The next morning, Aiko checked her phone again.
The message was still there… but now, there was a new one beneath it.
Unknown:
"Tomorrow, 4 PM. Aurora Art Gallery. I'll be waiting."
Aiko's breath caught.
This was real now.
She quickly texted Mika:
"Mika… we're going tomorrow."
The next day…
Aurora Art Gallery stood as one of the most elegant and prestigious places in the city.
Soft lighting reflected across glass walls, and every corner displayed carefully curated, high-value artwork.
Aiko stepped inside, her nerves quietly building.
Mika walked beside her, calm yet alert.
"Relax," Mika whispered,
"I'm with you."
Aiko nodded slightly.
A staff member approached them near the reception.
"Miss Aiko Tanaka?"
Aiko looked surprised.
"Yes…"
"Please follow me. Someone is expecting you."
They exchanged a brief glance before following him.
They were led into a private section—
quieter, more exclusive.
And then—
There he was.
A man stood waiting.
Well-dressed. Composed. Confident.
His presence carried a quiet authority.
Aiko stopped.
The man turned toward them.
??? (man):
"Miss Aiko Tanaka."
His voice was calm and professional.
"Finally, we meet."
Aiko hesitated.
"You… were the one messaging me?"
He gave a slight smile.
"Yes."
Mika stepped forward slightly.
"And you are?"
The man straightened.
"I'm the CEO of a well-known art company."
Silence followed.
Aiko's eyes widened.
"The CEO…?"
He nodded calmly.
"I saw your painting at the competition."
He lifted a tablet, displaying her artwork.
"Your work stands out," he said,
"not just in technique… but in emotion."
Aiko stared at her painting on the screen,
a strange warmth rising within her.
"We work with emerging artists," he continued,
"but very few leave an impression like yours."
Mika glanced at Aiko, clearly impressed.
Aiko gathered her courage.
"What do you want from me?"
The man's lips curved slightly.
"An opportunity."
A brief pause.
"A collaboration… with my company."
Aiko fell silent for a moment.
This was unexpected.
"Collaboration…?"
"Your art has potential," he said calmly,
"And I'd like to help you take it further."
Aiko's heart began to race.
Excitement, uncertainty, and curiosity all collided at once.
This wasn't just an offer—
It felt like the beginning of something much bigger.