"Some people reach the top, some people fall flat, and some people live for music."
Ronan whispered into the microphone, "Born for music." These simple but beautiful words, the mere collision of syllables between his lips and teeth, were enough to make his body tremble uncontrollably.
Bathed in the caramel-colored light, he could feel the warmth of the spotlight on his skin. His sweat, a result of singing passionately, was trickling down, causing a slight itch. However, the rapid rise and fall of his chest prevented his overheated brain from processing it, and his heart fluttered.
He needed a short break; the weakness from the fever was wearing down his excited determination.
Clap. Clap.
Scattered applause began, not resounding or coordinated, and somewhat feeble in the spacious bar, almost pitiful and faintly harsh.
Yet, Ronan's ears perked up, following the applause. He could see a bearded customer sitting at the bar, clapping.
This customer seemed utterly unconcerned about the eyes of others and continued applauding Ronan. His eyes, hidden in the shadows, couldn't be seen, but the praise and approval radiated from them. Unwavering applause was the best form of appreciation.
Bang! Bang!
Bang! Bang!
One by one, a few more customers joined in, and after exchanging glances, the applause gradually swelled. Eventually, most of the patrons present joined in without hesitation. Some even whistled and cheered. It wasn't a polite response; it was raw and sincere. The heartfelt appreciation filled the bar with warmth.
Even the bartender joined in.
These patrons raised their heads subtly, either gazing toward the stage, listening intently, or showing a look of concentration in their clear or cloudy eyes—
Everyone had their stories, but on this night, different stories found a shared resonance. Just as the song said, "Just for a smile, you can party all night, never stop until dawn," they found similar smiles in each other.
That was enough.
For this, they willingly gave their applause.
Standing before the microphone, Ronan's voice seemed caught in his throat. He cherished moments like this because of the sincere applause and the emotions and connection he saw in their eyes. At least while the melody played, they stood together as companions.
He had dreamed of such a moment countless times, but reality was even more beautiful and joyous than he had imagined. He was so moved that he felt a surge in his chest.
It was evident that there were only twenty-three patrons, and this wasn't even a formal performance. The scattered applause lacked the grandeur of a concert, yet it meant the world to Ronan. His eyes slightly moist, he greedily soaked in this humble scene, etching it deep into his heart.
He could see it. He could stand on the stage and sing with all his heart, receiving applause and support. Everything was so beautiful, it seemed almost unreal.
"Thank you, thank you for being willing to listen to me sing," Ronan said, his gratitude sincere.
Hidden in the shadows, Ollie raised his chin slightly, watching Ronan's confident back. Despite his recent illness and the fever weakening his body, Ronan stood strong now, exuding determination and perseverance. The whole of him seemed to have subtly changed.
That purity reminded Ollie of the time when he and Ronan had first met.
Navigating through the crowd, Ollie noticed Cliff and Maxim standing in the shadows, though he couldn't see their expressions clearly due to the distance. However, Ollie could sense the rekindled spirits in his two friends, a smile reflecting in his eyes.
Soon after, Ollie saw Sam striding away. Unfocused and undeterred by Cliff and Maxim's efforts to halt him, Sam's actions disrupted the momentary standstill. Ollie's expression changed rapidly, and he hurriedly stood up and quickly made his way to Sam.
Likewise, Ronan, Cliff, and Maxim turned in Sam's direction from two different paths.
Unexpectedly, Sam had no intention of engaging in a direct confrontation. He rounded a corner and headed down the left corridor, which led to the kitchen and the back door.
This action seemed to confirm that the situation was unfavorable because Sam showed no inclination to continue the conversation. The four band members exchanged quick glances, but there was no time for communication. They rushed down the corridor to catch up with Sam.
Maxim, lagging behind, gave Ronan a slight nod and whispered, "That was a great performance."
But it wasn't the ideal moment for discussion. Ronan simply acknowledged Maxim's compliment with a smile and hurried after Sam.
Sam exited the back door of the bar, and the four band members followed him into the parking lot.
"Sam..."
Cliff was the quickest to speak up, calling Sam's name. He wanted to plead with him, but Sam didn't give him the chance. He raised his right hand to halt Cliff.
As they stepped into the parking lot and left the bar, the cold moonlight descended, and the excitement from earlier began to wane, replaced by a chilling sensation. The foreboding premonition was slowly becoming a reality. Luo Nan and Ollie's efforts had failed to sway Sam.
"Sam, we promise... we can come back tomorrow..." Cliff made one last attempt, his voice heavy.
Once again, Sam interrupted Cliff, "I'm not interested in your promises. You should know that even though we have a contract, the decision of whether you perform on that stage is in my hands. I've paid your fee, but I don't want to see you on stage. That's my decision. I have no interest in encore performances. All I care about is my customers' satisfaction."
"But the customers loved our performance," Ronan interjected. He believed they should fight for the band because he genuinely enjoyed being on stage.
Sam paused, studying Ronan carefully. His expression, lit by moonlight, held a hint of amusement before breaking into a smile. "Indeed, because the customers loved your performance, specifically the last song you sang. So, I've changed my mind. Tomorrow night, at the same time, you'll perform again. The fee will remain the same, but tonight's dinner and drinks will be deducted."
What?
An encore performance?
"What do you say?" Sam asked when he didn't get an immediate response.
"Of course, no problem! It's settled!" Cliff eagerly replied, unable to contain his joy, his voice overflowing with excitement.