Chapter 1 The Superstar

The Jamsil Olympic Stadium (Seoul - South Korea)...

The atmosphere inside the building appeared bustling, with every Event Organizer (EO) crew busy checking preparations for tonight's concert. The final concert in the world tour held in 26 cities worldwide. A truly exhausting world tour. A tour that took more than three months! The tour that made them work like crazy!

Aura Gracesyella Park, 25 years old soloist of mixed blood Indonesian Korean, was singing in a room specially provided for her. Ensuring that her vocals were in prime condition. Aura wanted to deliver her best performance, the performance one that her fans would not forget as the conclusion of the world tour she had been holding for the past few months. Aura desires perfection for this world tour's closing concert.

And after this concert is over, Aura wants to take a short vacation. To unwind from all the crazy concert preparations that seemed endless. Not to mention the vocal and choreography rehearsals that drained her energy, making Aura is really exhausting. No wonder Aura wants this concert to end quickly!

"Miss, the preparations for the rehearsal are complete. I will escort you to the stage area," said Max, one of Aura's trusted bodyguards who had been accompanying her everywhere for the past four years. A reliable bodyguard in every situations.

"Okay!"

Aura walked decisively, following Max's steps towards the stage area, where she would be holding the concert tonight. Aura looked around, realizing the choking busyness, not only she who felt the pressure, but all the crew involved in the concert also had their own burdens. Burdens that could not be taken lightly.

The burden on Aura is only one, which is to satisfy fans with her vocal and dance performance, unlike the crews who are bustling around, they have to ensure many things that are undoubtedly much heavier and equally important!

Aura shook her head, trying to concentrate. Aura wanted to present her best performance at her closing concert today. She didn't want to disappoint fans who had willingly spent money to watch her concert. Who had patiently waited in line to enter this stadium. Who had patiently waited until today.

"This is your microphone, Miss."

"Thanks, Max!"

Aura cleared her throat, ensuring her vocal cords were ready to start singing, signaling the musicians and background dancers to start the rehearsal that would determine the success of tonight's concert!

Two hours later...

Aura sat in one of the chairs, letting the makeup artist apply a thin layer of makeup on her face. A flawless, natural, and fresh Korean look to make her look younger, the makeup Aura liked. Subtle makeup.

Since the beginning, Aura didn't like using heavy makeup, for some reason. She preferred to appear with a bare face / without makeup, actually, but because this was for the concert, she had to compromise and let the makeup artist work as needed. Aura just needed to sit still, like a doll.

"Here's your drink, Miss."

Aura smiled, accepting the warm drink of lime juice mixed with honey offered by Max. Aura's favorite drink. A beverage that soothes Aura's throat, no wonder she immediately sips it until nothing is left!

"You really know what I need just before the concert, Max."

"That's because I've been working with you for four years, Miss."

"Yes, that's true. That's why it's unfortunate because after this, you have to leave me, Max. I don't know if there's a more reliable bodyguard than you or not," Aura complained, making Max grimace, feeling uneasy.

"I'm sorry, Miss. But you know the reasons that led me to leave this job," Max replied made Aura nodded.

"Yeah, I know. Because your wife doesn't like this risky job, not to mention the often unpredictable working hours. But still, I will feel the loss."

"Sorry, Miss."

Only that can be said by Max, there is nothing else. Aura waved her hand, not wanting to hear apologies full of guilt again from her trusted bodyguard all this time.

"Never mind, don't apologize again. I'm not blaming you either. I just feel sad because I will lose a bodyguard and a good friend like you."

"We can still meet occasionally in your free time, Miss. And I will also bring my wife to be introduced to you. You know that my wife is one of your quite fanatic fans," Max chuckled. Aura nodded, agreeing with the Max's idea.

Yes, even though Max is no longer her bodyguard, it doesn't mean their communication has been completely severed, right? They can still maintain a good relationship by occasionally meeting. Moreover, Aura already considers Max like her own sibling, a brother who has always protected her since her debut in the entertainment world!

"Yes, that's a good idea. I've been wanting to meet your wife for a long time. Since then, that plan has always failed because both of us are too busy!" regretted Aura.

"Alright, I will let my wife know to make time to have a meet with you."

Aura nodded enthusiastically. It was a good idea to fill her holiday time, but now, of course, Aura had to focus on her concert tonight!

***

Axel Xavier, a handsome 28 years old man, was waiting for someone at a renowned restaurant. It didn't take long for the person he was waiting for to appear with a wide smile. Clay Clinton, a long-lost friend.

"Hey, Bro, have you been waiting long?"

"Not really, just 10 minutes."

"Sorry, I didn't expect Seoul to be congested too, even though not as bad as Jakarta!" Clay chuckled, blaming the unpredictable traffic.

"It's okay. So, about the favor I asked yesterday, can you help me?" Axel avoided small talk and went straight to the heart of the matter that made him willing to take the time to meet Clay this night.

"Of course! What can't I do? Nothing! Everything's under control!" Clay proudly replied. Proud of himself. Proud of his ability.

Axel smiled, not in vain to ask for Clay's help this time, the man had many connections even though his presence here was only for vacation! Truly, his friend was extraordinary. Clay reached into his jacket pocket, pulled out a name tag or ID card, and handed it to Axel.

"Starting the day after tomorrow, you can go to work. Just come directly to the location. I have informed them about you."

Axel took the ID card with a satisfied expression.

"Thanks, Bro! I'll process what I promised yesterday right away tonight."

"Okay, take it easy! Besides, I'm still on vacation here until next week!"

After that, there was only casual conversation between them while enjoying dinner. Discussing political and governmental issues in their home country, Jakarta. Yes, even though they were in Seoul now, but their blood was still Indonesian, will never change!

Clay was on a three-week vacation in the land of ginseng, while Axel decided to settle in Seoul, not knowing until when. Maybe until he got bored? Moreover, Axel had just landed a new job. A job that was very different from his educational background, but it didn't matter, this was what Axel wanted!

Apart from Clay's help, Axel had no difficulties because he mastered many languages. He could fluently speak Indonesian, English, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean! Perhaps his globetrotting experiences honed his language skills by practicing them firsthand, not just theoretically!

"So, where do you want to go next after this?" Clay asked after they finished dinner and were now in the lobby, waiting for the valet parking attendants to bring their respective cars.

"I don't know, maybe have some fun before dealing with the job waiting for me tomorrow?" Axel replied hesitantly, unsure of his plans.

Honestly, Axel doesn't know what to do next. Axel doesn't want to prepare all sorts of plans that could make him dizzy. Moreover, if planned, isn't it more likely to fail? So it's better to act spontaneously, that's much more enjoyable for him! Axel prefers a spontaneous and free-spirited life! No need to be tied down to anything!

Axel's answer made Clay burst into laughter.

"I don't think your job will be stressful, but who knows. Just see what Monday brings!"

Axel just shrugged and waved as it turned out Clay's car appeared first.

"I'm off!"

"Okay. Thanks, Bro!"

"No worries!" Clay replied casually and zoomed away, leaving Axel still faithfully waiting for his car.

Axel glanced at the expensive watch on his wrist. Still 10 p.m., yet Seoul city still appeared lively, full of activities. Like Jakarta. Finally, Axel decided to go to a bar, enjoying his leisure time before getting busy with his new job. Unaware that his life would change after this!