Extra's Descent

Chapter 421 Breakup [2]

Despite all the jokes about Amelia dumping Brandon, Belle actually never wanted it to happen.

It was a joke!

Truth be told, the two's relationship made her happy. The two people she trusted the most in this world were together, how couldn't she be satisfied?

"Amelia, please, rethink this. Speak to him."

She couldn't understand the sudden decision between the two. Their breakup shortly happened a day after they were all engrossed in research, about two weeks ago.

Belle felt like she didn't want to intrude in their relationship, however, seeing her brother's bitter expression in the training hall earlier, Belle knew she needed to do her part as an older sister.

"No, Belle. It was a mutual agreement. I doubt Brandon wants us to get back together."

Amelia's tone was firm, sparing Belle no glance as the two strode the hallway.

Belle could only sigh in defeat.

"Then.... could you at least tell me the reason why?"

Amelia turned around with a frown on her face, clearly displeased, but as soon as their gazes met, her expressions softened.

"Haaa.... Listen, Belle. It's hard for me too. I don't want to talk about it right now...."

"...."

Belle's eyes widened. It was the first time she had seen the kind–hearted Amelia snapped albeit slightly.

With that, the two walked in silence.

***

Raven's shift was four times a week. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Reinhard, on the other hand, worked alternately to Raven's schedule.

In any case, today was the end of the second semester's first week, Friday.

Raven had to uphold his duty as a bodyguard for 'apsea'. At the moment, the idol group was having a fan signing event.

Fans lined up eagerly to meet their favorite idols.

At the table, the members of 'apsea' — Katarina, Blizzard, Aiselle, and Yizhuo — interacted with fans one by one.

Katarina, ever the professional, greeted a fan with her charming smile.

"Nice to meet you! You got the limited shirt!? That's amazing!"

The fan beamed. The two practically shared the same energy.

"I camped the online store overnight just to get it!"

Beside her, Blizzard, the lead vocalist, was chatting with another fan who brought a custom–made poster with her face on it.

Blizzard couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh wow, did you photoshop my eyes like that?"

The fan nodded proudly.

A few spots down, Aiselle, the main rapper, was busy signing an album for a fan who'd brought her a coffee with her face drawn in latte art.

"Whoa, this is too fancy...."

"Hehe~ I actually work part–time at a coffee shop. Just thought I'd use my talents for Aiselle–nim."

Finally, Yizhuo, the youngest and main vocalist, was being her playful self with a fan who had brought her a stack of her favorite snacks.

"Are these all for me?"

The fan fixed his glasses and nodded his head, offering Yizhuo the snacks, which she took in appreciation.

"Yes! I saved up two months worth of salary just to get these for Yizhuo–nim!"

"Ah, haha~ Thank you."

Yizhuo felt a bit uncomfortable from that statement. None of the fans were sane, and most probably, kept a parasocial relationship with their favorite idols.

But still, it was their job. They had to please their fans.

Suddenly, a commotion broke out as a fan tripped and sent a small tower of gift boxes tumbling across the floor, scattering items everywhere.

The crowd started to press forward and gathered, some fans craning their necks to see what was happening.

Raven and the other guards quickly sprang into action, Raven stepping forward to quickly help the fan up and gather the spilled gifts.

Just as Raven was about to pick up a gift box, his hand lightly met with another hand.

"Ah."

"...."

Lifting his head, his gaze met with two ink–black eyes. His shoulder length black hair was neatly tied to a man–bun.

A familiar face he had never expected to see in a place like this.

Especially in a place like this!

"Brandon?"

Brandon didn't strike him as the type to be enamored in idol culture.

"Ah?"

Brandon tilted his head curiously. Then, as if familiarity washed over him, Brandon straightened his back and fixed his collar.

"Oh, Raven."

"What are you doing here?"

Raven asked.

"That."

He was truly taken aback. Glancing around, the person he was looking for was nowhere to be seen.

The girls burst into laughter, and Katarina handed him a pen.

"In that case, go ahead and sign, Mr. Locke! Right here on this poster."

Before he knew it, the girls had organized a makeshift photo session, with each member taking turns for their "official Brandon fan photo."

Click– Click– Click– Click–

***

"Thank you so much for coming!"

The girls huddled up together, seeing Brandon off.

As soon as he was out of sight, they leaned in, eyes fixed on Yizhuo's phone.

"Is that... really his number?"

Aiselle asked, staring expectantly at the contact.

Yizhuo nodded, cheeks still pink.

"It is! He just... handed it over like it was nothing."

Katarina gave her a playful nudge.

"You're going to text him first, right?"

Yizhuo bit her lip, looking down at her phone.

"Maybe.... I'll wait until later."

Excitement boiled within her, and her heart was practically fluttering. However, seeing all the fans who were still at the line, Yizhuo tucked her phone back in her pocket and nodded her head.

Right, she was still at work.

She had to maintain the little amount of professionalism she had left.

***

Brandon strolled through the building, hands tucked in his pockets.

Things hadn't gone exactly as planned. Out of all of Lianna's ventures, he'd expected her to be at the fan-signing event.

Yet, she hadn't shown up.

Just as he was about to head out, she appeared at the entrance, stepping into the building.

Her presence was almost otherworldly. Even the idols seemed to pale next to her elegance, though, in his mind, there was only one person who could truly rival her beauty.

No competition, though—Amelia was in a league of her own.

Lianna's eyes widened as they locked onto his, surprise flickering across her face.

"Oh, Brandon?"

"Miss Lianna...."

There was a pause, and then a slight smile played at the corner of her lips.

"What are you doing here?"

"This."

Brandon showed her the 'apsea' album he had just gotten signed.

Lianna's eyebrow lifted in faint amusement.

"You're a fan?"

"Yeah, their music is really good. But what about you, Miss Lianna? What are you doing here?"

Lianna gave him an amused look, crossing her arms casually, her bosoms lightly resting on her arms.

"Oh, I handle a few things here and there for the entertainment industry."

Brandon raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.

"Really? Didn't think you were the type."

Lianna's smile remained coy.

"Well, I don't advertise it. But yes, I'm somewhat involved in VN Entertainment. It's.... a small side venture."

Brandon nodded, trying to keep his reaction in check. He already knew she was the owner, but her casual response made it all the more intriguing.

A brief silence settled around him as a few fans began to filter out of the building. Brandon felt curious glances his direction, but paid no heed to it.

The atmosphere lingered awkwardly, but Brandon didn't feel ready to walk away just yet.

Lianna finally broke the silence.

"Well, you got your album signed, but.... would you be interested in meeting them outside of a fan event?"

Brandon raised an eyebrow.

"Meet them? Like, without the fanfare?"

"Yes."

There it was.

An opportunity.

"Is it alright?"

"It's fine. Anything for Evelyn's student."

Brandon froze momentarily, taken aback at the mention of Evelyn's name. He quickly composed himself, masking his surprise, and gave a slight nod.