Amalia's POV
We made our way to downtown L.A., driving down the dark roads softly illuminated by street lights whilst songs from Taemin's most recent album 'U + ME' echoed from the radio. My best friend and sister swayed and sang along to each one, clearly energised and excited for the night ahead. Meanwhile, I was leaned back in my seat with my attention focused out the window, watching all of the people milling about, most of whom seemed to be drinking or partying in some way themselves. I didn't doubt that Liquid Disco was one of the hotspots of the night given whose birthday it was and who else was supposed to be there.
About twenty minutes later, we pulled up outside of the club and parked on the road in one of the very few free spots that were left. Even from the outside, I could see the club was nearly full to the brim, and there was still somewhat of a queue outside that was ever so slowly moving. Riley and Yuna got out of the car without a moment's hesitation and I reluctantly followed, slinging my Sailor Moon bag over my shoulder to keep it close as I trailed behind them to the back of line. I could already feel the anxiety beginning to build inside of me.
Although the queue didn't seem to be moving in the beginning and the waiting certainly wasn't fun, people did eventually begin disappearing inside the building which meant we got closer ourselves. I wasn't exactly looking forward to heading inside, but I couldn't help being slightly thankful considering the flashing of the paparazzi's cameras was beginning to hurt my eyes.
When we were allowed through the doors, I stuck close to my best friend and sister as we shuffled through the crowd towards the stage; the band was just finishing their set and heading off, leaving things quiet for a moment before a dark-skinned guy with a very distinct sense of style came on to replace them. Somehow I felt as though I recognised him, but I struggled to figure out how or why.
"Yo yo, what is up, L.A.?" He called into the microphone, receiving a unified response of cheers and whoops. "Good, good. Now we've got a special guest tonight, here to perform for the birthday girl. Please, join me in welcoming to the stage, the legendary... Taemin Seong!"
The room became filled with noise once again, causing me to cover my ears with my hands; everyone yelled and clapped as Taemin himself came running onto the stage in ripped black skinny jeans and a white floral button-up tucked in at the front. It looked like his hair had grown a bit since I last saw him in the media and he was sporting some new jewellery; bracelets, several rings, and hoop earrings, one with a dangling cone along with his signature cartilage piercing. He had way more energy and enthusiasm at that moment than I felt I'd ever had.
"Good evening, L.A.! As you may know, today is the birthday of someone very special, and so..." He was wearing a headset microphone, leaving his hands free to motion towards the VIP section. "This one's for you, Hana."
Drums and a funky guitar tune began to play over the speakers, the crowd clapping along as Taemin sang the opening note of his song.
We can't deny what we've become
There's been so much growth and so much change
It don't matter how hard I've worked
They all want money and fame, exchanged
All those years of fight, years of effort
It took so long to come this far
You know they'll never leave us
Once they realise what we are
The beat picked up, and I couldn't deny I was at least nodding along as the song moved into the chorus. Tae broke into a lively dance routine with the two backup dancers behind him, proceeding to nail every move without missing a single note.
We will be legendary!
No matter what is said or done
We will be legendary!
You know, the way we stand as one
With the way I feel today
There isn't much else I can say
We will be legendary!
And we're never gonna run away
Hear them scream, hear them cheer
Go on, watch 'em make a fuss
Someday we'll rule the world
You know they'll never leave us...
The song continued on until the final chorus which ended with a powerful note, Taemin high-fiving the dancers before stepping forward and making a heart with his hands.
"Happy Birthday, Hana. I hope you have a great night." I could see the brunette near the stage with her friends, clearly loving the fact such a performance had been put on just for her. "Goodnight, everyone."