CLOSE TO ME | MARK LEE

18

After all the intense practicing days, the day of our first concert in Seoul was finally here. Everyone was really nervous but so ready to perform. We had waited such a long time for this day to come and it couldn't be better. Areum has been such a great support in these past weeks. After that time on that hill, we had gotten a lot closer. I have to admit... I have feelings for her but I wouldn't want to wreck the relationship we already have. What if she doesn't want to be in a relationship with me? I have to man up and say it one day, otherwise I won't know what will happen.

We were in the dressing room getting ready and having our makeup down whilst in the background our concert organiser was going through the whole schedule for the night. At that moment I was having my makeup done and through the mirror I could just see Areum attentively listening to him. She wasn't as awkward around our choreographer however avoided to talk to him where she could.

"Come on boys! Are you all ready?" Taeyong screamed.

I got out of my seat all ready for the night and walked towards all the members.

"LET'S GO!" We all put our hands in the middle of our circle as Haechan and Taeil hyung shouted. I couldn't help but smile. Tonight is such a big night.

As we were leaving the dressing room, Areum was following us to the stage to send us off. I purposely slowed down so I could walk next to her.

"Good luck. You can do it. You've worked extremely hard for this." She whispered as she was smiling and giving a thumbs up. Suddenly she grabbed my hand and squeezed it with reassurance. Whilst she continued walking. I couldn't help but have butterflies in my stomach.

"Thank you." I mouthed to her and by that point, we had reached to the stage.

As I was about to walk on to the stage, I restrained by Areum's hand as she was still holding it. I eyed my hand then her face, indicating for her to let go. She laughed ever so slightly and let go. After that we were all on the stage.

The concert was a blast. A new feeling which I wished it never stopped. A rush of adrenaline. All the screaming of the fans, the green ocean across the whole hall, the posters and pictures just floating between the crowds. It gave me a new perspective as to why I'm doing all this. I loved it. I finally started to like what I'm doing.

The concert had finished in what seemed like a blink of an eye. We were all heading back to the dressing rooms to shower and get changed. As we got the bottom of the stage's stairs, everyone was waiting there to congratulate us. Everyone received a hugs from all staff. Areum was giving small side hugs to all members. She must be feeling really proud of us. As I got closer, she skipped towards me and tightly gave me a hug. I immediately responded back and hugged her.

"Ewww, hyung you're drenched in sweat so why are you hugging manger nim?" Haechan said disgusted. I started laughing and said "Because I'm happy you silly! C'mon let me give a hug." I said my arms out towards him.

"Noooooo!" He screamed whilst running off back to the rooms.

After he left, I hugged Areum again. "Thank you for everything. You've been my everything so far and I couldn't have got to this day without you. If you weren't there on that night-" I was on the verge of tears at this moment.

"Shhh Mark. You don't need to remember what happened then. Just remember now and this moment for the rest of your life. And Thank YOU for letting me have such an experience. Watching someone so close to me on stage made me feel proud and so happy." I bet you she was also on the verge of tears.

We then returned back to dressing rooms to clean up on such an ecstatic night.

(Ps. The Rose have such good music like oh my god. STAN🙌🏽)