December 24, 1995
Dahyun was surprised at the amount of people that were present for the concert that evening. She probably was so out of touch with these things because she didn’t expect actors and actresses to have these many fans.
Then again, it wasn’t every day that they would host a charity event like this. If anything, she felt like it was an amazing marketing strategy from the company and it seemed noble as well, getting all these people to spend money to help the less fortunate and on Christmas.
Though, it made her wonder if any of these people actually thought about doing it for the community and not because they want to see their favorite celebrity in person singing songs for them in the middle of winter.
It was cold, but it seemed that everyone didn’t care. She hid half of her face inside of Nayeon’s scarf, feeling the chill in the air and the comfort from the gift.
“I have to admit,” she said, looking around the event area, impressed. “This is actually pretty good.”
Chaeyoung was in awe, hand holding onto Mina as they walked around, passing through the crowd of people with ease. “Right? And it’s for a good cause too. So, it’s even better.”
“At least we finally got you out of the house,” Mina told her gently, offering a smile and Dahyun couldn’t help but smile back, even if she still felt sad.
“That’s true,” Chaeyoung responded before she could. Then she patted Dahyun on the shoulder. “I know you’re bummed about Nayeon not being able to see you or whatever it is. But look at the bright side—” she pointed at the stage that was set in the middle of the yard. “You get to see my Nayeon sing songs on stage!”
Dahyun let out an amused huff. “Right, at least I’ll know why you like her so much.”
“You’ll be amazed by her,” Chaeyoung said, then nudged her with an elbow. “Maybe you’ll like this Nayeon more.”
She huffed, shaking her head almost immediately. “Highly doubt that.”
Chaeyoung clicked her teeth, eyes glued to the stage, waiting patiently for the event to start. “So, this is what love does to you?”
“If Dahyun said that she likes another woman named Mina, and tells you that the Mina she likes is better than the one you like, would you agree?” Mina suddenly asked her, making Chaeyoung whip her head, eyes wide.
She started stammering, grabbing her girlfriend’s hand and pulling them close to her chest. Like she was begging. “W-What? Of course not!”
Mina giggled, pulling their hands back, but not without blowing a small kiss to her girlfriend. “Oh, you silly thing.” Chaeyoung pouted and Dahyun couldn’t help but be amused. Chaeyoung really was weak when it came to Mina and the latter knew how to wrap a woman around her finger.
Before Chaeyoung could say something, music started playing through the speakers that were spread throughout the yard. It was Christmas songs, some that Dahyun recognized, that she hadn’t heard in so long.
Her best friend smiled, pulling Mina and looking back at Dahyun. “Come on, I think it’s about to start!”
Dahyun smiled and followed along. They weaved through the crowd, Chaeyoung finding the perfect spot close to the stage. Luckily they spotted Tzuyu's tall figure from afar and they all beelined towards their friend. Jeongyeon and Jihyo were both with her, and they all turned around when Chaeyoung called out to them.
Jihyo waved at them. “Hey! You guys made it!” she said happily, immediately wrapping Dahyun in a hug. “Oh, Dubu, we missed you so much!”
She laughed, hugging her friend back in the same strength. “Unnie, we saw each other the other day.”
“And prior to that, I didn't see you for almost a year!” Jihyo retorted back, pulling away and then turning to the stage. “I can't wait for you to see all the celebrities Chaeyoung and I really like.”
Jeongyeon sighed. “Here we go.”
Chaeyoung was quick to join the conversation, already listing down unfamiliar names of celebrities and all the things she liked about them. Jihyo was agreeing with her, adding bits and pieces of what she thought of. Tzuyu stood next to Dahyun, not entirely interesting, eyes only glued to the stage.
She looked forward, waiting, letting the noise from the background be drowned out by her thoughts.
Dahyun wished she could spend Christmas with Nayeon. Not that she didn’t want to spend it with her family and friends because she definitely was going to.
But the thought of being able to be with her on the special occasion was the only thing she was asking for. She didn't want any gifts, she didn't want anything new, she didn't want to ask for anything else. She just wanted to see Nayeon.
Seeing all the couples around was making her feel incomplete. Which seemed crazy because Dahyun never really knew what the feeling was to be with someone. But it was there, and it was real, and she hated it.
Though, the only silver lining was that Nayeon was set to come back today. Which means that she could go back to Nayeon's apartment after Christmas, and they could finally meet. Dahyun shouldn't be complaining, nor should she give up so she shouldn’t be so down about it anymore. There was a chance, and she could do herself a favor and be a little optimistic.
“Okay, so if I’m not mistaken, I know that Taecyeon, Sunmi, Young K, Nayeon and Haewon are going to show up,” Chaeyoung said excitedly as the lights started to dim and she was bouncing on her spot.
“Yeah, and this is Haewon’s first appearance in public since her debut as an actress,” Jihyo added. “I heard she was going to star in Nayeon’s new television series next year.”
Jeongyeon snorted, hands digging into her jacket. “I seriously don’t get the excitement in all this. They’re just actors.”
Tzuyu nudged her friend, laughing lightheartedly. “If that’s their hobby then leave them alone.”
“Yeah, leave us alone, butthead,” Chaeyoung said, then immediately hid behind Mina when Jeongyeon threatened her with a fist.
Jihyo then hit her girlfriend’s shoulder. “Stop it, the show is going to start.”
Dahyun turned to the stage, and sure enough, the crowd started getting louder, shrill voices from women surrounding her. A man was on the stage, wearing a thick coat and a warm smile.
“Good evening everyone!” he greeted enthusiastically, looking around. “Hope you’re all in the Christmas Spirit!”
There were louder cheers this time, everyone was smiling, enjoying what they were seeing even if it was just the emcee in front of them. Dahyun honestly agreed with Jeongyeon. That she didn’t understand why everyone was so excited by all of this. But then again, seeing the people from their favorite shows and movies in real life seemed like a once in a lifetime chance.
The concert had started, seeing another man come up the stage, and the cheers were louder than earlier. Chaeyoung and Jihyo were part of that, gushing and were in awe to see the man on stage, starting to sing the song.
She had to admit, it was nice. Maybe she was going to enjoy this after all.
After a few actors had sung songs, talked about their upcoming movies and series, and interacted with the crowd, Dahyun felt a bit winded. But she was definitely entertained. She didn’t expect all of these people to be so talented in singing, but then again, maybe it was some kind of requirement when they entered the entertainment business.
Honestly, she was just really happy to see Chaeyoung enjoying the entire thing. It felt like high school all over again. Seeing her so excited over something she loved so much, so this was something she was going to allow for her best friend.
The emcee came back to the stage after an intermission. He tapped on the microphone to get everyone’s attention again. “Merry Christmas again, everyone. Are you guys enjoying the concert so far?”
And the crowd immediately answered, a loud yes surrounding the entire yard and it made the emcee smile widely.
“That’s great!” he exclaimed, fixing the card in his hand. “I’m sure everyone has been waiting for our next actress to come out?”
And again, the cheering was loud. Chaeyoung did little jumps and shouted as well. Maybe it was someone she really liked.
The lights on the stage went dim, it was just the lights of the lanterns around the area that were illuminating the night. Then there was a piano playing through the speakers, Dahyun knew already that it was a love song. As always. These kinds of songs always swoon the people.
She knew this song. It played on the radio back when she was still living here. But she couldn’t remember the title of the song.
Spotlight.
The actress was standing in the middle of the stage, and the cheers were there again.
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