The greatest singer

The day passed quickly, as if the clock's hands had suddenly sped up. Since the morning, Adam had been immersed in rehearsing the song, repeating the lyrics over and over, trying to refine his voice and improve his performance. 

This wasn't just an ordinary gig for him—it was a new test, a chance to prove that he was capable of achieving something.

He felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, but he knew he had to stay in control if he wanted to succeed.

Adam thought of nothing but the song he was going to perform. He stood in front of the mirror for hours, studying his voice, adjusting his tone, and searching for the best way to make his performance better than last time. 

His memories of the previous show were a nightmare he didn't want to relive, but this time, he carried with him the experience of years he had previously lived—even if they weren't in this young body.

As the time approached, he put on a black shirt and dark jeans—simple but comfortable. He didn't own fancy clothes, but that didn't matter. All that occupied his mind was the stage.

He found some money on the table, left by his mother, perhaps thinking he might need it for something. He took the amount and slipped it into his pocket before heading out, ready to face the long evening ahead.

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He took a taxi and gave the driver the address. Throughout the ride, he stared out the window, watching the streets illuminated by shop lights and buildings bustling with nightlife. Everything was familiar... yet it felt like he was seeing it for the first time. 

Maybe because this time, he understood how precious everything was and how many opportunities he had wasted in his past life.

When the car stopped, he stepped out slowly, his heart pounding.

Before him stood a modest building with an old sign that read

"The Rusty Note"

The bar was just as he remembered it—slightly worn down.

A small bar tucked away in a side street, not luxurious but with its own unique charm. 

Dark brick walls, windows covered with posters, and dim neon lights barely illuminating the entrance... everything reflected the character of music bars that hosted live performances for talented individuals—or those trying to be.

He stood there for a moment, observing the place, recalling memories. Here was where his first failure happened, where his mother was fired because of his disastrous performance.

In the past, he had harbored resentment toward the bar owner, Marcus, but now, after living an entire life and returning to the past, he saw things from a different perspective.

Everything was business.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then took a deep breath and stepped inside.

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As soon as he entered, the familiar atmosphere of the bar engulfed him. The scent of alcohol and smoke, overlapping voices, occasional laughter from some customers, and the soft background music playing from the speakers. The place wasn't fancy, but it was full of life.

When his eyes landed on his mother, his heart raced. She stood behind the bar, chatting with a coworker, but when she saw him, she paused for a moment before smiling—that smile that had always given him a sense of security. She left her colleague to handle things and approached him.

"You came," she said warmly.

Adam smiled and hugged her, but it wasn't an ordinary embrace. It carried all the emotions he hadn't been able to express in his previous life—his regrets, his longing, and his desire to do better this time

.

"I'm proud of you," she whispered, patting his back

.

Her words gave him some reassurance, but he didn't want to dwell on emotions right now. A bigger challenge awaited him.

"I want you to meet someone," she said, gesturing toward a nearby table.

There sat a man in his mid-forties, stocky with a slight belly, bald at the front with short gray strands on the sides.

He wore a short-sleeved shirt and dark jeans, his sharp eyes giving him the look of someone who missed nothing.

"Marcus, this is Adam—my son."

Marcus studied Adam for a moment before standing up and extending his hand for a handshake.

"So, you're the young man I've heard so much about," he said in a deep voice, carrying the weight of years spent running this place.

Adam shook his hand cautiously. Though he knew Marcus had fired his mother after his disastrous first performance, he now saw things more clearly.

"I hope you're ready. The crowd here isn't forgiving," Marcus said with a slight smirk, his gaze still assessing Adam's determination.

Adam didn't waver. "I'm ready."

Marcus chuckled and nodded. "That's good, but don't let excitement make you forget something important..." He paused briefly before adding, "The audience doesn't care whether you're scared or confident. They just want to feel something real."

Adam smiled, not because he wasn't afraid, but because he understood exactly what the man meant. In his past life, he hadn't realized this truth until it was too late.

"I'll do my best."

Marcus nodded in approval before pointing toward the small stage in the corner. "Get yourself ready. I'll go prepare for your introduction."

Adam watched as Marcus walked away. He stood there, gazing at the stage—the dim spotlight focused on the center, the small space where many singers had stood before him.

This time... would not be like the last.

This time, he wouldn't let fear control him.

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