Between two worlds | Chanlix

The song of goodbye

The day of the party arrived, and Chan found himself sitting in his studio as the evening crept closer. The haunting melody of the demo still played on his mind, lingering in the air like a ghost. As he sang it once more, Han, who had been listening quietly, suddenly gasped.

"Chan," Han said, his voice trembling slightly, "this...this isn't just good. It's extraordinary. I've heard a lot of music, but this...this is something else."

Chan blinked, unsure how to respond. He had poured so much of himself into the song, and hearing those words from Han made him feel both validated and vulnerable.

"Thanks," he murmured, glancing down at the piano keys.

"We need to work on it more," Han insisted. "This could be a masterpiece."

The two spent the rest of the afternoon refining the song, polishing every note and lyric until it felt perfect. But as evening loomed closer, Chan's thoughts drifted to the engagement party. He hesitated before pulling on his suit, an elegant black piece that hugged his frame perfectly, giving him the polished look of a star.

When he arrived at the venue, he was immediately struck by the sheer opulence of it all. The hall glittered with crystal chandeliers, golden accents, and the hum of conversation from Seoul's most powerful and wealthy figures.

Chan stepped inside, scanning the crowd for Han but failing to find him. Instead, he was quickly surrounded by fans—rich socialites and influencers who fawned over him and complimented his work. He smiled politely, feeling both humbled and out of place in such a lavish setting.

Then, the room fell silent as Felix entered.

Chan turned, and his breath hitched. Felix was dressed in a white suit that shimmered faintly under the lights, a vision of effortless elegance. His sharp features, softened by the formal attire, made him look almost otherworldly. But it wasn't just his appearance that captivated Chan—it was the sadness hidden behind Felix's usual mask of composure, a subtle crack that only someone like Chan could see.

Following closely behind Felix was his fiancée. She was stunning, with a radiant smile that lit up the room. Together, they looked like the perfect couple, drawing admiration from everyone around them.

As they moved through the crowd, greeting guests, Felix's fiancée approached Chan.

"Oh my gosh," she said with a wide smile, "you're Bang Chan, aren't you? I'm such a fan of your music!"

Chan managed a small smile. "Thank you. That means a lot."

Her enthusiasm was infectious, but Chan couldn't bring himself to look at Felix, who stood just a few feet away, his gaze fixed elsewhere.

"Would you sing something for us?" she asked suddenly, her tone bright and eager.

"I'm not sure that's a good idea," Chan replied quickly, shaking his head.

"Please?" she pressed, her smile unwavering. "It would make the night so special."

Felix's gaze finally landed on Chan, his expression unreadable. The intensity of it made Chan falter.

"Alright," Chan said softly, giving in.

He walked to the stage, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He placed the demo disc into the system and adjusted the microphone. The haunting melody filled the room, and he began to sing.

"Lost in You" (live performance excerpt)

(Verse 1)
I tried to hold you in the quiet nights,
But shadows stood between your heart and mine.
A thousand steps we took, yet we stood apart,
I couldn't reach the corners of your guarded heart.

(Chorus)
I'm lost in you, a maze I can't escape,
Your touch, your voice, it haunts my every day.
A love so close, yet out of my reach,
Like waves crashing, pulling me beneath.

As Chan sang, his eyes found Felix's, and the connection was immediate and electric. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them. The words poured out of Chan with raw emotion, his voice cracking slightly as the pain he felt seeped into every note.

Felix's expression changed. For a moment, he looked completely unguarded, his usual mask stripped away to reveal vulnerability and regret. But then, just as quickly, he tried to compose himself, his features hardening as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.

The room was silent when the song ended, the weight of it hanging heavy in the air. Chan stepped away from the microphone, his heart pounding as he addressed the crowd.

"I wish the couple all the best," he said simply before walking off the stage.

The whispers started immediately. Guests murmured amongst themselves, wondering who the song had been about. Chan didn't care. He pushed through the crowd, ignoring the questioning glances and concerned looks.

His chest ached as he made his way outside, the cold night air hitting him like a slap. He leaned against the wall, trying to catch his breath. The pain inside him was unbearable, like his heart was being ripped apart.

But even in the midst of his despair, he clung to one thought.

The song was his. His truth, his heartbreak, his soul laid bare. And for now, that would have to be enough.