Chapter:20
The rehearsal studio was full of energy. Cast and crew members filled the space, chatting in small groups, flipping through scripts, and adjusting camera setups. The air smelled of coffee, fresh paper, and anticipation.
Minho stood at the center, script in hand, his heart pounding in his chest. This was it—the first step toward proving himself as an actor, toward reclaiming his life.
Director Kim clapped his hands to gather attention. "Alright, everyone! Welcome to our first official table read for The Forgotten Melody. We have an incredible cast, and I expect nothing less than brilliance from all of you."
Minho's grip on his script tightened.
"Breathe," the system murmured.
He exhaled slowly, steeling himself.
Minho had read through the cast list beforehand, but seeing his co-stars in person made it feel real. His gaze landed on Seo Jungho—the second lead.
Jungho was an established actor, known for his intense roles and sharp features. His expression was unreadable as he leaned back in his chair, flipping through his script with a practiced ease.
Their characters in the movie were rivals, bound by music and past tragedies. Minho had a feeling their on-screen tension wouldn't need much acting.
As if sensing his gaze, Jungho looked up and smirked. "You're the rookie who's been making waves, huh?"
Minho met his eyes, refusing to back down. "And you're the veteran I'll be up against. Should be interesting."
Jungho chuckled. "Let's see if you can keep up."
The air between them crackled, drawing a few glances from their castmates.
Director Kim grinned. "I like this energy already. Let's start reading."
Elsewhere in the city, Jaehyun sat across from an industry journalist in a private lounge.
"Hyunjae's name is everywhere," the journalist said, sipping his drink. "You must have some thoughts on that."
Jaehyun smiled, the expression not reaching his eyes. "He's talented. But talent alone isn't enough in this industry."
The journalist leaned in. "Are you saying he's not ready?"
Jaehyun feigned reluctance, then sighed. "I'm just saying that leading a film is a lot of pressure. Some people crumble under expectations."
The journalist's mind was already spinning. A story was forming—doubt, speculation, whispers of an actor rising too fast.
Jaehyun took a slow sip of his drink, satisfied.
The script opened with a quiet, intimate moment—Minho's character, Jihoon, sitting at a grand piano, staring at the keys, unable to play.
Minho took a breath and read his first lines.
"What'sthepointof asongifnoonewillhearit?"
The room went silent.
His voice carried weight—pain laced in every syllable, as if Jihoon's sorrow was his own.
Even Jungho looked surprised.
Director Kim tapped his pen against the table, smiling. "Now that… that's exactly what I wanted."
Minho exhaled. His first step was a success.
Yuna stood in a dance studio, scrolling through the latest articles about Hyunjae's new role.
She bit her lip.
He was gaining recognition fast—too fast. It made her uneasy, not because she didn't think he deserved it, but because she didn't understand him.
She turned to her manager. "I want to meet him."
The manager raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because I need to know who he really is."
The table read wrapped up, and Minho stepped out of the studio, feeling the exhaustion settle in.
His phone buzzed with a notification.
A headline flashed across his screen:
IndustryExpertsDoubtHyunjae'sReadinessforLeadRole—IsHeRising Too Fast?
Minho clenched his jaw.
The industry was watching. The pressure was becoming very real.
But if they thought he would break, they had no idea who they were dealing with.
"Let them doubt," he thought. "I'll make them believe."