A Sound from the Moon

The next day is just as I imagined performance days to be like. They are all restless and busy getting ready at their sections in the backstage room. The room I'm in is specifically for clothing only. Irene and Wendy are already in the makeup room.

Seulgi comes out with an outfit I smile to. It takes me back to the very first time I watched one of their music videos. I liked looking at new music videos released by SMTown. I can't believe I'm with the people I thought back then would be stars. I will be a star with them now.

The lady finishes up with the last of my outfit. It's not as matching with the other members, but I look at myself in the mirror and barely recognize the person with wide eyes staring back at me.

Seulgi comes from behind and puts a sweet kiss on my cheek. My nerves are silenced at her sweet hug from behind. She whispers in my ear, "You look natural. This is where you belong. This is the rest of your life, Yerimie."

I let a small breath escape my nose and nod. My heart pushes my nerves to the side for now as I follow Seulgi and Joy into the makeup room. Irene is very still as a makeup artist finishes up with her, but Wendy turns her seat to greet us and her makeup artist has to step back.

"Hey, guys! Yeri! You look spectacular!"

I smile wide at her compliment and do a small twirl. Wendy does a whistle that makes a guy walking by peek in with a smirk. When I lock eyes with him, my heart falls to my feet.

Taeyong. He's even handsomer in person.

I'm left speechless for a moment as he cautiously walks in. His makeup and particular outfit tells me that he's ready to go. His eyes shine brightly as he says, "Hey, ladies. Almost ready?"

"I thought this was a woman's room only," Irene speaks up.

"I was just passing by to say hi. Hey, Seulgi."

Seulgi looks up from her phone and gives him a quick, tight smile before looking back at her phone. Her eyes peek at Joy that quietly seems to be telling her something through her shining eyes and teasing smile.

Taeyong's eyes fall on me and my stomach flips as he approaches with an excited smile. "This must be the newbie! Hey! It's so nice to meet you."

"Wow," I say as I shake his hand. "I'm a big fan!"

Taeyong does a small chuckle that makes butterflies fly in my stomach. "Soon people will be saying that to you instead. Happy first performance! Good luck!"

I practically melt as he says his last goodbye and the members barely acknowledge him as they do small waves at him. When he leaves, I let out a sigh and giggle. "Oh my god. I just met one of the hottest idols in K-pop history."

Wendy snorts and Joy does a nod. "He is pretty cute, isn't he?" I nod with a blushing smile and her eyes playfully fall on Seulgi that continues being on her phone as her makeup is being done. "Someone had the opportunity to be a power couple with Taeyong. The fans wanted it yet she still turned him down multiple times."

Seulgi looks at the bright mirror to see me. "I went on one date. He's not my type."

My mouth falls agape and Joy scoffs as she briefly steals a look at Seulgi by her side as the lady starts her makeup, too. "I wish a face like that would ask me out."

"The problem is that Seulgi needs a man that understands the every side of our Seulgi," Wendy playfully says as she stands from her seat so I can sit. "From the dark to the clumsy side." The rest of the members do a small laugh at this and Seulgi rolls her eyes with a small smile.

The time for the show soon begins. The members do a small group huddle before going on. They ask me to join and I excitedly listen to Irene give them a quick encouragement. They then share one last hug as they get in position just behind the big stage. I stay close by on the side where no one can see me. I watch them transform and shine bright as they walk out like they own the stage. The crowd goes wild and the music from their very first mini album begins.

I watch with awe and admiration at the work the members put in to keep the crowd entertained. I look for someone in the crowd to connect with but everyone is floating around with big smiles and phones up. They are like clouds that disappear too quickly before I can reach them.

Then the time for Taeyong arrives. He runs past me and out onto the stage. The crowd goes wild again. He could breathe and the screams grow louder as they call out to him. Their song starts and I chuckle when I see Taeyong stay close to Seulgi. She seems to take this to advantage as she does a small dance with him and his fingers run down her waist. The crowd goes crazy at this.

I barely recognize any of the members on stage. It's interesting to see what Joy said to me one night is true. It's like they have their own characters they stick to on stage. It's the same ones I've seen on their music videos. Even Irene has the most expression I've ever seen from her on stage.

This is their last song and I realize then that it's my turn to come out. Irene told me to wait for her signal. I watch the crowd give them one last long cheer and they all do small tired chuckles as sweat slowly fall from their temples. Taeyong comes back to me as the lights turn dim. He gives me a smirk and says, "Get ready. You're up next. It may be scary but you'll never remember that fear again after today. This is your moment. Break a leg!"

I wish I could run away with him. I want to hide, but I see Irene look at me and nod. I take a deep breath and walk out to stand at my spot in the darkness. Smoke comes out from the sides of the stage to blur out my silhouette. Then a bright light from the ground brings out the five silhouettes to the crowd and they all cheer loudly.

Just have fun.

One last deep breath and the world turns silent when I open my eyes with just the music echoing in my chest. The seats in front are empty as I begin to sing with the members. There is no one but the voice of my mother telling me to be my very best.

This is for her.

It's like my heart has known this feeling all along. Adrenaline soars high in my veins and it feels like I've only performed for a few seconds when the song is over. I've only danced as if I've been in my room all this time.

This feels like a dream. Those dreams I usually don't want to wake up from as the crowd goes wild. We stand on the edge of the marble stage. It's usually at this part where I wake up from my dreams. The moment my heart jumps to fly. Except this time, it jumps and it soars when Irene introduces me to the world.

"This is our newest member of Red Velvet! I would like for you all to meet Yeri!"

The world is silent even if I see people clapping and cheering. No sound comes out. My heart beats fast at each shining smile from the members as I do a bow at the crowd. The spotlight wants to blind my eyes but it only sets a spark within me.

I smile at the rest of my life. I will never go back. Why would I ever go back when I have the stars in my hands?