Chapter 127

What does it mean to be a significant presence in the eyes of others?

What is needed to hold any meaning for people who all have different names, faces, and lives to lead?

“Think about it. The answer has already been determined.”

Firstly, what is required is memory.

What is seen, heard, and felt takes the shape of memory, constructing the meaning of existence.

Therefore, the female singer captivating the gazes of numerous people on stage at this moment.

The clear voice contained within the black handheld microphone.

The vivid sense of presence that is naturally felt.

“Remember the past. Who surprised everyone?”

It was enough to become a memory that would not be forgotten for a long time.

Not a moment allowed unnecessary distractions to invade.

Soon, once again, a clear gaze stared directly at the camera of the performance staff.

A gaze free from any wavering, projected onto the screens at both sides of the stage, making eye contact with each audience member.

Following came light footsteps.

The steps that freely navigated between the dancers emanated a sense of ease.

“End the question. You’ve proven enough, haven’t you?”

The white jacket that precariously hung down to her forearms.

From the completely exposed shoulders, soft lines of dance soon emerged.

Sometimes, in rhythm with the melody.

At other times, breaking the rhythm with syncopation.

“Now you know. Doubt is a waste of time.”

Choreography that made the audience emit silent gasps continued throughout the performance.

Yet, her breath remained perfectly steady.

The confidence that seeped from her still-serious face transformed into an aura that permeated various corners of the audience.

The unique weighty atmosphere completely led the flow of the performance.

“Dear my world. Don’t get confused anymore─♪”

Once again, intense high notes rang out.

A clear voice filled the vast concert hall, capturing the ears of many.

The high pitch, imbued with skillful technique, evoked spontaneous cheers.

Amidst the roar of people, as if the air was exploding, myriad feelings intertwined.

Even as she moved along the routes they had practiced numerous times, she could not take her eyes off the fervent gazes directed at her.

And, at the same time.

No, perhaps from a few minutes before her performance began.

Or maybe, from the moment she first faced “Lee Ha-eun” during that screen test.

‘…Really.’

An involuntary chuckle formed on Da-yeon’s lips as she longed for that brilliance.

It was not jealousy.

If it were in front of the camera on the set, it would be different, but she had never considered such a massive stage as her place.

Nor was it rivalry.

Her previous competition with Ha-eun had only been limited to acting as an actress.

Simply, it was absurd.

That a girl who would lose her composure at the mere mention of the two-syllable name “Diah.”

“─────♪”

It was absurd that she sang as if enjoying herself in front of innumerable spectators, so many that it was impossible to estimate their number.

“Wow… Ha-eun is really amazing, isn’t she?”

“…It’s surprising to hear that now.”

For a long while, she slipped into thought, stuck on how such contrasting appearances belonged to the same person.

What she faced was a sight that rendered her speechless just by looking.

What she heard was the unwavering voice that swept between chest voice and falsetto, and the cheers that responded to it.

What she felt was an insatiable aura that began to engulf everything around her once more.

All of these were memories that would surely not be forgotten for a long time.

Perhaps, memories that she might never forget until her death.

‘…It would be stranger to forget.’

Eventually, what fully settled in her gradually quickening heart was the meaning she had already realized long ago.

Now, the meaning of existence called “Lee Ha-eun” was something that others besides Da-yeon could vividly grasp.

Finally, at the moment the performance of “T. R. E. N. D.” concluded, Ha-eun became a significant presence to those who encountered her.

This undeniable fact left Da-yeon feeling both delighted as Ha-eun’s friend and troubled.

‘Ha…’

She thought she had been close all along.

Physically and emotionally, she believed they were near.

That thought was not incorrect.

She had never been rejected by Ha-eun since their childhood, a time she couldn’t even accurately recall now.

The girl waving at the audience from the stage over there had only ever known how to extend her hand but never learned to withdraw it.

Respecting Da-yeon’s feelings, she would hold on loosely, yet ultimately never let go.

Still, the sense of distance that seemed to keep increasing.

The vague longing as she began to feel like someone who could no longer reach out became something Da-yeon felt completely helpless against.

“I can’t believe that back in middle school, you couldn’t wear a swimsuit properly.”

– Poke.

“Now you’re even exposing your belly.”

– Poke poke.

“Lee Ha-eun has become daring. At this rate, she’ll do a bikini photoshoot for sure.”

– Poke poke poke.

“St-stop it, it tickles…”

Curiosity grew.

She wondered how far the person who returned to familiarity with just a few words from her could soar.

How far could Da-yeon herself go to follow?

“…Lee Ha-eun.”

She called out with a more serious tone.

And she asked.

“What’s your dream?”

It was not to inquire about the profession listed in her elementary school future career survey.

What she wanted to hear was a clearer and more distinct answer.

Yet, what came back was an innocent response that seemed fitting for a child.

Even her expression was imbued with a gentle smile.

“A superstar.”

If it had been the old Da-yeon, she would have teased the three syllables as childish and kept her mouth shut for a moment.

It wasn’t that she didn’t think it was impossible, either.

Then, about two months later.

“─The KBC Acting Awards, the recipient of the Best Actress award is… Congratulations. The moonlight that splits the clouds, Lee Ha-eun!”

When Ha-eun returned in the guise of an actress, standing once again before the multitude in a beautiful black dress.

More precisely, when she approached the microphone on stage with a trophy shining in gold.

“I will continue to work hard. …No, I will work even harder from now on.”

As always, her composed voice and ordinary acceptance speech sounded slightly different to Da-yeon.

It was because she had subconsciously anticipated that Ha-eun’s speed would increasingly accelerate.

Thus, to not fall behind Ha-eun.

Da-yeon decided to shift her heart and thoughts a bit.

Just like the old Da-yeon had once said.

She would not just stand and clap like everyone else but would do her best to follow Ha-eun.

Da-yeon had yet to imagine what kind of outcome this decision would bring later.

It also hadn’t occurred to her that the place Ha-eun currently looked toward was higher and farther than Da-yeon had imagined.

***

As the performance of “T. R. E. N. D.” by Lee Ha-eun & Yoon Si-hyeok concluded, the Infinite Challenge Music Show came to a complete end.

– Infinite Challenge Music Show Lee Ha-eun Fancam

– Infinite Challenge Music Show Highlight Compilation

Even before the official broadcast had aired, videos of the Infinite Challenge Music Show performances circulated online.

The numerous videos taken by the audience led to a vast spread of spoilers about Ha-eun’s performance.

Photos, gifs, shorts, videos, and various materials were uploaded to the community.

Though most of them were taken down under the name of copyright enforcement.

It was nearly impossible to erase the news that had already begun to spread.

And so, ultimately.

– Wow, Lee Ha-eun’s live is crazy, lol.

– The top of the national hip-hop scene is now sorting idol rankings.

– Certifying that I witnessed Lee Ha-eun’s performance.

ㄴ Block the deceivers.

ㄴ Aren’t you the loser of the era for not being able to witness it?

ㄴ Cancel that… that comment…!!

– Is this really a high school body?

ㄴ During the two-night three-day period, it was still uh-huh, and now with this outfit, it’s even more…!

ㄴ Uh-oh, if you keep saying that, you’ll get sued.

– Why is the live performance better than the recorded version?

– The feat. Pinocchio isn’t just ranking up on the charts for no reason, lol.

ㄴ Uh-oh, please say “feat” and call me the winner of “Sit on the Money.”

ㄴ Yes, Lee Ha-eun is the bus~ She almost ruined the final performance but carried it with a grip!

Even before the official broadcast was aired, reviews regarding Ha-eun’s “T. R. E. N. D.” performance began surfacing throughout various communities.

Videos of Ha-eun’s performance, filmed from every possible angle and position, were analyzed second by second.

Strictly speaking, there were many types of reactions that Ha-eun hadn’t necessarily desired.

Nevertheless, her goals for participating in the Infinite Challenge Music Show had been perfectly achieved.

[Lee Yena (Yuna)] – (Captured image of the scene where Yu Sung-jae presents a bouquet)

[Lee Yena (Yuna)] – Our youngest had a dome concert!!!

[Park Mi-so (Mile)] – Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!

[Jeong Maria (Cream)] – …I want a bouquet from Yu Sung-jae too…

[Kim Eun-hye (Ria)] – Me too…

[Lee Yena (Yuna)] – Um, is it a good deal if I have a dome concert with Yu Sung-jae?

Once again, the previously noisy Fantasia group chat could be monitored without any significant pressure.

This was primarily due to responses stating that true singers were indeed different.

However, this “T. R. E. N. D.” performance positively impacted areas Ha-eun hadn’t quite considered; in particular, her value as an advertising model rose immensely.

“Winter… photoshoot?”

“Yeah. Ha-eun really wants to shoot you as the model.”

After all schedules related to the Infinite Challenge Music Show were completely wrapped up, another schedule had to be pursued immediately.

Gong Hye-yeon, who had been a teenage model, personally took Ha-eun to the company she was contracted with and assisted during the meeting.

In other words, Gong Hye-yeon was also hoping to see Ha-eun’s photoshoot.

It was partly because Ha-eun’s photoshoot included joint shooting between Ha-eun and Gong Hye-yeon.

However, just like the singers who participated in the Infinite Challenge Music Show.

“Are you sure this is your first time shooting? Your pose is too professional!”

“I-I just copied Hye-yeon…”

“Honestly, you’re better than my daughter. Is it because you’re an actress?”

As a result, Gong Hye-yeon had to witness her career as a model being threatened due to Ha-eun’s winter photoshoot.

By the time she felt that something felt off, it was already far too late.

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