(Damian is completely stunned.)
Soon, the car reached its destination. They were in front of the building, and the crowd outside was insane. Ella was just about to step out when Damian stopped her.
Damian – [tossing her a mask] Wear this.
Ella – You're the celebrity, not me. Why should I wear it?
Damian – You see that crowd out there? When you're associated with a celebrity, fans and haters notice you. You need to hide your face so no one targets you—even though I technically don't have any haters.
Ella – You scared me... Okay. [puts on the mask]
As soon as Damian stepped out of the car, the camera flashes exploded like fireworks. The crowd hyped up instantly, and Ella followed behind, completely confused and a little overwhelmed.
When they entered the building, Mr. Mah was already waiting.
Mr. Mah – So, how's it going, Damian?
Damian – Better if you don't ask.
Ella followed them quietly, too stunned to speak. It had always been her dream to give an interview, and now she was at one—even if just backstage.
They reached the backstage area, where the atmosphere was busy and bustling, though the set itself was quiet. Damian was dressed formally: royal blue pants, a crisp white shirt, black shoes, and a matching blue blazer. Suddenly, he took off his jacket and handed it to Ella.
Ella – What am I supposed to do with this?
Damian – You're a personal assistant, right? Then just do as I say. Take care of my jacket and this bottle until the interview ends.
Ella – Do I really have to... [looks at Mr. Mah, who's just as confused but then nods]
Mr. Mah – Yes, do it. He asked you to.
Damian – Good. Now remember—no stains on the jacket, no scratches on the bottle. And no putting them anywhere else. Got it?
Ella – Okay, okay...
Damian went on stage as the interview began. Half an hour passed, and Ella's legs were starting to hurt.
Ella – Mr. Mah, how long is this interview?
Mr. Mah – Two hours.
Ella – Two hours?!
Mr. Mah – Yes.
Ella – Can I sit, sir?
Mr. Mah – Yes. Why are you asking?
She sat down on a nearby chair but noticed the blazer had gotten a bit folded.
Ella – I can't believe him. He might start a war over one crease in this jacket...
She carefully took off her own jacket, laid it across her lap, then wore Damian's blazer instead and placed the bottle on top.
Mr. Mah – What are you doing?
Ella – He didn't say I couldn't wear it.
Mr. Mah – But why wear it?
Ella – To protect it from getting dirty, of course.
Ella was now bored—there was still half an hour left until the interview ended. With nothing else to do, she picked up the bottle Damian had given her and decided to look it up online.