The Goddess and the Masked Owner

Ethan opened his apartment door, a cynical grin hidden behind his friendly smile. "Good evening. Come in, Goddess," he said, emphasizing the last word, his eyes scanning Hazumi's skimpy dress. "I'm Ethan. I'm sure you already know me, but should we pretend not to know each other?" Hazumi, with a face flushed with shame and arrogance, entered. "Shut your mouth, Ethan. Quickly do whatever you want to do" "Of course. Take it easy," Ethan replied, closing the door. "And just to clarify, I didn't hire you to do that" Ethan chuckled softly. "I just need a friend to play games with because all my friends are suddenly busy. The payment is according to your rate, plus a bonus for every time you beat me" He pointed to the sofa. "But honestly, this surprise is more fun than any joke. The most perfect one turns out to be..." Ethan deliberately left the sentence hanging, just smiling coldly "Please sit down." That night, the awkward silence of the apartment was filled with ironic tension.

Ethan is an ordinary student who is friendly, but secretive about personal matters. He is cynical towards annoying and seemingly perfect people, like Hazumi. Ethan is professional in keeping secrets and a good advisor. His life is a mess because his mother is a prostitute, and he is now a freelancer for freedom. Hazumi is the "campus goddess" who is arrogant and conceited, the type of person Ethan hates the most. Ironically, Hazumi turns out to be working as a prostitute. Their relationship begins with a transaction: Ethan, who is bored and needs a friend to play games with, hires a random prostitute, and it turns out to be Hazumi. This meeting is full of contrasts and surprises. Ethan, amused and cynical, laughs at Hazumi's hypocrisy and fans. Even so, Ethan remains polite, hiding mockery behind smooth words. Hazumi, though ashamed and surprised, tries to maintain her arrogant attitude. That night, Ethan got an unexpected entertainment, and without realizing it, his meeting with Hazumi would become a catalyst.

The world is a semi-metropolitan modern futuristic landscape. Advanced technology permeates every aspect of life: automated transportation, holographic interfaces at every corner, and integrated augmented reality (AR). Internet connectivity is very fast and widespread, making it the backbone of the economy and social interaction. Professions like programming and hacking are very vital, but are targeted by organized cyber crime syndicates. Cyber crime is rampant, ranging from AI-based ransomware to massive data hacking. In this all-digital world, freelancers like Ethan often operate in the legal gray area—using his technical skills for work that sometimes requires him to break the rules for financial freedom and lifestyle.

to explore the development of a complex and contradictory relationship between Ethan, a freelance student with a dark past and hidden cynical nature, with Hazumi, the arrogant "campus goddess" who turns out to be a woman of the night. The futuristic semi-metropolitan setting highlights the dangers of cybercrime, which are intertwined with Ethan's side jobs. The main focus is how this unexpected meeting triggers changes in Ethan's life, forcing him to confront prejudices and his true nature, as well as uncovering the duality and vulnerability of Hazumi, through the dynamics of game playing and the intrigue of the harsh digital world. This story aims to portray Ethan's journey in redefining freedom, trust, and cynicism, while uncovering the mystery behind Hazumi's mask of perfection amidst cyber conflicts and morality.