11:15 p.m., 31st of December 2023
'When God became lonely, he created man. Or was it when man became lonely that he created God.' It was a quote from a TikTok video. Jack just finished his drink as he stood up and left the casino. Wearing his black hoodie, black sweatpants, and comfy Crocs, he took his umbrella and left.
It was raining hard. Luckily, the motorcycle he booked has already arrived on time. He wears the raincoat provided by the driver, and he is sent to a nearby Korean convenience store on Espana Boulevard, a road near his apartment.
It was New Year's Eve, and the heavy rain made the celebration of the Year 2024 averted. There are only the street children playing in the rain as the flood starts to rise.
As he sat by the window eating his ramyeon, Jack noticed a man in a black trench coat and fedora hat – totally unbothered by the rain. Although he is far, he can already tell that the man is looking at him. It didn't take long for Jack to finish his New Year's Food.
Unlike other college students who went home to their families or relatives, Jack has decided to spend his special time in a convenience store. Just as he decided to walk out of the store to have a smoke, the man staring at him also started to move… towards Jack.
But this didn't bother him at all as he sat by a seat near the convenience store, took out a cigarette and a lighter from his jacket. He tries to light it up, but the strong wind keeps extinguishing it. Just then, a pair of old hands reaches out.
Of course, it was the man. Finally, with his help, Jack was able to light his cigarette.
"Thanks." Jack nonchalantly said. "Why don't you sit down?" He also suggests. He didn't look entirely at the man, but with his peripheral vision, he was able to see that the man was an old, muscular man, akin to a Yakuza boss in video games.
"That might be a good idea." The old man said as he sat down. Jack blows a smoke out as he asks.
"Soooo… What you need from me. Money? Money-making technique? Secret? My cig? Sorry, but I can't give you the last option."
"How do you know that I'm not someone from the casino? You knew that I've been observing you even by then. After all, from the rumors, it seems that you're treating the casino as your personal bank. Or maybe I'm the NBI, investigating you for too much winning." The old man replies.
Jack simply looks at him. From head to toe. Laughing sarcastically as he said to him.
"I'm an atheist… and I don't believe in supernaturals. I'm also mentally ill and everything about you… screams 'not human'. I'm capable of telling that much at least." Jack said as he continued to smoke his cigarette.
"Since you know, it's better if you figure it out. But that out of the way, back to your first question, I don't need something from you. It's that you need something from me." The old man said.
"How so?" Curious, he asks. The old man just sighed, smiled, and said. "Such lonely life… about to end. Unable to do anything. Is there anything worse than seeing an eagle stay in its nest?"
Jack scoffs. "Is that all? Did I overestimate you? Supernatural and all. Why don't you spill it all out? Being mysterious doesn't suit you." The old man laughs.
"What a sad life you have. Not to desire to live longer… oh what a pity. I don't think hedonism suits you. But since you don't like me being mysterious, listen close." As he said so, Jack flicked away his cigarette and listened closely.
"I need you to enter a game for me. As you said, I'm a supernatural, and that place is like that too. If you agree to do so, I can get someone to extend your life every now and then. Before you scoff at me again, let me tell you everything."
"I will also give you a personal gift to help you play that game. As for the game itself, it's for you to find out." The old man said, not intending to elaborate more. On the contrary, Jack questions him.
"You said 'enter'. If I don't play the game, what do you need me to do? I'm also still a college student, just to remind you."
"For now, just play the game. We will talk again when the time is right. Aside from that, the game won't interfere with your life. It's your decision when and where to play the game. Oh, I almost forgot. If those things still didn't appeal to you, this will be your only chance to experience the most amazing experience in your life. Do you accept?" The old man offers his hand.
"Can I think about it first?" Jack said, looking at the old man's hand, noticing a ring.
"I'd rather not. I know you're still not convinced, but curious enough to accept. I had a hard time just to get this chance, just to let you know." The old man complains.
"May god protect the cat from harm," Jack said as he took the old man's hand, and a mysterious feeling could be felt.
"Good choice of words. Don't worry, I will." The old man said. As if something had happened, the universe stopped for a moment, and he disappeared.