Joining a Girl Group

Chapter 17:First Concert

The backstage room was chaotic—lights, makeup mirrors, music blaring faintly from the stage. Everyone was moving, adjusting outfits, doing warm-ups, buzzing with nerves and excitement. I felt a tight knot in my stomach. This was my first concert with KATSEYE, and I wasn't sure how the fans would react—or how well I'd perform.

I ran a hand over my hair, trying to calm my nerves, but it did nothing. My chest felt tight, heart hammering. Yoonchae appeared beside me, her presence immediately grounding me. She was calm, composed, smiling softly as she adjusted her outfit. "...You... nervous?" she asked in her fluent English, accent soft but noticeable.

I nodded, trying to speak in my broken English. "...Yes... stage... big... fans... pressure..."

She reached out, brushing her hand lightly against mine. "...You... can... do... best... together."

Her words were simple, but they carried weight. The warmth of her touch, the steadiness in her voice, made my chest tighten in a way that wasn't just nerves. I swallowed hard, nodding. "...Yes... together..."

The music from the stage swelled, signaling it was almost time. I could hear the roar of fans growing louder, chants echoing in the arena. My heart thumped harder. This was real. All the solo performances, the recordings, the practice—it all led to this moment. And now, I had to dance and sing with a girl group, blending in while also being myself.

Yoonchae gave me a small nod, her eyes locking with mine for a moment. "...Focus... just... music... feel... together..."

I nodded again, trying to let her words sink in. I took a deep breath, letting the adrenaline mix with nerves. "...Okay... together..."

The group lined up, stepping toward the stage entrance. I could see the audience through the open curtain—a sea of waving light sticks, fans shouting, holding banners. My chest tightened again. This was bigger than anything I had done alone.

The music started, lights flashing. I moved with the group, following choreography that was still slightly unfamiliar. I felt the difference in energy immediately—my usual masculine, soloist movements didn't always match the feminine energy of the group's steps. I faltered slightly, but Yoonchae was there beside me, eyes catching mine for a moment during a spin. She gave me a subtle smile, barely noticeable to anyone else, but it anchored me.

I adjusted my stance, following the rhythm, letting my body sync with hers. Every small glance, every brush of her hand against mine, made my heart race. We were on stage in front of thousands of fans, but in those moments, it felt like we were alone together.

The chorus came, and I focused on my rap parts. My voice was different from the others, deeper, rougher, but it fit in a strange way. The crowd reacted, cheering, waving light sticks in time with the beat. I glanced at Yoonchae as she danced beside me, her smile bright, fluid in every movement. The contrast of our styles—my raw, masculine energy against her graceful, fluid motions—somehow worked.

By the second verse, I had settled into the flow, moving more confidently. I caught Yoonchae's gaze again during a spin, and she winked subtly. My chest tightened. "...Just... us..." I thought, repeating the mantra silently, letting it center me.

The bridge approached, a softer part of the song. I leaned slightly toward Yoonchae, our hands brushing almost accidentally. The moment was fleeting, but the electricity between us was undeniable. I felt my face heat, heart pounding. Her eyes met mine briefly, a flicker of amusement and warmth.

As the song ended, the final notes echoed, lights dimming briefly. The crowd erupted, cheering, screaming, chanting our names. I gasped, letting the adrenaline wash over me. We moved to our exit positions, smiling and waving. My hand found Yoonchae's for just a moment, fingers brushing, and I felt a strange warmth spread through me.

Backstage, the room erupted with chatter. The members were laughing, clapping, teasing each other about their performance. Some of the girls exchanged glances, smirking knowingly when they noticed how Yoonchae and I kept brushing against each other or sharing small smiles.

Sophia appeared beside us, arms crossed, giving a subtle approving nod. "...Good," she said softly, protective energy radiating. "...Well done... together."

I exhaled, relief flooding me. "...Yes... we... did..." My broken English stumbled, but the meaning was clear.

Yoonchae squeezed my hand, whispering, "...See... you... did... amazing... together..."

I smiled, chest still racing. "...Yes... together... thanks..."

The rest of the group teased gently, not cruelly, just aware of our chemistry. "...So obvious!" Megan laughed quietly. "...Can't hide it on stage!"

Daniela grinned. "...You two... like... perfect sync... hmm?"

I groaned, brushing a hand through my hair. "...Sync... yes... maybe... more..."

Yoonchae laughed softly, resting her head against my shoulder. "...Ignore... teasing... we... just... enjoy..."

We lingered for a few moments, quiet amidst the post-performance chaos. My hand stayed lightly on hers, our fingers brushing, our hearts still racing. Sophia watched us, silent but protective, her eyes flicking around the room to make sure no one overstepped.

I realized then, fully, that this wasn't just about the performance. This was about us, together, navigating something new, exciting, and terrifying. And somehow, having Yoonchae beside me made everything feel... right.

"...Just... us..." I whispered quietly, almost to myself.

"...Just... us..." Yoonchae echoed, a small smile on her lips.

And in that crowded, loud backstage, with the cheering of thousands still echoing faintly from the stage, it felt like it really was just us.