CLANG!
CLANG!
Unending clinks of hammer against nails, and the smell of sweat under the hot sunlight in the summer – that was my current daily life.
Money didn't just grow on trees, I had to work hard to gain it. That was the harsh reality of society.
"Carl! Come here! Rest for a bit before you continue, yeah?"
The other construction workers called up to me. I gazed up at the sun and it was already high in the sky. Feeling hungry as well, I approached them.
"Want a cig?"
"Sure."
Taking the offer, I brought it to my mouth and lit up the cigarette. Puffing up the smoke, I took a sip of the black coffee on the table – feeling a bit relaxed.
Perhaps it was the nicotine or maybe because of the fatigue, but I was feeling languid today.
"Don't you think it's time for you to find another job Carl? It's been what? 2 years since you joined our construction company? How about working in an office? You have a degree right? Heck, with your face, you could even apply for a model!" Our supervisor, lighting his cigarette, asked me.
"I've applied to a few companies, still no answer. As for being a model… Well, I'm not that great at standing in front of a camera."
Having already experienced modeling once, I didn't think I was suited to be one. Especially since it would remind me about my esper life of being constantly highlighted on media.
There were just some things that I couldn't look at the same anymore.
After two years of constant searching, the mystery of the medium that sent me to that other world was still not solved. Having no clue about where to start, I was left with nothing but memories of that place.
A sweet yet bitter memories.
"Hehehe."
"Why are you laughing creepily like that, Shawn?"
"Ah, hear hear! IKETZ is coming to our country this week! Do you guys think I should attend their concert?"
Our fellow worker showed us his phone screen. There, five men in their 20s were standing on a stage. One glance at them and you could tell what profession they were taking.
"An idol huh? I didn't know you were an IKETZ fanboy."
"You know them sir?!"
"Yeah, my daughter has their posters plastered on her walls. She loved their leader the most, ah… what was his name again? No- something."
"Noah?! Your daughter has great taste sir! Noah is indeed the kindest man of all time! Ughh, there's no one who could beat his innocent charm!"
Continuing his rant about this group idol, Shawn's enthusiastic behavior didn't end until our break was over. Watching on the sideline, I tapped my leg as I was lost in thought.
'Now that I think about it, Ilyas is also fond of music.'
He often played his guitar and even created his own song. Being an idol definitely suited him.
"So, Carl, you're going with me!"
"Huh? How did my name come up suddenly?"
Clicking his tongue, he repeated what he said, "Didn't you hear what I said? You're coming with me for IKETZ's fan meeting."
"Why?"
"Cause you're the only one around my age! I'm afraid I'll act weird if I go alone and I don't have anyone else to bring, so please come with me Carl. Yeah? I beg you." He said in the most pathetic attempt of pleading I had seen all my life.
"No, why would I go to a fan meeting of someone I don't idoli-"
"I'll buy you your ticket along with a burger and steak."
"Deal!"
What can I say? Free stuff was the best bribe I'd gladly take.
.
.
"We're finally here! Gosh! It still feels so unreal!"
"I get it already, so stop shaking me."
Shawn was shouting in excitement like a kid in an amusement park. Gawking at the place in awe as we stood in line. As it was an indoor meeting, we gave our ticket to the security and in turn, we got our entry badge.
"Ahhh! I'm so nervous I could die!"
"I'm telling you, stop shaking me! Even fangirls are calmer than you are."
"Ah, shit, I'm too nervous my stomach cramped."
"What?! But it's almost your turn!"
"I need toilet, so hold the book for me. If I couldn't come back in time, you're responsible to get each of their signs. Got it?! You must! You hear me?!"
Without hearing my reply, Shawn was gone in a flash.
Confused, I looked at the book and the line in front of me then back at the book again.
'How do I interact with an idol?'
Beads of sweat trickled down my face. This was the biggest crisis I had ever experienced since I got back to this world. I didn't even know a thing about idol, let alone IKETZ.
'What do fans usually talk about when they meet their idol?'
"Next please."
Trembling, I stepped up to the podium and walked along the line. That damn Shawn was still not back after 10 minutes.
Just what kind of nuclear reaction was he releasing in the toilet?
Lowering my hat, I walked in front of the first idol. I didn't know his name, so I just politely asked for his signature without saying much.
"What's your name?"
His voice was similar to someone I knew. Refreshing yet slightly carried a hint of innocence in it. That made me raise my head and when I looked at his face, my breath hitched.
His almond shape eyes and the emerald pupil was so strikingly similar to Ilyas, the gentle expression his eyes carried and his demeanor was as if Ilyas was right in front of me.
But I knew it wasn't him, their facial features and build were different.
'It's not right to daydream in front of a stranger.'
"Carl."
Answering his previous question, I could see his pen halt.
"That's a nice name, it fits the current you so much."
A smile bloomed on his face and somehow it made me blush.
"Wha- H-Huh?"
I covered my mouth as I realized this damn mouth of mine was letting out goofy sounds. He chuckled and stood up. He was taller than me and had to bend down to whisper in my ear.
"Would you mind waiting until the event ends? I have something to tell you. Meet me at the side entrance."
"H-Huh? A-alright."
I mindlessly agreed even though I didn't think I would ever have any business an idol needed to talk to me about.
"See you later."
He waved his hand as he smiled, which I unconsciously bowed to.
After that, everything happened in a flash. I didn't even know how I got four other members' signatures. All I thought about was the tingling sensation of his warm breath lingering in my ear.
I placed my hand on my heart, it was beating so fast I might think I had arrhythmia.
'How could this even happen?'
My heart was already dead the moment I returned back to this world. But now something inside me fluttered in excitement.
A feeling I didn't know I still had inside me.