JUST THE TWO OF US (English ver.)

Chapter 9

 We left my apartment and spend the rest of our free time before the beginning of the concert, walking a little more in The City of Light. The group loves my city. I show them hidden places that only Parisians knows. As for the beginning of the day, we do a lot of shooting, pretty much everywhere. A real pleasure with the guys by my side.We are in front of the stairs leading to the Cathedral of the Sacré Coeur, I look at the stairs, then my shoes and start to climb these steps when Wonho offers to carry me on his back, I accept not wanting to break my ankle because of my shoes and a bit embarrassed too. As we climb the stairs, Kihyun notices a young mother who's struggling to climb her stroller because of the stairs, he helps her. Once at the top, the young woman gives him money to thank him but he refuses, then finally accepts. And instead of keeping it for himself, Kihyun put this money in a hat in front of a crew of dancers in front of the Trocadero who wears dancing a cover of "LOVE SHOT" by EXO.While the others are taking pictures, Changkyun asks me if I know the lyrics of Charlie Puth's "WE DO NOT TALK ANYMORE" by heart, I say yes then he goes away and phones. I don't pay attention and find the rest of the group. We return to the concert hall a few hours later.No respite, the group must already do the sound check and get ready. In their room, I discuss with them. Kihyun and Jooheon inform me that they are going to do a "SPECIAL STAGE" tonight. They hope that MONBEBE and I will love it. I reassure them, assuring them that without any doubts they will like it. We can't discuss much since the 2nd concert will start in just a few tens of minutes.Each member checks his microphone and his in-ear. Tonight, Kihyun is the one who speaks to MONBEBE, hidden in the backstage. The manager's assistant gives him the signal and Kihyun says a few words and the cheers go wilder. The band finally goes on stage and makes their traditional opening speech concert. Now the concert has begun and the backstage stuff too, just like my job.After an hour of singing and dancing, all the lights go out, the group gets off the stage, Changkyun comes to see me and give me a microphone.

- Would you sing with us "WE DO NOT TALK ANYMORE" of our dear Charlie Puth? he asks.- WHAT? Singing? Me? In front of so many people. Impossible, I reply panicked- Nothing is impossible if you believe in it from the deep of your heart, he adds in a soothing and reassuring voice.

I look at the others many times. I linger a few moments on the stage in front of us. Then, wanting to prove to myself that I was able to, I accept their offer and take the microphone that is handed to me.The assistants place me at the speed of light an in-ear. To not waste more time, I go on stage accompanied by my 7 buddies.The guys are facing the audience and me the screens at the back. Kihyun starts and sings the first notes, then Wonho's turn, and Kihyun again. They alternate until the chorus where everyone sings including the 2 rappers. Come on, I take a deep breath, plunge my eyes into Changkyun's, to my left and ... The lyrics come naturally. I turn, face the audience and abandon myself to them and the music.The group is quick to harmonize with my voice and we sing now in perfect symbiosis. It's magic.I cross several times the look of the maknae. He is full of pride.When I close my eyes, I can feel the warmth and the love of the public overwhelming me. It's addictive.The last notes flown in the atmosphere, the group and I get closer to the edge of the stage, take the hand of the members next to us and greet the public then backstage.I can barely say a word that the whole group made a reverence.

- It's not necessary I tell them embarrassed.- Are you kidding ?!, exclaims Minhyuk.- You set the stage on fire with nothing but your voice, you deserve a reverence, Kihyun says as if it were obvious.- You were amazing Ilona, said Hyungwon. It looked like you were made for the stage.- You dominated this scene. The public only had eyes for you during these 3 minutes 40, Changkyun adds. It was not just us.- Huge congratulations for Ilona everyone, says Shownu.- Yes, congratulations to you, you surpassed your fear and showed everyone your wonderful voice, confirms Wonho.- We're proud of you, Ilona-Shi, Jooheon says.- WoW, guys ... I did not expect so much praise from me. I don't know what to say or how to thank you. It's me who's proud and honored to have shared this stage with you for a song, I thank them humbly.