– I miss Zeno.
– I’m starting to think that his @Zeno account is a poser. He hasn’t posted anything at all!
– No updates from his company, too.
– Is his career dead?
– What if he’s gearing up for an ultra, mega, extra-huge project?
– …
– Nah.
– At least Code Black is bound to be released in a month or so.
– But he’s only an extra there! I need something bigger—a main role!
– Isn’t it too early to ask for that?
Bea, who was bored out of her mind, was scrolling through Sigmoid as usual. However, even then, she didn’t feel too excited. There weren’t any updates regarding Zeno.
She sighed and leaned against her hand, sighing in defeat. “I need something,” she muttered.
She kept refreshing her Sigmoid account when suddenly, it seemed like the heavens had heard her prayers.
Bea stood so fast that her chair toppled to the ground. Some of the shoppers turned toward her, but she couldn’t care less. She stared at the newly published article with wide eyes.
There were two names that caught her attention.
‘The Forsaken Prince’ and ‘Zeno.’
She wasted no time in clicking on the article.
‘Exclusive Scoop!’
‘After months of heated speculation, an insider had confirmed the official cast lineup for the highly anticipated drama adaptation of ‘The Forsaken Prince.’ Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, the story follows Hajin, a modern-day man who mysteriously transmigrates into the world of his favorite book—as none other than the illegitimate son of the king. With full knowledge of the original plot, Hajin dares to defy fate and fight for a throne that was never meant to be his.’
The King – Woon Kang
Crown Prince Wang Suk – Shin Pyeon
Minister Yoon – Hyunbin Lee
Dasom – Risa Park
Prince Yiku – Suho Ryu
Prince Seon – Oska Baek
Hajin Yi – Zeno Han
‘What do you think?’
“What do I think?” Bea exclaimed. Again, she captured the others’ attention, but there was nothing to be ashamed of. This was the greatest day of her life!
“This better be true,” she muttered, quickly checking to see the comments.
– Is this legit?
– I mean, this news page is pretty accurate. They always have the fastest insider scoops.
– This feels like a joke, though.
– I checked the date. It’s April. It might be an April Fools prank.
– It’s not the 1st, though.
– It’s ridiculous, though! There’s no other explanation. How could Zeno Han become Hajin Yi when Suho Ryu and Oska Baek were options?
‘Zeno Han is a great actor!’ Bea quickly typed, ready to defend Zeno from everyone.
– Who even is this guy?
– I honestly don’t know. Is he popular?
– He doesn’t look like Hajin Yi.
– He does, though!
– Ah, whatever. The casting is ruined. I mean, I wasn’t expecting much.
– What do you mean? This casting is literally perfect! You just haven’t seen much of Zeno Han, so you’re speaking out of your ass.
– This is a mistake. Mark my words.
– It’s not even confirmed, and you’re already causing a ruckus.
With the release of the article, ‘The Forsaken Prince’ had trended first in the entire country. As expected from one of their most beloved novels. They even called it a ‘national treasure’ because of how popular it was.
Of course, the center of discussion was the casting of the characters.
“You didn’t get the part,” the agency said to Yuan.
A small smile appeared on his lips. Then, he let out a sigh. Yuan was disappointed, of course, but at the same time, he had already instilled in his mind that he wasn’t going to get the part after seeing Zeno’s acting.
“It’s alright,” he said with a shrug. “Do you have any other projects I can take on?”
Meanwhile, in Daniel’s new apartment, he received a call while preparing his lunch.
“The SK channel had just revealed the cast for ‘The Forsaken Prince,” his manager said to the phone.
A small smirk appeared on Daniel’s lips.
“You didn’t get the part.”
Daniel’s smirk dampened a bit; however, he shrugged right after. “I expected that,” he said. “Did I get Prince Yiku, though?”
“No,” his manager answered, sounding slightly anxious.
This time, a frown graced Daniel’s forehead. That was the part that he wanted to settle with in case he didn’t get Hajin Yi. Because, deep inside, he had accepted that Oska Baek would play him.
“How about Seon? The oldest prince?” he asked.
His manager didn’t answer once again, so Daniel already had an idea. He clicked his tongue and turned away from the stove. “Who got the part?”
Daniel would be alright as long as Zeno Han didn’t get those parts. “Prince Yiku is going to be played by Suho Ryu,” his manager revealed.
Daniel smirked. “He can’t break away from his past roles,” he chuckled while shaking his head. “Poor guy.”
“So, that means that Prince Seon is going to be played by Yuan?” he asked. “It honestly doesn’t make sense. That guy looks younger. I’m also more handsome than him. But whatever, he has more experience.”
His manager cleared his throat. “No,” he said.
Daniel frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Prince Seon is going to be played by Oska Baek.”
Daniel nearly choked on air. He had to pause for a while to internalize what his manager had said. Did he hear it right?
Oska Baek as Prince Seon?
He let out a chuckle. “Yuan, the past idol, is going to be Hajin Yi? He looks nothing like him! He’s too soft. I can’t believe they cast someone so lousy for him.”
“Well, Yuan wasn’t cast at all.”
At that moment, Daniel felt like he had been hit by a boulder. However, he was still in a state of denial.
His manager’s next words, though, had sealed the deal, and a fire lit up inside his chest.
“Prince Hajin is going to be played by Zeno Han.”
Along those words, his food had also been lit on fire.
His dry, flavorless chicken breast, with no drop of oil, caught on fire and had started to become char. Then, the smoke alarm started blaring. However, it was no competition to the thumping of his heart in his ears.
It echoed once more in his ears.
Prince Hajin is going to be played by Zeno Han.