Scene: A Sunset Café in Zagreb, Croatia — Summer Evening
Joe Jukic sits across from Justin Bieber, sipping a strong espresso while the Croatian sun melts behind the red-tiled roofs. A crowd of curious locals lingers at a respectful distance. No phones out. No flashes. Just eyes. Joe smiles, soaking in the respect.
Joe Jukic (leaning in):
“Listen, Biebs. Back home in Canada, you’re a zero now. Same as me. But here in Croatia? I’m the ONE.”
Justin raises an eyebrow, half amused, half offended.
Justin Bieber:
“You’re really saying that?”
Joe Jukic (nods, dead serious):
“Yeah, and it’s not about fame or streams. It’s about peace. Dignity. Respect. Out here, the people know what matters.”
Justin (defensive):
“Man, I can’t even step out of a car without someone snapping pics. I just want to live.”
Joe (firm, visionary):
“Exactly. And that’s why when I’m in Croatia, I’m drafting new paparazzi laws. You want to photograph someone? You ask permission. Otherwise—fine, lawsuit, banned. No exceptions.”
Justin:
“You’re serious?”
Joe (growing solemn):
“Diana died because of that madness. Flashbulbs in a tunnel. Driver under pressure. Whole world chasing her like a deer in headlights. That can’t happen again. Not here.”
Joe pauses, watching the distant church bells begin to ring.
Joe:
“In Croatia, we’ve had enough chasing. We chase dreams now, not people. You want a future where your wife, your kids, your peace aren’t hunted—come here. Help me pass the laws. Make this the safe zone for celebrities who’ve had enough.”
Justin (quietly):
“…You might be onto something.”
Joe (smiling):
“I’m not onto something. I am something. And in Croatia, that means something again.”
The two clink tiny coffee cups, while a respectful hush falls over the crowd. For once, the cameras stay off.
