Chapter 1006: Most Popular Award
Chapter 1006: Most Popular Award
The aftermath of DAWN's performance was astronomical.
Although other awards had been presented after it, most of the crowd was still talking about their performance!
Those who had initially raised an eyebrow at the lineup-the daring decision to put DAWN so late in the show-couldn't help but eat their words now.
DAWN had blown every expectation out of the water, and they didn't know if they could live up to it.
Crimson pursed his lips together. "The sequence is actually good," he chuckled, scratching the back of his neck. He couldn't comprehend how anyone could perform right after them! The really was no escaping the fact that DAWN had set a bar that felt impossible to meet. Backstage, members of CHAOS huddled together, all with similar expressions.
"Those DAWN dudes, really."
"I can't believe we're performing after them."
"Well, we did debut years earlier than them."
"They might as well perform last!"
Haruki clicked his tongue and broke away from their huddle.
"Whatever," he said. "They're the best. There's no way our performances can beat them when it comes to concepts."
"But we're already here," Haruki continued. "Let's just show them what we practiced."
His members nodded. However, in the back of their minds, they were still cursing the rookie group, DAWN, out.
When they finally stepped out to perform, they made sure to give a show that would momentarily take away the crowd's mind from DAWN. They fulfilled their objective, of course. However, it was clear that everyone's mind was still wrapped around DAWN's explosive set.
As the last performance of the night concluded, the room became nervous, most of them carrying hope in their hearts.
The performances were done. Now, only the last award announcements remained, and with it, the air grew tense with anticipation.
It was the most nerve-wracking moment for the artists and fans alike. Although the possibility was low, they still wanted to win-no matter what!
Members of DAWN sat together, already feeling sleepy since the award show had been going on for four hours and counting.
Akira held in a yawn, leaning against Ren, who quickly pushed him away.
They hadn't won anything yet, but that didn't bother them. For Jaeyong, though, he was waiting impatiently for their name to be called.
Jaeyong glanced at his phone, his finger tapping anxiously against the side. He had been tracking the votes for the most popular award all night.
It wasn't cool at all, but can you blame him? Jaeyong was just a naturally anxious person.
The moment came. The lights dimmed, and Taehyun walked out to the center stage holding the envelope. "And now, the award for the Most Popular Artist of the Year," he announced, pausing for effect.
Jaeyong's hand tightened around Jisung's, squeezing it hard. Jisung winced but didn't pull away, his own excitement too big to be dampened by the pressure.
"It's us," Jaeyong whispered, feeling excited yet nervous at the same time.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
"This award is a hundred percent based on fan votes," Taehyun added.
The envelope was opened, and Taehyun's eyes lit up. "The award goes to... DAWN!"
The audience applauded. Cheers filled the space as DAWN's members exchanged glances before being nudged onto the stage by Casper and Sehun.
Jaeyong led the way, his heart racing as he walked up to accept their first award of the night. The bright lights felt warm and overwhelming as Taehyun handed the trophy to him, giving a smile that said he knew what this meant to them.
Jaeyong stepped up to the mic, gripping the award tightly with trembling hands. He blinked, trying to compose himself, but as he glanced back at his members-Jisung, with his playful grin, June with that unreadable yet proud expression, and Casper raising an eyebrow as if daring him to cry-the emotion bubbled up.
"Thank you," Jaeyong started, his voice catching. He swallowed hard, eyes blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. "Thank you to our fans, who believed in us even when everything seemed impossible. This is... this is for all of you who made this night unforgettable." He laughed shakily, "And for my members, who are more than just my teammates. They're my family. Thank you for sticking with me even when I was a mess."
Akira, always quick to lighten the mood, leaned in and whispered loud enough for the audience to hear, "Look at him, about to cry like a baby."
The crowd laughed, and Jaeyong shot him a mock glare before stepping back to let Jisung speak. Jisung smiled shyly. "Thank you to everyone who's shown us love. This night isn't just ours-it's all of ours. Let's make next year even more unforgettable!"
As they walked back to their seats, Casper playfully bumped
Jaeyong's shoulder. "Almost lost it there, didn't you?"
"Shut up," Jaeyong mumbled, though the grin on his face said he was anything but annoyed. They sat down, surrounded by the warmth of the crowd's applause still echoing in their ears.
Now, only the grand prizes were left, the ones that carried the most prestige: Song of the Year, Album of the Year, and Artist of the Year.
A VCR began to play, showcasing the history of these awards. Iconic performances from the past, the legends who had graced the stage before them-the artists who paved the way. The idols watched intently, their faces reflecting both awe and yearning.
As June watched quietly, he felt a nudge on his side.
He frowned and turned to Casper, who was looking at him with bright eyes.
"Think we're done for the night?" Casper asked.
June, leaning back slightly, raised an eyebrow. "Why don't we bet that we've won another award?" Casper asked, not a thought behind his eyes.
June shook his head. "It's impossible. We just debuted a few weeks ago, Casper. These awards
are based on a year's worth of achievements. We can't compete with that just yet."
A mischievous glint sparked in Casper's eyes. "Let's make a bet then. Are you down?"
June tilted his head, feeling challenged. "What are the stakes?"
Casper leaned in close, whispering something into June's ear that made him frown and pull
back slightly.
The corners of Casper's mouth twitched upward, daring him.
June hated that look.
In the end, he couldn't turn down the challenge.
"Fine," June muttered.