265-267

Chapter 265: A Frenzy of Celebration 

"Hey! Washington!" 

Ronan’s voice echoed through the mic, loud and unrestrained, rippling across the venue. Just a single shout threw the entire crowd into a frenzy. Their screams and cheers surged like a tidal wave, flooding every corner of the space with an unbelievable energy, the roar even shaking the sound system—thunderous and deafening. 

This was a scene beyond imagination. 

Even though he had experienced it countless times before, nothing compared to standing center stage as the lead figure, surrounded by this overwhelming tide of sound. That feeling was entirely different. And in that moment, the King for a Day, despite his exhaustion from the long performance, felt a renewed surge of energy from the crowd's wild enthusiasm. 

A confident smile spread across Ronan’s face, his eyes shining with fierce brightness as he looked out over the audience from above: 

This was their world. 

“The party’s not over! Let’s get wild!” 

With that, his passionate voice rang out, and he stood tall with his legs apart, raising both hands high into the air. Instantly, the entire crowd followed suit without needing further instruction, lifting their arms skyward. Behind him, the other three members of One-Day King also raised their hands, and the sea of unity that followed was breathtaking—like a vast forest of white birch trees spreading in all directions. 

Even the members of the Shining Band backstage weren’t immune. Wesley was already holding his hands up and calling out to the nearby crew. 

“Come on, join us!” 

Just like Ronan said—the party wasn’t over yet. Everyone should let go of their worries and join the celebration. 

Amid the surging crowd, Sophie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She turned to look at Kane, and in the darkness, their eyes locked—both reflecting the same fiery glow. Even the way their lips curled into a smile was identical. Clearly, they were thinking the same thing— 

Bruno Mars’ concert. 

Back then, when One-Day King had made a surprise appearance at Bruno’s Washington show, a small technical mishap delayed the opening. In response, Ronan had raised his hands high and got the audience clapping along. That very moment marked the debut of “Chasing the Light.” 

Now, it was happening again. 

Sophie had a strong feeling they were in for another unforgettable night—though, to be fair, it was already unforgettable. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

A tight, quick rhythm of eight claps. It seemed simple, but it was actually quite tricky. The beat was rapid, requiring fast, continuous clapping. Keeping time was especially tough—not everyone has a natural sense of rhythm, and this was a crowd of 1,500 people. 

But Ronan didn’t mind. He smiled as he looked out at the audience, who were now exchanging awkward, amused glances in their messy attempt at clapping. The scene was chaotic and a bit funny. Sensing the growing restlessness, Ronan’s voice rang out again: 

“Don’t worry—everyone has their own way to celebrate!” 

Laughter rippled through the crowd, easing the tension a little. 

“No rush! Just follow me!” 

No fancy musical terms. He simply raised his hands again and clapped—Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap!—twice, as a clear demonstration. Sometimes, the best guidance is just a simple example. Encouraged, the audience gave it another go. 

It was still messy, the rhythm far from perfect—definitely harder than the “Chasing the Light” clap-along. 

“Don’t give up, stay focused! Follow the beat and keep going!” 

As Ronan called out, Ollie’s drums kicked in, guiding the audience like a conductor. The clapping turned into a coordinated snare-drum drill. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

Once. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

Twice. 

Slowly but surely, the crowd began finding the rhythm, and the claps started to sync up. 

What started as a potentially tedious activity began to stir something deeper. After pushing through the initial awkwardness, the crowd’s energy rose. Eyes sparkled, and people could feel the heat and rhythm in their palms. Blood and muscle fired up. Adrenaline pumped. 

Back in 1977, Queen’s guitarist Brian May was inspired by a live crowd’s energy and wrote the iconic “We Will Rock You.” Its goal was simple—make the audience part of the performance. 

In that song, everyone claps and stomps, using their own rhythm as percussion. The overwhelming collective beat became the song’s signature and later made it a staple at sporting events, immortalizing its legacy. 

Ronan wasn’t copying Queen. The point was this: when the band and the audience are joined by music, celebrating together with no barrier between them—that’s the magic of a live concert. That’s the miracle of music. 

And that’s exactly what was happening now. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

The tight, rolling wave of applause surged through the space. Sophie had no room left in her mind for anything else. She stared at the stage, her hands clapping along. Her palms were burning as thousands of skin cells likely died in the process, her arms numb from the effort—but her heart? Her heart was soaring. 

She could feel a light bursting from deep inside her chest, warm currents rising and flooding her spirit. It was a feeling beyond words. But her smile bloomed naturally, as if her body had become light and carefree, floating on clouds. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

On stage, Ronan kept clapping, his body swaying as if dancing. The rhythm flowed through his veins and muscles, making every movement more effortless and alive. And then, without any musical accompaniment, Ronan began to sing— 

Because the audience’s clapping had become the beat. 

The band and the audience were performing this encore together. 

That idea echoed in every fan’s mind. The adrenaline turned their claps brighter, sharper—like a true carnival erupting. 

This tiny venue only held 1,500 people. Forget ten-thousand-seat arenas, even five-thousand-seaters couldn’t match this. But in this cramped space, everyone was connected. The claps echoed through the air like shockwaves, bouncing off the walls and binding every person into one unified soul. 

The applause thundered. 

You could almost feel the pressure against your eardrums, vibrating and pulsing—but nobody had time to focus on that. Every eye, every heartbeat, was locked on Ronan, following him into a whole new world. 

Chapter 266: The Top of the World 

Clap clap clap! Clap clap clap! 

Thunderous applause. 

Rolling waves of sound. 

Standing in the center of the stage, Ronan felt like he was standing on the top of the world. His adrenaline was surging, pumping new energy through his veins—and then, from deep within his soul, the song burst forth. 

“If you like someone, you’d better tell them while you still can—because they might leave. You never know when things will get better, and it all depends on how much time you have left.” (Note 1) 

There were no instruments, no background music—only the rhythm of synchronized clapping from the entire audience. The powerful momentum stripped everything down to its purest form. And in that simplicity, Ronan's voice rang out, no technique, no artifice, just emotion—raw and unfiltered. 

Like a child. 

Sometimes a child’s voice is immature, in need of refinement. But other times, it’s honest, unguarded, and beautiful in its vulnerability. Tonight, it was the latter. 

Sincerity. Honesty. Intimacy. Ronan sang as though he were speaking directly to each member of the audience, one-on-one. His gaze was bright, clear, and filled with feeling. 

Sophie felt it. For a moment, it seemed like Ronan was singing only to her. After Chasing the Light and My Demons, even this encore felt like a personal message: 

She should cherish the present. Let go of the past. Treasure the people around her—because life is unpredictable, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. 

But gradually, she understood—this wasn’t just for her. As the song built, her heart surged with the music like a rollercoaster ride. Her perspective widened. 

“I’ve climbed the highest mountains. I’ve crossed the deepest rivers. You can have everything—but life goes on.” 

The world... was so vast. 

She didn’t need to stay trapped in toxic relationships or drown in negative emotions. She could step forward—see life anew, look up at the stars and the universe above. There was still so much to live for. 

“So accept it now, but don’t look down… Because I’m standing on the top of the world.” 

Cue the music! 

The entire One Day King band jumped in, and the sound exploded like a river bursting through a dam. Grand and majestic, a flood of notes came pouring down like a cosmic waterfall. The powerful sound waves engulfed the crowd, all 1,500 of them. 

Boom. Boom. Boom! 

Their thoughts sprouted wings. 

They soared above their personal limitations, to the top of the world, to the endless stars. Sophie, too, shed her burdens. She opened her heart—and embraced all the possibilities life had to offer. 

Amid the thundering music, Ronan’s voice burst forth with grounded, powerful force. The sound came from deep in his core, steady and strong, anchoring the entire performance. Even surrounded by a storm of melody, he remained in perfect control. 

“I’m standing on the top of the world!” “I’ve waited so long for this moment. I gave it everything I had. I waited for a reason to smile. I’ve waited so long. If I could, I’d take you with me— From childhood, I dreamed of this moment… I’m standing on the top of the world!” 

Here and now. 

In this exact moment, standing center stage, soaking in the roar of the encore— As the music united band and audience in one heartbeat— As their voices and emotions reached a fever pitch— 

It really did feel like they were standing at the top of the world. 

Ronan’s smile blossomed—radiant, unrestrained. 

He had waited for this. 

Since the day he lost his hearing. Since the day he started writing this song for their new album. In his mind, he had always imagined this—standing on the summit. 

And now, it had come true. 

His voice was their bridge. The applause was their reward. 

And happiness—true happiness—was overflowing in his chest. 

He wasn’t alone. Ollie felt it. Cliff felt it. Maxime too. Every member of One Day King was overwhelmed with the same wave of joy. 

Even the members of Shining Band backstage were crying tears of happiness for them. They understood. They were moved—not by technique or polish, but by heart. They heard Ronan’s voice and felt hope, joy, truth. 

They heard the voice of someone who still had the heart of a child. 

Listen—Ronan was still singing. 

“I tried to skip the struggle. I tried to find shortcuts. But something was always missing inside.” 

“I tried to give up entirely… But I couldn’t find a reason. I kept sailing forward, chasing something.” 

“So now I accept it all—but I won’t look down, Because I’m standing on the top of the world!” 

This wasn’t just One Day King. This wasn’t just Shining Band. This was every indie band chasing their dream in the dark. This was every ordinary person refusing to give up. 

They all shared that same stubborn courage. Like Sisyphus pushing his boulder uphill, again and again. 

People called them foolish. Told them it was hopeless. 

But they never stopped. 

Not because of ego. Not because of pride. But because they loved it. Because it brought them joy. Because it was real. 

One Day King didn’t need fame. They didn’t need 100,000 people arenas. They didn’t need gold records or flashy awards. 

All they needed— Was one audience. A real audience, who saw them. Heard them. Felt something. 

All they needed— Was one encore. Even from just 1,500 people. 

That was enough to take them to the top of the world. 

Such a simple wish— Yet it had taken seven years to come true. 

But they hadn’t given up. They hadn’t gotten bitter. They just kept playing. Kept singing. Kept laughing and dancing. 

And now, they were free to revel in this dream. 

Jeremiah’s smile widened as well. His chest swelled with happiness—but his eyes shimmered with tears. In Ronan’s voice, he heard something pure. 

Not about success. Not about dreams. Just one simple thing— 

Because they loved it. 

Because they truly, deeply loved it. 

And when life comes to an end, and you look back— How many people can say they really loved something, and pursued it? 

That... That is standing on the top of the world. 

Note 1: “On Top of the World” — Imagine Dragons. 

Chapter 267: A Thunderous Roar Across the Venue 

Tears welled up in Sophie's eyes. For the first time, she truly understood the happiness behind the song—the joy and freedom that came after overcoming countless hardships. 

A smile spread across Ronan’s face. He wasn’t the kind of person to dwell on the past, not even in moments of joy. Life was too short, too hard. What mattered most was to cherish the present, to savor happiness, and to protect the burning passion still alive within. So, he embraced this moment with all his heart. 

“I stand at the peak of the world.” “I’ve waited for this moment for a long time, giving it my all and fighting with everything I have. I’ve been waiting for the chance to smile— If I can, I’ll walk this path with you. I’ve dreamed of this moment since childhood.” (Note: Lyrics inspired by "On Top of the World" by Imagine Dragons) 

With the song ringing out, Ronan raised his arms high again, his eyes shining bright and his smile radiant. He extended an invitation to everyone in the audience: 

“Will you walk this path with me?” 

Without hesitation, Sophie raised both hands high in the air. A moment ago, the entire crowd had been so swept up in the overwhelming energy and emotion that they had forgotten to clap. But now, as the thunderous echoes settled, everyone found their rhythm again. 

And Sophie wasn’t alone. 

All 1,500 audience members raised their hands in unison, once again forming that symbolic forest of white birch trees. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

This time, no one needed guidance. The entire audience followed Ollie’s drum rhythm naturally, clapping in perfect sync. What once seemed like a difficult beat now came effortlessly, as if their heartbeats themselves were guiding their hands. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

The whole venue trembled with rhythm and energy. 

Cliff and Maxim stopped playing their instruments and raised their hands to join the crowd. After leading two measures, Ollie also stopped drumming. Instead, he tapped his drumsticks together and joined the wave of clapping. 

In that moment, the boundary between the band and the audience vanished. They were all one, beating the rhythm together, becoming part of the performance itself. Even the backstage crew paused what they were doing and joined in. 

No one wanted to miss a moment like this. 

Clap clap clap clap! Clap clap clap clap! 

The background music softened, returning to a simpler, more heartfelt tone. But Ronan wasn’t worried. 

He gently closed his eyes, tilting his head to listen. He let the vibrations of the air and the rhythm of the crowd sink into his skin. It felt as if the whole world was singing, and his soul quietly became one with it. The sheer freedom and exhilaration of it all made his spirit soar. 

And then, cutting through the dense rhythm like a blade unsheathing, came Ronan’s voice—bright and sharp. 

A single, dazzling beam of light pierced the clouds, and sunlight poured down, warm and comforting, rippling through the air like waves. The world felt brighter. 

“I know it’s not easy. When failure hits, You find a long road still ahead. But you’ve already started your journey. So rise up—right now!” 

“Rise up! Rise up!” “Rise up! Rise up!” 

The voice grew more powerful—not through soaring high notes, but through a rising strength in each word. Ronan only raised the pitch by a single octave, yet every syllable landed like a drumbeat, striking the ear and echoing in the heart. 

Boom! Boom! Boom boom! Boom boom! 

The pounding in their chests grew louder and stronger, as if their hearts might burst free and fly. Their souls, untethered, seemed to plunge into a brand-new world. 

With eyes closed, they could almost feel a raging wind sweeping beneath their arms. The scorching sun beat down on their skin, making their blood boil. The storm threatened to knock them over—but if they just rose to their toes, they might ride the wind and fly. 

As if they really were standing on top of the world. 

BOOM! The melody exploded. Starbursts scattered across the stage. 

The energy in the venue surged to an all-new peak. The crowd didn’t stop clapping—in fact, their rhythm grew even stronger. The force of it collided with the band’s music like a mighty tide, lifting the song to an unbelievable height. 

And at the helm of it all was Ronan—the captain of this ship—steering them toward a sea of stars. 

“I stand at the peak of the world!” “I’ve waited for this moment for so long, gave it my all and fought hard; I’ve waited for the chance to smile, If I can, I’ll walk this path with you, This moment I’ve dreamed of since I was a child— I stand at the peak of the world!” 

Thunderous. Stirring. Blood boiling. 

The audience could no longer hold back. As they clapped along, they shouted at the top of their lungs: 

“I stand at the peak of the world!” 

Again and again. Over and over. The mix of singing and clapping rose like a spiral, unleashing every bit of passion hidden in their blood. They couldn’t hold it in anymore. 

The venue became a volcano—completely erupting. 

Sophie joined the chorus, screaming until her throat burned. She could feel the vibration in her chest. That trembling—so real, so beautiful—sparked a smile that bloomed from her lips to her eyes. It burned freely. 

Her thoughts were consumed by this fire. One idea remained: To run with this celebration all the way to the ends of the earth. 

Even if life was filled with thorns… Even if the road ahead was long… Even in the darkest hours… As long as there was music, as long as One Day King stood by her side, none of that mattered. 

She would follow them—chasing the colors of life and the meaning of existence. 

Starting tonight. 

“I stand at the peak of the world!” “I stand at the peak of the world!” 

BOOM! BOOM BOOM BOOM! 

The tidal wave of sound reached its final crescendo. One Day King had truly reached their peak. 

Then— The music stopped. At its highest point, the performance ended. 

The energy still pulsed in the air, heavy with emotion. But Ronan didn’t continue the song. He simply let the audience carry that passion forward, leaned into the microphone, and softly said: 

“With you.” 

In the spotlight, Ronan’s smile curved gently, blooming like a proud flower. Such simple words—yet they were both a rallying cry and a promise. 

On the road ahead, One Day King would never give up, never back down. They would keep sailing forward with their music, staying by the audience’s side, never abandoning them. As long as even one person remained in front of the stage, they would perform to the very end. 

With those words, the lights dimmed. The encore was over. And this time—for real—the concert came to a close.