Chapter 458
“Wow, you’re great!”
Watching the festival stage of the previous teams from the waiting room filled me with admiration.
“Right?”
“Seems like a lot of familiar faces are here.”
Indeed, everyone is doing pretty well.
Even from beyond the monitor screen, I could feel the excitement radiating to this extent.
The festival stage mainly featured upbeat tracks.
You know, like hip-hop or idol songs.
Songs that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy and dance to.
Maybe that’s why the reactions are incredibly positive.
“You know it’s our turn soon, right?”
“I know. We’ve already finished all our preparations.”
So far, I had only been observing as an audience member.
But now, it’s almost time for me to step onto that stage.
Just moments ago, the staff had come by to attach my in-ear monitor, and I had already changed into my stage outfit.
“Everyone’s outfits look great.”
“Are you going to be the only one looking good, Soo-hyun?”
The Slim Gold band was coordinated in their stage outfits after all.
Overall, we wore bright attire.
The only difference was Hyeon-su, right?
Since he was purposely coming out as a guest, he added a unique color to his outfit.
“You look completely unrecognizable like that, Hyeon-su.”
“…Why?”
Hyeon-su was dressed in a white hat and a sleeveless black shirt.
Seeing him like this, he looked a bit like a rapper in a boy band.
Anyway, as we were chatting, the previous stage was nearing its end.
“Prepare, please!”
Hearing the staff’s voice from outside the waiting room, I got up from my seat.
“Alright, let’s go.”
“I’m excited about this!”
“I want to get soaked.”
“Be careful with your guitar, Soo-hyun.”
“Yup.”
With that, we left the waiting room and walked down the hallway with the band, just like yesterday.
Ahead of us, we could see the sparkling exit illuminated by light.
Once we step out there, all the eyes of the audience will be on us.
It’s a bit intimidating, but at the same time, I’m looking forward to it.
I had just seen the dazzling singers on stage a moment ago.
Hasn’t everyone thought about this at least once?
Watching the singers perform brilliantly on stage, wishing to stand there themselves.
That thought crossed my mind not long ago.
The difference this time is that I must actually stand on that stage now.
As the light from the exit crept closer,
Suddenly—
As I passed through the exit, the vast blue sky unfolded before me.
And….
“Woooooow–!!!”
With the sky resonating with explosive cheers.
Before my eyes, people were wildly waving their hands, and as promised, the melody of the track began to flow out.
“Hah.”
It was hotter on stage than I had imagined.
The sun was still blazing.
Now I understand why the previous performers wanted to get splashed with water.
Anyway,
Now that I’m on stage and the melody is playing, I guess it’s time to sing.
The track starts off as a gentle piece, but luckily today, I brought an arranged version that matches the heat.
“Hello everyone!”
So, brightly greeting them, I dashed to the front of the stage.
Then….
“Woooooow–!!!”
People were welcoming me with water guns aimed skyward.
Watching that sight, I couldn’t help but smile.
As if everyone proudly declared:
“Let’s start the song!!”
This is the moment my performance as the singer, Mirror, begins after extensive practice and anticipation.
**
Having finished the first track,
“Hah!”
I took a moment to catch my breath and looked up at the sky.
My heart was racing.
Is it because of the heat on stage?
I managed to finish one song with light choreography even in the heat without feeling too drained.
I guess my workouts have been effective.
“Did everyone enjoy that?!”
Looking ahead and saying this, the roaring cheers echoed back loudly.
“You’re so beautiful!!”
“Woooooow–!!”
Seeing such reactions filled me with wonder.
This stage feels different.
It’s a vibe distinct from music programs or concerts.
The sense of presence is indeed important.
The energy pouring in real-time lifted my spirits.
And perhaps because of that, my body felt heated.
My heart raced, and facing the sunlight while performing made it hotter for real.
I wonder if the festival-goers are doing alright?
Although they’re wearing light clothing, they’re still standing under the abundant sun.
“Are you all feeling hot?”
So I asked, but….
“It’s hot!!”
“Splash us with water!!”
“Come over here!!”
The trendy folks at the front were eagerly inviting me over with their water guns.
…Looks like I’ll get soaked if I go out there.
But seeing the previous performances, it seems I won’t get completely drenched.
If I feel the energy, I can just step forward and enjoy the splash.
If I don’t want to, I can simply stay here and perform.
Nonetheless….
“Will you splash water on me if I go out?”
“Yes!!!!”
“Come on over!!!”
Since this is a festival, I guess it’s acceptable to go out once.
Of course….
“Let’s move on to the next track! Give me some music.”
First, let’s get everyone hyped up.
As my words rang out, the melody of my new song, “Happy Circuit,” began to play.
“Woooooow–!!!”
Again, the cheers poured out.
Wow, everyone is full of energy.
Those trendy folks are overflowing with enthusiasm.
“You know this song, right?!”
“Yes!!”
“Then sing along with me!”
Thank goodness they know the song.
Just a moment ago, while watching other performances on the monitor, I envied the moments of crowd singing.
I had thought how wonderful it would be if everyone sang my song together at this kind of event.
And now.
As I started to sing and waved my hands, everyone immediately began to sing along.
They sang along, mixing voices of both men and women. While the harmony wasn’t perfect, the volume and emotions were very palpable.
It reminded me of the solo concert I had performed before.
Back then, it was mostly just guys, but here at the festival, there are even more girls.
This is definitely setting up for a thrilling reaction.
Soon, a guy who makes the girls go wild will be coming out.
I declared myself an Alpha Male after my discharge, but honestly, I still am an Alpha Male even now.
Well, regardless,
It’s my turn right now.
My biggest hit, which topped the charts, is playing now.
Not to mention, it’s bright and lively—perfect for a festival.
With that, I raised my arms high while singing.
“Jump!”
“Woooooow!!”
Then, as if in a club, everyone raised one hand in rhythm to my movements and started jumping.
Now I completely understand why singers engage the audience.
It not only fills the performance visually, but most importantly, I’m genuinely enjoying it too.
With each gesture, people smile and express their feelings abundantly.
No wonder I can’t help but get hyped as well.
Moreover, despite this being just the second song, the previous performers have set the excitement ablaze. The reactions have been fantastic so far.
Regardless of the upcoming performances, this might be the best reaction of the festival today.
If that’s the case, I can’t hold back on delivering some service.
“I’m coming!”
Since it was hot anyway, I put down my guitar and dashed to the front of the stage.
Then….
“Woooooow—-!!”
The cheers grew even louder, as hundreds and thousands of fans started spraying water all at once.
Of course, most stayed back from the stage.
But a few refreshing splashes effectively cooled my heat.
As I felt the water, I briefly worried about my makeup, but since I’d prepared in advance, it probably wouldn’t smudge too much.
More importantly….
“Whoa.”
I’d gotten completely soaked after stepping back for a moment.
It’s thoroughly drenched now.
While it won’t hinder my performance, it definitely poured down more than I expected.
The light cardigan might be see-through, but the sleeveless top should be alright, right?
Well, even if it does show, I’m wearing a tank top underneath, so it wouldn’t matter.
But boy, does it feel refreshing.
More than that, I’m eager to start the prepared performance.
Searching for the camera while singing.
Most people were raising their phones in waterproof cases, so I can’t expect great quality.
In that case….
My eyes found the camera that was set up on stage.
Oh, there it is.
Just a little lower.
The camera located perfectly at the audience’s viewpoint was lit.
I’m sure the footage is currently projecting onto the display board behind me.
To confirm, I gave the camera a light wink.
And then.
“Woooooow—-!!”
The loudest cheer I had heard today erupted.
“Are you all enjoying it?”
“Yes–!!”
Wow, they’re really loud.
It seems everyone has reached peak excitement.
Now, this is the perfect timing.
Next, Hyeon-su will join in, so I want to ensure my presence is felt even more strongly before that.
Most importantly, it’s time I show off, don’t you think?
I’ve worked hard on my physique; it would be a shame to hide it during the performance.
Who knows when I will have the opportunity to work out and shape up again? Perhaps right now is the peak of my life, so I need to flaunt it.
“Hah.”
With a smile, I turned my gaze towards the camera positioned below.
Seeing the light still glowing, if I use this one, it should show up immediately on the display board like before, right?
Since I’m at it, I’m thinking of boasting boldly.
Just when the instrumental sounds from the band were playing, it was the perfect timing.
Hiding a little embarrassment with a smile, I lifted my shirt and struck a pose that highlighted the fruits of my workouts.
And with both hands, I made a peace sign.
“Woooooow—!!!!”
No matter how I looked, the roaring cheers echoed loudly.
I’m glad I worked out.
This is the moment where the legendary scene of the summer festival is born, lasting in memory for years to come.