The flowerbed - Aespa's Giselle x M!Reader

The stage that made us cry (Part 4)

I keep replaying the stage in my mind. Their performance was so good, I can't forget it.

I remember from my position in the wings, every detail crystallized with startling clarity. Maybe it was my old dance training, or maybe it was just knowing them so well, but I could read every micro-expression, every perfectly executed transition.

I straightened my jacket, checked my clipboard, and got back to work. We still had an award show to get through.

Though I had a feeling my eyes might not stay completely dry for that part either.

I walked to the backstage viewing area, and the members walked to the tables in front of the stage.

From the backstage monitoring area, I watched the ceremony unfold on multiple screens, surrounded by other staff and managers.

The venue thrummed with barely contained energy. From my monitors, I could see the vast ocean of lightsticks creating constellation-like patterns in the darkness - mint green for aespa's fans mixing with other groups' colors, creating an ethereal aurora. The air conditioning couldn't quite handle the combined heat of thousands of bodies and stage lights, leaving a slight sheen of anticipation on everyone's skin.

Watching the screens, my mind drifted to their first music show win. How Ningning had collapsed into tears before they even reached the trophy, how Winter's hands had shaken so badly she could barely hold her mic, how Karina had tried to maintain composure while visibly fighting back tears. Back then, we'd celebrated in their cramped waiting room, all of us squeezed onto one tiny couch, sharing convenience store drinks and dreams of moments like this.

Now here we were, at the biggest award show of the year, and I could feel my own hands trembling as I gripped my clipboard tighter.

The awards started with smaller categories. Best Dance Performance went to NewJeans, their signature music style and dance performance definitely earning the deserved recognition. Rookie of the Year to ILLIT whose enthusiasm reminded me of aespa's early days.

With each announcement, I felt the tension rising. The girls maintained perfect composure through it all - accepting their Best Female Group nomination with gracious smiles, applauding sincerely for others' wins. But I could read the subtle signs of nerves: Ningning's fingers drumming against her knee, Winter's too-perfect posture, Karina unconsciously touching her earring (a habit from trainee days), and Giselle... Giselle kept glancing toward the backstage area, as if seeking reassurance.

My own heart was hammering so hard I was sure the other managers could hear it. The clipboard in my hands had become slick with nervous sweat, and I found myself holding my breath without meaning to.

When Best Album was announced, I held my breath - but it went to another group. The disappointment was visible only in the slight drop of Karina's shoulders before she led the group in enthusiastic applause. Professional to the core, even in moments of disappointment.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the senior MC stepped forward with the golden envelope that everyone knew contained the night's biggest prize. The room grew impossibly quiet - even the usually bustling staff stilling in anticipation.

The senior MC stepped forward with the golden envelope. I gripped my clipboard tighter, trying to calm my racing heart. Around me, other managers and staff held their breath - everyone knew what this moment meant.

"The winner of this year's daesang..."

The pause felt eternal. On the monitor, I could see Ningning practically vibrating with nervous energy, Karina maintaining her perfect posture, Winter's carefully controlled expression, and Giselle's hands clasped tightly in her lap.