Rami sat calmly in the waiting room. After Starlight's arrival incident earlier, her gaze had grown slightly vacant. Several other applicants who had been cheerful before now looked anxious as well.
"Ramiela Shinsen?"
A woman's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
Rami stood, gave a slight bow, and followed the woman into the room.
Three people were already seated on the interview panel. Two men and one woman—all dressed neatly, with a professional air about them. The room's previously closed door creaked open, revealing a man wearing a plain black T-shirt and a mask.
Wooan.
One of the panelists was about to speak, but stopped when Wooan gestured for him not to ask anything.
"I just wanted to see how the interview was going." Wooan took a seat in the corner of the room.
"Please, have a seat, Rami," one of the female interviewers said. Her smile was friendly, but her eyes were sharp. She laced her fingers on the table and looked Rami over appraisingly.
"Thank you." Rami sat down carefully.
The interview began.
"Rami, could you tell us a little about your background and why you're interested in working here in artist management?"
Rami drew a breath. She had prepared this answer all night. But first, she glanced briefly at Wooan, using him as ammunition.
"I have experience managing schedules, communication, and team coordination. I previously worked at a small media company in external relations. However, the biggest reason I applied to Stellar is that I want to be part of a world filled with the hard work and dedication of the entertainment industry—especially after seeing how management plays such a major role in maintaining an artist's stability and growth."
The first panelist nodded. The female panelist wrote something down.
"Why should we choose you instead of another candidate?"
"Because I know what it's like to work behind the scenes, and I enjoy it. I'm hardworking, disciplined, and very used to pressure. On top of that, I'm extremely detail-oriented, but I can still move quickly when needed."
"How would you handle an artist who was emotional or struggling mentally?"
Rami lifted her head. The question touched a sensitive part of her.
"I wouldn't judge them. I know how heavy the pressure they face can be, just like any ordinary person. If given the chance, I would be an employee who not only manages their schedules but is also there to listen. Because sometimes, all they need is one person to say, 'You're not alone.'"
Silence. One of the interviewers even seemed to offer a small smile, while the other panelists exchanged glances. Wooan, who had been sitting quietly the entire time, now stared intently at her.
The next questions were more technical—about her ability to manage tour logistics, her understanding of employment contracts, and her ability to multitask. Rami answered as well as she could. So far, she felt she hadn't disappointed them.
At the end of the session, one of the panelists asked, "Do you have any questions for us?"
Rami thought for a moment. "Is the work culture at Stellar open enough for new staff members to discuss their ideas?"
One of the male panelists smiled. "Of course. We actually welcome fresh perspectives."
The interview came to an end. Rami stood and bowed deeply. She also looked at Wooan, who had removed his mask and was smiling at her.
Rami blinked. She couldn't hold back the smile spreading across her face. Then she said her goodbyes.
Only after she left the room did her breathing begin to feel heavy. She stared at her reflection in the elevator's glass—eyes reflecting both relief and exhaustion.
Once the doors closed, Rami looked down at her trembling hands.
One thing was certain: she had taken the first step. Wooan's smile just now felt like a blessing from the universe.
Rami waited in the lobby of Stellar Ent. at Aluna's request. Her friend wanted to take her out to eat after the interview. Thirty minutes passed, but her best friend still hadn't arrived. She puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. Waiting alone was uncomfortable. Five more minutes, and she would leave. That was her decision.
Her phone rang. She thought it was Aluna. Her breath caught when she saw the name on the screen: "Mom."
Her hand trembled. Though reluctant, she answered the call. She didn't speak, only waited for the voice on the other end.
"Honey, how are you doing over there?"
The voice was soft and full of affection. And yet, it was the very voice that had wounded her most deeply all these years.
It was the same tone as before, when Mom used to call her to dinner. But now, it felt like a thin blade scraping across her chest.
"Honey, are you listening to Mom?"
Rami pulled the phone away from her ear. A tear fell onto her cheek. All this time, she had been fooling herself into believing that her family loved her dearly. The truth was, she had known for a long time—even as a child, she had been treated differently. She had done so many good things just to get their attention. It had all been pointless.
The wound was too deep. Far too deep.
After taking a breath, she spoke flatly. "Just get to the point. What do you want?"
"I'm sorry. I honestly feel bad saying this, too. It's just... I need money—"
"I don't have any. I'm unemployed right now."
"What? Since when? How could you—"
Click.
The call was abruptly disconnected.
Her eyes reddened. Holding it back was pointless. She cried, covering her face with her hands. How humiliating. Breaking down in a public place.
Suddenly, someone held out a packet of tissues. Rami accepted it without getting a chance to see who had given it to her.
"Thanks..." she said, looking up—and immediately froze.
Standing before her was a tall masked man with the gentle eyes she knew all too well.
Rami's eyes were still swollen from crying.
Jinren silently watched her. He had noticed Rami taking the call a while ago. There was something about this girl that had compelled him to approach her. His gaze was gentle, but deep.
"Did you apply for a job here?" Jinren asked softly.
Rami nodded. She wanted to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. Not without reason. It was because she remembered Jinren's future.
"Sorry, I'm... still a little emotional," she said with a small laugh. But her heart? It was shattered.
"Rami!"
Aluna suddenly appeared, running toward them. Her face shifted into surprise when she realized who was with her best friend.
"Jinren? Are you here for Rami?" she asked, while also checking Rami's expression, which made it clear she had just finished crying.
Jinren only shook his head. He wasn't sure what had made him approach Rami, either. He just... couldn't bring himself to walk away.
"I hope you get the job." Jinren said goodbye and left.
Aluna immediately hugged Rami, who began crying again. She didn't understand what had been happening to her best friend lately, but one thing was certain... Rami was hurting.
Rami was trying to stand in the world she dreamed of, but her past still had its fingers wrapped around her wrist.