strings of fate. | jake sim

1. lights, instruments, action.

the music thumped through the venue like a heartbeat and i could feel it in my bones.

i lost total count of the number of stages i had done since the start of my so called "career" , but it felt as exciting and nerve-racking as the first one.

lights flashed, reflecting off the polished metal of my shiny black and white guitar as i looked down at it's strings, waiting for my cue. the crowd was full of energy, filling up all the seats — and i waited impatiently for the start. every single stage felt like a new world, performing different sets.

this was just another gig i have been hired for, but one i certainly enjoyed from the start. the rush of performing with various artists one after another, was seared into my skin and definitely made me feel proud.

i came a long way, and my hard work was finally paying off. i could spend time doing what i loved but i also met new people, had new experiences and most importantly — i was able to show my talent to the ones who are interested.

i adjusted my grip on the guitar, breathing deeply, steadying myself for the most anticipated moment of tonight.

lifting my eyes, i noticed my bandmates preparing to start the night. we stood in the background, blending in but the strength of our music was standing out. we weren't really a band, neither was i part of one, but our different strengths worked harmoniously with one another.

the sudden silence between all of us on the stage was interrupted with a loud cheer coming from the audience, who were just as impatient as me for tonight's show to start.

my earpiece crackled to life.

"get ready. band members stand by. intro in five, four..."

i tore my attention back to the electric guitar in my hands, fingers poised on the strings. i took a deep breath and waited for tonight to start. the lights dimmed, the crowd hushed, and the spotlight was on us.

here we go.

my heartbeat raced as i strummed the first chord, powerful and precise, igniting the venue with a wall of sound.

followed by my bandmates, the powerful stage presence and the singer's energy tonight was just another breathtaking page in history that i was a part of.

————

the lights turned off and so did the music, bringing the end of this amazing night. my body was full of adrenaline from the rush of playing, my hair messy from the wind. i hear the loud cheering of the infinite crowd, taking it as a "thank you" for the amazing show we put out there.

a soft rustling came from my earpiece
"hey Moon.. meet me backstage once you are done getting the guitar. will be waiting". the sound got cut off.

it was my manager, Hyejin, calling me. i usually pack up myself and see her backstage anyway, but it seemed like there was something urgent.

Hyejin is really kind, and quite a few years older than me. although she is my manager, we are good enough friends as well — if it wasn't for her, i would be lost in the depth of this industry by now. to add on, she has a lot of experience in the music world — she used to be a renowned producer, but something happened that made her fall apart from her job. she is not open about why it turned out so, and no one seems to know why. i never bothered to ask it anyway, because she seemed like a perfect fit for what she was doing at the moment.

pulling the band of my guitar from my chest, i gently lifted it away from my body. i take out my earpiece, pulling out the sound pack tied to my spine from behind and putting it all together.

as i get the case on my back, i exit through the backstage door. it seemed like a chaos, with hundreds of staff members running to different places, most of them with smiles on their faces. the chatter and the noise was high, the huge area filled with human interaction. not knowing anyone well, i wanted to get out as soon as possible.

i pass by the excited crowd of people, making my way towards the lobby in the venue.

it was cold and empty, with a few people spread across. i look around, and i eventually spot Hyejin. i walk towards the couch she is sitting on, noticing her talking on the phone with someone. she had a cheerful face expression, talking in the speed of lighting in korean — if it wasn't for her facial expression, you would think she was cursing someone in a rap battle.

as soon as she notices me standing in front of her, she ends the call. motioning me to sit next to her on the couch, she puts her phone down.
at this point, i am confused yet so curious as to why she seems so excited— she almost always has a resting bitch face, so when you see her this cheerful, you know something is definitely up.

i sit next to her, impatiently waiting for her response. she turns to look at me, holding my left hand which was resting on my lap along with the other.

"how is our rockstar doing? you did outstanding on the stage tonight." she smiles at me while brushing my hand.

"i appreciate the kind words, hyejin." i tell her and flash her a heartfelt smile, happy at her words.

"well.. well. " Hyejin leaned in, eyes twinkling with a mischievous smile. "got a minute for some pretty big news?" she paused, clearly savoring the suspense, but her grin was too wide to keep it in.

"why are you looking at me like that?" i ask her, confusion on my face, one of my eyebrows raised. i wonder what it is this time.

"i know how you've been dreaming of doing something huge on stage. well... it just so happens i got a call from some very important people."

"important people? like the president or something? i know you have like connections and stuff but-"

"long story short," she paused again, lowering her voice for a dramatic effect, "they want you to be a part of the live band for Enhypen's world tour...".

Enhypen? me? world tour? THE LIVE BAND?

by this point, Hyejin is shaking from excitement in her place, waiting to get a reaction out of me. i am speechless because this was a big opportunity — one that would quite literally be the biggest thing i have ever participated in until today.

"this is a joke, right?" i ask Hyejin, not being able to believe the words that just came out her mouth.

"do i look like a joke to you? i had to arrange everything in just an hour for you with the manager-"

"HYEJIN I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!!" i jump from my place and wrap my arms around her into a hug, not being able to believe this wonderful opportunity.

"this isn't just some little side gig—this is global, stadiums, screaming fans. they want you up there, Moon, rocking with them." Hyejin pats me on the shoulder while looking at me with starry eyes.

i smile at her, not being able to contain my excitement.
Hyejin let out a laugh, suddenly jolting up from her place. "well, pack your bags because the tour is starting... next week. "

i felt the air suddenly switch, the happy mood turning into anxiety. the smile drops from my face, nervousness taking over.

"next week?!?!?!. how about the rehearsals?"

"Moon, i know you have been practicing a lot of enhypen's songs by yourself. plus, the setlist is most of the songs you know."

"well, i have to get to practicing right away, shouldn't i?"

i hesitantly smile, deep down feeling nervous and anxious about the quick start to the tour. at the same time, i could feel weird butterflies in my stomach swerving around — i knew it would be something i never really experienced.

suddenly, Hyejin firmly places both her hands on my shoulders, making me focus on her.

"listen, Moon. ever since i have known you, you have been able to put up with any challenge you faced. never have i ever seen such a talented yet at the same time a strong person — you are one of a kind. if you need any help, i will be with you during the tour" she says as she flashes a kind smile at me, making me feel somewhat more safer and comforted.

i get up from the couch, taking my guitar case as well as my belongings and leave the building alongside with Hyejin.