The trip was long, but nothing I haven't experienced before. It's annoying we had to come by land tho, a jet plane ride would have been way quicker. I guess not everyone can afford it.

It's... different, kind of picturesque. I'm still not sure where we are, but judging by the fact we needed our passports it's not in the US. Makes sense, these type of shows are cheaper to produce somewhere else. And everyone with a smidge of general knowledge would know laws are also somewhat lenient in other places.

Nice.

Having my own private ride was a nice touch, not a fancy limo but at least an SUV with enough space to put my legs on the rest of the backseat. They probably don't want us to interact with each other out of the camera eye, whatever.

I grab the phone that tall bearded dude gave me and snap another selfie, looking out the window, pensive. It feels nice to imagine everyone's expression when they realize I'm here, that they'll have this one-in-a-million opportunity to get to know me.

I use the phone camera to fix my hair and clothes. It has probably taken long for them to give me the signal to get down because they want everyone reunited beforehand. I would to want to record their expressions too!

Who else would be there? Anyone I know?

Youtubers, most likely. Tiktokers even, at least a couple. TV celebrities? Musicians? Entrepreneurs?

Regular folks as well, that's for sure. There's something about seeing lower people interact with higher class that's just so entertaining. I bet the audience will completely eat it up once it goes out!

The excitement pulses through my veins, finally the escape I needed. No stress, no annoying parents or lawyers to tell me what I can and can't do. Just pure unadulterated freedom. Still, a bit of apprehension lingers in the back of my mind. Nothing too remarkable, just the wonder of what this experience has in store for me. How much I will be able to stay.

They haven't explained anything, just the general idea of the show that was in the papers I had to sign. Challenges that test our boundaries, experiences that are supposed to bring us closer to each other. Damn, I'm not here for love, but if I find someone down to fool around with why the fuck not? Good thing I brought so many condoms, I don't need any girl trying to get smart with me and extort me or something.

The tap on the windows brings me back to earth.

Fucking finally!

I step out of the SUV with a smile, I have to make sure everyone notices how confident I am. They have to know who's the alpha in here. A couple of people that look like crew members rush towards me, eager to assist, but I dismiss them with a wave of my hand. I don't need their help; I am perfectly capable of handling things on my own.

"Thank you, but I think I can manage," I say with a hint of condescension in my voice. Their faces, a mix of surprise and annoyance, but I pay them no mind.

After all, their purpose here is to serve me, to cater to my every whim.

As I make my way towards the building, I can't help but revel in the power I hold. I have known from a very young age that my mere presence commands attention. It's a feeling of invincibility, a reminder of my status in the industry.

The crew members, still lingering nearby, exchange glances, probably in disbelief or frustration. I couldn't care less. In fact, I smile a little bit more.

With a confident stride, I go through the Art Deco doors of the main building, ready to conquer whatever challenges lie ahead. Leaving them behind.

I am anticipating the presence of cameras strategically placed in every corner, casting a bright light on the surroundings. Photographers, makeup crew, a photo-op. Stunning visuals to truly demonstrate how important this moment will be for the rest of my life, everyone else's. A new age of streaming TV being born in this exact moment.

But I'm greeted only by the ominous presence of the empty lobby.

There's no one, not a single soul.

It feels... anti-climatic, to say the least. But I know I have to be prepared for anything and everything, so I won't let this get in the way of my great first impression.

Someone is laughing very loudly somewhere, it comes from the left. I take a deep breath and prepare my perfect smile, then make way to the giant dark glass doors.

The space exudes elegance and sophistication, like me, obviously. Just like it was meant to be! It's the representation of luxury with its sleek lines, geometric patterns, and fancy furnishings.

A warm glow is covering everything, with dim lights perfect to create a more intimate ambiance, probably exactly what the producers need right now. It's still kind of early, probably not even seven, but I could use a drink!

There's a blonde chick behind the bar, short hair, very nice face. Dressed skimpily, pretty damn good.

She's talking to the one that's laughing at that insane volume, her mouth is so big I can probably see her molars from here. Her hair is dyed in that 2010s fashion, split dye, very outdated. Not so skimpy but at least has a decent pair.

Then, there's the guys. A tall one, dark skin, long dreadlocks and insanely good looking. He's smiling also, without a care in the world. His expression looks so nice and affable it immediately causes distrust. No one is that nice in real life! Next to him, in a chair, a short chubby dude with blonde curly hair. He's dressed in flannel which is clearly... a choice. At least won't have to deal with him by a lot, he'll probably be the first to go!

But. Is this... everyone? It can't be! The contract never said the amount but only four feels ridiculous. Maybe they haven't finished with the arrivals.

Maybe I wasn't the last after all...

And thinking it thoroughly it makes perfect sense! It would be more worth it to record people's reactions to me when they are arriving. I breath a sigh or relief. And walk towards the bar.

"Hey! Hi. Darling. Can I get a Moscow Mule?", I say in my usual irresistible tone. I'll address the others in a bit, will let them digest where they're probably recognizing me from.

"Pfft. Darling?!" The short haired blonde snorts and almost spits on my face. Then finished the cocktail she's making and hands it to the chubby one before responding. "Serve yourself dude, what the fuck? At least say hi first."

She's still chuckling as she gets out from behind the bar. I have to take a minute to respond.

"What kind of bartender...?" I start, but the fake-nice guy interjects.

"There's no bartender here bro, there's no one in the hotel. Just us."

And then it clicks. She's also one of the contestants and I just blew my chances. Fuck.

I wait a few seconds so they can break the silence, but since they seem like they're starting to go back to their conversation from before -without me-, I speak again.

"My bad, my bad! I'm used to workers running these places, you know?" I wink, she doesn't seem that upset after all and just brushes it off. Before I can say something else, I finally hear the words I have been waiting for.

"Hey aren't you... Louis? Louis Walton?" The split-hair-girl comes to my rescue and smiles at me, I feel that all the tension that had been built up in my body disappears.

"Luis Walten" I correct her, with pride. "But yeah, that's me!"

"Ooh right! You're the son of that millionaire! The online casino guy!" Says the black dude and also smiles.

And now it's finally showtime.

As the evening progresses, the atmosphere intensifies. Everyone buzzes with anticipation, a palpable energy that shows this will be at least entertaining.

Drink after drink I learn we're not the only ones. One after one more people join us after the initial confusion of the empty lobby, kind of in a similar way than what had happened to me. At first glance, it seems like the producers are willing to play mind-tricks with us from the very beginning, I have to keep my guard even more up.

I'm able to recognize some people, but most seem pretty insignificant. Nadia, from the pickingyourbrain youtube channel is here; as well as that dancing tiktoker, Jasmine.

When Owen arrives, all heads turn towards him and I can't help but feel a pinch of jealousy... That I absolutely don't express in any way, shape or form. He's big, really big. Probably on the top 10 entrepreneurs in the world right now. I have to give it to him, creating a streaming service out of kickstarter and becoming so popular is something most would aspire to. Not me tho, I already have all the money I could possibly need.

But he's... different. His online persona is perfectly catered to be the relatable guy next door that just got lucky with an idea, without even sharing a smidge of his personal life. Damn, he doesn't even use his last name!

Good thing all eyes are on him right now, good thing I know him already.

"Oh my God! Owen?" I shout, as loudly as I can, and open my arms while walking towards him.

"Heey Luis! What's up?" He responds, my smile brightens. We hug and I can feel all eyes on me in a sense of disbelief, it's beautiful.

The two most important people in the room, banded together. Just like it was meant to be.