Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 34

Arc sighed deeply, the weight of his decision pressing on him. "내 행동이 잘못된 건 알지만, 팬들에게 그들이 기대하는 경험을 주지 않으면 실망시킬 것 같아서.(I understand my behavior was wrong, but I don't want to disappoint the audience by not giving them the experience they deserve)",he took a deep breath and continued,"그들이 이 공연을 기다렸고, 나는 그들에게 최선을 다하고 싶어.(They've been waiting for this show, and I want to give them my best.)"

Jihoon uncrossed his arms and stepped forward, his voice calm but firm. "Arc, 팬들은 당신의 건강을 공연보다 더 중요하게 생각해요. 그들은 당신이 아픈 모습을 원하지 않아요. 그냥 아프지 않고 건강하게 공연을 다시 할 수 있기를 바라고 있어요 (Arc, your fans care more about your health than any performance. They don't want to see you in pain. They'd rather see you well-rested and performing again when you're better.)"

Arc hesitated, his jaw clenching slightly as he processed Jihoon's words. His face softened after a moment, and he finally nodded, a resigned but understanding look in his eyes. "알겠어요. 오늘은 이미 준비한 세트로 진행하고, 그다음 공연부터는 쉬겠습니다. 오늘만은 어떻게든 해볼게요 (I get it. Let's just go with the set we've prepared for tonight, and I promise to rest afterward. But for tonight, I'll manage. Just today.)"

Jihye, who had been standing to the side, grinned as she stepped forward. "우리는 네가 그렇게 말할 걸 알았어 (We knew you'd say that.)" She signaled for the crew to bring in a rolling garment rack, and with a flourish, pulled out a costume designed for Arc. "오늘 밤 공연을 위해 특별히 준비한 의상이 있어. 이 의상은 네 허리를 지지해줄 거야 (We've got something special for you tonight. It's a costume that will give you the support you need for your back.)"

Arc raised an eyebrow as Jihye unveiled the outfit, and his eyes widened in appreciation. The costume was striking, dark and metallic, with straps and sleek detailing that gave it a rugged, almost industrial look. It had a gothic vibe that matched the stage presence Arc had cultivated over the years, but hidden beneath the design was something far more functional—a back support built into the costume that would help relieve some of the strain from his injury.

Arc studied it carefully. "이 의상은... 멋지네요. 이게 내 허리를 지지해줄 거라고요?" (It looks... amazing. You're saying this will support my back?)"

Jihye nodded, her hands resting on her hips. "맞아. 이 의상은 네게 필요한 지원을 제공할 거야. 하지만 너무 무리하면 안 돼. 과격한 동작을 하면 의상이 망가질 수도 있어. 그리고 기억해, 나는 내 의상이 망가지는 걸 좋아하지 않아 (Exactly. We designed it so it gives you extra support, but we also had to make sure it didn't restrict your movements too much. However... if you push yourself too hard on stage, it might break. And, just so you know, Arc—*I* don't like it when my costumes get damaged.)"

Arc's lips curved into a half-smile, realizing that Jihye had created not just a practical piece of clothing, but also something that would limit how far he could push himself. "알겠어요, 제시한 대로 하겠습니다. 무리하지 않게 할게요 (I see what you did there. I'll stick to the plan. I won't overdo it.)"

The rest of the crew jumped in, eager to share their ideas. Some suggested modifying the choreography to reduce the intensity of certain moves, while others discussed ways to incorporate more dramatic visuals or lighting effects to keep the audience engaged while minimizing the physical demands on Arc. Each team member's input came from a place of care, making sure that Arc could perform without compromising his health.

As Arc listened to their suggestions, his heart warmed. He had been prepared to argue more, but seeing how much his crew cared for him, how they were all working together to make this work without pushing him too far, was humbling. "정말 운이 좋네요, 이런 멋진 팀이 있어서 (I'm really lucky to have all of you. I don't deserve this level of care. You all are amazing.)"