Eternal Lives

Chapter 9:

Joon's life as an idol had been a whirlwind of dazzling lights and relentless schedules, but beneath the glitz and glamor, he found solace in his bandmates and the small, quiet moments that anchored him.

The bond he shared with his group—Minjae, Sunwoo, and Doyun—deepened as they faced the trials of fame together. Late-night practices turned into heartfelt conversations about their dreams and fears, and Joon began to feel like he truly belonged.

But even as he embraced this life, he couldn't shake the sense of inevitability that had followed him through every existence. He knew his time was limited, and the weight of that knowledge grew heavier with each passing day.

The band's popularity was at an all-time high when their company announced a world tour. It was an ambitious endeavor, spanning months and taking them to cities across the globe.

Joon threw himself into preparations, determined to give his all. He worked tirelessly, perfecting every move, every note. His performances became more emotional, more raw, as if he were trying to leave a piece of himself on every stage.

"You're killing it out there," Minjae said one night after a particularly grueling rehearsal. "The fans are obsessed with you lately. They're calling you the soul of the group."

Joon laughed, brushing off the compliment, but the words stayed with him.

The soul of the group.

Despite the hectic schedule, Joon made time for the little things.

On their rare days off, he would drag Sunwoo to a quiet café or challenge Doyun to a game of pool. He helped Minjae write lyrics for their next album, their late-night brainstorming sessions often devolving into laughter over bad rhymes and silly ideas.

"You're so different from when we first debuted," Doyun said one evening as they lounged in their dorm.

"Different how?" Joon asked.

"More… present," Doyun said thoughtfully. "Like you're really living in the moment."

Joon smiled. "Maybe I've just learned how precious those moments are."

The tour began with a string of sold-out shows, each more electrifying than the last. Joon poured his heart into every performance, but the grueling pace took its toll.

He started noticing subtle changes—dizziness, shortness of breath, a persistent ache in his chest. He brushed it off at first, attributing it to exhaustion, but the symptoms worsened with time.

During a concert in Tokyo, Joon faltered mid-song. His vision blurred, and his knees buckled beneath him. The last thing he heard before the darkness swallowed him was the crowd's panicked screams and the frantic shouts of his bandmates.

Joon woke in a hospital bed, his body weak and his mind hazy. Minjae sat beside him, his face pale with worry.

"The doctors said it's stress and exhaustion," Minjae said, his voice shaking. "They want you to rest, Joon. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

Joon nodded weakly, guilt gnawing at him. He hated worrying the people he cared about, but he couldn't ignore the truth. His body was failing him, just as it had in his previous lives.

Despite the doctor's orders, Joon insisted on continuing the tour. He couldn't bring himself to let his fans or his bandmates down.

The final show of the tour was in Seoul, a homecoming concert that promised to be their most spectacular yet. Joon knew it would also be his last.

As he stepped onto the stage that night, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace. The roar of the crowd, the warmth of the lights, the presence of his bandmates—it was everything he loved about this life.

When it came time for his solo, Joon closed his eyes and let the music guide him. His voice carried a depth of emotion that silenced the stadium, his lyrics weaving a story of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments.

Tears streamed down his face as he sang the final note. The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers echoing like a heartbeat.

Joon smiled, his chest tight but his spirit soaring. He had given them everything he had.

Backstage, Joon collapsed, his body finally giving out. Minjae caught him, his face stricken with panic.

"Joon! Stay with me!" Minjae shouted, his voice breaking.

Joon looked up at him, his vision dimming. "It's okay," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Thank you… for everything."

The last thing he saw was the faces of his bandmates, their tears falling freely as the world faded to black.

When Joon opened his eyes again, he found himself kneeling in a field of tall grass, the scent of earth and rain filling his lungs.

He looked down at his hands, calloused and strong, and saw the hilt of a katana resting in his lap.

In the distance, the sound of approaching footsteps drew his attention. A young man in armor bowed deeply before him.

"Sensei," the man said, his voice filled with reverence. "The bandits are retreating."

Joon's heart raced as he realized where he was. A new life had begun, but the memories of the stage still lingered, a bittersweet echo of the person he had been.