Countdown
One study found that the emotion that makes humans happiest is anticipation. In other words, the wait for happiness brings even greater joy than the moment itself. They told a woman she was about to receive a proposal and observed her brain activity. It lit up more intensely while she waited than when the actual proposal happened. A bit awkward for the groom down on one knee with a diamond ring, but hey, as long as his beloved is happy, right?
We've all had similar experiences. Buzzing with excitement all week about playing a game, only to realize the anticipation was the real thrill. Or waiting for the next chapter of a gripping novel, where the hype outshines the reveal. Humans feel happier anticipating joy than experiencing it. Ironic, yet fascinating—everyone knows that flutter of excitement for good times ahead.
But what about the flip side? Dreadful events? Knowing your own death is coming someday. Or worse—watching in real time as doom approaches not just you, but your neighbors, your country, the planet, your family. Could anyone stay sane through that countdown?
Suddenly, Shakespeare's words came to mind: "If a brave young man knew everything he'd suffer in the future, he'd kneel before the despair right in front of him!" I have no idea how great that damn island nation's playwright really was—I'm just an ignorant slob. But his words rang true. Just look at all the self-proclaimed intellectuals of the 21st century flooding the streets.
Countdown. That's the cinematic that plays in the game Last Day after you finish character creation. True to its name, Last Day was obsessed with the keyword "time."
At the end of the game's prologue, a 72-hour countdown appears in the sky. When it hits zero, Earth's destruction—and the game—begins. It's like granting three days of grace.
Maybe because it's such a gorgeous cutscene after that frustratingly tough prologue, it became a symbol for players.
And now, that fact had leaked to the public.
After that lame YouTuber blew up, hesitant Last Day players started crawling out. Like they'd coordinated it, they all proclaimed themselves "experts" and launched channels.
To a real veteran like me, they were just spouting bullshit to cash in. Seeing noobs profit made them think, I know more—I can do this too.
As if. They're all trash anyway. In my eyes, not even worth calling players—just greenhorns. Only idiots without brains step up here. True veterans stay quiet, prepping for doom.
Problem was, their "advice" was all over the place. Still, piecing it together yielded one solid result: the countdown date was all but confirmed.
Humanity—scratch that, the public's obsession was massive. This was the moment to prove the hot "doom theory."
Most still dismissed it as nonsense or hype. Even the waiters were half in it for fun and curiosity. Very few truly believed doom was coming. Most hoped for a prank reveal, like a hidden camera stunt at the end.
"Hmm."
Gathering en masse to stare at the sky and countdown together. The day the doom hype gets proven true or false. I get the hype.
Me? No way I'm joining. Better use that time prepping more productively.
"Not much time left, huh."
I scanned my bunker—no, my Siwoo's Bunker. Lately, I'd sold my old place and lived here full-time. Gotta check for any living inconveniences now, while there's slack.
Luckily, it was comfy enough for one guy—spacious yet cozy. Security, heating, ventilation, even the toilet: perfect. In a ruined world, this was five-star hotel tier.
"Still, wish I could've enjoyed civilization's perks a bit longer."
Muttering that, I dug into packaged salmon sushi I'd brought. Realized post-doom, no more of this. A few days till the countdown pops up. Gotta gorge on faves now. Jajangmyeon tomorrow? Heh.
A few days later. The big countdown day arrived.
Gwanghwamun Square was packed—more than even I'd expected. Not that I was there. Reporters live-streamed it for me. Korea's IT powerhouse, alright.
"Hmm..."
Looking at those faces, I was certain: not one there took doom seriously. They mouthed fear publicly but secretly prayed it was all smoke.
Checked the community. Maelmang Gallery was ablaze too.
Board was split hot on real doom or not. Surprisingly, skeptics still led.
"Eh, best outcome really."
I was prouder than anyone in prepping first and hardest. Counting game time, no one outdid me. This bunker alone ate my life savings...
If no doom? My life's ruined. But still, no apocalypse beats any trash world.
"Yes, right as I speak! Ten seconds left—crowd's counting down!"
"10! 9! 8!"
Time flew. Folks gazed skyward, shouting numbers like New Year's Eve.
People awaiting doom's countdown. The clamor, cheers, excitement, mixed emotions—even I felt a shiver from the spectacle and noise.
Fantasy or reality? The reveal moment.
"3!"
But I already knew the answer.
"2!"
"1!"
Shouts peaked.
Then, in the sky all eyes locked on...
The world fell silent. As if all prior noise was illusion.
Citizens, reporters, even donation-begging YouTubers shut up.
Seconds of dead quiet passed.
Then...
"Kya啊啊啊啊啊!"
"Fuck, shit! That's real?!"
"Wh-what do we do? World really ending?!"
"H-hey! Call the cops! People are—"
Chaos erupted. Screams, terror-stricken dashes through streets. Tripped vendors toppled, a kid wailed for lost mom amid the frenzy.
I quietly stood, checked the bunker's door lock.
Countdown: 72 hours.
Destruction had begun.