The cloudy sky over Bangkok that morning didn't promise anything good, but for Mika, it was just another ordinary day. With his heavy schoolbag on his shoulder and his small earphones in his ears, he walked with hesitant steps toward the high school he already knew by heart.
His soft, gentle face made many girls whisper whenever he passed by, yet he barely dared to lift his gaze from the ground, let alone look at them.
What no one knew was that this shy boy… secretly ran the biggest fan account for Thailand's most famous idol, Sumchai. Photos, news, analyses, even translated videos — all passed through his fingers. To the world, he was just "quiet Mika," but behind the screen, he was the "legendary manager" followed by hundreds of thousands of fans.
I entered the classroom a little late, only to find Jit standing by the window, waving at me as if he were greeting a world star.
— "Finally, oh great fan manager, you're here! Where were you? Preparing today's report on Sumchai?"
I tried to hide the redness rising in my face, stammering nervously:
— "Shhh! Don't say his name like that… What if someone hears you?"
Jit laughed loudly and sat beside me, giving my shoulder a playful tap:
— "Relax, man. No one would ever imagine that you, of all people, are the one running that account. Trust me, even if I told them, they wouldn't believe it. You barely speak a word in class!"
I opened my notebook to cover my face, but my heart was pounding hard. That feeling never left me — a mix of pride and fear that my secret might one day be exposed.
While the teacher explained math equations, my hand moved under the desk, posting the latest photos of Sumchai from last night's concert. A small smile crept onto my lips at the fans' comments.
Jit shook his head, saying:
— "I swear, if you focused on lessons half as much as you focus on that idol… you'd be a genius."
— "I'd rather be a smart fan than a boring student…" I replied.
Jit burst out laughing:
— "Haha! Wow, even your comebacks are starting to sound sarcastic. Guess the comments section is rubbing off on you."
I stayed quiet, scribbling notes quickly to make it seem like I was paying attention. But I could feel Jit's mischievous eyes on me. I knew him well — laughter and teasing weren't enough for him. He always had some trick in mind.
When the recess bell rang, students rushed out, filling the hallways with noise. I tried to slip away quietly, but Jit grabbed my arm.
— "Where are you going?"
— "The library… I need some peace."
— "Peace? You live in eternal peace. Come with me to the yard, the weather's nice despite the clouds."
Without waiting for my answer, he dragged me along. In the yard, we sat beneath a big tree while some students played basketball. Jit sipped his juice, then looked at me with a sly smile:
— "You know, I was thinking about something."
— "What is it?" I asked cautiously.
— "Isn't it boring to always stay behind the screen? Why don't you get closer to Sumchai? I mean… why not try to see him in person?"
My eyes widened in shock.
— "Are you insane?! I can barely handle the idea of my classmates finding out I run the account, and you want me to stand in front of him face-to-face?!"
Jit laughed, tossing the empty can aside:
— "You always hide behind that shy mask. But I see something else in you… You've got passion, you've got drive, and you've got an organized mind. Without you, that account wouldn't even be this famous. Sometimes I think even Sumchai himself must have noticed you by now."
I froze, even more flustered, and quickly tried to change the subject:
— "Enough joking… the teacher will be angry if we're late to the next class."
We returned together, but my heart was heavy with his words. The thought alone made my breath quicken. To stand before Sumchai, to have him look into my eyes… it felt like an impossible dream. And yet, a small part of me wished it could happen.
At the end of the day, as students left one by one, I lingered in the classroom, checking the flood of comments on my latest post. The fans' admiration and gratitude made my heart flutter. None of them knew who I was, yet they all depended on me. It felt powerful, as if I held an entire world in my hands.
Suddenly, Jit appeared at the door, bag slung over his shoulder and a mischievous grin on his face.
— "You know, maybe you don't need to dream so much. Sometimes fate loves to drop unexpected chances in our laps."
— "What do you mean?" I asked, suspicious.
He patted my shoulder, leaning closer:
— "You'll find out soon enough… Just be ready."
I walked out of the classroom more unsettled than ever. I had no idea that this ordinary day… was the beginning of everything.