Aliyah managed to steady her emotions after recounting her ever-repeating nightmare. One could only imagine the suffering she'd endured watching everything she once knew crumble into dust, forced to relive it every agonizing second of the day. Jihoon wouldn't wish that on his worst enemy… not that he had any. Yet instead of answers, her story left him with even more questions. Who was the man in her nightmares? Why did it feel so real?
"Oi, Han jihoon!"
A slight shiver ran down Jihoon's spine. He should've called Seokjin the moment he arrived so they could rehearse before the interview but it completely slipped his mind.
A quick glance at his watch: 11:45 a.m.!
"H—Hey, Seokjin, h-how's it going?" Jihoon stammered in Korean.
"How… is it going?" Seokjin's voice dropped dangerously low. "Well, let me see. A certain someone was supposed to meet me an hour ago… and instead, I find him here doing what, exactly?"
His fist curled, veins bulging along his temples, and his jaw tightened as he ground his teeth.
He looked every bit the part of a man who had his life perfectly put together even in anger. The plain blue shirt he wore was neatly pressed, tucked into black suit trousers that looked custom-tailored, paired with dark leather shoes that gleamed with polish. He had that effortless confidence money often bought and Seokjin had plenty of it.
Just last week, he'd spent $2,300 on a white wristwatch. His reasoning? "What? I have a black blazer at home that'll go perfectly with this."
Yet despite his lavish taste, Seokjin somehow remained responsible with his finances. Jihoon couldn't help but be grateful for him. Without Seokjin, he wouldn't even be here.
Sure, Jihoon made some money from social media revenues and ads, but it wasn't nearly enough to fund this entire trip let alone afford a stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in Shanghai. Seokjin had even booked this interview himself and made sure Jihoon was first on the list.
They'd been best friends since their first year of high school through house parties, failures, and the long days of being bullied as "the Floater" and "the Weird Kid. Of Hanuel High" Now, that same "weird kid" had become the dependable manager Jihoon looked up to.
"Hah… anyway," Seokjin exhaled, trying to compose himself. "I just got word that Mr. Li Guangming has arrived at the plaza. We don't have time to go over your synopsis, but we can make sure your clothes are at least decent."
Seokjin gave Jihoon a once-over. While he wouldn't call them rags, Jihoon's outfit was still a step up from what he usually wore.
"Really? He's here already?!"
The shaky voice came from Aliyah, who looked at Seokjin with wide, starry eyes.
Their gazes met Seokjin's confusion clashing with her excitement.
"Yes, he is," he replied cautiously. "He should be making his way into the building right, about now"
A loud yelp cut him off, followed by multiple screams a chaotic mix of thrill and excitement echoing through the plaza.
The small crowd that had surrounded them moments ago began to disperse, drawn toward the growing commotion at the entrance. from the entrance. Gripping Jihoon and the others attention.
The same small crowd that had surrounded them just until a minute slowly dispersed into the growing multitude towards the entrance.
Some shoved their way through Yu-jin leaving her distorted and clutching her bag,
others pushed through Aliyah who couldn't handle the Force and was almost knocked to the ground but was saved by Seokjin.
"Are you ok?" He Said holding her closely to prevent the still shoving herd of zombies from stamping her to the ground.
"Uh, yeah I'm fine, thanks " she said. Her face down towards the floor trying to hide her flustered face.
'What's gotten into them" Yu-jin frowned glancing towards the crowd.
The murmurs from the crowd grew louder until Jihoon could no longer hear himself think.
Then they appeared in the mist of the swelling mass five people cutting a path through the press of bodies. Three large men in black suits led the way, their broad frames making them instantly intimidating. Two of them walked ahead, arms outstretched to shove people aside and clear the route for a rather short man maybe 5'6 in spotting on a simple striped button down and plain black shorts.
At his side stood a striking woman: upright, composed, clipboard and notepad in hand. Her black hair caught the light, and her fitted blouse tucked into navy trousers emphasized a quiet, professional poise that contrasted with the man's casual air. The third suited guard walked firmly behind them, closing the formation.
"Step back, please," ordered the guard on the left his blond-tinted hair obvious even from a distance. Muscles strained beneath his suit; sweat ran from his hairline, a sign he might be new and nervous.
"Relax, Han-han," Mr. Li said, waving one hand toward the crowd.
"These people are our fans. You should appreciate their enthusiasm."
Mei-Lin's voice was cool as she replied,
"Mr. Li, you shouldn't be behaving so kind. We're here for business and we may have to crush a few dreams today.
"Hah, relax, little Lin. We're at one of the biggest conventions in the world. I'm sure we can have a little fun, can't we? And look at all the crazy cosplays!" Mr. Li chuckled, pointing toward a tall man well over 6 feet painted red from head to toe, wearing a brown jacket and small horns on his head.
"He certainly is something," Mei-Lin replied, her lips twitching into the faintest smile. "But still, sir, we should maintain a professional demeanor."
"Okay, okay, I hear ya," Mr. Li said with a shrug. "Let's just get this over with so I—uh, we—can enjoy the rest of the convention."
He quickened his steps toward the elevator as the crowd's cheers grew louder, drawing even more attention. When they finally reached the doors, Han-han and the other guard took their positions at the sides while Mr. Li and Mei-Lin stepped in, followed by the third bodyguard. The elevator doors closed with a soft chime, leaving the remaining guards to hold their posts.
Not far from the elevator stood Seokjin and the others. Knowing their turn was near, Seokjin turned to Jihoon, his gaze sharp.
"Jihoon, get ready. We're the first on the list, remember?"
"Y-yeah… I do."
Watching Mr. Li's grand entrance had made it all feel real. This wasn't some casual pitch he could take lightly. Cold sweat slid down his back; his palms were damp. His chest tightened. Could he really do this?
What if he failed? This might be his last chance at getting a contract, his last shot at turning his love for comics into a future.
Noticing the worried look on his friend's face, Seokjin stepped closer and gave him a light tap on the chest.
"Relax, Jihoon. Remember, we're in this together. Whatever happens, we'll face it side by side. Just go up there and give them the best of what you've got," he said with a wide grin.
"We'll be right here waiting for you and we know you'll get that contract," Yu-jin added, her smile so bright it could've lit up the room.
Han-han's earpiece crackled to life, the faint static breaking through the crowd's noise. He straightened, pressing a hand to his ear.
"Copy that," he muttered.
Then, raising his voice so it carried across the bustling convention hall, he barked,
"Mr. Li is ready! The commencement of the interviews starts now!"
The announcement rippled through the hall like a spark catching dry tinder. The crowd erupted laughter, cheers, and the hum of excitement swelling into a roar.
"This is it! I've been waiting months for this!" someone shouted, shoving a half-finished prototype toward their friend. "Just look at this my project's gonna blow them away!" said a teenage boy who looked no older than 16.
But the excitement was short lived as it was cut off by the guards following statement
"First on the list" Han-han paused, checking the digital pad in his hand. "Noctis!"
A stunned hush fell over the crowd before an explosion of whispers followed.
Loud murmurs rippled through the hall like waves.
"D-did he just say Noctis?"
"No way, right?"
"Noctis is here?"
"Huh? Who's Noctis?" a woman dressed in all black asked aloud, confused by the sudden silence.
From a nearby table, a few papers fluttered to the floor the same teen from earlier stood frozen, his notes slipping from his grip.
At another table, Aliyah dropped everything with a loud thud. Her drawings scattered across the floor. She couldn't believe her ears her idol, the artist who'd inspired her own story's hero, was here. Among this sea of oddly dressed nerds and cosplayers.
Of course, she was one too a nerd through and through and she'd been bullied enough for it.
Her heart raced. Her eyes darted from face to face, desperately trying to find him. And then she saw him.
Jihoon.
He walked calmly toward the elevator.
Her mind stuttered him? The guy who'd tried to talk her down from meeting Mr. Li… was Noctis?
Her cheeks burned as she remembered the things she'd said to him earlier.
What must he think of me now?
Jihoon moved steadily forward, each step heavier than the last. This was it. There was no going back. He turned once toward Seokjin and Yu-jin both of them smiling, wordlessly cheering him on.
He felt lucky. Lucky to have them in his life. And now, it was his turn to prove that all their hard work hadn't been in vain.
The murmurs grew louder as more eyes fell on him.
"Is that really him?" someone whispered.
No one would've guessed that the disheveled kid the one who looked like he'd just rolled out of bed was one of the most acclaimed indie authors on social media.
Jihoon finally stopped in front of Han-han.
"Are you… Noctis?" the guard asked, disbelief thick in his voice. He couldn't bring himself to accept that this scruffy kid had secured a slot in the interview.
"Yes," Jihoon whispered.
Han-han blinked, straightening up. "Hmm… go right in, then."
Jihoon gave a small nod and stepped into the open elevator. The metallic doors gleamed under the lights, adding to the surreal, almost fantasy-like atmosphere that had swallowed the plaza whole.
As the doors began to close, Han-han's voice slipped through the narrowing gap.
"Good luck, kid.
Jihoon's reflection wavered in the polished metal of the elevator door pale, nervous, but determined enough to take one more step forward.
"Guess this is where I find out if I was ever meant for this."
The doors sealed shut with a soft ding, leaving the noise of the world behind.