for usSNSD; Soshi love232not real.

You stand in a row.

Beneath the screams a softer sound resonates between your linked hands.

No face is distinguishable except for the eight next to you, which is fine. They are all that matter anyway.

There is a momentary flashback and the microphone almost cracks in your clenched fist.

Repeats of last year are not allowed, though you know that those kinds of things are never up to you.

In a held breath you close your eyes to see paradise—the dorm, with all nine of you donning smiles, not an inch of space between any two persons.

You open your eyes and look around. This is another level of paradise that can break your heart and motivate you at the same time. It once chewed you up and spat you out—for the stronger, for the better.

Tonight the fireworks will be the falling stars you wish upon.

Tonight you will spill your heart as much as your throat allows and trust that the voice in your head that tells you it’s never enough will die with the bass of the speakers.

Unlike last time, tonight will give you reason to raise the microphone again and it will be easy; it will not fuel doubts, it will not spring tears, it will not break you.

Lights flash, screams deafen and you begin. Tonight, they will not take another piece of you.

A/N: I'm glad it was better this year.