"Maybe this is the answer," Alan muttered, his fingers moving quickly to type his question.
The time was 15:43. Alan sat tensely, waiting for a response from the account owner, and a new notification appeared on his computer screen.
[@HolaLove]: "Hiii! That's right, would you like to book a commission with me?"
Alan was relieved to see the quick response from '@HolaLove'. He started typing his reply with enthusiasm.
[@Alla]: "Yes, I'm very interested! Can we discuss the details further?"
Alan waited expectantly as the dots on his screen indicated that '@HolaLove' was being typed.
[@HolaLove]: "Sure! I'm glad you're interested. How about we start by discussing what cover concept you want? Any special themes or elements you'd like to include?"
Alan pondered for a moment, trying to find the right answer
[@Alla]: "My novel has a mystery and adventure feel. I want images that attract the reader's attention and reflect the atmosphere of the story. Maybe with a touch of mystery but not too dark. What do you think?"
[@HolaLove]: "Got it! I can start working on a concept sketch and send it to you for feedback. Would that be good for you?"
[@Alla]: "Of course! Thank you very much. How much for a commission like this?"
[@HolaLove]: "We can discuss that later once the sketch is complete. I want to make sure you're completely satisfied with the concept first. How's that?"
Alan was relieved to find a solution to his cover image problem.
He provided further details to '@HolaLove' about the characters and setting of his novel, hoping for an outcome that matches his vision.
After a while, Alan put his cell phone away and felt relieved that he would soon get the cover.
"From the picture, it's good... I hope it's good."
Alan looked at the computer, "Yeah... at least I'll change my novel a little differently, after all it's from Miracle and people might not know."
Ting! Ting! Alan's cellphone notification rang.
Alan looked at his cell phone which was lit up by notifications:
[@HolaLove sent one image]
"So fast!" Alan said spontaneously when he saw the image notification.
Alan held his breath as he opened the picture just sent by '@HolaLove'. Alan's eyes swept over every detail of the picture with enthusiasm.
"Wow! This is amazing!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling at the work of art that so captured the atmosphere of mystery and adventure he wanted to include on the cover of his novel.
Alan responded to the image by providing a direct comment:
[@Allan]: "I really like the concept! What if we make a few small adjustments here and there?"
Nevertheless, he is humbled and grateful that he has found '@HolaLove' to help make his vision a reality.
The notification appeared again on the cellphone screen.
[@HolaLove]: "Of course, I'm glad you like it! Just tell me what needs to be changed, and I'll fix it right away."
[@Allan]: "But before that we better go to a more private place, let's exchange contacts."
[@HolaLove]: "My pleasure! 0812-xxx-xxx, here."
Alan saved the phone number with a smile on his face. The first step towards the perfect novel cover image had been taken, and Alan felt closer to his vision.
[Hello!]
[Hello!! OK, so what should I revise?]
Alan looked at his cellphone screen with a satisfied smile. He started explaining with a smile on his face.
[I think we can make the main character stand out a little more, perhaps by adding some small elements that reflect his adventurous nature and personality. And, maybe we can fade out the background a bit more to give focus to the main characters.]
[Fine, got it! So, what kind of elements would you like to add to the main character? Is there anything specific I can include to reflect her personality?]
[Uhh… maybe? Because this main character has the impression of memory loss… yes, that's it.]
[Okay, I'll try adding those elements and improving the background lighting. What about color? Is there a particular color preference you would like?]
Alan thought for a moment about colors that would suit the mystery and adventure feel in his novel.
[For color, maybe we can keep the dark shades, but with a touch of gold or navy to add a little magic. What do you think?]
[Sounds good! I'll try a few color variations and send them to you for feedback.]
Alan felt even more excited, feeling that the cover image of his novel would be something special. He couldn't wait to see the results of his improvements.
Wait… is he or she…? Maybe I'll ask.
Alan started typing quickly.
[Previously I wanted to know if you are a man or a woman? So, I didn't think wrongly.]
He kept looking at her profile but didn't just see 'last seen 16:00'. Maybe he's drawing? Maybe I should leave it alone.
That was what was on Alan's mind. Alan decided to give him a little time to create. Even though his curiosity about the progress of his novel cover art was great, he knew the importance of giving artists space and time to express their creativity.
While waiting, Alan decided to return to focusing on his other work. Housework and daily responsibilities feel like a good escape from the anxiety of the outcome of the work.
He swept his room and cleaned and tidied the whole room, then took the trash out and also cleaned the living room.
"It's really hard to clean..." asked his mother.
"Ah, mother… yes, I just."
"It's okay, continue, mom will relax~"
After cleaning his house, Alan felt a little calmer. He decided to sit for a moment in the living room, opened his laptop, and continued working on his novel.
***
The time showed 17:25 and he didn't get any news from her at all. Maybe he is really serious about his work.
Alan continued to concentrate on writing his novel, absorbing himself in the world he created. His laptop keyboard clicked with the rhythm of ideas flowing from his mind to the screen.
Even though he was worried about the cover image of his novel, he tried not to be too bothered. Maybe that person is really focused on his work. Alan pondered, thinking that the final result might be well worth the wait.
As time went by, his computer screen displayed the number 19:30. Alan stopped his work for a moment, took a deep breath, and decided to give the artist some more time. He believes the results will be commensurate with the success of waiting.
As he closed the laptop, Alan mused, "still not respond me?" He got up from the chair and lay down on his bed.
He took his cellphone then opened it and looked at the massage application and saw that his chat had not been replied to at all, then he looked at the story and realized that he had just made a story status 3 minutes ago
Then, he browsed the story and realized that he had just created a story status 3 minutes ago. The status talks about him being in high school which is very familiar to Alan's memories.
Alan pondered, his eyes and mind trying to remember more details about the status. What makes the school feel so familiar to him? Is that his old school? Along with these questions, memories began to swirl in his mind.
"Wait… that's my high school?" Alan tried to match the details he remembered with the picture seen in the story, "Wait, does that mean he's in my class?"
Alan also replied to that status.
[Did you go to 'kudanil school'?]
The message has not yet been answered, but 5 minutes later.
[Sorry, I just finished a little of the artline, please wait a little longer]
Replied to the message '[Before I want to know if you are a man or a woman? So, I didn't think wrongly.]', [I'm a woman, so please be kind to me *Smile emoji*]
Replied to the message '[Did you go to 'kudanil school'?], [That's right… do you know that school?]
"Ah, she's a girl, okay… and she went to school where I went to school, yeah… even though I just graduated."
[I just graduated from there.]
[Wow! That is right? That means you are my senior, Pardon sir!]
[Haha… don't be so formal, I don't like that]
Alan smiled at the increasingly intimate conversation with the artist who created the cover image for his novel. He felt happy knowing that they had a bond as alumni of the same school.
[Actually, I'm writing a novel and need a cover image. You are truly skilled in art!]
[Oh, thank you very much! Happy to help. What is the theme of your novel?]
Alan began explaining the theme and concept of his novel to the artist, sharing his ideas and hopes for the cover image that would be created.
[Cool! I will try my best to create an image that fits your story.]
[Thank you very much! I really appreciate it. We can exchange ideas and make sure the cover image is what I imagined?]
[Of course! I'm happy to collaborate with you.]
Alan feels increasingly enthusiastic about this collaboration process. He is confident that the final result will be something special and will attract the attention of readers.
[By the way, what's your name? maybe we know each other?]
[Just call me Dewi]
[Ah, what a nice name]
[Thank You!]
[What's it like to go to school there? What class are you in?]
[So far, it's all fine, I'm in the final year of grade 12!]
[You look the cheerful type huh.]
[Why is that?]
[From how you send messages]
[Is that so…?]
[Haha, maybe so huh. I'm glad I could make you feel good. After all, we're friends now, aren't we?]
[That's right, and also you can call me Alan]
[Yes, sir Alan]
[Haha, what the hell.]
On the other hand, Alan's happy, cheerful face is visible.
The conversation between Alan and Dewi continued with jokes and light laughter. They exchange stories about their school experiences, hobbies and interests. Alan found this friendship to be a pleasant thing, especially after all the hard work she had put into finding the cover image for his novel.
[Apparently, the world is small, huh?]
[I think so too haha!]
[By the way, it's already late, I want to go to the middle, I'm going to sleep.]
[Okay sir Allan, good night.]
Sigh…
Alan was surprised when he saw the 'good night' message.
"Huh… okay?"
Alan put his cell phone on the table, charged it, then went to bed.
< Chapter 13 > To Be Continued.