Hyun-Hee felt a hand gently touch her arm. Turning she saw Bo Mi-Ok smile at her softly.
"괜찮아? 너무 조용해. 긴장한 거 알아. 하지만 넌 잘 해낼 거야." (Are you okay? You're too quiet. I know you're nervous. But you'll do great.) She said in a reassuring tone.
Hyun-Hee nodded, trying to force a smile. "네, 괜찮아요. 그냥... 오늘 밤에 대해 생각하고 있었어요." (Yes, I'm fine. Just...thinking about tonight.)
The stage manager called out, “"피스 블로섬, 5분 후 무대에 오르다!" (Peace Blossom, on stage in five!)
Hyun-Hee took a deep breath trying to focus on the music, the choreography, the energy of the crowd. As the lights dimmed and the music began Hyun-Hee found herself moving almost instinctively. The music swelled, and Peace Blossom launched into their opening number.
After the electrifying performance, the girls retreated to the dressing room, the exultant energy of the crowd still buzzing in the air.
Meanwhile, in the bustling press room, Val sat, her gaze fixed on the flickering monitor displaying the energetic opening of Peace Blossom’s concert. A few days ago, she would have been out there, bathed in the spotlight, a blur of synchronized movement and soaring vocals. The thrill of it still resonated deep within her, a phantom ache. But the pressure, the relentless scrutiny… that was gone.
Val ran a hand over her plaid shirt, the familiar fabric a comforting anchor. She’d chosen this outfit deliberately, mirroring the very attire Holly Glover had been wearing when Val (Gi) had first seen her, It felt like a final, poignant farewell to the woman whose identity she had so thoroughly usurped.
Later in the press room
The door to the press room opened, and the four members of Peace Blossom filed in, a shimmering vision in white. Hyun-Hee followed, her movements a shade slower, a fraction less assured than the others. Val’s gaze locked onto her, a complex mix of relief and apprehension swirling within her.
As the journalists began to lob their questions, Hyun-Hee found herself struggling to recall the standard press conference talking points.
"현희씨, 오늘 밤 또 매진 공연 축하해요! 에너지가 정말 대단했어요. 궁금한 게 있는데요, 미국에서 공연하는 기분이 어떤가요?"(Hyun-Hee-ssi, congratulations on another sold-out show tonight! The energy was incredible. My question is, how does it feel to be performing in America?) One of the Korean Journalists asked.
Hyun-Hee opens her mouth to answer. She catches the eye of her manager briefly, a flicker of a pre-rehearsed response crossing her face. But then, a genuine smile touches her lips, and her gaze softens as she looks out at the reporters. She pauses for a moment, her voice warm and genuine, deviating slightly from the practiced script.
"사실, 그 느낌은… 정말 압도적이에요. 그리고 최고의 의미로요. 물론 미국에 가게 되어 기쁘고 영광입니다. 오랫동안 꿈꿔 왔던 공연이에요. 팀원들도 정말 열심히 준비했고, 팬들도 정말 오랫동안 기다려주셨어요.
미국 팬분들과 저희 음악을 나눌 수 있어서 정말 기대됩니다. 저희에게는 의미 있는 첫걸음이라고 생각하고, 잊지 못할 공연을 선사하고 싶어요. 함께 멋진 추억을 많이 만들고 싶어요. 요청해 주셔서 감사합니다." (Actually, the feeling is… overwhelming, and in the best way possible. Of course, I’m excited and honored to be going to America. We’ve been dreaming of this for so long. The team has worked incredibly hard, and our fans there have been waiting so patiently.
We are truly looking forward to sharing our music with the American fans. It feels like a significant step for us, and we want to give them a performance they won't forget. We hope to create many wonderful memories together. Thank you for asking.")
She offers a polite nod, her eyes scanning the room for the next question.
At the back of the room Val looks towards the group. Well done Hyun-Hee, I couldn’t have said it better myself. She thinks to herself as one of the girls’ security detail walks over to her and says in very accented English.
“Ms Glover G-Bear wishes to see you before Peace Blossom leaves.” The man says.
“Oh ok lead the way” Val (Gi) replies.
This wasn’t part of the plan. I was to leave after them and make my way to the airport on my own. What is going on? Val (Gi) thought to herself as she left the room with the young man leaving the girls’ including Hyun-Hee to answer the reporters questions.
