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Chapter 142: End-of-Year Stage (12)

“The audience\'s gaze will be on you throughout the awards. Mind your actions and maintain your composure at all times," advised a member of the staff with a note of caution in their voice.

“Understood!" we replied, our voices harmonized by a mix of excitement and nervousness.

“Is Chronos ready? It\'s almost your turn.”

Backstage, the air was thick with anticipation. Renowned groups like High Tension, Street Center, and Allure were standing near the stage, maintaining a professional distance as they awaited their turn. The ambient noise and the audience’s cheers were so overwhelming that I had to constantly shake off my tension.

- Alright then, let’s introduce the stars who will brighten up the KEW Awards tonight!

As the MC announced, a vibration rippled across the floor. The thumping background music kicked in, and one by one, the artists at the forefront started their march onto the stage.

“Ah... It\'s happening," Yoon-Chan whispered, his voice tinged with anxiety. I then gulped nervously, my eyes following each artist as they vanished onto the stage, my own nerves teetering on the edge.

As we edged closer to our entrance, a gentle nudge from a staff member startled me.

“Eh? Yes?"

“It\'s time for Chronos!" the staff said, pushing me forward with a gentle yet firm hand.

We were propelled onto the stage without having sufficient time to be mentally ready, and the roar of the crowd hit us like a wave. After that, the MC\'s voice rang out, introducing us.

- The meteoric rise of Chronos this year has been nothing short of phenomenal! It wouldn\'t be an overstatement to say they\'ve been the most active group in the latter half of this year. Everyone, please give a round of applause for Chronos!

Instead of applause, the cheers grew even louder. With our faces still tense from nerves, we smiled, waved, and headed toward the center of the stage. Then, all the performers ascended the stage.

- This is truly an unprecedented lineup, with artists who have made a mark in the music industry and monster-like newcomers who have burst onto the scene.

- Yes, all these incredible artists have collaborated to prepare some amazing performances, so please stay with us until the end.

- Now, let\'s watch a VTR before we proceed further!

The stage darkened, and a video started playing on the screen behind us, introducing the KEW Awards, showing clips from music broadcasts and congratulatory messages from key figures in the entertainment industry.

While the VTR was airing, we followed the staff off the stage and headed toward Chronos\'s designated area. Then, Yoo Ji-Eun appeared for the award presentation without delay.

- The first award is the New Artist of the Year. The presenter is Korea\'s hottest actress, Yoo Ji-Eun.

From the first award, it was already the New Artist of the Year, so we had to firmly grip our relaxed hearts again. Mine was pounding so hard that it hurt.

“Hello, I\'m Yoo Ji-Eun. This year has been really special for me as someone who loves music. I\'ve had the chance to host music broadcasts and have formed many good connections."

The candidates were Chronos, High Tension, and Street Center, along with many other groups who had emerged in the first half of the year. The fans\' excitement was palpable, their cheers escalating with anticipation.

Yoo Ji-Eun\'s words stretched on, and my throat felt parched with nervousness. She announced, “And now, for the New Artist of the Year in the album category... Congratulations to High Tension and Street Center!"

Ah, it wasn\'t us. We clapped for High Tension and Street Center as they made their way to the stage, our disappointment hidden behind smiling faces.

- Yes, High Tension and Street Center bagged the New Artist of the Year for their album category, leaving us in awe with their initial sale of two hundred thousand copies.

We were close in sales, but perhaps the tallying method didn’t favor us as much as it did them. Discontent murmured among our fans, the Rings, echoing our own feelings of letdown.

As High Tension and Street Center graciously accepted their awards and expressed their gratitude, Yoo Ji-Eun reclaimed the microphone. “Next up, the New Artist of the Year in digital music."

The music got louder, signaling the moment\'s importance. With a subtle trembling of his lips, Joo-Han exclaimed softly, “Ah, right, separate awards for albums and digital music."

Then, the unexpected happened. “Chronos. Congratulations!"

The word “Yaaah!” escaped us in a burst of excitement.

- Chronos debuted in the latter half of the year and quickly surpassed one hundred million downloads with hits like ‘Parade\' and \'Blue Room Party.\' This has shown their extraordinary potential as a newcomer.

- Yes, they have shown their strength in digital music and rapidly rising to fame with the ‘Parade’ dance challenge and ‘Blue Room Party.’

With the announcement, we were up on our feet, joyfully linking arms. We then headed to the stage amidst an outpouring of congratulations from fellow artists and accepted the trophy from Yoo Ji-Eun. We bowed so deeply that our backs almost hurt.

I found myself holding the trophy after it had passed through each member\'s hands.

- Congratulations, Chronos. Let\'s hear your speech.

Joo-Han moved forward to the microphone, and the rest of us members surrounded him, who stood proudly at the center. We stepped back slightly to give him the spotlight.

“Thank you so much! Let’s start with our greeting. Ready, everyone? Two, three!"

“Hello! We are Chronos, thank you so much!"

“Yes, this year has truly been a rollercoaster of experiences. Receiving such a prestigious award is all thanks to our fans and the many professionals in the industry. This feels surreal and is a huge honor for us. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our YMM family, our own families, and of course, the ever-supportive Rings."

The Rings erupted in a resounding cheer, their enthusiasm washing away any remnants of our nervousness. A spontaneous smile now graced our faces.

“We can\'t thank you enough. We will work even harder to show you even better performances! Thank you once again!"

- Yes, a big congratulations to Chronos!

Since it was the first award, the time for our acceptance speech was brief. As the stage lights dimmed, signaling our cue to exit, we slowly stepped down, and what followed was an immediate transition to the opening performance on the opposite stage.

Next was a top nominee for the grand prize, and they took the opening stage of the ceremony. Their performance was something we had been eager to witness, but unfortunately, Jin-Sung and I couldn\'t afford the luxury of watching it. We had to dash backstage immediately to gear up for our upcoming dance part.

In the hustle backstage, we swiftly slipped into our more ornate and striking outfits: the heavy earrings embellished with bold jewels, a medieval-styled white shirt, and the snug black trousers that fit like a second skin.

“Be quick to return here after your stage. You\'ve got exactly fifteen seconds to change and head out, okay?"

“Understood."

“Even if the costumes get a little messy, stay focused on your performance."

“Hyun-Woo, your facial expressions are key. Nail those camera moments and get the acting just right."

“I will."

“We will be keeping an eye on how well you portray the intensity of your character. Stay sharp."

“Got it."

A flurry of people swarmed around me, bombarding me with last-minute reminders and instructions. In truth, the words were somewhat lost in my whirlwind of thoughts. I processed their instructions as simple encouragement to give my all.

“Okay, Hyun-Woo is all set!"

“And Jin-Sung?"

“He\'s good to go!"

“First part members, it\'s time to head to your spots!"

I followed the staff, hunching over to enter the area beneath my spot. On the stage, the thumping steps of Next\'s dancers echoed, a thunderous precursor to our own moment.

“Man, this is insane. Absolutely insane."

This level of tension was unparalleled, far beyond what we had experienced during the Pick We Up performance. Surrounded by the audience, with our seniors watching closely from the front, I felt so nervous, my heart pulsing with a fiery intensity.

“Hyun-Woo, are you feeling alright?"

“...Yes, just extremely nervous. But I\'m ready now."

As Next\'s opening stage concluded, a hush fell over the stage.

“Hyun-Woo, it\'s your turn. Go out there and shine!"

“Thank you so much!" With a deep breath to steady my racing heart, I prepared mentally. We had poured our hearts and souls into this performance. There was no room for error. I just needed to channel the nerves into energy.

“Huff..."

The lift slowly rose, bringing me onto the stage, and the song started along with a cascade of red lights. The resounding cheers of the fans enveloped me, sending a thrilling shiver down my spine. For a moment, my heart skipped a beat, and I plunged into the performance with all I had.

***

“Can you believe this? Why is he so breathtakingly gorgeous today?"

In a seat within the KEW Awards audience, a Ring couldn\'t help but express her awe in quick succession. While she was aware that Suh Hyun-Woo was prepping for a collaborative stage, the reality was beyond expectation.

“Oh my gosh! No one mentioned a solo performance like this!"

Adorned more splendidly than ever, Hyun-Woo was a vision on the big screen. Under the sweeping spotlight, his captivating gaze into the camera was absolutely mesmerizing.