Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 8

Before long, we all assembled in the underground parking lot. I glanced down at my outfit, a simple T-shirt that stated "Crew," and the ID card hanging from a blue strap around my neck. Jessica had explained that this indicated I was part of the inner team, and I felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with nervousness as I prepared to step into this new world.

As we approached the venue, the sound of excited chatter and cheerful screams grew louder, enveloping us like a warm wave. A massive crowd had gathered, a sea of colorful banners and glowing lightsticks, all pulsating with vibrant energy. Fans dressed in a kaleidoscope of outfits—some in matching gear adorned with Arc's face and others sporting handmade shirts emblazoned with messages of support—filled the space with an electric atmosphere.

Their faces were bright with anticipation, eyes shining as they held onto their phones, ready to capture every moment. Groups of friends shared their favorite songs, singing snippets in unison while others clutched small gifts wrapped in vibrant paper, hoping for a chance to hand them over. The buzz of excitement was palpable, making the air thick with enthusiasm and a hint of nervousness.

Yesterday, I had watched this scene unfold from the outside, feeling like an outsider peering in. Now, standing on the other side of the crowd, I felt a sense of disbelief wash over me. I was no longer just an observer; I was a part of this world, a world filled with adoration and fervor.

I traveled with Jihye, Jin Ho, and Mr. Kim, weaving through the throng of fans as they cheered and waved at the vehicles arriving. We were able to enter the venue without issue, but Arc's van was met with a different scene. The crowd surged forward, their excitement palpable, blocking the way. His bodyguard stepped out first, his presence commanding, as he carefully made a path through the throng, ensuring Arc could exit the van safely. I watched as the fans erupted into cheers, their faces lighting up with recognition and excitement the moment he stepped into view. It was a world where every movement felt like a celebration, and I was standing right in the midst of it.

Arc emerged from the van, his signature idol smile radiating warmth and charm. He waved enthusiastically at the crowd, the energy palpable as he made eye contact with fans, who screamed his name in unison. The sight was electric—he posed for pictures, signed autographs, and engaged with the fans, taking his time to soak in the adoration. It was incredible to witness how his presence could transform the atmosphere, each smile and wave drawing out even more cheers. What should have taken him just a few moments turned into a full fifteen minutes as he made his way through the crowd, each step met with delighted screams and flashes from eager cameras.

Once he finally disappeared backstage, Jihye and the others quickly followed suit, and I felt a rush of nerves. Jessica spotted me amidst the flurry of activity and beckoned me over to the music setup area. She opened her laptop, ready to get everything in order for the event.

"Since the venue is small, we won't have a separate space for translators like we usually do," she explained as she set up the equipment. "So we'll try to position ourselves as close to the stage as possible. It's important that we stay in sight of Arc; he might need to explain something, and we want to make sure we're ready to translate."

As she explained the setup, I took in the various pieces of equipment—microphones, monitors, and cables all strategically arranged. She handed me an extra set of headphones and a mic, instructing me on how to use them properly.

"Just keep an ear out for when he talks to you. We'll be translating live, so it's crucial to stay alert," Jessica added, her tone a mixture of professionalism and encouragement.

Soon, the MC stepped onto the stage, the crowd's energy shifting in anticipation. With a flourish, he introduced Arc, and the moment he entered, the atmosphere shifted once again. Cheers erupted like thunder, and I felt the adrenaline rush as Arc took the stage, ready to connect with his fans.