Extra's Descent

Brandon made his way through the VIP area, where only the higher–ups of VN Entertainment were present.

"Over here!"

Lianna, waving her hand, called up to him. Behind her, she was surrounded by her bodyguards.

One of them was none other than Raven himself.

Brandon sat down beside Lianna. Across them, the higher-ups cast him bitter glances but he ignored them entirely, as if they didn't exist.

Lianna leaned in. Her eyes scanned him quickly, catching the slightly crooked tie around his collar.

"Hold still."

"Ah."

She reached up and fixed the tie, straightening it and smoothing the fabric with her fingers. Brandon didn't move, letting her do as she pleased.

"You always forget this part, Brandon."

"I don't forget. I just know you'll fix it."

Lianna rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade.

It was the truth.

Every time she met up with Brandon during official functions or meetings, there would always be something slightly off about him, as if he deliberately left something undone.

Whether it was forgetting to eat, lacking sleep, or a crooked tie like today, he always gave her something to fuss over.

It was strange, really. For a man as capable as Brandon, he was surprisingly careless when it came to grooming himself. Not sloppy, but just enough to make her notice.

Almost like he knew she would.

Still, she couldn't complain. In fact, she liked it.

Especially because it gave her excuses like this. An excuse to be close. To touch. To remind herself that he was real.

That their current connection was real.

And even though her favorite image of Brandon was when he was bloodied and ruthless, she couldn't deny the fact that, in moments like this, he was undeniably handsome.

"Oh, it's starting."

"Ah, y-yes!"

Lianna straightened up quickly, almost like a shy girl caught daydreaming.

Despite her age and position, there was something endearing about how easily she flustered around Brandon.

"Kuhum."

Composing herself with a cough, she turned her attention forward just as the lights dimmed, and at that moment, the stage was suddenly bathed in dazzling colors.

Flick——!

A low sound spread through the room, followed by excited cheers. Even among the VIPs, the anticipation was palpable.

Then, the music hit.

The LED screen at the back of the stage flashed with a pulse of light before displaying the name in bold, glowing characters.

[APSEA]

A hush swept through the VIP area, followed almost immediately by an excited murmur. Even the higher–ups straightened in their seats.

From the swirl of smoke and ever shifting lights, four silhouettes emerged.

At the center was Katarina, walking forward like the stage belonged to her. She wore a deep sapphire outfit lined with silver, and her gaze swept across the crowd as if daring anyone to look away.

To her left, Yizhuo danced effortlessly. Her soft expression was a quiet contrast to the intensity of Katarina, but it only made her shine in her own right.

On the right side of the formation was Summer. Her vibrant smile lit up the stage, and her fiery energy radiated through every beat of the music.

With every turn and flip of her hair, she brought electricity to the performance.

And then there was Selle with her natural allure. Her voice flowed smoothly through the opening line like silk.

The music thundered. Lights switched in hues between purples, blues, and reds, reflecting off the girls in flashes brilliantly. Their choreography hit with perfect synchronicity.

Lianna leaned closer, just enough for her words to reach Brandon.

"Do you like idols?"

"Yeah. They're pretty… and kind of sexy. Why wouldn't I? What kind of man wouldn't like pretty girls?"

"...."

Lianna's cheeks puffed slightly, pouting.

Brandon glanced at her, then let out a quiet chuckle. Without saying anything, he reached out and gently brushed aside the fringe of her bangs, tucking a few stray strands behind her ear.

"But, I think Miss Lianna far outmatches them in looks."

Her pout faltered, albeit just a little, and her lips parted, pulling into a smug smile. At that moment, she found herself momentarily disarmed, feeling her heart skipping a beat she wasn't prepared for.

As the performance came to an end, the music faded and the stage lights shifted once again.

The four members of APSEA stood center stage. Then, with matching smiles, they spoke into their mics.

—Thank you all for coming today. We are APSEA! And for tonight, we have a special guest!

"…?"

Lianna tilted her head ever so slightly, brow furrowing as she turned to glance at Brandon.

"A special guest? Did you hear anything about this?"

"Who knows?"

Brandon gave a casual shrug, his lips curving into an amused smile. Then, without another word, he rose from his seat.

Startled, Lianna reached out on instinct.

"Where are you going?"

"You'll see."

Brandon flashed her a wink before stepping past her.

"...."

Her mouth parted to protest, but in the end, she let him go. She watched him approach Raven, leaning close to whisper something she couldn't hear. Raven gave a single nod, and then Brandon turned and exited the VIP area without looking back.

A few moments passed.

The lights dimmed once more.

Whispers rippled across the audience, and then a warm glow filled the stage. At the center, now revealed a grand piano bathed in white light.

From the speakers, Katarina's voice rang out.

—VN Entertainment's very own… Brandon Locke!

"....!"

Lianna froze.

Her eyes widened as her lips parted in surprise. Brandon? He was performing?

She hadn't heard anything about this. And yet, there he was, stepping out under the stage lights in a crisp, dark ensemble, walking calmly toward the piano.

As he took his seat, his gaze swept the crowd before settling directly on her.

"...."

And he smiled.

That warm smile meant just for her.

Lianna's cheeks flushed as her heart fluttered. Her fingers gripped the edge of her seat.

She hadn't expected this.

But at that moment, she didn't care about the surprise.

Because as she sat back and watched him prepare to play, there was only one thought running through her mind:

This was her man.

And this… this had to be his surprise… for her.

Num—

Before the voiceover could finish, Brandon's fingers touched the keys.