June let out a deep breath as he allowed himself to go into the zone.
This song was the one he wanted to sing the most on the show. However, it was a genre he was comfortable with, so he set it aside for a moment.
However, he had realized that in order to beat Guitarman, he needed to do something he was comfortable with to have a higher chance of winning--not only because he needed to do something he was good at if he wanted to beat him, but also because he wanted to make the audience feel touched with the message of the song.
Guitarman singing a love song was actually what June had expected. Love songs were great and all, but they were not something that all people can relate to. This song's message, however, was something June believed everyone would be able to understand.
The lights surrounding the audience dimmed, Tongman being the only visible person in the room.
The opening notes of 'Be Happy' filled the air, eliciting gasps of recognition from the audience, particularly those who remembered its release in the 1980s. Some of them had forgotten the song already, yet when they heard the opening notes, they couldn't help but exclaim in nostalgia.
"I haven't heard this song in such a long time," Cindy said, her heart already feeling weary.
"I've heard of this song before," Jia said. "However, I'm not fully familiar with it."
"You'll like it," Cindy smiled. "Everybody loved this song when it came out."
Others closed their eyes to feel the music, being taken back to the time when they first heard it.
It was the type of song that comforted you when you heard it. However, at the same time, it also left a dull ache, making it the perfect song to elicit emotions from the audience.
June stood poised in the center of the stage and sang for the people who needed to hear such a message.
With a deep breath, he began to sing, his voice enveloping the crowd in a comforting embrace.
"Close your eyes.
And think about the time when you've felt at peace...
Truly at peace.
Has it been a while?
Truly been a while."
Jia let out a small gasp as June uttered those words. For some reason, it felt like his voice had improved compared to the second stage, which left her wondering what he did to improve in such a short amount of time.
However, she couldn't think much of his technical improvement because it was overtaken by the emotions in his voice. He sang just like he was talking, and at that moment, Jia felt comforted. She didn't know about the song's message before, yet it felt like it was heading straight to her heart.
"When rest feels like rest...
When you don't feel that the world is on your feet.
Do you miss those times?
Do you hate the person you've become?"
June took a deep breath to prepare himself for the chorus. This song had a low register in the beginning but soared in the chorus and soared even higher in the bridge. So, it was a great test of vocal skill.
Nonetheless, June kept a similar style of singing--the 'talking' type, where it felt like he was talking to the audience through his voice, making them feel the emotions even more.
"Take a moment now, let the world fade away,
Till your heart beats softly, 'till you find the way
Mistakes are part of the journey we create,
You're doing great.
You're doing great."
June sang the song for the people who felt like they hadn't been themselves for some time--when they felt like they were simply existing and not living.
...for those who keep doubting themselves, wondering if they will be able to measure up to the standards of the world.
…for those who feel like they haven't rested in a while, where their eyes are closed, but their minds keep running.
…for the ones who yearn for a moment of peace yet find themselves engulfed in the chaos of the thoughts.
…for those who lost sight of themselves in the hustle and bustle of life.
…for those who miss their families.
…for those being doubted by their families.
…for those who didn't have any family.
It was a song that June wanted to give to the people who felt alone because he, too, felt like like such at one point in his life. He was in a much better place now, but he also knew that others were still in the dark.
June sought to touch the hearts of those who needed it most, reminding them that brighter days lie ahead.
"You've endured the toughest times.
You lost what it meant to be happy."
As the song progressed, June's voice soared to new heights. His vocal support was evident with each phrase he delivered, and the people in the audience found themselves sniffing as his words echoed through their minds.
His voice conveyed that he understood…and that things will, indeed, be better in the end.
Guitarman crossed his arms in front of his chest. He knew that Tongman was a great singer. He proved this when they first met and in the past two performances. However, this particular stage made him shine the brightest.
Guitarman didn't want to admit it, but the time had come when his student might actually surpass him. Because, right at this moment, it seemed like they were on the same level.
"It's okay to be tired.
No one will blame you.
It's okay to take a rest.
Because everyone needs to.
I know these are just words that I've put into a song.
But I hope these words touch you and remain with you for long.
You deserve to live another day with a smile on your face.
It's okay.
You're okay.
You're doing great."
The bridge of the song was the most emotional part, and June conveyed it perfectly with his well-rounded and emotion-
filled voice. He even added a slight growl during the climax of the high parts, and that sent a shockwave through the audience.
As the song began fading, the people found themselves still overwhelmed with emotions.
June closed his eyes so he could say the last words. In a way, he wasn't just telling this to the audience but also to himself.
As he sang the song, he realized that he also needed to hear those words. He had been working nonstop ever since Rising Stars, and there were times when it really felt like he couldn't rest.
However, it's okay.
You're okay.
"You're doing great."
