The Debut Performance

Mikha'el trembled nervously. She was already in costume, but her confidence plummeted. 

"What are you waiting for?" Damon asked while gesturing for Mikha'el to enter the gate. 

They were currently at the bridge going into the city's entrance, but Mikha'el hesitated. 

"I-I don't think I can do it," Mikha'el whispered and turned back to leave, but Damon grabbed her shoulder to stop her. 

"Have you forgotten… about your revenge," Damon whispered nonchalantly while his eyes glanced at Mikha'el intently, silently threatening her. 

Mikha'el gulped. "Alright!" she grumbled and stormed inside the gate, leaving Damon behind. 

The moment Mikha'el stepped through the gates of Acedia, a city teeming with life and bustling activity, she felt a surge of distress. 

However, the weight of Damon's words echoed in Mikha'el's mind, fueling her determination and unease in equal measure. 

The people around looked back in curiosity upon gazing at Mikha'el, especially at her peculiar appearance and ambiance. 

Damon followed behind and noticed the people's glances toward Mikha'el, which made him happy. 

"My plan is already working its magic," Damon muttered, chuckling evilly. 

Damon wore his usual attire as he planned to become one of the audience again to hype up the crowd. 

As for the instruments, Damon already prepared them in the city's plaza before their arrival. He had also instructed Mikha'el on what to do beforehand. 

"Ah, One is back! She'll going to perform for us again!" Damon shouted nonchalantly, gathering the crowd's attention. 

"One? Who is that?" 

"Is that the same lady who danced differently before?"

"Is she a popular foreign performer?"

As the murmurs of confusion spread among the crowd, Damon grinned mischievously. He relished the anticipation, knowing that the unveiling of Mikha'el's performance would captivate their engagement. 

"Ah, I want to see One perform again! She have unmatched talent and charm!" Damon declared with theatrical flair while running toward Mikha'el, following her to the plaza. 

The crowd's curiosity piqued, and they followed as well. That put much pressure on Mikha'el's back, but she tried to shrug it off. 

When Mikha'el arrived in the plaza, the crowd was already waiting for her performance, unlike last time. 

"I can do this," Mikha'el whispered, pushing the button of the cassette player, and the music started playing. 

Mikha'el stood at the center, her nerves fluttering like a storm within her. With a deep breath, she summoned her courage and started her performance. 

Did I look weak?

Were you worried about me?

Just like the sparkling dew under the moon

Did it seem like I'd disappear?

Don't be nervous, does it seem like a dream?

I am shining for you.

I'll hold your trembling hand,

I'll warmly hold you.

I may seem like a clear glass bead,

But I won't break that easily.

I love you, only you, it won't change.

I'll shine on you forever. 

Mikha'el started singing and combined it with a dance. It has an energetic and powerful dance sequence that no one in Acedia had seen. 

The choreography features dynamic footwork, jumps, and spins, adding energy and flair to the performance. 

The crowd was entranced by how Mikha'el could sing while moving her body around. 

After a couple of minutes, Mikha'el finished her final note and struck a graceful pose as her performance came to an end. 

"I'll shine on you forever~" Mikha'el posed for a few seconds before she bowed graciously, expressing her gratitude to the enthusiastic audience. 

The plaza erupted into a cacophony of applause and cheers.

The crowd was captivated, their faces filled with awe and appreciation for the mesmerizing performance they had just witnessed. 

Mikha'el, though still trembling, felt a rush of relief and triumph wash over her. 'It's finally done!' she thought. 

Damon, standing among the crowd, beamed with pride. His plan had unfolded flawlessly, and Mikha'el's performance had surpassed all expectations. 

"This is the beginning of your journey as an idol. Your debut," Damon whispered and got teary. He was also overwhelmed by the success. 

Amidst the applause, Mikha'el caught Damon's eye, offering her a nod of approval and encouragement. He gave her a thumb-up and gestured to speak. 

"Ah… uh. Thank you everyone for coming to see my debut. I'm One, a member of a girl group, but for now, I will be doing my solo activities to bring joy and entertainment to you all," Mikha'el announced with the most sparkling smile she could muster. 

"You're amazing One!"

"I can't wait to see your next performance, One!" 

The crowd cheered and showed their eagerness to see Mikha'el again. They rained her with pera and flowers to show their liking. 

"Ah! Thank you!" Mikha'el waved around and kept bowing. 

"Miss One, have this flower!" a young girl came forward, offering a delicate flower with an earnest smile. Her eyes twinkled that mirrored the stars upon gazing Mikha'el closely. 

"Oh my," Mikha'el gasped and couldn't help but feel a warmth blossom within her. "Thank you," she murmured softly. 

Mikha'el stepped forward to accept the flower, but she tripped on her own foot. She lost her balance and stumbled forward, her arms windmilling wildly as she tried to regain her footing. 

Unfortunately, Mikha'el fell face-first to the hard concrete with her hand raised up to get the flower. 

The crowd became quiet, and their awe was replaced with worry at the unexpected turn of events. 

Some covered their mouths in shock, while others couldn't contain their laughter at the sudden mishap. 

"Ugh!" Mikha'el groaned as she lay on the ground for a moment, dazed but unharmed, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. 

The young girl who had offered the flower rushed forward, her eyes wide with concern. "Miss One, are you okay?" 

Mikha'el sat up, brushing off her costume with an embarrassed laugh. "Yes, yes, I'm fine, thank you," she reassured the worried girl, trying to maintain her composure despite the unexpected tumble. 

Damon tried his best to hide his laughter behind his hand but failed miserably as a chuckle escaped. He shook his head and stepped forward, offering a hand to help Mikha'el up. 

"It's going to be okay," Damon whispered before blending in with the crowd again. 

"Haha! Well, that's all for today!" Mikha'el laughed and waved goodbye. Despite the unexpected fall, she remained poised, taking it all in stride. 

As the crowd dispersed, Mikha'el took the cassette with her and was about to leave the plaza when a man approached her. 

"Hello, it's been a while since I last saw you," the man stated brightly, but his eyes glowed a hint of mystery.