Chapter 162: End-of-Year Stage (32)

Da-dum. Da-dum.

A thunderous drumbeat resonated, filling the auditorium and commanding attention as it signaled the beginning of the stage performance. Then, the solitary sound of an ocarina pierced through the silence, its melancholic melody weaving through the air like a haunting echo from an ancient civilization hidden deep within the forest.

Though significantly condensed and arranged, the ocarina was delicately performing the chorus of "Red Sun." Despite being the only instrument played, its sound magnified the grandeur of the moment.

At the center of the stage stood a grand pocket watch, its pendulum swinging back and forth.

Tik tok. Tik tok.

This simple motion stretched the moment, weaving an atmosphere thick with eerie anticipation. Without a doubt, this sensation was amplified by the sinister undertones of the message that had previously appeared on the screen. “Congratulations on your enrollment.”

And soon...

“Kyaaaaak!”

Under the central stage's towering pocket watch, Suh Hyun-Woo of Chronos emerged and cast a silhouette that commanded the spotlight. The audience's anticipation crescendoed into a wave of cheers as the artist revealed himself and stood solemnly at the stage's heart.

“Holy cow!!! Suh Hyun-Woo!!! Hyun-Woo is standing there!!! Fucking standing over there!!!”

Amidst the fervor, Kim Go-Ri shook Park Go-Ri’s shoulders in a frenzy manner. Her cheer resonated through the crowd, celebrating Suh Hyun-Woo's upright stance. It was a stark contrast to his previously seated performances as it marked a momentous occasion for the Rings.

Suh Hyun-Woo was bathed in a crimson spotlight and remained still like a statue, his eyes shut in serene contemplation. The audience's cheers transitioned to a hushed awe as they focused intently on him.

Then, a close-up of Suh Hyun-Woo's face filled the screen. He gently opened his eyes, and the gray lenses he wore shimmered mysteriously under the red illumination, crafting an atmosphere that bordered on the ethereal.

The brief silence in the auditorium was shattered as cheers erupted again, with whispers of admiration for his striking visuals and the unprecedented grandeur of the opening filling the air.

“How can a human being be that gorgeous?"

“This opening is legendary. Insane."

“I seriously want to kiss him..." The murmurs spread like wildfire, highlighting the fact that the spectacle had barely begun.

Suh Hyun-Woo's mere act of opening his eyes had set the fans' hearts racing, and their adoration pierced through the ceiling.

At the same time, the sound of a grandfather clock chiming midnight enveloped the stage, and the lights illuminating Suh Hyun-Woo slowly dimmed. As darkness engulfed the stage, a crimson moon ascended on the large screen. The clock's second hand eerily reversed from midnight, reminiscent of a scene from the previous “Parade” stage.

As light graced the main stage again, the haunting intro of "Red Sun" started. Chronos sent out their two intro maestros—Suh Hyun-Woo and Goh Yoo-Joon, who were known for their deep and commanding vocal tones.

Goh Yoo-Joon took off his black leather gloves with a stoic expression and then strode forward.

The crimson moon has risen high,

It's time for the ritual to begin

?

Goh Yoo-Joon's chilling gaze, impeccably tailored suit, and leather gloves painted the picture of a man on the brink of a dangerous endeavor. Park Yoon-Chan followed his footsteps in the back with an attire a stark contrast to Goh Yoo-Joon's all-black ensemble. Yoon-Chan was clad in a pristine white silk shirt, standing out against the dark backdrop.

Offer up the sacrifice, thrust the dagger into me

Ah, I feel it now

Under the crimson moon, we make our vow

Now you and I are bound, forever intertwined

?

Beside Park Yoon-Chan stood a masked dancer, her arm extended toward him. Park Yoon-Chan interlocked fingers with hers with a gentle tug, only for Kang Joo-Han to take her place upon her departure.

Don't even think of escape

You will return to my side again

?

Kang Joo-Han whispered with a gentle lean on the approaching dancer's shoulder.

I love you

?

The chorus started, and as the crimson moon on the screen swiftly receded and vanished, the stage was awash with light.

Suh Hyun-Woo had now taken his place among the members on the main stage. The reinterpretation of "Red Sun" unfolded into Chronos's signature group dance, and it was a spectacle of coordination and grace.

The sad ending has already commenced

Our fate is sealed, it's evident

We advance toward a tragic conclusion

Let's run to it

I'm ready, with you by my side, even this can be our happy ending

?

A dancer took her position next to Suh Hyun-Woo, her movements guiding him as their faces drew closer, drawn in by her lead. As Suh Hyun-Woo gracefully stepped aside, Lee Jin-Sung took the center spot and extended his hand, revealing a small pocket watch that swayed back and forth.

I cast a spell

Red Sun, Red Sun

This is our happy ending

Red Sun, Red Sun

There's no tragedy in sight

?

Lee Jin-Sung's drowsy eyelids captivated the audience, pulling them deeper into the song's mesmerizing narrative. This performance transcended the concept of mere covers. After the chorus, he remained standing at the center, harmoniously blending with the male dancers while the others took steps back into the background.

This is all just my fantasy,

When the crimson moon fades away,

This too shall vanish into the day

?

It was the rap part, a piece Lee Jin-Sung had devotedly mastered through endless practice sessions. Each note dripped with genuine admiration, and his rap flowed effortlessly—the result of countless hours of passionate practice. The audience couldn't help but marvel at how his voice and rap skills had matured, enough to swell the Rings with pride.

Lee Jin-Sung took a bold step forward, commanding the space as the distance between the surrounding dancers narrowed. Meanwhile, the members standing at the back positioned themselves to move forward soon.

Suh Hyun-Woo burst out from between the tightly packed dancers and stood behind Lee Jin-Sung.

I don't think it's wrong

I cover your eyes and your mouth

?

Suh Hyun-Woo had been a shadow behind Lee Jin-Sung and mirrored his every move with grace. But now, he took his place by Jin-Sung's side as he stepped forward as an equal.

Their eyes locked, looking like a silent conversation in the midst of the storm. Jin-Sung then untied the red string from his wrist with a gentle sweep of his hand and tied it around Suh Hyun-Woo's wrist with a gesture filled with unspoken narratives.

To make you believe

This is love

?

This act of binding with a red string was a scene performed by Eun-Ji and Eun-Sae, the rap duo of the Renewal. The popularity of this part was such that fans had curated entire compilations of these moments into a clip.

Therefore, Suh Hyun-Woo and Lee Jin-Sung reluctantly practiced this iconic gesture under Kang Joo-Han's directive. After all, it was a piece of choreography synonymous with "Red Sun" itself—too precious to be omitted. As expected, the audience's enthusiastic response validated every moment spent in their practice.

Chronos performed the second verse of "Red Sun" smoothly. After overcoming the important part, they were now approaching the climax—the ultimate challenge that "Red Sun" presented.

As Lee Jin-Sung led the final dance break, Suh Hyun-Woo and Goh Yoo-Joon exchanged a charged glance from the wings. Their anxiety was palpable, a silent bond of mutual encouragement. And as the dance break crescendoed, they leaped forward in unison.

This is all just my fantasy,

When the crimson moon fades away,

This too shall vanish into the day

?

The climax of "Red Sun" started with an exquisite harmony between two voices, and the sheer intensity of these high notes was bolstered by the impeccable depth of Goh Yoo-Joon's bass. Even the seasoned Rings, who were very familiar with Chronos, were taken aback by the raw emotion and skill on display.

Then, the delayed cheers outburst and filled the venue.

“Wowwww!!!" The crowd erupted, their voices a blend of awe and admiration. How did such talent remain hidden beneath the group's dance-centric persona? The Rings, in particular, were overwhelmed with a mix of pride and a touch of frustration.

‘Why has this talent been kept under wraps, only to be unveiled through a cover?’

As the euphoria of the high notes subsided, Kang Joo-Han took center stage.

“Oh my gosh!!! Center stage for Joo-Han!!!" The slip by Park Go-Ri went unnoticed as it was lost in the unfolding spectacle.

The scars disappear

The tragedy disappears

You disappear

I cast the spell so that nothing vanishes

Red Sun, Red Sun

?

As Kang Joo-Han whispered the final notes, the camera zoomed into his face and captured a moment of introspective closure before the darkness claimed the stage. Joo-Han locked his eyes with the camera lens and slowly closed them.

As the lights went out, the “Red Sun” performance came to an end. A huge cheer erupted as expected, but the end of "Red Sun" was not the end of the story.

The lights flickered back on as the audience caught on to the hint that more was to come. The stage remained empty, save for the members of Chronos standing like sentinels, hinting at a story yet untold.

After that, the opening notes of “Chronos" echoed through the air, a subtle shift from the ocarina's lament to the xylophone's hopeful chime. The audience's anticipation grew, with Renewal’s male fans eagerly awaiting the next stage.

As the members of Renewal made their entrance, a seamless transition unfolded. The Chronos members stepped aside, gracefully making way for Renewal. Once the Renewal members formed up in the center, Chronos returned to stand beside them.

The sound of the xylophone faded away, replaced by a richer blend of instrumental sounds. The accompaniments of "Red Sun" and "Chronos" intermingled harmoniously, creating a unified soundscape. Both groups synchronized their movements to this fusion, engaging in a light dance. Then, as Chronos exited, the stage was set for Renewal's "Chronos" performance.

***

“Great job everyone!"

The "Red Sun" performance had concluded.

Phew

, that was exhausting. I thought I was going to suffocate holding my breath until the last dance, especially with the mic still on.

We sprawled out backstage for a brief rest before heading to the dressing room. UNET then asked us to quickly change outfits and return to the artist's stage.

As soon as we entered the dressing room, even the manager was mobilized, helping the staff to dry our hair and touch up our makeup. I struggled out of my leather pants, which clung to me because of the sweat. Then, I changed into a suit.

“We are heading out!"

Amid the chaos, the manager's voice rang out. We hurried off to the artist seats, still trying to catch our breath.

The stage for Allure was next, followed by our performance for the first part's finale. I could tell that today would be extremely tiring.

Translator’s note: Translating this book takes me right back to my days of being a hardcore EXO fan (yep, that iconic K-pop group from the 2010s!). I was totally obsessed with them for a good year. Eventually, I had to dial it back to focus on my preparation for college, haha. I remember going to all their music shows, armed with slogans and surrounded by my friends. Good old days! By the way, my favorite member was (and still is) Suho :)