Chapter Text
Mingi watches the stage from the side. He knows how hard he has worked for his performances, his whole team had been insisting that all of the work was going to pay off. The nerves were thrumming throughout his body, they used to tighten his skin, making him feel as if he was choking, now he only felt the slight tremble in his hands, anticipating the performance.
The adrenaline rushed through every part of his body as he watched his Yeosang and Jongho announce another song by a little skit they were doing, the rest of his team either beside him or on the other side of the stage. Everyone either quickly downing some water or just sitting down getting every second of rest they could get. The lights immersed the arena in a warm glow, the distant sound of the audience became a soothing background hum.
It wasn’t like he wasn’t used to this, being on stage was one of his biggest passions, he had worked hard for this, for debut, for his team and for every performance he had ever put up. He put his mind towards what he did. Most of the performances he had he passed with ease, it was never hard to put up a concentrated face and do exactly what he rehearsed. He knew what he had to do now.
Yunho hit his shoulder from where he walked up behind him. “C’mon Mingi you know what you trained for, we’ll do well.” His voice was muffled by his in-ear that thrummed countless beats again and again, but the determined and supportive smile got through to him, determining his success.
He was ripped away from his trance as he could hear the start of the music blasted through the speakers all throughout the arena. He concentrated on his team on stage once again. He got in position as he listened to the metronome tick every second, changing the 120 beats per minute of song they were performing, and he felt his heart beat against his chest as it heaved up and down, slowly trying to relax himself. He let the silence of the dome’s expectation wash over him as he heard the yells of the audience encouraging his team. His body heaved on the adrenaline preparing himself for the music to start.
Breathe, calm, compose yourself, and perform well
Mingi moved to the music he knew well with a face of concentration and determination. His mind was occupied with dance. He could feel the air brushing through his hair and against his face as he turned in a sequence. He felt significantly more calm then in comparison to his other performances. His body still shook, but he was more confident in the fact that he would not collapse to the ground, whereas he wasn’t so sure before.
As he waited for the beat to drop with his back to the crowd, looking Yunho directly in his eyes, both their chest heaving up and down, shoulders pulled back in confidence. A look of determination was passed between them, eyes blazing in passion. As they looked at each other Mingi reminded himself that he knew what to do. He could almost hear Yunho speak in his mind: “ You know what we trained for, you know this, you don’t always need to rely on your mind to do what you have to do, feel the rhythm. Don't think because you question, you have to think because you feel.”
As he took his last breath anticipating the next tick of the metronome telling him to move, he stopped thinking, if it went wrong it was going to go wrong, but he trusted himself to know what to do. Confidence surged like a wave, his stance becoming more assured than before. An unyielding smile spread across his face as he turned back around. Facing the crowd once again.
The dance, the lyrics, the facial expressions, what he once rehearsed now flowed naturally. Looking around felt like a breath of fresh air, watching the others share his passion on stage gave him a sense of comfort, like he was truly not alone. The encouraging looks of the others intensifying that feeling tenfold. It was not like he had to tell himself, he simply knew and felt the assured gazes’ how they truly were. No veil of anxiety separating him from what was right in front of him.
Performing had become something he loved once more, it wasn’t an obligation or something he was growing to hate, it was a source of joy and passion. Breathing was easy and not like a fight for consciousness. His challenges had become opportunities.
As the performance went on, Mingi basked in the music, lights and cheers of encouragement that came from the crowd. What once made him fear and question before had not become words of affirmation. He stood tall, shoulder squared as he finished the last song, breathing pure satisfaction.
They said their goodbyes, thanking everyone for helping them achieve their dreams. Leaving the crowd with their heartfelt message.
Backstage his team exchanged satisfied looks as they ran their hands through their hair and over their face, removing their in-ears to talk to each other normally. The universal feeling of relief after a concert was shared between them all.
“Well done Mingi-yah, I’m proud. Let’s keep going together.” Yunho says as he looks at Mingi with a resolutely proud smile.
“Thank you hyung .”
They stood amidst the energy that lingered from the performance. He watched as Seonghwa leaned onto Hongjoong’s shoulder, tiredly closing his eyes. Mingi found solace in his team, a calm rhythm of amenity. The silence became a narrative of resilience.