Where the Consoles Lead, The Heart Will Follow

About 5 years later

4 1/2 years later

Life went on. Jackie happily resides in South Korea, living her life like it would be the last. She got a great job at a new gaming company. Only to soon after be trusted as the founder's partner in decision-making and english translations. Within a few weeks they'll ship their project across the seas.

Conor still upheld his gaming career with Thumbs of Fury, but always missed Jackie. In a few weeks their crew will be sponsored by a new gaming company at an event in South Korea.

All sorts of things were being prepared for their big debut in South Korea. But one thing always bothered the four of them. Why them? It was the one question that they never got answered. Out of all the gamers, why them?

A few months back, Jackie was having a conversation with her brand new partners at the time. The topic of each of their backstories came up. Of course with Jackie's life, the fun and bubbly conversation got dangerously grim and depressing. So to change the subject she brought up Thumbs Of Fury to them to make light of the conversation. Little did she know that she just recommended the perfect gamers to them. Sportsmanship. Open minded. Happy. People who acted like family. They were exactly what the company was looking for.

--

Third person pov~ Conor's house

"I still don't understand why we were chosen to be sponsored." Ranted Ashley. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we get this once in a life time opportunity, but... why us?"

"Hey, didn't Jackie say she was going to Korea?" Questioned Franklin.

"How are we suppose to remember? That was about five years ago." Whined Wendell

"Ooh, maybe this is Conor's second chance at redemption! Maybe it's the universe's way of saying 'go get her'" Ashley said with a perky smile.

"If it is, then why did the universe take so long to pass on the message?" Sassed Conor. "Guys, this is our chamce to debute in another country. If we do good, who knows what else is in store for us? Look, I'm glad you guys want me to get Jackie back, really I am. But it's been just about five years. I think she must've moved on by now."

Little did everyone know, Franklin was typing away at the computer. "Hey guys, what's the name of the gaming company?" Asked Franklin.

"Uh...isn't it, what's the name of it?" Everyone questioned.

I don't want to come up with a name. Sorry :(

"Whatever, I remembered. Well it seems like Jackie has moved on with her life. She works at the company. And not only that, she's the decision-maker too." Franklin stated.

"So she did it on purpose. And here I was thinking it was our raw talent that got their interest." Pouted Ashley

"Who knows? Maybe she thought we were the best. Maybe she thought this was a good way if seeing us again. Or maybe she's doing us a favor. Who knows, but we'll only know if we actually ask ourselves." Deadpanned Conor. At this point, he wasn't sure how to feel about Jackie. He feels a whole bunch of fluttery feelings in his guts just at the lone thought of seeing Jackie again. But at the same time, the last time they spoke was with harsh words. At no point was he ready to see Jackie again, but this is what he knows is best for his crew.

--
After Arrival in South Korea~

"Ooh~" Ashley hummed in a joyous tune. "The weather reminds me of the one time my family and I went to Michigan when I was a kid. Except more humid..."

"Come on, we're running late. Let's hurry up before they fire us or something." Joked Conor. But in all honesty, they were suppose to be there in ten minutes but were twenty minutes away.

"We're never going to make it there in time." Whined Wendell.

Out the corner of their eyes, they see a white van pull up beside them. The window rolled down, revealling two young men. One white, amd the other seeming to be a native South Korean. "Hey, you're Thumbs of Fury, right? Get in." They said in such a polite tone. The four looked at each other skeptically, but shrugged.

After fastening their seatbelts, the two men found it a great time to introduce themselves. " Anyoung haseyo, hello. I'm Illjoon, and this is my partner, Maverick." Said the Korean guy in a perfect english accent.

"You're probably wondering why we've picked you up right?" Asked Maverick. "Well, as I'm well aware of, all of you are friends of Jackie Waters, correct?" They all nodded. "Well, she doesn't know you guys are the one we've chosen to sponsor. We want your arrival to be a surprise."

"Wait, I've read that Jackie was your decision-maker. So then how does she not know-"

"Because we paied her extra to not make this one little decision. Listen Conor. We've heard her side of the story. And we feel like you two should have been given a second chance." Said Illjoon, not taking his eyes off the road for one second.

"Mhm, we know the look she has when she talks about you, all of you." Maverick motioned to the four. "I think she'll be thrilled to see you all again."

"And what if she isn't?" Conor asked figuratively for himself.

"Worst case-scenario is she doesn't talk to you. You guys have already been chosen, there is no backing out of it." Answered Illjoon.

There's no backing out of it.

Jackie's pov

I was setting up the conference room for the selected team. Making sure there were plenty of sandwiches, snacks, and sweets. Coming into a new country can be difficult, especially since their way of life is vastly different to the life style I've grown accustomed to. These first timers will need all the comfort food they can find.

Yeah, my partners informed me they're American like me. Maverick only looks American and speaks good English, but has never been to the US, Illjoon is the typical native Korean.

I remember my first day, I was still getting use to Korean. I would often mispronounce words, untill my current partners decided to help me out. Once I was able to speak the language fluently, it would've been only a matter of time before they asked me to be their partner. And here we are today, about to welcome someone new to our family.

My phone let off a quick buzz, telling I had a new text message. On our way with the newbies, everything set?
I replied with everything set!!! Can't wait!!

After a few minutes Illjoon and Maverick come in preping me with their backround in gaming, how little they kniw about Korean culture, and what I need to teach them about Korea. "They'll be within our care for the next six months so...just keep an open mind, okay?" Asked Maverick.

In came four faces I thought I'd never see again.