“You really shouldn’t go,” Minji said as she glanced at Zeno. He appeared very pale, but his cheeks were flushed red, and his eyes were teary, even adding to the illusion of their sparkle.
The four of them were at the waiting shed. Eli, Minji, and Doha were waiting for the bus so they could go to their respective responsibilities, while Zeno was waiting for Bobby to come pick him up.
“I’m part of the callbacks,” Zeno explained.
“I’m sure you already know how much of a big deal this is, especially since I auditioned with the likes of Yuan, Suho Ryu, and Oska Baek. Oh, and that Daniel Byeon guy, too.”
Their eyes widened with every name that Zeno mentioned. It was the first time he had said this to them.
“What the heck? Even Oska Baek?” Minji exclaimed. “I never knew about this,” she muttered to herself.
“Dang, you’re not going to get the role,” Eli absentmindedly said, causing Minji and Doha to turn to him with wide eyes.
He covered his mouth. “Uh—that wasn’t supposed to come out.”
Minji chuckled awkwardly as he squeezed Eli’s sides, causing the latter to squeak in surprise.
“I know,” Zeno said, completely aware of where he stood. “It’s most likely that he’s going to get the main role. He’s from a big company, and his family name is prominent. Even his dad is an esteemed director.”
They stayed quiet.
“However,” he continued. “I thought they were going for the blatant choice—hold the auditions for formalities and choose him in the end. However, they actually decided on a second audition. That, in itself, means that they’re contemplating, and nothing is certain.”
“I truly want to take on this project,” Zeno continued, watching as the droplets of rain became even bigger. The wind also began feeling colder, making him shiver.
Zeno had an uncertain future. He didn’t even know where he would be after his rebellion or when he reached his deadline.
Would he finally die and rest internally? That actually doesn’t seem like a bad thing.
However, he had lived for so long that it was all he knew.
Would he burn into ashes and become fertilizer for Avalis’ shitty soil?
Would he just… disappear?
Zeno didn’t know.
He was operating on very limited time, so with that, he just decided he wanted to make use of his remaining time quite well.
“And I’m going to take this opportunity,” he muttered.
“Even at the expense of your human body?” Eli asked.
A small smirk appeared on Zeno’s lips. He didn’t answer, but they already knew what he would say.
Just then, Bobby’s old car arrived in front of the shed. He rolled down the window and gestured for Zeno to go inside.
He turned to his friends once. “I’m going,” he said before entering the car.
Doha, Minji, and Eli watched as the car drove away from them, a collective thought running inside their minds.
Their friend was so cool!
***
In the tall building of the SK channel, a group of acclaimed staff and actors gathered inside its widest room. Snacks were placed on the table, free-flowing for all.
Actors, who were already part of the confirmed cast, greeted each other with curt smiles. Old friends, those who had worked with them on previous projects, took the extra time to catch up with their lives.
Daeshim Ho arrived and was instantly greeted with deep bows.
“Director,” Hyunbin greeted with a small smile. He was going to play Minister Yoon, the punisher of the land and the uncle who would make Hajin suffer explicitly since he was a child.
“Sir Hyunbin!” Daeshim exclaimed at the older man, going in for a light hug. “Thank you for coming today despite the short notice.”
“Of course,” Hyunbin chuckled. “This is one of your biggest projects of the year! Wait, let me rephrase that—it’s one of your biggest projects ever!”
Daeshim waved his hands.
“I heard the time slot got moved,” Hyunbin whispered, leaning closer to him. “9 PM, right? That’s the heart of prime time.”
A small smile appeared on Daeshim’s lips. “How did you know?”
Hyunbin laughed out loud. He was happy that he was going to be a part of a prime time show in the biggest channel in their country.
“Of course,” he said. “There are eyes and ears everywhere.”
The two of them continued to conversate like old men while some more of the other cast members arrived.
Risa Park, in all of her glory, opened the door, and all of them turned toward her way.
“There’s our leading lady!” Daeshim exclaimed as soon as he saw her.
Risa smiled and waved at everybody in the room. As a long-time actress and A-lister, she was treated like royalty. However, she didn’t act like one. She kept bowing at the other artists, even to the staff, like a humble servant.
“Thank you for having me,” she said.
“Come and sit,” Daeshim said, patting the seat next to him. On his other side was Hyunbin.
Hyunbin and Risa exchanged warm smiles before the latter sat.
“This feels very familiar,” Hyunbin chuckled. “Just add Ian Seo into the mix, and this is Code Black!” he exclaimed.
The three of them chuckled. “Well, the two of you are perfect for the role, so we can’t help the similarities in casting.”
Just then, the door opened once more, this time revealing Shin Pyeon, the Crown Prince and father of Hajin and his brothers. He was a B-list actor who was known to take on father roles. This was the first time he was going to play someone quite cunning, and he was excited for the moment.
“Shin!” Risa exclaimed. They had acted together before, so they were familiar with each other.
After a while, the room was filled. Annie arrived not long after, and she was introduced by Daeshim as the genius writer of the show. She was greeted with a round of applause, which she didn’t take too well as her cheeks became impossibly red.
Chachi, who was in charge of keeping up with every guest, tapped Daeshim’s shoulder. “All of the confirmed cast are here, sir,” she said.
Daeshim looked around and smiled. The notable ministers, the leading lady, the Crown Prince, his wife, and the queen had all gathered inside the room. This cast was already star-studded, even if they still weren’t complete.
The actor playing the had some important business to tend to, so he wasn’t there at the moment.
“How about the prospects?” Daeshim asked.
Chachi smiled. “They’re on their way, sir,” she answered.
“Good,” Daeshim affirmed.
Right after he said those words, the door opened, revealing the actor that he was looking forward to the most.
