Fate

Chapter 2: The Beginning Of Something New

The world seemed to pause as we stood facing each other, the hum of the city dimming to a soft murmur in the background. It felt surreal, standing so close to someone I had admired from afar, someone who was now revealing himself to be a fan of my work.

My heart raced, but through that I still managed to find my voice. “I can’t believe you’ve read my webcomic. This is unreal.”

Youngjae’s smile widened, a hint of shyness in his expression. “It’s true. Your characters, your stories... they have a way of touching the heart. I always look forward to the next chapter.”

“Thank you,” I said, my voice soft. “That means so much to me, especially coming from you.”

There was a moment of silence, filled with unspoken words and possibilities. Then Youngjae took a step closer. “I wanted to talk to you because your story helped me through some tough times. As an idol, life can be... complicated. Your webcomic has been a constant source of comfort.”

At that my heart softened. Who would have thought that I would be having this conversation with my favourite idol? “I can’t believe my little webcomic had such an impact. It means the world to me to hear that.”

Youngjae glanced around, ensuring we had some privacy. “I know this might be sudden, but would you like to grab a coffee? I’d love to hear more about how you create your stories and what inspires you.”

As my initial nervousness gave way to excitement, I found myself completely drawn in. “I’d love that. There’s a cozy café not too far from here.”

We walked together through the streets of Seoul, the city lights twinkling like stars. Youngjae had his cap, mask and hoodie on again, hiding from the world so as to not cause a commotion.

As we reached the café, we were able to find a quiet corner and settle in. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with the scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air.

Youngjae ordered two lattes, and we sat down at a small table in the back, the perfect spot if you didn't want to get interrupted. “So, tell me, Lilly, how did you get started with ‘Idol Romance’?”

Taking a sip of my coffee, I used this time to gather my thoughts. “It started as a way to express my feelings. I’ve always been fascinated by the world of idols, the highs and lows, the struggles and triumphs. I wanted to create a story that felt real, something people could relate to.”

Youngjae nodded, his eyes filled with genuine interest. “You’ve certainly succeeded. Your characters are so well-developed, and the emotions feel so authentic.”

I smiled, feeling a sense of validation. “Thank you. It’s not always easy, but knowing that my work resonates with people like you makes it all worth it.”

We ended up talking for hours, sharing stories and laughter. Youngjae opened up about his life as an idol, the pressure and the sacrifices, while I shared my journey as a webcomic creator, the challenges and the rewards.

As the night grew late, we realized how much time had passed. Youngjae glanced at his watch, a hint of regret in his eyes. “I should probably get going. Early morning rehearsal tomorrow.”

Nodding, though I wished the evening could continue. “Of course. Thank you for tonight, Youngjae. It was... unexpected but wonderful.”

Youngjae smiled, a soft warmth in his gaze. “It was. Let’s do this again sometime.”

Before I knew it, Youngjae's phone was in my hands. "Put your number in and we can meet up again when we are both free."

As we left the café and parted ways, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Meeting Youngjae had been like something out of one of my stories, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Back at my hotel room, I lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of the evening. I felt a spark of inspiration, and before I knew it, I was sketching out ideas for the next chapter of Idol Romance. The encounter with Youngjae had reignited my passion, and I was eager to bring my characters to life in new and exciting ways.

Meanwhile, Youngjae returned to his apartment, his thoughts lingering on Lilly. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of peace and genuine connection. He knew their paths had crossed for a reason, and he was determined to explore whatever fate had in store for them.

The following morning, I awoke feeling significantly better. The medication had worked its magic, and I felt ready to take on the day. Excitement bubbled within me as I prepared for the fan signing event. I couldn’t wait to meet the readers who had supported my journey as a webcomic creator.

I arrived at the venue early, the anticipation palpable in the air. Fans were already lining up, clutching copies of Idol Romance and wearing expressions of eager anticipation. Taking a deep breath, to steady my nerves, I stepped onto the small stage set up for the signing.

The hours flew by in a blur of smiles, autographs, and heartfelt conversations. Each interaction reaffirmed my love for my work. Seeing the impact my stories had on my readers was an incredible feeling, and I cherished every moment.

As the event began to wind down, I couldn’t help but notice a familiar face in the crowd. It was Youngjae, standing discreetly at the back, his eyes fixed on me with a gentle smile. My heart skipped a beat, as I waved him over.

“Youngjae! What are you doing here?” I whispered, unable to hide my surprise.

He chuckled, his presence causing a stir among the remaining fans. “I wanted to support you. Besides, I had some free time.”

My cheeks flushed with warmth. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”

He glanced around, noticing the lingering fans. “Mind if we chat after this?”

“Not at all,” I replied, feeling my smile widening.

Once the event concluded, we slipped out of the venue, managing to avoid the paparazzi; and found a quiet park nearby, settling on a bench, the evening sun casting a golden glow over the surroundings.

“I was really impressed by how you handled everything today,” Youngjae said, his tone sincere. “You have a natural way with people.”

Laughing softly, I responded. “Thank you. It was nerve-wracking, but seeing how much my work means to them makes it all worth it.”

Youngjae nodded, understanding in his eyes. “I feel the same way about performing. It’s the connection with fans that makes it all worthwhile.”

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Then Youngjae turned to me, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Lilly, I was wondering… would you be interested in collaborating on a project? I’ve been thinking about writing some songs inspired by your webcomic.”

I couldn’t believe my ears, my eyes widening in surprise and excitement. “Really? That sounds amazing! I’d love to.”

A warm smile spread across Youngjae’s face. “Great. I think we could create something truly special together.”

As the sun set, casting a beautiful array of colours across the sky, I felt a sense of contentment which I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Youngjae and I had found a unique connection, one that was quickly blossoming into a meaningful friendship.