Relationships aside, FT Island was back to business. After weeks – for some, even months – of preparation, it was finally time for the event that all had been anticipating. It was the stage that rookies had spent all year working their butts off in the hopes of attending, the stage that senior artists dreaded as they knew the hassles of such events, and the stage that people from across the world tuned in for every year despite baseless accusations of unfair results and shoddy organization. The year-end award shows had finally rolled around, and the Korean entertainment industry was abuzz. Which broadcasting company would put on the best show? Who would have the best special stages? Would idols sweep the awards yet again?

But what FT Island was more excited about was that, for the special occasion, they would be allowed to play their instruments for the live broadcast. It was an issue that they had received plenty of criticism for in the past, but the authorization was always out of their hands. However, the broadcaster was confident in its event organization this year and was allowing live audio feed from instruments so long as they were set up well in advance. It was common to put on extravagant special stages for idols, but the industry was aware that the idol fad was disappearing, and accommodating for artists with instruments was the network's way of stepping up to this opportunity. This meant showing up quite early for sound checks and mic configuration, but to all of the bands and applicable musicians present – FT Island included – it was a welcome price to pay.

As a mainstream band, FT Island was on that rare border between artist and idol. Many fans boasted that they were the best of both worlds, while others criticized the true artistic value of a group of pretty boys conforming to a pop saturated market. Nevertheless, here they were, nominated for best rock performance – an award that FT Island proudly felt merited their hard work as true musicians, one that idols never made it into, and one that they had been nominated for, and won, on previous occasions.

FT Island was on standby backstage with UC Love until their performance, but since Hongki was the co-host for the evening, he didn't have so much time to relax. His name was cued, and he was about to head over to where he was called.

"Sunbae-nim," Hongki turned around at the sound of Yoonhee's voice calling him, "Good luck."

Hongki stared at the girl that stood in front of him, and perhaps it was because he had been spending a lot of time thinking these days and sorting out his issues, but for the first time he saw Yoonhee for who she really was – the girl that was his partner in training, the new addition to the company family, and the aspiring artist that had shown him nothing but admiration and hard work. This noona was different, as he had told himself many times by now, and as his partner, this noona didn't deserve the neglect that he had shown her thus far.

There was no UCTV camera rolling, and no warning gaze from his leader burning into his back telling him to "just try". No; for the first time, Hongki's smile came naturally and without hesitation. "Thanks," he pumped his fist in a fighting gesture before heading on stage to open the show.

The show began, and the crowd was thrilled. People from all across the world were watching as the event was broadcasted not only on national television, but also over the internet – the driving force of the hallyu wave where foreign fans were more than willing to stay up to all hours of the night just to watch.

"Ready to rock the stage?" Eunji asked as she watched the opening performance on a screen in the backstage area, and Jaejin nodded confidently from beside her.

She lightly brushed the tips of her fingers through his hair, adjusting a few last strands that the stylist had missed, and Jaejin's smile lingered as he watched her. Things were different around her now ever since they had started spending more time together; he didn't feel so nervous anymore. Instead, he felt giddiness, excitement, and all kinds of fuzzy feelings