"For free?" IM repeated, surprised.
"Yeah..."
"Hmm, how did you manage to convince her?" IM asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
"I just told her that I didn't know she was an idol and that I wanted to watch her perform, but I'm still a high school student, and she... you know, just told me to come and she'd give me VIP access," I explained, trying to downplay the exchange.
IM chuckled. "Lucky you. Always the charmer, aren't you?"
I shrugged, a faint blush creeping onto my cheeks. "I guess so."
We continued walking in silence, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the empty parking lot.
"So, wanna come?" I asked, breaking the silence.
IM looked at me and nodded, "I will."
***
The weekend arrived, and it was already night. In the city center, IM and I arrived at the stadium. It was packed with people. I opened my phone and messaged Hanna.
[Me: I'm with my friend. He also bought a VIP ticket for himself. Where are you?]
[Hanna: I'm backstage, omggg, I'm so nervous! You can come here, I already told my bodyguard.]
I looked at IM, who was dressed in his usual fashionable style: long black pants and a white shirt with the top buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest muscles. He adjusted his black glasses, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, where are we going?"
I pointed towards a quiet area. "I think there, backstage."
"Right, let's go. I want to be sneaky sneaky~" IM chuckled.
"Don't be a pervert," I warned him, rolling my eyes.
"I'm not!" he protested, feigning innocence.
We made our way through the crowd, IM's hand occasionally brushing against mine as we navigated the throng of excited fans. The energy in the air was palpable, a mix of anticipation and excitement.
As we neared the backstage area, a burly security guard stepped in front of us, his arms crossed. "No entry without a pass," he gruffly stated.
I held up my phone, displaying Hanna's message. "We're here to see Hanna. She's expecting us."
The guard scrutinized the message, then looked us up and down, his eyes lingering on our outfits. "Alright, but don't cause any trouble." He stepped aside, allowing us to pass.
We entered the backstage area, a labyrinth of corridors and dressing rooms. The hum of activity was a stark contrast to the quiet outside. Crew members scurried about, carrying equipment and making last-minute adjustments. Performers in elaborate costumes practiced their routines, their voices echoing through the halls.
"This place is a maze," IM muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings.
"Let's just find Hanna's dressing room," I suggested.
We followed the sound of muffled music and laughter, eventually finding ourselves in front of a door marked "Hanna - VIP." I knocked gently, and a moment later, the door swung open.
Hanna stood before us, radiant in a glittering stage outfit. Her eyes lit up when she saw us. "Xian! Oh my gosh, finally, we meet!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.
"It's great to see you too, Hanna," I said, returning her embrace.
She handed me a black wristband. "This is the VIP pass. Now you can go to the VIP entrance! Cheer for me, okay?"
I nodded, "I definitely will. Don't be nervous."
She giggled and waved us goodbye.
IM and I walked back to the entrance lobby, our footsteps echoing in the backstage hallways.
"So, she doesn't know you're hacking her university email?" IM asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"She hasn't realized it yet..." I replied, returning his grin.
We walked towards the VIP entrance, a far less crowded area compared to the regular entrance where hordes offans were clamoring to get in.
We entered the VIP section, a stark contrast to the bustling general admission area. Plush couches, dim lighting, and a well-stocked bar created an atmosphere of exclusivity. The air buzzed with quiet conversations and the clinking of glasses.
We found our designated seats, offering a prime view of the stage. IM immediately leaned back, stretching out his legs and making himself comfortable. "Not bad," he commented, surveying the luxurious surroundings.
I sat beside him, taking in the view. "So close to the stage, and a comfy couch... hmm."
"But hey, thanks to Asmar's money, we could afford this!" IM said, laughing.
"A dead man's money, indeed," I replied with a wry smile.
Bwonngggg! A familiar sound resonated in our heads.
IM looked around but didn't panic.
I scanned the area as well. It was the same sound that accompanied a ghost's appearance, and I wondered what it could be this time.
"Did you find anything suspicious?" IM asked, his voice low.
I shook my head, "Just looking around, but don't rush into anything. Let's stay calm."
I closed my eyes, focusing my senses. A tingling sensation crept up my spine as I reached out with my awareness, probing the energy around us. It was faint, a mere whisper compared to the powerful presence of a ghost, but it was there.
"There's something... off," I muttered, opening my eyes. "It's not a ghost, but it's... strange."
IM nodded, his eyes narrowing. "I can feel it too. A subtle shift in the air, a prickling sensation on my skin."
We remained silent, not moving a muscle, vigilant for any sign of trouble. We didn't want anything to disrupt the concert we were about to watch.
The lights dimmed, and a wave of excitement rippled through the crowd as the opening chords of a popular song filled the stadium. The idol group emerged on stage, their synchronized dance moves and powerful vocals captivating the audience.
IM and I leaned back in our plush seats, enjoying the performance. The energy of the crowd was infectious, and even I found myself tapping my foot to the beat. The strange sensation we had felt earlier seemed to fade away, replaced by the thrill of the concert.
Hanna, in particular, was mesmerizing. Her voice was powerful and emotive, her dance moves graceful yet energetic. She commanded the stage with a confidence that belied her earlier nervousness.
IM whistled appreciatively. "She's good," he remarked, his eyes fixed on Hanna's performance.
I nodded in agreement. "She's amazing."
The concert continued, each song more electrifying than the last. The crowd sang along, their voices blending with the music in a harmonious chorus. It was a night to remember, a celebration of music and youthful energy.
As the concert reached its climax, the energy in the stadium reached a fever pitch. The crowd roared with excitement, their voices blending with the music in a deafening symphony.
Suddenly, a wave of unease washed over me. The strange sensation I had felt earlier returned, stronger than before. It was like a cold draft snaking through the air, sending shivers down my spine.
I glanced at IM, who had also stiffened. His eyes darted around the VIP section, searching for the source of the disturbance.
"Do you feel that?" he whispered, his voice barely audible over the music.
I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. "It's here."
The music continued, but the festive atmosphere had shifted. A palpable tension filled the air, a sense of impending danger lurking beneath the surface. I scanned the crowd, my eyes searching for anything out of the ordinary.
Then, I saw it. A figure was making their way through the crowd towards the front of the stage. Their body radiated an aura that was... not human. It seemed like they were... one of the Seers, or Unveiled.
< Chapter 113 > Fin.