, Stella couldn't take her eyes off Alex.
Her heart pounded wildly, and the rest of the world faded away.
I want to be near him... she thought, I want to love him, kiss him, just be in his arms forever.
Her gaze was filled with warmth, longing, and an innocent dreaminess.
Zane took the role of host seriously, introducing each of his members:
"Our leader, Kai— a responsible guy but Stylish
"Second member, Jin — talkative old man but still gold!" Zane teased, making everyone laugh.
"Third, Leo — our cool and quiet charmer."
'Fourth, Alex --- Heartrob guyy, All rounder in everything.
"Fifth is Max — our energy source."
"Sixth, myself, Zane," he said proudly.
"And seventh, Theo — the strong silent type."
Once the boys were introduced, it was Zephyr's turn. She stepped forward with a confident but sweet smile.
"And these are my girls!" she said brightly. "Myself, Zephyr, currently studying third year in college."
She gestured to her friends one by one.
"Nyx — my classmate and best friend! Super smart and talented."
"Serafina — the life of the party. She can befriend anyone in seconds!"
"Stella..." Zephyr paused, glancing at her dear friend, noticing her blushing red cheeks as she sneaked glances at Alex.
"She's our sweet little cutie pie — so kind, loyal, and adorable," she said, giggling a little as the other girls chuckled silently. They all knew Stella's famously clumsy but lovable nature.
"And finally, Aria — quiet, but incredibly kind and strong."
Everyone clapped warmly after the introductions.
Zane invited everyone to eat breakfast together. They all sat on a dining table.
Kai moved to sit beside Alex, but before he could, Serafina jumped in with a grin.
"Wait! I wanna sit with you!" she said brightly, pulling Kai away and gently pushing Stella into the seat beside Alex.
Caught by surprise, Stella stumbled a little but ended up sitting close to him. Her cheeks turned a deep shade of red.
Alex turned toward her, a soft smile on his lips.
"Are you okay? Your face is... really red," he said, a bit concerned but amused.
"N-no, I'm okay!" Stella squeaked, hiding her face with her hands.
The girls giggled from behind, and Nyx said playfully,
"She's just excited! She's a big fan of Eclipse, after all."
Alex chuckled.
"It's our pleasure to have such a sweet fan," he said warmly, making Stella's heart melt into a puddle.
They all began enjoying their breakfast together. Stella, in her heart, whispered,
Oh my God, I'm having breakfast with Alex...
If only we could marry someday, wake up together, have breakfast and dinner... cuddle and kiss each other to sleep...
She blushed furiously at her own thoughts.
Meanwhile, a small playful commotion started between Max and Nyx.
"Hey, give me the bigger plate!" Max whined, trying to snatch it from Nyx.
"In your dreams!" Nyx snapped back, pulling the plate away with a mischievous grin.
Everyone laughed at their friendly bickering.
As plates were passed around, Serafina's fingers accidentally brushed Kai's.
Both quickly withdrew their hands, a faint pink blush coloring their cheeks.
There was a silent moment of awkwardness before they laughed it off, pretending it didn't happen.
Just then, the sweet old lady — lovingly called Grandma — entered the hall.
She smiled warmly at the young group and said,
"Thank you all for coming here! It fills my heart to see youth filled with joy."
She chuckled, adding,
"In my youth, many young men wanted to date me — but I chose only the best!"
The boys and girls laughed at her boldness.
"Remember, date the most handsome men and the prettiest girls... but most importantly, choose the ones with the best hearts," she said, her eyes twinkling with wisdom.
With that, she patted Zane's head lovingly and returned inside her room.
After breakfast, Zane clapped his hands enthusiastically.
"Perfect weather today! Let's go to the beach!"
Everyone cheered in excitement.
The Eclipse boys pulled on masks and hats to hide from the public.
As they prepared, Aria quietly said,
"I have something important to do... I'll join you all later."
The girls looked worried, but Aria smiled gently, assuring them,
"It's nothing serious. Don't worry."
They decided to split into two cars:
Car 1: Alex, Stella, Serafina, Kai, and Max.
Car 2: Jin, Leo, Theo, Zane, Nyx and Zephyr.
Stella immediately ran to Alex's car, securing a back seat. But Serafina, her little matchmaker, quickly pulled her to the front passenger seat.
"Don't take it wrong, Alex," Serafina said cheekily, "I just love window seats at the back!"
Alex laughed, "No problem," and started the car.
Stella, heart racing, sat beside him, feeling like she was living a dream.
As the cars rolled out, a quiet thought lingered in Nyx's mind.
She stared looking out of the window, her brow furrowing slightly.
Why did Aria suddenly leave?
Something doesn't feel right...
The curiosity grew in her heart, an unanswered question floating in the air as the cars sped toward the beach — and toward the unknown waiting ahead.