Chapter 145: End-of-Year Stage (15)

The second half of the KEW Awards kicked off. As the opening stage started, a medley of this year’s top hits filled the venue, but the Rings’ eyes were still glued to Chronos.

“Is Hyun-Woo going to perform?" One fan speculated, prompting a response from their friend.

“Given he's back, he probably will. But I'm worried he might be pushing himself too hard."

“Look, Hyun-Woo's hand is on his waist. He's known for pushing his limits. It's really concerning."

Many fellow idols approached Suh Hyun-Woo, asking about his well-being, but he reassured everyone with his gestures, even drawing a big circle earlier to signal to the fans that he was fine.

However, deep down, the fans knew better, and they couldn't shake off their concern. They had watched him throughout the first performance, noticing how he skillfully concealed his pain. Despite his adept control over his expression and his flawless execution on the stage, when the lights went off and the audience's attention shifted, the Rings saw the truth—Suh Hyun-Woo’s collapse due to his injury. They suspected he was pretending to be okay just for their sake, and they were right.

“He is going to perform, isn't he?" Their voices were laden with worry. They had come with high expectations for Chronos's performances, but they had never imagined they'd witness one of them injured like this.

The fans were torn between eagerness to see the performance and their wish for Suh Hyun-Woo to just rest. Having witnessed his visible struggle with pain, all they could do was watch him with deep concern as he remained seated, still actively engaged with the show.

As time passed, Allure took to the stage for their performance, and several awards were presented. Chronos, having already clinched the New Artist Award, found themselves nominated for the Social Media Popularity Award. However, the honor ultimately went to YU's Next, renowned for their overwhelming international popularity.

“Blue Room Party” was also nominated for the Digital Music Award, but it lost to Reina's latest hit.

Chronos had to be content with just the New Artist Award. While the fans were visibly disappointed, Chronos seemed genuinely happy and relieved for Allure, who had won the Asia Star Award after their international tour.

Subsequently, High Tension and Street Center delivered their performances, showcasing the lavish backing of their major agencies. Despite the spectacle, the Rings' attention never wavered from Chronos.

“There they go."

“Look, Hyun-Woo is joining them."

“I knew Hyun-Woo would be on stage." The fans' gazes were filled with a mix of worry and anticipation, following Chronos as they moved backstage, escorted by the staff.

Soon, it was time for Chronos's performance. It was a stage far grander than any regular music show or their performances during

Pick We Up

. Their fans were buzzing with anticipation about what Chronos would bring to such a grand stage.

Their eyes lingered on the door through which Chronos had vanished, long after they were out of sight.

***

As one award presentation came to an end, the stage fell into a hushed silence, marking the beginning of another performance. The lights dimmed slowly, enveloping the audience in a cloak of anticipation.

Clutching their custom-made light sticks, the Rings eagerly focused on the stage. This was the moment they had been waiting for—Chronos's time to shine. The darkened stage suddenly illuminated with a giant screen, displaying a picturesque pastel-colored flower field. The familiar scene from the “Parade” MV sparked enthusiastic cheers from the fans.

“Kyaaaaa!”

“Jin-Sung!!!"

In the endless flower field, the camera panned up from someone's feet, slowly revealing their full figure. He was dressed in a pastel suit to match the field, holding a ring-shaped cane and sporting sleek black hair. With star-shaped patterns marking the pale skin near his eyes, Jin-Sung stood there, capturing the audience with his intense gaze.

As an unsettling “beep” sound grew louder, it abruptly stopped when Jin-Sung turned his head to look aside. Despite the vibrant colors, the mood on the screen was somber and eerie.

The scene transitioned to Kang Joo-Han seated at the piano, clad in a crisp white shirt. His fingers danced across the keys, producing the familiar opening notes of “Once Again,” a melody instantly resonating with the fans. Then, he lifted his head. At that moment, the screen started to flicker with static, alternating between images of Goh Yoo-Joon and Kang Joo-Han in their respective suits.

Next, the scene changed to Suh Hyun-Woo's workshop which cluttered with various clockworks and devices. In the deserted workshop, gears and experimental apparatus whirred and smoked on their own. One of the turning gears, the biggest one, revealed a scene of a school playground through its hole.

It was a typical school scene, with students playing soccer and hanging out in small groups.

Clad in school uniform, Park Yoon-Chan looked injured, walking with a hesitant gait and gripping his bag strap tightly. Fear could be seen all over his face.

As he stopped in front of the school gate, suddenly the old leather bracelet wrapped around his wrist snapped and fell to the ground. Park Yoon-Chan's complexion drained of color as he stared at the fallen bracelet in disbelief.

Just as the bracelet descended in slow motion and was about to touch the ground, the scene shifted abruptly. The bracelet transformed into a gold-framed pocket watch on the immaculate white floor, shattering into countless pieces.

The camera slowly panned up to reveal Suh Hyun-Woo, lying barefoot on a bed under soft pastel lighting, enveloped in a tranquil yet melancholic piano melody. He lay there listlessly, his gaze fixed on the shattered pocket watch in his hand.

Gradually, Suh Hyun-Woo stood up and started to wander the stark white room. He traced his fingers along the wall, stopping at an inconspicuous spot. There, he pulled down a door handle that blended seamlessly into the white wall, revealing a door that swung open to a pastel-toned flower field where Jin-Sung stood, awaiting him. As Suh Hyun-Woo tentatively stepped into the field, the scene faded to black.

The text [Strange story] flashed in white on the screen and then disappeared, leaving the audience in awe. The sequence revealed new scenes not shown in the music video, adding layers to the Chronos universe, and the stunning visuals captivated everyone.

The Rings momentarily forgot their worries, completely absorbed in the performance. After a few seconds, they erupted into cheers.

Then, cool blue lights bathed the stage, and the trendy beat of “Blue Room Party” commenced. At the center of the stage, Jin-Sung was sitting casually in a small, well-decorated blue room, exuding a refreshing coolness as he lounged on a sofa.

The fans roared with support. With his signature cool smile, Jin-Sung picked up the microphone.

Hey, no need to roam afar

Beach? Summer? Outdoors?

I’m all for the air conditioner

?

In his sitting position, Jin-Sung swayed with the rhythm. Then, he got up and walked casually over to another blue room, where he gave a playful high-five to Goh Yoo-Joon. Yoo-Joon then took the microphone.

The lapping of waves from the radio,

Glasses clinking in the blue light glow,

The cool fizz and barbecue,

Blue Room Party

?

Goh Yoo-Joon was comfortably sitting in the blue room while crossing his legs on a white wooden chair, next to a large radio prop. He playfully pressed the radio buttons and even inserted a giant cassette tape prop. As Yoo-Joon's part ended, the large window of his blue room swung open, revealing Suh Hyun-Woo who popped out and sat on the windowsill.

As the sun sets outside the window,

Embrace the cool evening air,

Among people basking in the warmth,

Savor a city break, laid-back and fair,

Blue Room, Blue Room Party

?

No one among the Rings expected to see platinum-haired Suh Hyun-Woo perform “Blue Room Party” in such a beautifully set broadcast. In contrast with his earlier appearance in the video, he performed his part with a gentle, affectionate expression.

Soon, Yoo-Joon joined Suh Hyun-Woo on a bed, keeping up with the rhythm.

The scene shifted again. The lights on Jin-Sung, Yoo-Joon, and Suh Hyun-Woo's stage dimmed as Kang Joo-Han and Park Yoon-Chan's stage lit up in blue. They sang their parts and made their way to the center stage, where the audience greeted them with deafening cheers. Joo-Han and Yoon-Chan confidently waved to the crowd, joining the other members waiting in the shadows.

Jin-Sung took his position at the center, revealing the choreography designed for him, the original center of “Blue Room Party.” This was the first time the original choreography was performed with Jin-Sung at the center. After that, the chorus started.

“Jin-Sung was naturally born to be the center..."

“I'm so moved I might cry. Is this normal?"

“Absolutely normal. Ah, look at that! Suh Hyun-Woo... Blue Room! Blue Room Party! Wow!" The fan was busy responding to her friend, admiring her favorite member, and also keeping up with the fan chants. Overwhelmed by Jin-Sung's return and Suh Hyun-Woo's enchanting performance, she felt a wave of emotion.

On the stage, Suh Hyun-Woo was more like a celestial being than a human, and he captivated everyone with his platinum hair and ethereal complexion.

‘Is he even real?’

she thought, marveling at his otherworldly beauty. Despite concerns about his well-being, Suh Hyun-Woo's radiant smile and effortless dance moves showed no sign of discomfort. He seemed even more dazzling than usual.

As Jin-Sung stepped back, Suh Hyun-Woo took center stage. All of a sudden, numerous dancers joined them on the stage, blending into the lively party atmosphere. Suh Hyun-Woo led the next part, guiding the members and dancers in a mesmerizing dance.

Pour memories into the deep glass,

𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Feel the thrill as the night surpasses

Cradle the coolness between your lips,

Ignite the thrill, relish the chill

?

They reached a grand ship set, reminiscent of Captain Hook's vessel from

Peter Pan

.

“Is that really part of the stage set?"

“What the heck? That's my boys? Incredible!”

It was evident that the performance was meticulously prepared, almost impossible not to cheer for. “Blue Room Party” was a slightly chill song yet charming and endearing. All the members gathered around a door on the first floor of the ship. Looking at the camera, Suh Hyun-Woo sang the last part of the song.

This moment too shall be etched as a keepsake,

Blue Room Party

?

Suh Hyun-Woo then turned the doorknob of the wooden door.

As the song ended and the venue filled with cheers, the audience's focus shifted to the large screen showing the members. They then gasped in surprise as the wooden door opened, revealing a vast flower field bathed in pastel light, a scene seen both in the music video and the previous clip.

The audience was immediately immersed in the world of Chronos.

Having changed his costume, Jin-Sung stood in the middle of the flower field. The deep synth sound created an atmosphere that was slightly ominous and intriguing, contrasting with the bright lighting. The stage was charismatic enough to captivate both the fans of Chronos and others.

A discordant “beep” sound echoed from somewhere. Jin-Sung, who had been looking down at the cane in his hand, lifted his eyes to look at the screen. At that moment, the lights went out, plunging the stage into darkness.