Legendary Superstar

Back at Flex Entertainment, everyone was busy as Donghyun announced that Minjae got a callback for the role that he auditioned for at Hwarang Studios.

"I can't believe Minjae got it."

"Woah! Among the established names?"

"It seems like our rookie is really not to be underestimated with."

The members of the Talent Management Department talked among themselves.

"Who would've thought he'd get noticed this quickly?" one of the junior staff said while strolling through the announcement that had been sent to their email with wide eyes.

"He's not even a year in."

"It's because of his scene in The Only Way. Minjae really stepped up on that." Another one replied

The small group of staff from the Talent Management Department crowded around the common table, their cups were filled with half-finished coffee and open notebooks scattered between them.

"This is big," their team leader, Manager Kim, finally said as he put down his tablet. "Like… game-changing big."

Everyone turned to him.

"This isn't just another rookie job. It's Hwarang Studios. If Minjae lands this role, then for sure he's going to have exposure. This means more projects would come knocking at our door."

"Yeah I agree on that." One of them agreed.

"Then we should give him everything we've got. We'll need to do full support. I'll inform the CEO for this one." Manager Kim nodded firmly from across the table.

"PR also needs to be on standby," Kim instructed. "Just in case he gets media attention again. Make sure to prepare his bio and update his profile."

"The styling team will work with him directly starting tomorrow," Kim also scrolled through the information about the current workers who were working for Minjae.

"We'll need to give Minjae clean and versatile looks. Something fresh but grounded."

"How about his training, Manager?" someone asked.

"Tell him that he'll meet one tomorrow. To help him prepare with the script. The callback is in 2 days " Kim answered. "We're assigning someone from our acting coach pool to help him break down the callback scenes. I want him ready for any version of the character they throw at him."

Another staff member stood, already typing on her phone.

"I'll reach out to the transport and scheduling team." We should show our full support on the callback day.

"Good," Manager Kim said, glancing around the table. "Let's stay on top of everything. No slip-ups."

"Yes, Manager!" the staff replied almost in unison.

The office moved quickly after that. The calls were made and the memos were sent. Even departments that usually didn't involve themselves with talent-level activities began lending support where they could.

Everyone knew what was at stake. This wasn't just about Minjae anymore. It was about Flex Entertainment's way of showing the industry why they belong at the top.

- - -

Two Days Later…

The day of the callback arrived faster than everyone expected.

Outside the Hwarang Studios building, the parking lot was already filled with black vans and neatly dressed managers.

Today wasn't like any other day.

Everyone was prepared for it as if they were attending something formals.

Assistants rushed out with tablets on their hands as if checking anything regarding the schedule. Numerous stylists were also at the location, doing some final adjustments on hair and makeup of their artist.

Unlike the first auditions, Hwarang Studios had become extra careful for today. Securities were outside, making sure that there were no cameras and reporters near the building.

However, the news had already spread to everyone that today was the final round for one of the most anticipated roles of the year.

Minjae stepped out of the van that Flex Entertainment had provided. He quietly pulled his coat closer. He was dressed extra nice for today.

Minjae's expression was calm but deep inside, he could feel a small weight on his shoulder. He knew that this was a big thing for his career.

Donghyun was with him as they both went out of the van. He was walking besides Minjae while holding his phone, informing Chanhyuk of everything that was currently happening.

"You slept well last night?"

"Yes, hyung. But I reviewed the script again this morning." Minjae nodded.

"Good," he said, checking his watch. "The person who coached you yesterday said you nailed the emotional beats yesterday. Don't overthink it today, okay? You're ready."

"Okay." Minjae breathed out slowly.

Minjae and Donghyun walked through the studio's entrance. They were greeted by a few staff who quickly guided them the way. The hallway to the audition room was long and quiet.

As they reached the waiting area, they were surprised to see that everyone was in there.

Minjae instinctively scanned the faces of those who was in the room. He recognized almost all of them. It seemed like the people who he would be fighting for the role were all established names in the industry.

Everyone was silent. Even though some knew each other, no one spoke. It was obvious that they were trying to focus themselves for the roles.

However, as Minjae continued to look at the people, one figure stood out.

It wasn't because of what he was but because of who he was.

It was Sooyun.

Sooyun was leaning against the wall just a few steps ahead, with his arms crossed over his chest. He looked nice in his navy wool coat. His hair was also pushed back in a clean style, adding a sharp and mature look to his face.

Minjae slowed just slightly. Not enough to make it obvious. Just enough to look.

However their gaze still met.

Sooyun's brows twitched the moment his eyes met Minjae's.

For a second, it looked like he wasn't sure if he was seeing things right. He straightened and uncrossed his arms, and looked Minjae up and down like he'd just stepped on something inconvenient.

"What is that guy doing here?" he muttered under his breath, just loud enough for the actor standing beside him to glance over curiously.

It was the same question that Minjae had.