Chapter 5: Midnight Stroll

The city streets were alive with a vibrant energy, as if the night itself was a character, pulsing with an otherworldly rhythm. Sangwoo led Jason through the winding alleys, the neon lights of the buildings casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the pavement. Jason felt like he was walking through a dream, the world around him transformed into a surreal landscape. As they strolled, Sangwoo pointed out various landmarks, sharing stories about the city's history and hidden secrets. Jason listened, entranced, his senses heightened by the strange and intoxicating atmosphere. The air was thick with the scent of street food and incense, and Jason's stomach growled in response. They turned a corner, and a small park came into view. The entrance was guarded by a pair of stone lions, their eyes gleaming in the dim light. Sangwoo gestured for Jason to follow him, and they slipped into the park, the gates creaking softly behind them. The park was a tranquil oasis, the trees and flowers a soothing balm to Jason's frazzled nerves. Sangwoo led him to a small pond, where a group of lotus flowers bloomed, their delicate petals unfolding like tiny stars. Jason felt a sense of peace wash over him, as if the world had slowed down, and he was the only person in it. Sangwoo sat down on a nearby bench, motioning for Jason to join him. Jason hesitated, unsure of what to expect, but Sangwoo's warm smile put him at ease. As they sat together, Jason noticed that Sangwoo's eyes seemed to gleam with a knowing light, as if he held secrets that Jason couldn't even imagine. "So, Jason," Sangwoo said, his voice low and hypnotic, "I think it's time we talked about why you're really here." Jason's heart skipped a beat. How did Sangwoo know? He looked around the park, feeling a sense of unease creeping in. But Sangwoo's gaze held him, drawing him back into the vortex of mystery and intrigue. "I...I don't know what you mean," Jason stammered, trying to play it cool. Sangwoo chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Don't play dumb, Jason," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I know all about you. I know about your fascination with K-pop, and your desire to uncover the truth behind it." Jason's eyes widened, his mind racing. How did Sangwoo know? He felt a shiver run down his spine as Sangwoo leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Let's just say, Jason, that you're about to embark on a journey that will change your life forever. A journey that will take you to the very heart of the K-pop universe, and reveal secrets that have been hidden for years." As Sangwoo spoke, the air around them seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the very fabric of reality was about to tear apart. Jason felt his heart pounding in his chest, his senses on high alert. He knew that he was on the cusp of something momentous, something that would alter the course of his life forever. And he was ready to take the leap.