Chapter 6 – The Growing Light
The Horizon Publishing building stood tall before Ha-Joon—modern, imposing, with its discreet lettering. Jin-Ah got out of the taxi first, full of excitement, while Ha-Joon was still processing the reality of the moment. He adjusted the folder containing the manga chapters, the weight of each page growing heavier with every step toward the building.
They paused on the sidewalk, and Ha-Joon looked up at the structure towering above them, like a giant gate to the dream he'd always had—but one that now felt distant and difficult to reach.
"This is the publishing house," Ha-Joon said, trying to mask the anxiety in his voice as he stared at the building's facade.
Jin-Ah, glowing with excitement, gave a confident smile.
"It's going to be fine," she said, patting his shoulder. "If this works, you'll be really famous."
Ha-Joon couldn't help but smile, too. It was a mix of nerves and hope. He laughed softly, but the feeling of standing on the brink of the biggest step in his life was becoming more real with each passing second.
They entered the building. The receptionist, wearing square glasses and a kind expression, welcomed them with a polite smile.
"You must be the ones with the appointment with Editor Kang. Just a moment, please."
The waiting room was quiet, with only a few people around. Ha-Joon sat down, his nervousness growing by the minute. Jin-Ah, completely at ease, scrolled through her phone, occasionally glancing at him and smiling—as if she knew exactly how he was feeling. Her presence was comforting in that unfamiliar place.
A few minutes later, the door opened and Editor Kang entered. He was a middle-aged man with messy hair and a curious gaze. His expression was serious, but something in his demeanor was welcoming.
"Ha-Joon, right? Come on in." He gestured for them to follow.
Editor Kang's office reflected the creative world around them—full of books, manga covers on the walls, even a few trophies. It was the perfect space for someone who lived for creation. Ha-Joon sat down and handed over the folder, tension building in his shoulders. This was the moment.
The editor opened the folder and began reading the chapters right there, taking his time. The silence in the room was broken only by the soft rustling of turning pages. Ha-Joon sat beside Jin-Ah, carefully watching the editor, studying every move and expression.
And then… he saw it.
The light.
It appeared suddenly, subtly, almost imperceptibly. But it was there—on the editor's shoulder, shining like a faint golden flame. Ha-Joon blinked, trying to make sense of it, but the light didn't disappear. It was the same light he had seen when Jin-Ah read the manga in the hospital, the light only he seemed to notice.
The editor, completely immersed in the reading, didn't notice a thing. But Ha-Joon couldn't take his eyes off that glow—it danced in the air, as if in tune with something greater than he could understand. It felt as though the story he had written was coming to life before his eyes.
The editor turned the final page and sat in silence for a few seconds, looking thoughtfully at the manga.
"This… is excellent. The characters feel alive, the plot is captivating, and the art has soul. We can sign a contract right now, if you're ready," the editor said, breaking the silence.
Ha-Joon's heart raced. He could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"Seriously?" he asked, trying to keep the disbelief out of his voice.
"Seriously. It's all here." The editor smiled and pulled out a folder. "Read through it carefully. It's our standard contract."
Ha-Joon took the contract with trembling hands. The words on the paper seemed to float before his eyes. He read carefully, keeping his mind focused. The clauses were clear—copyright, deadlines, exclusivity… nothing unusual, nothing that limited his freedom. The sense that he was taking an important step only grew stronger.
Jin-Ah observed quietly, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She knew what this moment meant for Ha-Joon, and her support meant more than he could ever say.
Ha-Joon signed.
The editor shook his hand firmly, welcoming him into the real world of authors.
"Welcome to the real world of authors. Get ready to never sleep again," he joked, and Ha-Joon felt a lightness take over him. This was the beginning of a new journey.
Leaving the publishing house, the sun shone even brighter, and the warmth of the light seemed to follow Ha-Joon wherever he went. Jin-Ah looked at her watch and realized she was late for school.
"Oh no! I've got class—I completely forgot!" she exclaimed, snapping Ha-Joon out of his thoughts. "Let me know when there's news!"
"Take it easy!" Ha-Joon called out, laughing. The lightness of the moment made everything feel just a bit easier.
Alone on the sidewalk, Ha-Joon started walking aimlessly, the wind messing with his hair. But his mind was far away, thinking about the light. It was there again, as if walking beside him, as if it were a sign of something greater. Something he didn't fully understand yet.
The light… Why was he the only one who could see it? What did it mean?
Ha-Joon tried to shake the thoughts away, but something inside him whispered that this story was only just beginning. He felt that the path ahead would be much more complex than he imagined. And somehow, that light… was only the beginning.
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Thanks for reading this fanfic! This is the last chapter of the week. I'll see you again on Monday with new chapters for you. In the meantime, why not check out my original work: Spirit of Gods and Demons: The Legend Continues? See you Monday!"