Echoes of the Alley

72 - Countdown to the Spotlight

The next morning dawned with a quiet buzz of anticipation that filled the apartments. The group's prime slot at the Radiance Music Festival was less than a week away, and with every passing hour, the reality of their upcoming performance felt more tangible. They had rehearsed their routines until the moves felt like second nature, but the enormity of the opportunity still loomed over them.

The living room of Jisung's apartment was already bustling with activity by mid-morning. Felix was sprawled on the couch, scrolling through social media while Jeongin flipped through their rehearsal notes. Seungmin stood by the counter with a steaming cup of tea, watching as Jisung paced the room, muttering lyrics under his breath.

"Ji, you're going to wear a hole in the floor," Seungmin said, raising an eyebrow.

"Let him," Jeongin said without looking up. "It's good cardio."

Jisung paused mid-step to shoot Jeongin a mock glare before flopping onto the armchair. "I'm just trying to get everything perfect. This festival is... huge. Bigger than anything we've done before."

Felix set his phone down and turned to him with a reassuring smile. "We're all nervous, Ji. But we've got this. We've practiced nonstop, and you've nailed it every time. Trust yourself."

Jisung nodded, exhaling slowly. "Thanks, Lix. I'll try."

Across the hall, Chan, Minho, Changbin, and Hyunjin were gathered around the small dining table, going over the festival's schedule and logistics.

"This slot puts us on stage right after the fireworks display," Chan said, tapping the printed itinerary with his pen. "It's a good position. The crowd will already be hyped."

"And that means we need to come out strong," Minho added, his tone firm. "No room for hesitation."

Hyunjin leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "I don't think hesitation is the problem. Overthinking is."

"Looking at you, Chan," Changbin teased, earning a light smack on the arm from their leader.

"Noted," Chan said dryly before turning serious again. "But Hyunjin's right. We've done the work. Now it's about channeling all of that energy into the performance. And having fun with it."

Minho glanced at the clock, then stood. "Let's head over to the other apartment. We need to finalize the setlist changes with the others."

The group grabbed their things and headed across the hall, where Felix opened the door with a grin. "Perfect timing. We were just talking about the setlist."

The members gathered in the living room, spreading out comfortably. Chan took his usual spot at the head of the coffee table, the unofficial signal that they were entering leader mode.

"Alright, team," Chan began, his tone light but focused. "We've got a few last-minute tweaks to discuss for the setlist. The current lineup works, but I want to hear your thoughts before we lock it in."

Hyunjin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I think starting with something high-energy is a no-brainer. We need to grab the crowd's attention right away."

"Agreed," Changbin said. "What about leading with Miroh? It's intense and shows off our choreography right from the start."

Felix nodded enthusiastically. "I love that idea. It sets the tone."

Jisung perked up. "And for the closer, we should go big. Something that leaves a lasting impression."

"What about Booster?" Minho said, glancing around. "It's dynamic, and the choreography is a showstopper."

Chan smiled, nodding. "I like it. High energy, balanced pacing, and a strong finish. Let's go with that lineup."

The group murmured their agreement, the weight of the decision lifting slightly now that they had a clear plan.

With the setlist finalized, the group decided to take a break and unwind. Jeongin pulled out a deck of cards, and soon they were engaged in a chaotic game of Uno that had Felix dramatically accusing Changbin of sabotage and Hyunjin throwing down his cards in mock outrage.

"Skip. Reverse. Draw four," Hyunjin announced with a smug grin, watching as Seungmin's pile of cards grew.

"This is a war crime," Seungmin deadpanned, though his lips twitched into a faint smile.

Across the room, Jisung sat with Minho, their shoulders brushing as they watched the chaos unfold.

"Feeling better?" Minho asked, his voice low.

Jisung glanced at him, surprised by the question. "Yeah. I think so. It helps, being with everyone."

Minho nodded, his gaze steady. "You're not alone in this, Ji. Remember that."

Jisung's chest tightened at the quiet reassurance, and he offered Minho a small, grateful smile. "Thanks. That means a lot."

As the day wound down, the group migrated to the balcony to watch the city lights flicker to life. The cool breeze carried the faint hum of traffic, a soothing backdrop to their quiet conversations.

Seungmin and Hyunjin shared a chair, their bickering replaced by an easy silence. Felix leaned against the railing, his head resting on Changbin's shoulder as they watched the skyline.

Chan stood nearby, sipping his tea and observing the group with a soft smile.

"This is nice," Jisung said, breaking the silence as he looked out at the horizon.

"It is," Minho agreed, standing beside him. "And it's only going to get better."

Jisung glanced at him, his heart swelling with a mix of nerves and excitement. "I hope so."

Minho's lips quirked into a faint smile. "I know so."

Later that night, as the others drifted off to bed, Jisung found himself sitting at the kitchen table with Felix.

"You nervous?" Felix asked, pouring himself a glass of water.

Jisung nodded. "Yeah. But it's a good kind of nervous, I think."

Felix smiled, his voice gentle. "We've got this, Ji. I believe in us. And I believe in you."

"Thanks, Lix," Jisung said, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

As Felix headed to bed, Jisung remained at the table, his notebook open in front of him. He scribbled a few lines, the words flowing easier now that his mind was clearer.

Across the hall, Minho sat by his window, staring out at the city. The weight of the upcoming performance was heavy, but his determination was stronger.

"We're ready," he murmured to himself, the words a promise as much as a reminder.

———————

— A/N: There's like 3 chapters left (technically 4 because I made an epilogue, cause I'm not evil) 💔

— Question of the day: UHH favorite season? Mines is Winter!

— Recommended song for this chapter: "Together" by Sia