Page 188 of The World Between Us
I nodded. The tour had been announced. It was mammoth.
“ENT wants to put together a biographical to show the group in a setting the fans don’t normally get to see. We already have plans for a feature-length show, as well as several print options.We’re assembling a group of writers to cover the tour. We want you to come along as one of the embedded journalists.”
Director Kang watched me expectantly. Either because she expected an immediate answer, or because she particularly enjoyed seeing the expressions on people’s faces when she struck them dumb with the wildest, most mind-blowing propositions.
It was several long moments before I could do anything more than blink, or gape, at her. Eventually, I let out a slow breath and said, “I’m sorry, did you just ask me to go on tour with GVibes, and document the entire thing?”
She gave a delicate little shrug.
“Essentially. Miss Thompson, I’ve been watching your career with interest. As I said, I would,” she inclined her head. “I always suspected you would do well, and I am pleased to know I was not wrong.”
My head was beginning to spin.
“So when the topic of tour coverage came up recently as a way to re-mobilise the fandom, which has slipped somewhat due to the member’s relative inactivity in recent years, I floated your name across the table. I had expected to have to argue your case,” she said with a wry smile, “but as soon as I pointed out that you were a former ENT staffer, the conversation was remarkably short. Your previous employment gives you a rare kind of trust, Miss Thompson. This offer is not one we make lightly.”
“How long do I have to think it over?” I asked, only slightly faintly.
“The first week of January,” she replied. “Sooner would be better.”
“Yes,” I said, firmly.
“Good, I will await your response –”
“No, sorry,” I interrupted apologetically. “Yes. My answer. It’s yes.”
A dizzying sense of excitement shot through me. This was the kind of assignment people spent their entire careers chasing.
My mind whirred with possibilities, the doors this would open for me, the bylines. No more being called ‘the intern’ when people thought I couldn’t hear them.
This would be my mark.
My lease was up soon anyway, and I knew I could take a leave of absence fromFrequency, or, if not… this opportunity was bigger than anything I’d ever been offered. It would be worth it.
Director Kang nodded, as if she’d expected nothing less.
“There’s just one more thing, Miss Thompson,” she said. “Your Korean?” She switched languages effortlessly, not giving me any warning.
I huffed a quiet laugh before I responded, switching to Korean just as easily. “I kept up with my lessons, Director-nim.”
A smile crept across her face, wide and genuine.
“Joheun.” Good.
The End
