Chapter 447: What Should We Do From Now On (11)

Before the concert kicked off, Yoon-Chan's message had hinted at a decent turnout of fans. But this was beyond my expectations. Peeking out from backstage, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

The audience was a sea of Eden’s light sticks and banners. Even though the slogans strictly adhered to the sub-character theme by proudly displaying the name 'Eden,' it was unmistakable that these were the hardcore fans—Rings.

Of course, Eden was more popular than me, so he had attracted his fair share of casual fans. However, the number of Rings packing the venue far outnumbered them.

"How does it feel, Mr. Eden?" a member of the bustling production team asked amidst their preparations.

I flashed a grin and replied enthusiastically, "Absolutely thrilling."

All the nerves, fear, and stress dissolved in an instant. It was reassuring to see so many supporters, and it felt like a wave of warmth was washing over me.

The fans were already chanting for Eden, and their call reached my ears as I turned away to stretch. They had set high expectations, and I was determined to live up to them and deliver a concert they'd remember forever.

When the concert began, a pre-recorded VCR rolled on the screen. The video showed me emerging from a lush field, which immediately triggered a roar from the crowd. In the VCR, I strolled through the grass and casually sat down, picking up a guitar to play. My expression was a mix of serenity and distant longing.

"...Wow, no matter how many times I watch that, it’s still cringe," I muttered under my breath.

Tae-Seong burst out laughing from next to me. I joined him. I wasn’t even playing that guitar. My skills weren’t good enough to play those intricate tunes. It was all a pretense, and I even found it amusing how awkwardly I was "playing" the instrument.

As the VCR ended with a pleasant vibe, the venue lights dimmed. "Eden, it's time to go on stage," a crew member whispered.

"Okay," I whispered back and proceeded alone toward the darkened stage with a microphone in my hand.

"Waaaah!" The audience sensed my approach in the darkness, so they erupted into cheers. I bit back a laugh—yes, this was why I had pursued music: to stand on a stage surrounded by cheers. Excitement surged through me as I made my way to the designated spot. Soon, the first song began under a glow of pink lights, setting a delightful tone for the night.

Even in the pitch darkness, the audience somehow sensed my presence and began cheering for my entrance. I kept my lips tightly sealed to suppress a laugh. Yes, this was exactly why I had wanted to become a singer.

I stood on stage amidst such roaring cheers. My heart was already fluttering with happiness. I calmly made my way to my designated spot, and soon, the first song began under the glow of pink lights.

***

The concert started with a lively and sweet song, and this set the stage for a series of tracks personally crafted for Eden by Reina. Instead of delving into Eden’s signature melancholic tunes, the concert took a lighter and more joyful direction.

‘No, no, don’t let Idol Suh Hyun-Woo pop up now, Eden,’

I reminded myself internally, careful to not let my idol persona overshadow the evening’s ambiance. The members and Rings in the audience likely noticed a difference from my usual performances on stage.

"Thank you," I said after completing a continuous fifteen-minute set of songs. As I caught my breath and greeted the audience, a robust wave of cheers washed over me. I couldn’t help but smile broadly as I scanned the sea of faces.

"Wow..." I was struck by the sight of so many people looking only at me. My lips dried out and my body tensed up from their intense gazes. It had been a while since I'd felt this way.

Now it was time for me to carry the talk show alone. Although I had lines prepared, I decided to start by saying something that encapsulated my genuine feelings. "It feels like it’s been a long time since I've seen so many gazes focused on me, haha."

My voice was slightly quivering with nerves. "I've never led such a big stage by myself, so I was really nervous. But your warm reception made it easier for me to enjoy singing. Thank you all for coming to Eden’s first concert."

As I bowed, the audience responded with even louder cheers and provided me with a profound sense of support. I paused briefly, overwhelmed with gratitude, then chuckled. "Well..."

It was time to solidify the theme with a few remarks prepared with Reina. "I never imagined I’d be on such a big stage so soon after debuting... I’m really grateful to everyone who made this possible." I looked around before focusing on one person in the crowd.

"But you there," I pointed.

"Kyaaa!" The woman shrieked in surprise.

"Oh, haha, you startled me."

It was clear she was a Ring. She had Eden’s and Chronos’ light sticks in her hands.

"Could you please raise what you are holding for a moment?"

"Yes!" she responded enthusiastically and lifted both sticks high into the air. This caused laughter to erupt around her.

I managed to keep a straight face and feigned curiosity. "I’ve been curious since the start of the show. The one in your left hand, that's my official light stick." I then gestured toward her other hand. "But the one in your right hand..." I trailed off, prompting laughter from those who caught on.

"Hmm... what about the light stick on your right hand?" Pretending not to recognize it, I frowned as the Ring laughed and vigorously shook the Chronos light stick. Its brightness was unmistakable as it swirled through the air.

"I don’t recognize this light stick. Where did it come from? Oh, and look..." I continued while scanning the crowd. I spotted several more Ring sticks. "There are quite a few of them around. It seems they are not my official ones."

The situation was clear enough that even non-Rings chuckled along.

"Anyway, I will pretend I don’t know whose fan light this is. I am a cool new artist after all. Oops, sorry, you can put your hands down now."

"Yes!" the Ring responded heartily, finally lowering her hands.

After receiving a cue from the production team through the in-ear headphones, I took a sip of water from a bottle set at the front of the stage and continued.

"I’ve only briefly greeted you, but again, thank you so much for coming. With the intent of presenting as many good songs as possible, I’ve prepared a variety of stuff for today’s show. I really hope you enjoy them. Let’s continue with the next song."

After I took my place on a chair brought onto the stage, the bright lights dimmed to a softer hue. Then, a spotlight fell and set a scene reminiscent of a theatrical soliloquy.

I suppressed my buoyant mood and closed my eyes. While the beginning was lively, it was now time to showcase Eden’s unique ambiance. The setlist continued with serene and introspective songs, starting with the prelude of the song "MOON".

***

♪ It's okay

Close your eyes and surrender to the sleep

If tears flow between your closed eyes,

I will gather them with my warmth

The audience was introduced to a series of Reina's self-composed songs and digital singles they were likely hearing for the first time. The once lively and cheerful atmosphere gradually calmed down, and after the last song, the sounds of applause were sincere but quieter than the earlier cheers.

"Thank you." My voice was much more subdued than before. "I tried singing some calm and soothing songs, and there might have been a few that were new to you."

I smiled playfully. "These songs are going to be included in Eden's third album. I hope you liked them."

Laughter returned to the now quiet audience as I stood up, satisfied. It was time to introduce a special guest. "I'd like to ask you all something at this point. How did you first come to know me?"

Answers varied across the auditorium.

"Yes? Where? From my debut? On Reina's radio show?"

The responses were diverse and hard to hear clearly, but I caught a few. "Some of you have known me since I released my first song, but I think most came to know me through the show

Introduce My Singer."

The impact of that show on my popularity was significant.

"The song most mentioned from that show is ‘In a Bronze-Colored Teahouse’ by Senior Park Sang, and I'd like to sing it with someone very special to me. He is a senior I truly respect. Please welcome him enthusiastically."

After my speech, I posed as if I was about to sing, but quickly headed backstage when the stage lights went out. As I left the stage, I felt someone pass by. Although he wouldn’t have been able to see me in darkness, I nodded to greet him and stepped off completely.

Moments later, the lights brightened and revealed the figure on stage to delighted applause. Today's first guest was none other than Park Sang, the original singer of "In a Bronze-Colored Teahouse."