Chapter 258 Stars
Amidst a sprawling open field next to the finale's venue, thousands of excited yet nervous souls had gathered. People stood clustered outside a colossal, translucent dome, their hums of excitement reverberating through the air.
The atmosphere was alive with anticipation as friends and foes alike gathered. Laughter, and animated discussions painted the background for a grand event about to unfold.
The Gummy Sky Dome, with a capacity of 8,000 people, has been Azure's pick for every Rising Stars finale. And this season wasn't any different.
However, undoubtedly, there were more people waiting to get inside this time around. Vibrant banners of assorted colors, each one bearing the image of a beloved trainee, fluttered in the gentle breeze.
The fans of these trainees documented every detail, capturing photographs that would be cherished forever in their galleries. These fans had assembled from all corners of the country, and almost every continent was represented.
Despite the sun still dominating the afternoon sky, a long line had already begun to form, snaking around the perimeter of the dome. The weather played the role of a good host, bestowing upon them a day that was perfect—neither too hot nor too cold.
The golden sun kissed their skin with gentle warmth, and it seemed to be a very blessed day. Around the venue, a multitude of stalls had sprung to life, offering a variety of delectable treats.
The smell of buttered popcorn wafted through the air, serving as a temptation to everyone who passed by. One vendor spun fluffy cotton candy into sugary clouds of different shapes and colors, capturing the eyes of children and adults alike.
One stall was particularly popular, though. A father-and-daughter pair were busily whipping out new batches of ice cream as fans flocked to their truck. The music from the truck that echoed through the bouts of people was familiar, but they couldn't pinpoint where they heard it.
"We've sold so much ice cream, Dad," Lila smiled. Her dad reciprocated her bright smile, ruffling the little girl's hair.
Jia, with her four idol-crazed friends, looked at the people lining up with raised eyebrows. "What are they even lining up for?" Bora asked. "We have assigned seats."
"Beats me," Jia said. "Those fans at the very front are wearing cowboy hats. I think they're C-Jay's fans?"
Bora shook her head in disappointment. "Well, I guess fans, too, take after their idols."
The four of them chuckled, continuing to walk around the proximities of the dome. Jia glanced down at her outfit. She was wearing a white sundress with matching pink cat ears.
She was embarrassed to wear it out in public, but remembering that June wore a pink mask during the beginning of the show gave her a boost in confidence.
"Wait," Jia said, bringing out her phone. "Let's sit first. I have to do something."
Her four friends followed after her. "What are you even doing?" Soo-min asked.
"The stars," Jia frantically said. "My mom gave me more money, so I'm going to buy June some stars."
Nari chuckled and shook her head. "June's so popular. He's definitely going to debut."
"You don't know that," Wei said. "He's twelfth right now. He might not make it."
Jia glared at her friend before purchasing a whopping 1,000 stars. "He'll make it. He has to make it."
Meanwhile, a group of old ladies, all wearing pink cat-themed uniforms, all huddled in a group. There was a frightened young man standing in the middle, shaking in his boots as he gave them a live tutorial on how to send stars to June.
"Umm, you press this one," he shakily said, pointing at the purchase button. "Then, you specify how many s–stars you want to buy."
"Ah, this is so difficult," one of them whined. "My son does this for me every time."
"Mine too," another chimed. "This kid is a bad teacher. Where did you even get him."
"I—I was just passing by—," he stammered.
"Teach us more," he was cut off by another old lady.
"How much does 10,000 stars cost?" one of them asked.
"1,000 dollars," the scared guy responded.
"Oh, great. Let me buy 30,000."
"You're rich. I'll only buy 10,000!"
"I just won't buy a bag this month. I'll buy 20,000."
The scared teen looked at the old crowd that surrounded him with wide eyes.
"Frightening," he muttered under his breath.
Meanwhile, inside the Azure building, the trainees' family members and friends were already waiting inside. Their seats were located near the stage, and Grandma was proud that she got the very front seat. Well, it was all thanks to Minjun, who showed off his puppy eyes to the people who also wanted sit at the front.
"We have a great view here," Grandma exclaimed with a smile.
"Of course," Minjun said. "Big bro needs to see us well."
Just then, a group of trainees entered the dome, sitting next to the trainees' significant others.
"Oh my," Jisung's mom said, slapping her husband's chest. "There are so many handsome boys right now."
Casper's sisters were practically bursting with joy as they looked at the big group of handsome trainees sitting next to them. It was the eliminated trainees!
Jangmoon, who sat closest to the significant others' seats, waved enthusiastically when he saw Minjun.
However, the young kid who was currently undergoing puberty merely narrowed his eyes at him before swiftly looking away.
Jangmoon pursed his lips together. <nulli>'What did I ever do to that kid?'
"I thought your dad was coming with us to watch," Grandma said, capturing Minjun's attention.
"Oh, he can't come right now," Minjun said.
"Why not? Did something happen?"
"Nope," Minjun said. "I told him not to come."
Grandma raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Why not? I thought you wanted to watch it with him."
Minjun smirked as he leaned back against his seat.
"Well, I changed my mind. Right now, he has to do something more important."
Grandma suspiciously looked at her grandson. "Did you do something?"
"I didn't," Minjun innocently said. "Dad just has a job to do, that's all."
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