In a world where appearances rule and secrets fester beneath the surface, certain lives cross paths in a tangled web of dreams, deception, and (self)-discovery.
Turn the pages to a story where love, ambition, and identity collide, each must confront...
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The applause was deafening as I took my final bow on stage, my heart swelling with the energy of the crowd.
"Thank you so much for an incredible night." I called out into the microphone. "You've made this tour unforgettable. Please have a safe ride home and a good night!"
With a final wave, I exited the stage, the shrieks of the crowd still ringing in my ears. Just as I stepped offstage, I noticed the familiar sight of the camera crew waiting by the entrance to the green room, ready to capture everything for the vlog. I flashed them a smile, giving them a small wave.
"Hey everyone! So, we just wrapped up tonight's show, and..." I paused, letting out a breathy laugh, still catching my breath. "Wow, the energy out there was something else. You could feel it, right? It was absolutely crazy."
"So, you're getting the real behind-the-scenes now," I said with a laugh, dabbing at my sweaty face with a towel.
"This is what I look like after giving everything I've got on stage. Super glamorous, right?" I waved the towel, shaking my head. "But honestly, it was so worth it. Tonight was incredible."
As my team continued working around me, I leaned forward, lowering my voice for the camera. "I know I say this every time, but every night feels like the best night ever. I don't know how it keeps happening, but my fans—you guys—are unreal. I just want to hug every single one of you."
"So that was the final show," I said, turning my full attention back to the lens. "I can't believe it's over. It feels like the tour just started yesterday, and now we're here, wrapping it all up. It's a strange mix of emotions—bittersweet, you know? It's hard to let go."
As I made my way to the dressing room, I paused to give the camera one last look, offering a soft smile. "Thank you for coming along with me on this journey. Your support means more than I can ever say. I will see you again at the encore concert. Also, there will be a surprise for you all there!"
With a final wave, I turned away, letting the camera capture the last few moments before I disappeared into the dressing room.
"Raven!" one of the stylists, Haewon, beamed as she hurried over. "You did amazing tonight! The energy out there was insane!"
I dabbed at my forehead, still catching my breath. "Thanks, Haewon. I could feel it—every single scream, every chant. It's like they gave me all the strength I needed."
My make-up artist, Soomin, gently started removing my makeup, carefully wiping away the glitter that seemed to have gotten everywhere. "You're always so calm up there, but tonight... there was something extra. You really gave it your all."
I laughed softly, closing my eyes as she worked. "I don't know, something about the crowd tonight—it was like they were carrying me through the whole set. I thought I'd be too tired after yesterday, but their energy was just... electric."
As they worked, I could hear more people filtering into the room—staff members, production crew, all with warm smiles and quiet congratulations.
Suddenly, a familiar voice boomed from the doorway, cutting through the chatter.
"Raven! Another knockout performance!" Mr. Jang, my manager, strode in with a wide grin. "You absolutely nailed it tonight!"
I turned in my chair, chuckling as I took in his enthusiasm. "Thanks, Mr. Jang, but you're always saying that."
"Because it's always true!" he said, shrugging. "Did you see the crowd? They were out of their minds for you. They barely sat down once you started."
I shook my head, smiling as Soomin carefully removed my earrings. "I just hope they had as much fun as I did. That's what really matters."
Haewon chimed in, handing me a water bottle. "Trust me, they did. They were crying, cheering, and screaming your name—it was like they couldn't get enough."
I took a long sip of water. "You know, every night I think I'm too tired to give it my all, and then I step on stage and see their faces. It's like I'm suddenly alive again."
Mr. Jang gave me a knowing nod. "That's what makes you special. You're not just performing, you're connecting with them. And they feel it."
The rest of the staff nodded in agreement. I looked around the room, feeling a sense of gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you guys. Seriously, this tour has been hard, but having all of you here with me... it's made it worth it."
Mr. Jang patted me gently on the shoulder. "Alright, superstar. Time to head back and rest. We have an early flight tomorrow."
I stood up from the chair, feeling the fatigue starting to settle in my bones. "You're right. Thanks, everyone. Get some rest yourselves, okay? We've all earned it."
𓆉𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓇼
As the car started moving, I pulled out my tablet, already jotting down the lyrics that had been brewing in my mind. Mr. Jang glanced back from the front seat and sighed.
"Raven," he said, "you should try to enjoy the moment while you can. It's not like you'll get to see Milan's streets again soon."
I looked up from my tablet and smiled. "I am enjoying it doing what my heart wants. But alright, just for you, I'll look out the window and take in the view."
Mr. Jang shook his head, muttering about how hopeless I was. I gazed out at the city. Milan's lively streets and fairy lights filled me with wonder.
When we reached the hotel, Mr. Jang walked me to my room, giving me a gentle nudge. "Get some rest, okay? You need a good night's sleep after tonight."
"I promise I won't stay up too late," I said, though I was already humming a melody in my mind, forming the bridge and hook of the song I'd begun writing in the car.
"You won't sleep until you finish the song, right?" Mr. Jang asked shaking his head.
"I only have a bridge to write so it won't take long." I said sheepishly.
He gave me a knowing smile and went off to his room.
As soon as the door closed behind me, I jumped back into finishing the song. Humming the tune, I wove the lyrics together, the words flowing easily as I gave them a shape and purpose.
Finally, I wrote the title in big, bold letters:
DREAM.
The song had found its identity, and with it, I could finally allow myself to rest.
𓆉𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟𓇼
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Celine Reed (Raven) 27 "It is the destiny of stars to collapse."
