The week leading up to the highly anticipated 2024 KBS Song Festival had been an intense blur for Enhypen and Luna. With only three days remaining to finalize their entire set, which included an exciting new intro and an intricate, high-energy dance break, the group found themselves in a whirlwind of activity. They barely had time to catch their breath amid the chaos. Each member was feeling the weight of exhaustion, yet they were all determined to deliver a flawless performance that would leave a lasting impression on their fans.
"Again! One more time!" the choreographer yelled, his voice rising above the pulsing music for the dance break that blared through the practice room.
Luna wiped the sweat off her brow, panting as she and Jake locked eyes, silently motivating each other to push through the demanding routine.
"I swear my legs are going to give out," Sunoo groaned dramatically, collapsing onto the floor during a brief water break.
"Don't even think about it," Jay retorted, nudging him with his foot in a playful manner. "We've got two more run-throughs before we call it a night."
By the time they wrapped up practice each evening, it was well past midnight. They'd stagger back to the dorms, sore and sleep-deprived, only to wake up a few hours later and start the whole process again.
"This is going to be worth it," Jungwon said one night, his voice firm despite the fatigue evident in his eyes.
"It has to be," Luna replied, tying her hair back as she prepared for yet another exhausting rehearsal.
The morning of the festival arrived, and the group made their way to the KBS building, bundled up in oversized hoodies and masks to shield themselves from the chilly morning air. The atmosphere was electric, with staff members already bustling around, directing equipment and setting up dressing rooms.
"Enhypen, this way!" their manager called, ushering them down a long hallway lined with the names of other artists, some of whom they admired.
The group's dressing room was a hive of activity. Stylists were unpacking outfits, makeup artists were setting up their tools, and cameras were already rolling to capture behind-the-scenes footage for eager fans.
"Morning, Enhypen! Let's get started!" a staff member chirped, far too cheerful for such an early hour.
"Morning?" Jake muttered under his breath. "Feels like we never left."
The room buzzed with noise as the members rotated through hair and makeup stations, a flurry of energy and anticipation filling the air. Luna sat in a chair, her eyes closed as a stylist meticulously curled her hair, working to perfect her look.
"Don't move too much, Luna," the stylist warned gently as Luna turned slightly to sneak a glance at Heeseung rehearsing in the corner.
"Sorry," she murmured, shifting back into position with a smile. Meanwhile, Niki was struggling to get his jacket on, the fabric seeming to resist his efforts.
"Why is this sleeve so tight?!" he complained, flailing his arm in frustration.
"It's not the jacket, Niki," Jay teased with a grin.
"You've been hitting the gym too hard lately."
"Jay, stop distracting him!" a staff member scolded, adjusting Niki's sleeve with a knowing smile.
Sunghoon was pacing back and forth, practicing choreo, mumbling to himself in concentration.
"Did you even sleep last night?" Sunoo asked, watching him with genuine concern.
"Does it look like I did?" Sunghoon shot back, a playful glint in his eyes, earning a laugh from Sunoo and lightening the mood in the bustling dressing room. The excitement and nervous energy were palpable, fueling their determination to shine on stage.
With less than an hour until showtime, the energy backstage shifted into overdrive, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The members gathered in their stage outfits: sleek black cargo pants paired with matching black jackets that exuded a cool, confident vibe. Luna's jacket was slightly open, revealing her striking black crop top, which added a touch of sophistication to the group's otherwise edgy look, making her stand out even more.
"Does everyone have their mics?" their manager inquired, scanning the group with a critical eye, ensuring that everything was in place.
"Wait, where's my pack?" Jake panicked, patting his waist frantically, his expression a mix of anxiety and embarrassment.
"Here!" a staff member rushed in from the side, handing it to him with a smile. "You left it on the makeup counter, remember?"
In the narrow hallway outside their dressing room, the group squeezed in and ran through a quick practice of their formations. The cramped space barely accommodated their movements, but they made it work, determination shining through their slightly anxious expressions.
"Jake, you're too far left," Jungwon said, adjusting his position with a focused intensity.
"Got it, got it," Jake replied, stepping into place, his earlier panic fading as he fell back into the rhythm of their routine.
Meanwhile, Luna practiced her spins with Heeseung, her face set with determination and concentration.
"Don't overthink it," Heeseung advised, his voice steady. "Just let it flow."
"Easier said than done," she muttered under her breath, shaking out her hands to release the tension building within her.
With just five minutes to go, the members huddled together in a tight circle, their manager giving them a rapid-fire pep talk that seemed to cut through the adrenaline-fueled chaos surrounding them.
"This is it, guys. The audience is huge, the cameras are everywhere, and you're going to nail it. Just breathe and trust each other. Remember, you've worked hard to get here."
"Trust each other," Jungwon repeated, looking at each member in turn, his voice steady and reassuring. "We've got this. We're a team."
The group lined up backstage, the muffled roar of the crowd reaching their ears, a powerful reminder of the excitement waiting for them just beyond the curtain. Staff members rushed around, making last-minute adjustments to their mics and outfits, ensuring everything was perfect for their performance.
"Luna, your earpiece is slipping," a stylist said, quickly fixing it with a practiced hand while others checked lighting and sound levels.
"Thanks," she replied, her heart pounding in her chest as the adrenaline coursed through her veins.
The lights dimmed, and the screen brightened showing Enhypen sending the fans at arena screaming.
As they stepped onto the stage, the chaos of the past week melted away, replaced by the electrifying energy of the crowd. The bright lights illuminated their faces, and the deafening cheers washed over them like a wave. This was their moment, the culmination of all their hard work, and they were ready to own it, to give everything they had to the fans who had come to support them.
