|sixty-three|

|Aera's POV|

"We're just doing one song. They won't mind." JiSu insists as she lines us up next to the dimly lit stage.

"Aren't I supposed to be the one organizing you guys?" NaHee grabs JiSu by the shoulders and switches spots with her.

"As soon as the lights go down, hurry out there and get in position." A stage hand instructs as I look out at the full audience. I swallow hard.

I should be the one who's used to all of this. I have a history of performing. I had the biggest fan base before SunMi's identity came out. This should be a breeze for me, but it's eating me alive. I don't know if I'm ready.

"Let's go." NaHee tugs on my arm as the lights fall to the point of near blackness.

I close my eyes tightly once I hit my position. I take a shaky breath and force myself to put a smile on. I have to flip the switch. I can't panic about this. We have to blow them all out of the water. If we do, our showcase could sell out overnight.

As soon as the lights go up and the music starts, everything else vanishes. I move to the music like my life depends on it while I smile brightly. This is what I've been practicing for. It's what we've all dreamt of. This is the start of Candi. What rookie group gets to say they performed at a BTS concert before they even debuted? Except maybe TXT, but we won't mention them.

As the lights dim again and the song ends, I can't help but wrap the others in a bear hug. My heart is racing and I couldn't be anymore exhausted, but we did it. We performed in front of a sold out audience. We didn't make a single mistake and the crowd cheered for us. They didn't fall silent out of annoyance, they actually cheered for us.

We rush of the stage panting and sweating, but our excitement shines through despite our exhaustion. So this is what it's like. This is what being an idol is. It's being so nervous to the point you might throw up, only to come off stage filled with an overwhelming sense of confidence.

"That was amazing!" JuHee chirps as she jumps up and down. Her innocent chubby face adorned with a brilliant smile.

"I have to go change. I'm up with TaeHyung in a few songs." JiSu pats us all on the back before hurrying off to switch costumes.

"Look!" SunMi tugs on my arm and points toward the stage as the boys start their first performance.

"They look so cool from here! I'm used to seeing them from the crowd. It's so much better back here." I chirp as I watch them dance effortlessly while their vocals don't falter at all.

"I hope we'll be as good as they are one day." NaHee stands between us and wraps her arms around our shoulders.

"We will. I'll make sure of it." I state confidently as I imagine Mark feeling just like I am now after all of his performances. That must be why he does it. It must be as thrilling for him as it was for us.

"I love you guys." NaHee pulls us all in closer as she leans her head against mine.

"Here you go girls." One of BTS's managers comes up behind us with an bottles of water. He hands one to each of us before hurrying off.

"I have to go call Mark." I break free of the girls and hurry back toward the dressing room.

This feeling in my chest—it's so hard to explain. I can't find the words for it. I'm sure Mark has words for it. He's experienced it so many times. He'll know how to explain it to me.

I push the door open to see JiSu standing in front of the mirror in the new dress SunMi bought her. My jaw drops. It fits her body perfectly. It makes her legs look so much longer than they are. Her shoes, too—everything about her sparkles. Her eye makeup is pure glitter. Her heels are a pale pink coated in a layer of blinding gems.

"What do you think?" JiSu spins around with a brilliant grin. Her long hair falling around her shoulders like the waves of an ocean.

"You look amazing, Su!" I hurry toward her and hug her tightly, no longer determined to call Mark.

"Guess what song we're doing." JiSu smiles as the others slip into the room behind me.

"When We Disco." SunMi chuckles as placed her hand on JiSu's shoulder.

"Yes! We both knew the dance and lyrics, so we just added a few moves of our own. It didn't take much and we had it down perfectly. Thanks for the dress, Mi. It means the world to me." JiSu slips away from me to hug SunMi tightly.

"It's an early birthday present." SunMi returns her warm embrace as someone peeks into the room.

"You're up next, JiSu." NamJoon mumbles before hurrying off.

"Well—wish me luck." JiSu gives us all one last group hug before making her way out of the room.

We all excitedly hurry out of the room. NaHee guides us back to our seats beside ChanHyuck. His smile is full of appreciation. He looks as if he couldn't be more proud of us if he tried.

"You were all perfect." ChanHyuck pats my knee as I sit down beside him.

"Our Su is up next. She looks amazing, Hyuck. You're going to cry." I tease as I poke at his arm.

"I mean I didn't cry while you guys performed—so I don't think I'll cry for JiSu." ChanHyuck mumbles as he turns away.

"He cried." One of the security guards chuckles as leans in toward us.

"Aw! Hyuck!" We all laugh as the stage falls dark once again.

"Quiet! It's our Su!" I swat at the others as I scoot forward in my seat.

The lights come up and she shines brighter than I ever thought possible. It's me, I should be jealous that she's up there instead of me, but I'm not. For some reason, I feel like she was destined to be there. For once, I feel like we're all destined for certain things and I'm okay with it. We'll all make Candi shine in our own way—just like the way JiSu shines as she dances across the stage.