The Stardust Contract

The days following the viral success of their performance had passed in a blur. What had begun as a series of viral clips had quickly escalated into something far more significant. For Ren, the future had never looked so clear—though it was also more intimidating than ever before.
He had always been the quiet one, the one who preferred to remain in the background, observing rather than participating. But now, after his voice had echoed through the screens of millions, it was as if a light had been cast directly on him, revealing something he hadn’t fully realized about himself: his potential.
Kai, ever the supportive figure, had noticed it too. Ren had changed, not just in his demeanor but in the way he carried himself. It was no longer just about performing or pleasing others; it was about Ren discovering who he truly was in the midst of all the chaos.
“You’ve got it now, don’t you?” Kai said to Ren one evening after a particularly intense rehearsal. They were alone in the practice room, the sound of their synchronized steps filling the otherwise quiet space.
Ren paused, his breath coming out in shallow puffs. "What do you mean?"
“The confidence,” Kai replied, throwing him a knowing look. “It’s in your eyes. You’re not just performing anymore. You’re living it.”
Ren didn’t say anything for a moment, but a faint smile tugged at his lips. "I guess you're right. It feels different now. Like I’m meant to do this."
Kai smirked. "Yeah, you’re a natural."
The conversation lingered in the air for a while, but before Ren could fully process Kai’s words, his phone buzzed. He glanced down at the message, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the sender’s name.
Stardust Entertainment.
It was the agency he had always dreamed of joining—the one that had signed some of the biggest names in the industry. And now, they were reaching out to him.
He opened the message quickly, his hands trembling slightly as he read the contents.
We would like to officially offer you a contract with Stardust Entertainment. We’ve been following your recent performances and believe you have the potential to change the industry. If you accept, we will dub you our "Lullaby Prodigy"—a title that will signify your unique musical talent. Please meet with us at your earliest convenience to discuss the next steps.
The words blurred as Ren reread them, his mind racing. Lullaby Prodigy? Was this really happening?
“Is everything okay?” Kai asked, noticing Ren’s distant gaze.
Ren blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. “I—I think they want to sign me.”
Kai’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”
Ren nodded, his pulse quickening. “I’m just... I don’t know. This is big, Kai. This could change everything.”
Kai stepped closer, putting a reassuring hand on Ren’s shoulder. “You’ve got this. You’re ready. You’ve always been ready.”
Ren gave him a nervous smile, but inside, he felt a storm of emotions brewing. The prospect of being signed by Stardust was a dream come true, but it also came with expectations, pressure, and a new level of responsibility. The weight of it all was starting to settle on his shoulders, but he couldn’t deny the thrill that ran through him.
Later that evening, after the practice had ended and everyone had left for the night, Ren made his way to the Stardust Entertainment office. His footsteps echoed in the empty hallways of the building, and as he reached the conference room, his heart pounded in his chest.
Inside, he was greeted by several high-ranking executives, including the CEO, who was a striking woman known for her sharp eye for talent. She smiled warmly at him as she gestured for him to sit down.
"Ren, we are so pleased to have you here," she began, her voice smooth and confident. "Your recent viral performance has proven what we’ve known for a long time—you’re not just talented. You’re a game-changer. The Lullaby Prodigy title isn’t something we give out lightly, but we believe you’ve earned it."
Ren swallowed hard, his nerves rising. “Thank you. I’m honored.”
The CEO continued, her eyes twinkling with something that almost resembled excitement. "We want to offer you a contract that will elevate you to new heights. We see you not just as an idol, but as an artist—a musician with the power to inspire, to move people with your voice."
Ren could feel the weight of her words, each one carrying more than just praise. It was a promise, a challenge. Stardust wasn’t offering him a simple contract—they were offering him a future. A future that was his to shape.
She slid a sleek, black folder across the table. "This is the Stardust Contract. If you sign it, you’ll officially be one of us. We’ll provide you with everything you need to succeed—training, marketing, collaborations with top artists, and much more. But most importantly, we want you to bring your true self to the table. No more pretending to be something you’re not."
Ren stared at the contract for a moment, his mind swirling with a million thoughts. This was the moment—the turning point in his life. He could feel the weight of the decision pressing on him. But deep down, he knew that this was his chance to become who he was always meant to be.
He reached out and picked up the pen, signing the contract with a steady hand. The sound of ink on paper felt almost final, and yet, in that moment, Ren felt free.
As he signed, the CEO smiled broadly. "Welcome to Stardust Entertainment, Ren. You are now officially our Lullaby Prodigy."
The words hung in the air, but Ren barely heard them. All he could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat, steady and strong, as he realized that this was just the beginning of something incredible.