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3rd person POV. may 4th, 2016
tadao stood backstage, the faint hum of excitement buzzing around him as he and his members prepared to go on stage for what felt like the most important performance of their lives. the stage lights were dimmed, and the familiar chords of pretty u began to fill the venue. despite having performed this song countless times, tonight felt different. it wasn’t just another stage—it was the night that could make all their hard work, sweat, and sleepless nights worth it. tonight, seventeen was performing for a shot at their first win.
he adjusted his in-ear monitors, trying to focus as the nerves crept in. the anticipation of the crowd felt heavier than usual, their cheers and light sticks flickering in waves of color across the darkened venue. the pressure was undeniable, but there was also something comforting in the familiarity of his hyungs beside him, their presence like a steady anchor. every glance shared between them, every small nod, was a silent reminder: we’ve got this.
the intro began, and the boys moved into formation, their bodies syncing effortlessly after hours upon hours of practice. the crowd erupted into cheers as the stage lights burst to life, revealing all fourteen of them on stage. from that first note, the energy was electric.
he caught jeonghan’s eyes during the intro, who smiled at him with a subtle nod of reassurance. it was a look that said, “you’ve got this.” jeonghan, ever the gentle, steady presence in the group, had always been the one to calm his nerves. even now, when everyone was feeling the pressure, jeonghan was the rock.
tadao returned the smile, his body moving instinctively through the choreography. the synchronized spins, the smooth slides across the stage—they all felt like second nature by now. but tonight, every move felt more intense, more alive. beside him, hoshi radiated energy, his sharp movements a blur of passion. hoshi always had a way of setting the tone for the group, his fierce commitment pushing everyone to be better.
as the chorus of pretty u swelled, the crowd sang along, their voices blending with the members’. the fans’ energy was intoxicating, feeding into their performance. tadao couldn’t help but smile as he hit his marks, the playful, energetic dance bringing him a sense of joy that chased away the lingering nerves.
then came his favorite part of the performance, the point where the members scattered across the stage, each of them reaching out to interact with the fans. tadao rushed to the edge of the stage, smiling and waving at the crowd, his heart full of warmth. he caught sight of a young fan holding a light stick with his name on it, and for a moment, all the pressure lifted. this was why they did this. for the fans who believed in them.
the song neared its end, and as the final note rang out, the stage lights dimmed again. they finished with their signature pose, the crowd’s cheers roaring through the venue as the boys took their final bow before slipping offstage.
"you think we have a chance?" joshua’s voice cut through the anxious silence, soft but filled with hope. his question was met with silence at first. no one wanted to jinx it, but the thought was on everyone’s mind. seungkwan, who had been fidgeting and biting his lip for most of the evening, now bounced on his toes, trying to shake off the nerves.
