First Fan Meeting

A fan meeting.

It's exactly like a fan signing event, a chance for fans to briefly connect with the players. As a nation with a tradition of idols sweeping the world via K-POP, it makes sense that this spun off from idol culture.

The reason these events exist? Most fans buying tickets, merch, and showing up live at the arena are women.

It's evolved to meet customer demand.

After Overlant launched and arenas were built, more guys started attending live matches—but the fan meeting culture carried over from the past remains strong.

No reason to scrap a solid tradition, or add something new.

Anyway.

These Overlant E-Sports fan meetings happen post-match for premium ticket holders.

They last about two hours.

Players are human too, so they don't do this every time—only for milestone games.

Like the league opener or the final round match, for example.

"Siwoo player! Could you do a heart for me?!"

That was why Siwoo had to make a finger heart at his first fan meeting—something he'd never imagined doing.

Once you're a pro gamer, you have to be genuine with your fans. Same for any other athlete. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Maybe even idols or actors.

"L-like this?"

Siwoo awkwardly formed a heart with his fingers.

"Perfect! Let's take a photo together!"

The female fan whipped out her smartphone, thrilled. And just like that, he took his first-ever selfie. He'd never done one in his life.

"Thank you!"

"Glad you're satisfied."

Siwoo gave an embarrassed smile.

"Sorry. I'm not great at talking. First fan meeting and all..."

"Haha, no worries! Totally normal. Everyone has a first time!"

Even his clumsy fan service had them beaming. They loved the rarity of getting the player's very first fan meet.

"Fighting for the next match too!"

"Thanks."

As time was up, the fan handed him a keychain for his bag and stepped away.

And then.

"Siwoo!"

The next fan arrived.

It was none other than Han Jiyeon.

"You came!"

Siwoo, who'd been awkwardly stiff until now, lit up with a bright grin like a different person.

From the match end, he'd been scanning for Jiyeon—and seeing her now was a relief.

Han Jiyeon sat down, organizing her bag.

"Man, the line's huge. You're super popular with the girls, huh? Gonna date a fan soon?"

"Nah, dating a fan? Come on..."

Siwoo waved it off.

He'd heard of pro gamers dating fans, but it didn't fit him. Using pure fandom as romance? No thanks.

Just his personal take, though.

And above all, he already liked someone—no way he'd date anyone else.

"Haha, kidding."

Han Jiyeon giggled it off.

"You were insane today. Beating Kim Hyun-soo? Never saw that coming!"

"That surprising?"

"Duh! Kim Hyun-soo's a top pro! Annual salary's over a billion won!"

"A billion?"

"Yup!"

Siwoo's eyes widened. Five times his own salary.

"The 'Gatekeeper of the Four Great Attackers' nickname isn't for show. Domestic teams are desperate for an attacker like him."

Kim Hyun-soo was eyed by overseas teams too. Huge potential, steady growth every year.

"Beating a guy like that. You have no idea how good you were."

"Eh, just happened. Kinda surreal. I just played my usual way..."

"Tsk tsk, that's the talent monster for you. So many rookies couldn't touch him."

Han Jiyeon smirked.

"Anyway, glad you crushed it. Half worried, half hyped. Debut hype vs. facing Kim Hyun-soo."

A rookie facing him first? Disaster territory.

Plenty of promising newbies crumbled against him.

"Team pressure was real, but we pulled through. First-team pros are way better than Series Cup trainees, but not unbeatable."

Siwoo smiled lightly.

First-team pros outclassed trainees, sure.

But not an uncrossable wall.

"Whoa, that confidence! The Siwoo who sucked at team games during class matches?"

"That was my actual first time?"

"True, under 50 ranked games. Monster stats, though?"

Han Jiyeon kept giggling, reminiscing. Made her laugh just thinking back.

Was this more fun than the match? Siwoo smiled warmly.

"Gotta wait for dinner together?"

"Yeah, opener team dinner. Sorry."

"No biggie, next time. But..."

As they chatted away.

"Ah, time's up. Gotta go."

"Aw, bummer. Text me on KakaoTalk after."

"Sure."

Han Jiyeon grabbed her bag and stood.

"I'll watch the next one too—fighting! Don't forget we're always cheering?"

"Yeah."

"Oh, loved the ceremony! Shy but cool vibe. Cute too."

"Haha, glad you liked it..."

"Totally! So proud of our Siwoo! Anyway, really heading out?"

"Yeah yeah."

Siwoo chuckled softly, waving as Jiyeon walked off.

He'd worried pro life would drift them apart—no contact.

But nah, just keep texting and making time.

...Am I burdening her too much?

The thought hit suddenly. Was all this attention and contact stressing her out...?

But I don't wanna pull away...

Who knows.

It'll work out somehow.

"Hello!"

A new fan sat down. Siwoo flashed a bright smile, back on duty.

"Hi! What's your name?"

"I'm—"

Siwoo smoothly greeted fans, powering through the meet.

Chatting with Jiyeon had melted his tension away.

Man, she always bails me out.

Post-opener.

Domestic communities exploded—not just Kaiserst boards, but the main Overlant forum too.

The hype? Obviously Siwoo's debut.

Series Cup buzz drew tons of viewers today.

Undeniable domination in his debut? Forum on fire.

Match days, Overlant boards light up most—E-Sports boom.

Dozens of posts flooded in...

Naturally, hot topic: Siwoo's super plays.

1v1ing Kim Hyun-soo was nuts—1v2ing him and another? Wild.

Fan wars erupted as usual—rankings always spark fights.

Communities gonna community.

"Should've signed him..."

A man scrolling reactions live: Red Force front office, Kim Kyung-bae.

Siwoo, the Series Cup destroyer, delivered a flawless debut win over Kim Hyun-soo.

Regret city.

Stove league was ripe—he could've been theirs...

Aaah, should've nabbed him...!!

Thud.

Kim Kyung-bae faceplanted his desk. Why'd they miss?

No negotiation table even—he signed Kaiserst instant!

2nd team start the issue? Or lowball money?

Red Force offer:

2nd team start, but 40% 1st team playtime.

Guaranteed 60 million won salary + minor options.

Unbeatable for Series Cup 8-strong attacker.

Even hyped prospects dream of this.

But not enough?

Siwoo went Kaiserst—nailed 1st team debut...

Our shot at Masters...

Red Force: Perpetual mid-table. Playoffs max, no further.

Masters—Asia continental? Huge effort, constant door-block.

No anchor attacker.

Defenders, supports, healers perfect—just need attacker...!

Siwoo would've perfected it!

"Haa..."

Kim Kyung-bae sighed deep.

Lost to Kaiserst of all teams—and now this performance...

Stomach ache central.