The air backstage was electric, buzzing with the energy of a hundred people moving, whispered last-minute checks, and the distant roar of the crowd. Your heart was pounding, a mix of nerves and pure excitement. You could hear the opening music of the concert starting to play, signaling it was almost time.

You took a deep breath, trying to calm yourself, when a warm hand gently touched your arm. It was Lee Chaeryeong. She was already in her sparkling stage outfit, her hair perfectly styled, but her eyes, usually so calm, held a similar spark of nerves as yours. She gave you a small, reassuring smile, a quiet comfort in the chaos.

She didn't say much, just squeezed your arm lightly. Then, she moved slightly in front of you, looking out through the small gap in the curtains towards the huge, dark arena where thousands of lights were shining. You could feel the sheer size of the audience out there.

After a moment, she looked back at you, her eyes soft but full of determination. "Ready?" she murmured, her voice a little hushed over the rising music. She grinned, a genuine, bright smile.