Shadows of the Spotlight

Chapter 63

As Arc had said, the next three days passed in a blur of rehearsals, meetings, and interviews for him, leaving me with plenty of time to explore Seoul on my own. True to my word, I embraced the role of a tourist, wandering through the city's vibrant streets and soaking in everything it had to offer.

This was the first vacation I had taken alone since becoming a full-time teacher. For years, my days off had been dedicated to volunteering, finding purpose in helping others rather than indulging in personal trips. But now, stepping into the bustling energy of Seoul with no set plans, no responsibilities, and no obligations except to enjoy myself—it was a new and oddly liberating experience.

Arc, ever the protective one, had insisted on sending a bodyguard with me, worried about my safety. But after much debate—one that involved me firmly reminding him that I was perfectly capable of navigating a city on my own—he reluctantly backed down. I understood his concerns, but I wanted to experience this place freely, without the weight of someone shadowing my every move.

Everything about the city fascinated me. I had always heard stories from Eve's family and the Korean exchange students I had helped with translations—stories about the breathtaking blend of modern skyscrapers and historic palaces, the lively street markets, and the hidden cafés tucked into quiet alleyways. But experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely. The neon-lit streets of Myeongdong overwhelmed my senses with the scent of sizzling tteokbokki and freshly baked hotteok, while the tranquil beauty of Gyeongbokgung Palace transported me to another time. I spent hours wandering through Bukchon Hanok Village, admiring the traditional houses against the backdrop of the ever-expanding city skyline.

Despite his packed schedule, Arc never ended the day without seeing me. No matter how late his rehearsals ran or how exhausted he was, he would always find his way to my room at the end of the night. Some nights, we would take a quiet drive through the city, the hum of the car engine and the glow of passing streetlights lulling us into comfortable silence. Other times, we would go to the Han River, watching the water reflect the shimmering city lights as we sat side by side on the steps, sharing little conversations about our day.

The day of the anniversary event, Constellation, finally arrived. Arc had left the room early in the morning after having breakfast with me, his schedule packed with last-minute rehearsals, sound checks, and meetings with the production team. This was the first time since meeting Arc that I wasn't directly involved in the preparation of his event. But after spending the last two months by his side, I had a clear understanding of how demanding his workload was today.

With no role to play in the preparations, I spent my morning watching videos from past Constellation events, trying to familiarize myself with what normally happens. The scale of it all was overwhelming—thousands of fans gathered in one place, massive LED screens, intricate performances, heartfelt speeches, and surprise segments. It wasn't just a fan meeting; it was a celebration of the bond between Galaxy, and their devoted fandom, Nova.

As the afternoon rolled in, a bodyguard arrived at my hotel to pick me up and escort me to the venue. The journey was quiet, but I could feel the growing excitement in the air as we got closer. From the car window, I caught glimpses of fans dressed in blue and silver, holding banners and light sticks, their energy palpable even from a distance.

When we arrived at the venue, the parking lot was already buzzing with activity. As soon as the car came to a stop, I spotted Dae-jung waiting nearby. He approached the door and opened it for me, ever professional.

"Thank you," I said as I stepped out, smoothing down my dress.

Dae-jung handed me an ID card on a lanyard. "이렇게 하면 이벤트의 모든 영역에 액세스할 수 있습니다.(This will allow you access to all areas of the event)," he explained. Then, handing me a ticket, he added, "이것은 당신의 VIP 존 패스입니다. 보디가드가 당신을 그곳으로 데려다 줄 것입니다.(This is your VIP zone pass. The bodyguard will take you there.)" He nodded toward the man who had accompanied me from the hotel.