The stage lights swept across the arena as another performance began.
From their seats, the five members applauded with everyone else, the glow from the LED screens reflecting in their eyes.
Bella leaned forward slightly.
"I didn't realize the stage looked this big from here."
Joanne smiled.
"It looked even bigger when we were standing on it."
Bella let out a small breath.
"...Don't remind me."
Mili covered a smile.
"You did well."
Bella nudged her shoulder.
"So did you."
The music swelled as **** appeared on stage.
The audience welcomed them with loud cheers.
Susu watched quietly, her fingers tapping against her knee with the rhythm.
"Their live vocals are really nice."
"They are," Joanne agreed.
Leah's eyes followed the choreography as the members crossed the stage.
One transition made her smile.
Mili noticed.
"You liked that one."
Leah nodded.
"They made it look easy."
"They probably practiced it a hundred times."
"More than that."
The two exchanged a small smile before turning back to the stage.
When the performance ended, the arena filled with applause once again.
ROSIES joined in, clapping just as enthusiastically as everyone around them.
During the break between stages, staff guided several artists through the aisle.
The five members stood and bowed as **** walked past.
"Hello, sunbaenim."
One of the members smiled.
"You all had a great stage."
Joanne bowed again.
"Thank you very much."
Bella waited until they had walked away before quietly whispering,
"I think my heart skipped."
Joanne glanced at her.
"It seems to do that a lot today."
Bella smiled sheepishly.
"I know."
Not long after, **** passed by on their way backstage.
The members exchanged polite greetings.
One of them gave a brief nod.
"Good performance."
"Thank you, sunbaenim."
It lasted only a few seconds before everyone continued on their way.
As another stage began, confetti drifted down from the ceiling, catching the light before disappearing into the crowd.
Bella looked up.
"They really use a lot of confetti."
Mili laughed softly.
"I was thinking the same thing."
"I almost wanted to catch one."
"You still can."
Bella reached out as another piece floated toward her.
It landed on the back of her hand.
She held it up with a grin.
"I got one."
Leah looked over.
"You look very proud."
"I am."
Susu shook her head with a smile.
"You can keep it."
"I'm going to."
Joanne raised an eyebrow.
"As a souvenir?"
Bella carefully slipped the tiny piece of silver confetti into the pocket of her blazer.
"My first MAMA."
No one teased her.
Instead, the four of them looked toward the stage again.
The music began.
The audience cheered.
For the rest of the evening, they applauded every performance, greeted every senior artist with the same respect they had shown since arriving, and quietly enjoyed the night together.
Every now and then, one of the cameras swept across the audience.
Bella smiled and waved once before immediately becoming shy.
"You waved," Mili whispered.
Bella covered her face for a second.
"...I forgot the camera was there."
Leah leaned closer.
"I think that's why it looked natural."
Bella lowered her hands.
"I'll pretend I meant to do it."
"Good plan."
The five of them smiled as the lights dimmed for the next stage.