“The Asian Artistry Awards,” Sora began, “is the very first award show that brings different artists from various fields. It not only recognizes the performance but the heart behind it.”
“And tonight,” Phoenix continued, “we honor those who broke boundaries and left their mark on the screen and in our hearts.”
Since multiple artists were attending, the live stream was also as lively as ever.
– SORA, YOU LOOK SO GORGEOUS!
– Where’s Zeno?
– Show me Zeno.
– How many nominations does Zeno have again? I lost count after the third one.
– Seven! It’s honestly amazing. Phoenix Hyun trails second with four.
– Who is this Zeno guy, and why is he the talk of the town?
– Best host duo! Their chemistry is giving movie trailer
– I feel like this is gonna be a historic night…
Zeno glanced at his watch and saw that it was nearing his bedtime. But then again, he had to sacrifice this routine for his acting endeavors.
His body wasn’t used to it, though, as he yawned. He covered his mouth before leaning against his seat.
Then, he caught something with his gaze.
In the middle of the table, next to the decorative floral stand, were some snacks laid out, individually wrapped.
He looked around. No one seemed to notice the existence of the snacks. They were busy curtly clapping at whatever Sora and Phoenix were saying.
While Yuan whispered something to Risa and Oska leaned back in his chair, pretending not to listen, Zeno leaned forward slightly. He snagged a neatly wrapped mochi.
“Mango flavored,” he muttered. It had been a while since he had eaten mangoes. He loved the ones when he was born in Southeast Asia and hadn’t looked back ever since.
With that, he unwrapped it in two quiet motions before taking a bite.
His brows lifted just a little as he chewed, appearing like a little kid in a candy store.
Sora had just begun introducing the major partners of the event when screams suddenly echoed around the hall.
The artists were confused by the sudden excitement, but then, when they looked at the big screen, they finally understood.
The camera operator, likely adjusting their angle for an audience pan, had landed on Zeno without warning. His side profile illuminated briefly on the stage screens before the feed cut back.
‘Why the heck are they so loud?’ he muttered. He looked up and saw the other artists looking at him.
A small frown appeared between his brows. “What happened?” he asked Risa.
Risa pursed her lips and slowly shook her head. Too many sparkling eyes were looking at Zeno right now!
He deserved it, of course, but Risa wanted to scream out loud and pinch his cheeks. He looked so cute eating the mochi!
He looked up slowly, mochi still in hand.
– WHO WAS THAT?
– WHY DID I STOP BREATHING FOR 10 SECONDS?
– Zeno, please stop being so loveable!
– Zeno is really so so cute.
– My night has been made. I have seen Zeno.
Phoenix, on stage, remained composed—his eyes briefly flicking to the side screens and then back to the audience like nothing had happened.
He gave the briefest pause before going back to the topic, not wanting to put more emphasis on Zeno’s cute moment.
“And with that,” he said, ignoring the interruption, “let us begin with our first category of the night.”
Zeno swallowed the last of the mochi, dusting his fingers discreetly on the inside of his coat.
He had to pay attention now because his missions were at stake for the night.
[New Missions:
1. Win four awards at the Triple-A
2. Deliver a tear-jerking speech]
Both missions were actually ridiculous.
A bastard move, really—even by Avalis standards. How could he win four out of seven awards? And aside from that, why would he want to make the audience cry with his speech?
It felt like they wanted him to experience the Pain Trial no matter what.
Zeno sighed and straightened in his seat, spine going rigid under his tailored black suit, his eyes locked on the stage now.
“We have the honor of announcing the first award—Best New Actor,” Sora started off.
– Zeno was nominated for this one, right?
– I’m ready.
– Zeno’s first award for the night, let’s go!
– Is this really the Triple-A or Zeno’s meeting? Why are all the comments about him now?
Phoenix picked up the envelope on the podium with a slow motion.
“For Best New Actor,” he announced, “here are your nominees.”
The lights dimmed slightly. The massive LED screen behind him flickered to life, illuminating clips and titles in succession. Each nominee was met with respectful applause and murmurs.
“Sungho Park — Frame”
A cinematic shot filled the screen. Sungho’s eyes were wild, blood splattered across his shirt as he stood over a lifeless body, breath heaving.
“I didn’t do it! I swear, I didn’t—wait… I don’t remember…”
“Rowoon Lee — Finders, Keepers”
A slice-of-life yet eerie scene played. Rowoon and his friends stood over a bag in a dimly lit alley. Their faces lit up with hope and dread.
“It gave me what I wanted. But what did I lose?”
“Taek Jin — Student Council: Red Alert”
A jump-scare flash then screams, gore, and a heroic shot of Taek holding a baseball bat with blood smeared over his blazer.
“This school is under lockdown. As student council president, I will restore order.”
“Jiro Nakamura — The Final Night”
Laughter filled the venue before the clip even finished.
“How can I marry her like this?! My penis isn’t working! Fix it! Call the priest, a doctor—heck, call an exorcist!”
“Zeno Han — The Forsaken Prince”
Zeno didn’t expect the screams once again. He looked around the venue and saw many phone lights moving erratically. Did they all come just for him?
He ascended slowly, the camera lingering on his profile.
“If the blood in my veins denies me the crown, then let the ashes of this kingdom testify who I am.”
He sat before the crown was placed upon his head.
Phoenix opened the envelope carefully.
The tension returned, and even the livestream comment section slowed down.
“And the Asian Artistry Award for Best New Actor goes to…”
Phoenix sighed away from the microphone.
“Zeno Han — The Forsaken Prince!”