16 Different Options

"Um?" Ronan, who had been lost in thought, lifted his head, looking puzzled as he met Maxim's gaze.

His mind hadn't delved deeply into the implications of Maxim's words, so he responded casually, "No, not yet, I have no idea."

Please!

It had been less than two hours since Ronan had arrived here. There had been a whirlwind of surprises, and he still felt disoriented.

Questions kept cropping up, and he hadn't had a moment to gather his thoughts. How could he be expected to think about his future in such detail and so soon?

His response was entirely genuine.

But there was a tinge of disappointment in Maxim's eyes, and an air of unease and inner conflict lingered like a cloud. "...Oh, alright, I understand." Maxim's reply was stiff, rushed, and Ronan realized that his answer might have wounded Maxim.

For "Ronan Cooper," Tristan's departure had been on his mind for several days, just like the rest of the band. He must have been contemplating it, especially the band's future and their current situation. How could he claim to have no idea at all? Saying he had no idea was essentially refusing to share his thoughts.

But before Ronan could make amends, Maxim, unable to hold back, continued, "If you don't want to share, you could've just told me. I won't take offense. After all, I don't have any clear plans myself. But even your evasive answers are so half-hearted and careless. Forget it."

Ronan looked at Maxim and nodded slightly, saying, "Yes, I prefer not to share."

This statement promptly sealed Maxim's lips, leaving him dumbfounded.

Shortly thereafter, Ronan couldn't help but burst into laughter, rolling back and forth in an attempt to rein it in.

He then patted Maxim on the shoulder. "I understand that everyone has been feeling down and on edge lately. But, Maxim, this isn't the end of the world. There's no need to beat yourself up over it."

No wonder Cliff and Maxim had been bickering incessantly; they were both under a great deal of stress.

Maxim looked at Ronan with exasperation, unable to muster a smile.

Sensing the atmosphere might turn tense again, Ronan also suppressed his laughter and said, "I'm serious. I really have no idea at this moment."

"Maxim, if I told you that I want to stand on stage for the rest of my life, would you believe me?" Ronan locked eyes with Maxim, wearing a serene smile as he casually uttered these groundbreaking words.

Maxim was taken aback.

The curve of Ronan's lips grew wider. "I genuinely enjoy being on stage, and I love the connection that music creates. I truly hope that we can continue to pursue our dreams. But, as we both know, reality isn't that straightforward, is it? So, I have many ideas, but also no ideas at all. Let's take it one step at a time. Let's finish this tour, and then we'll see if I have any answers."

Ronan was being open and sincere. He shared his innermost thoughts with Maxim without reservation. His clear, bright eyes hid nothing. These were his genuine feelings at this moment.

Maxim felt a tad embarrassed. His earlier words had been too sharp and overly emotional. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that." Maxim didn't hold back, openly admitting his mistake and apologizing before further explaining.

"I just..." Maxim paused, "Yesterday, I overheard you and Ollie discussing 'The Voice.' Ollie mentioned that you could participate, maybe even make it on stage. I found some new information online, so I figured you might not have solidified your own plans yet."

No wonder!

If Ronan chose to participate in "The Voice," it would mean the probable end of the band.

Talent shows typically didn't allow bands to participate, and combined with the band's current precarious situation and the uncertainty of their "future," the prospect of the "full stop" seemed imminent.

"No, I won't," Ronan responded firmly, and his certainty left Maxim momentarily stunned.

Ronan broke into a broad smile. "I'm serious. We embarked on this journey together, and I also hope we can conclude it together. If that day truly arrives and the final chapter of the band is written, well, after we've crossed that bridge, I'll contemplate my future. But until then, let's move forward together."

For Ronan, who had lived in darkness for fifteen years, the feelings of solitude and helplessness were all too familiar. Comma, his guide dog, was his constant companion, a reminder that he wasn't alone, because everyone had their own lives, and even friends and family couldn't be by his side 24/7.

Thus, Comma became the sole presence in the darkness, a reassuring reminder that "you are not alone."

After enduring a long journey through darkness, Ronan had learned to treasure every friendship and companionship.

In fact, life was a journey. Some people walked with you for a while, and some for a longer stretch. More often than not, you still had to traverse the entire path by yourself. Hence, no matter how long someone accompanied you, whether through fate or companionship, it was a precious experience that should be cherished.

The same applied to One Day Kings.

From 2005 to the present, the four of them had weathered countless highs and lows, standing by each other's side until now—a rare feat indeed.

Ronan believed that even as "Ronan Cooper," he would hope to continue walking alongside the band members, wherever the endpoint lay or whatever the scenery was. As for the future beyond that "full stop," he could consider it when the time came.

These simple words tugged at Maxim's heartstrings.

Because he knew that Ronan was speaking from the heart.

"Ronan, I just..." Maxim paused for a moment, and as Ronan was about to respond, Maxim gestured for him to let him finish. "I just don't want to give up. I also want to be on that stage. I want the band to keep moving forward, because our musical dreams are the same. But what if..."

What if Ronan decided to compete on "The Voice," leaving the band at the end of the road?

Ronan understood Maxim's mindset and offered a warm smile. "So, can I take it that you think I'm the best choice for the band's lead singer, and if I leave, the band won't be able to continue thriving? Therefore, you hope I choose to stay."

"..." Maxim's intention, which had started off as touching, was tarnished by Ronan's triumphant expression.

Maxim quickly composed himself and stated sincerely, "Even if that's true, you don't have to state it so plainly. Praise from others and self-promotion are two different things."

Ronan had been joking, and now that Maxim was responding so seriously, Ronan found himself a bit embarrassed.

He looked at Maxim with an expression of disbelief. "So, are you going to compliment me or belittle me? Can we set the tone before you speak?"

It was still a jest, but Maxim studied Ronan thoughtfully for a moment and then provided a serious response. "Let's consider it a compliment."

Ronan: "..."