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It has been three months since Huntrix made their comeback and in these three months, they have been on hiatus. Sure, it was not like other KPOP groups whose hiatus meant near radio silence when it came to their idol careers since the girls still engaged with the fans in one way or another—quite a lot actually. However, in this period, there were not any major shows except for some charity events they attended left and right.
Which is why today is quite a big day for Bobby. After all the conundrum that happened during the Idol awards, this will be the comeback beyond just the announcements. It’s also not just him who is excited for the concert as everyone in the production team is buzzing with excitement.
Who wouldn't? This is the world’s number one idol group they are talking about.
“Get ready girls! You guys are on in about 3 minutes,” he said, trying to sound calmer than he is actually feeling.
“Whoo! The nerves are getting to me and I don’t know if I am feeling excited or nervous,” Zoey said, fanning herself with her hands? Was it hot? Oh god the girls cannot feel hot! It will ruin their looks and then… and then…
“Zoey, calm down. Let’s enjoy the show.” Rumi replied. “For the fans.”
“Yes, of course. For the fans.”
By the time Zoey said that, Bobby had called in fans for the girls.
They continued talking and as they did, he couldn't help but notice that Rumi—despite what she said—looked… off? It worried him a bit knowing everything that she has gone through.
Bobby took a deep breath when he suddenly remembered the utter heartbreak and betrayal Rumi’s eyes had during the little scuffle she had with the other girls' last awards. The one her eyes had now is quite different but it still worried him how sad it looked.
Slowly, he walked to her. One minute before air. A little pep talk should help.
“Hey. Is everything okay?” He asked. “You look a little out of it.”
“H-huh?” The purple-haired girl looked at him. “Ah… yes. I was thinking about something. You know, we are launching a new song tonight. It's also not the usual kind we release so yeah… it is quite nerve-wracking.”
Bobby knew that it was anything but nerve-wracking. Her eyes are too sad for that.
“I see. You should take a deep breath though.” He replied. “The stage is waiting for good luck.”
“Thanks.”
“Everyone! The show will now start! Places! Places!” Bobby exclaimed before looking at the girls again. “Go girls! Break a leg!”
***
Every seat in the stadium was filled with colored lights from the new light stick merch they released last week. It flicked alongside the loud cheers of the crowd that gathered. Despite that, it didn't feel as loud as it could've been—it is but… the feeling is different?
Rumi couldn't really grasp it. All she knows is that her hands feel jittery and deep inside her chest is an uncomfortably warm feeling growing with every step she takes.
As she did, the instrumental for their first song played. Its rich, almost silky feel in the ear pricked her Skin with goosebumps. It has been a while since she felt this way. The ecstasy was almost enough to bury the inner turmoil inside her. Still, it remained inside twisting and turning.
“I was a ghost…” deep breaths. “I was alone.”
The moment she sang, the Honmoon flared to existence along with the loudening of the crowd’s cheers and chants.
Soon enough it was Zoey’s and Mira’s part. Then, eventually the song finished.
The crowd erupted in a frenzy and Rumi couldn't help but smile. Despite that, she knows that a part of her can't truly enjoy this show. Not when this is also the same stage where he—
A tap interrupted her thoughts. She looked around and saw Zoey looking at her with a very warm expression. She knew that it was her way of asking if she is going to be fine.
She nodded. She really will be fine. It's just that… memories. They are that can either make her be in the mood or make her near her breaking point.
Thankfully, or maybe even not, everything couldn't have been timed perfectly.
The lights of the stage dimmed. It was time.
The last time she told the girls about this. They immediately jumped into the boat telling her it was a good idea. She wasn't sure then. The wound was still fresh and everything still hurts but still…
The music began its crescendo and Mira and Zoey began singing. Originally it should be her part but… not this time.
Despite the minor changes they made with the song so it would fit three people singing it, it still felt the same. As if the stars were watching her at that very moment.
As she listened, she could almost place her mind away from the bustling crowd in the seats and focus on the humming of the tune.
It was like she was back there again. Embraced by the frigid nightfall while the smell of fog engulfed her. There was that feeling of warmth and giddiness again.
“Why does it feel right every time I let you in,” the other girls’ voices harmonized in a way that shushed the audience. Or maybe, they are more shocked by the way the music is written… this one was a little different from what they usually release.
It is almost like it's grieving. Rumi could remember Bobby saying that to them in their rehearsals.
Perhaps it was.
After all, this song was a duet and the person who should sing the next verse… that's why it had to be her this time. Because, maybe… maybe she is the person who can sing his part. At least she thinks she can understand the volumes of things unsaid within his words.
She hopes.
The music shifts. It's her turn. A deep breath. Hesitation.
Then she sang. It was easier than she thought it would be. Strangely enough, it was warmer than how she imagined it would feel. Maybe it's because she feels closer to him with this.
“Oh… time goes by and I lose perspective.” She sang it the way she could. Rumi did try to make it as close as he did it but… it's hard to remember how. All she knew is how it felt.
They way it sucked away her breath that night. His eyes, hesitant, perhaps even worried, then the way it would soften as it travelled across her figure.
That she remembered. Weirdly enough, that is how she sang his part as well.
With all the drop of wanting in her voice seeping into every inch of fibre in her body. Killing even an ounce of grief or sadness. Just that same warm feeling that filled her then.
She let it fill her again.
Then, she remembered the words that asked her if the song was written or sung for grief. Perhaps… at one point she did sing it that way. Rumi did let those notes fill the gaping hole inside her chest.
In some ways, it still is. It may as well be so even after so long. However, one thing was clear.
It's warm.