VCT Pacific Stage 2: post-trip thoughts

Miri Maru
5 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 6 hours ago

I haven't had time to reflect on this last trip, so this post took some time..

I'm a little embarrassed of my Japanese, so I'll write my post-event thoughts in English this time😂

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Life is never perfect, but I'm always thankful for the experiences I've had☺️

2025.

It's like the year just began, but we're already in August.

Every day feels like a fleeting moment.

That's why I cherish each day even more.

(Maybe it's just a part of aging?)

I'm really, really glad I came to properly know about and eventually began rooting for Art during this past year \o/ I'm also really thankful for the time I got to interact with him during post-match fan meetings!

Though he's shy & introverted, he entertained my requests and my limited conversational Japanese...

(we opened Pokemon packs together..! and he signed my ukulele bag..! ;w;)

Despite the situation and the thoughts that may plague him,

he's still fighting, and that's what really touches my heart.

I'll continue cheering for him from the sidelines! まだまだですね！これからも応援してますよ！

#VCTPacific2025Stage2

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It hasn't been long since I became a fan,

but there's just something about Art that makes me want to root for him.

Maybe it's because of how seriously he treats the game,

and how he tries to stay focused before matches? (I had asked for a selfie sometime before their match, and he politely declined while asking if after the match is alright? Honestly at that moment, I just thought he was super cool, and was very alright with that hehe) Maybe it's because of how truly happy he looked during his ups,

and how he's been trying his best to keep his head above water during his downs?

Maybe it's because of his shy but also strong attitude?

Sometimes you can't pin-point these things, but it doesn't change the fact that I wish to keep rooting for him \^^/ #ARTWIN! #IbaninWIN!

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When I flew to Korea for VCT Pacific Stage 1 in April,

it was my first ever offline VCT experience!

I was really nervous but excited to see what it was like,

and also excited to see Art in person for the first time!

Though I didn't get to meet Art back then,

I got to see him on stage a few meters away!

It was still a great experience overall and I was happy ^w^

I also got to chat with 2 friendly American girls who sat beside me \o/

Then came VCJ sp2 in May!

I remember seeing the DFM meet & greet event being announced on Twitter,

and being sad because I couldn't buy VCJ tickets...

But due to an unexpected turn of events, a friend in Japan bought tickets for me!

So I booked my Airbnb and flight to Japan, and off I went😂

Thankfully, I got a meet & greet ticket for Art & Jinboong's session! I was so happy and so, so nervous because I've never attended a fan meet before..

I doubt Art remembers this, but during the meet & greet, he apologized for not being at the VCT Pacific Stage 1 fan meet while I was in Korea (because he was crying after the match.. ;w;;;), and said he'll definitely be there the next time!

That was why... I decided I was going to Korea for VCT Pacific Stage 2 in July😂

Honestly, when the news dropped about Art not playing, I was a little sad.

A little? Maybe quite sad.

but I felt more heartache for the emotions/thoughts he was probably going through,

than not being able to see him play.

Of course I really wanted to see him play!

But more than that, I can't imagine the weight of the entire situation on his mind,

as a pro player and as himself.

At the end of the day, if it's decided and agreed upon as a team,

true fans will gladly stay and continue supporting them \o/ #DFMWIN!

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I'm thankful I got to feel what it's like to be just a girl again,