“Are you sure we’re going here, you young bunch?” the cab driver asked, glancing at the group of four. One looked like a bootleg version of Detective Conan, the woman appeared to be a failed star, and the guy in neon was even brighter than a life vest. The good-looking young man sitting at the front seemed quite decent, but the burnt portion of his polo also made him appear out of the ordinary.
“Yes,” Zeno said nonchalantly, handing the driver the fee. “Thank you, sir. Please keep the change.”
With that, Zeno opened the door and got out of the cab, followed by his eccentric friends. As soon as they were gone, the driver tilted his head, finding him familiar. “Isn’t he the actor that my son was cursing out yesterday night?” he muttered.
Meanwhile, Zeno’s friends looked around the packed venue with wide eyes. It was their first time doing something as big as this, and they couldn’t believe their friend would be starring in such a large-scale movie.
“We get to experience this because of Zeno,” Doha muttered, his hands clutching his fishnet tank top. Eli gulped, not wanting to appear ignorant, but his heart raced too fast. Minji, on the other hand, looked like she could cry at any moment.
“Let’s go,” Zeno said when he realized that some people were turning their way. He scanned the area until he found the entrance that didn’t have a red carpet, meant only for guests, and he directed his friends there.
However, Doha was busy taking selfies from different angles, his clothes reflecting the lights like those of a traffic officer, bringing unnecessary attention to their group. Zeno kept his head down as he led them to the entrance.
“Doha,” he warned, and thankfully, he stopped taking photos. At that moment, some fans had already noticed Zeno, even with his head low.
“Isn’t that Zeno Han?”
“I almost forgot he was in this movie.”
“Damn, he’s pretty good-looking.”
“I can’t believe he came out here when he’s one of the most hated actors at the moment.”
“Hated? You mean hottest!”
“He’s not going to walk the red carpet?”
Zeno hastened his footsteps as flashes started coming their way. However, his friends clearly enjoyed the attention, and they subconsciously posed for the cameras. He clicked his tongue and ended up dragging them to the entrance.
Finally, as they were about to enter, a familiar voice called out Zeno’s name, making him freeze.
“There he is!” Ian exclaimed from the sea of reporters. Zeno frowned and turned, finding that the crowd and reporters had parted like the Red Sea, all eyes on him. “He will steal the spotlight in the movie, for sure,” Ian added.
Zeno bit his lip and merely bowed, about to go inside, when the reporters started screaming his name.
“Zeno! An interview, please.”
“Over here! Walk the red carpet for us.”
“Tell us what you’re wearing!”
Zeno smiled politely, about to decline when he felt a hard push on his back. It was none other than Doha and his friends. He glanced back at them with wide eyes, but they all gave him a thumbs up. Zeno bit his lip harder this time. He had been betrayed.
The cameras started flashing even faster… brighter, and he realized he was already under the spotlight. His burnt polo was in full display, and people began wondering what kind of fashion statement he was attempting to make. Zeno sighed and shook his head, lifting his chin and walking through the parted crowd, utilizing his previous modeling skills to shift their attention from his burnt polo to his walk. It worked tremendously.
The crowd started taking photos of Zeno and posting them online, and soon, articles about his appearance emerged.
‘Zeno Burns Up the Red Carpet—Literally. Is Charred Chic the New It Look?’
‘Zeno Steals the Spotlight at the ‘Code Black’ Premiere’
‘Who Is He? Zeno’s Smoldering Look Has Everyone Asking’
‘Main Role Energy: Zeno Turns Heads at the ‘Code Black’ Premiere’
Of course, the comments came flooding in an instant.
– What is Zeno doing there?
– I think he’s friends with Ian!
– He’s in the movie for an extra role. Remember when he saved the crew and the actors?
– Ah, he’s that one! I honestly can’t wait to watch the film.
– I considered going to watch the film in our local cinema, but since Zeno is in it, I’m not going anymore.
Ian and Risa waited for Zeno with open arms.
“Nice polo,” Ian commented, oblivious that it wasn’t deliberate. Risa, on the other hand, felt her cheeks warm up and fanned herself with her hands.
Zeno bowed at the reporters, who were momentarily speechless. Zeno Han was actually very… attractive. It was their first time seeing him in real life, and the cameras did not do him justice.
“Greetings,” Zeno started, eager to get inside the theater as soon as possible. He spotted Manshik PD to the side, who appeared elated to see him. From his peripheral vision, he saw Selina being held back by one of her bodyguards.
Yeah, he needed to get out of there fast. Good thing Minseok’s career was toast; he wasn’t even invited. Otherwise, he had another person to avoid.
“Please continue interviewing the main actors,” he said. “I am but an extra in this film. Don’t mind me too much.”
However, the reporters weren’t letting it go.
“Answer some questions, please!”
“Are you done filming for ‘The Forsaken Prince?'”
“What do you think about the hate you’ve been receiving regarding the casting?”
“Do you stand by your non-apology?”
Ian cleared his throat. “Eyy, I’m going to sulk now. Why are you talking about another project when my movie hasn’t aired yet?”
Fortunately, that dissolved the tension a bit, and the reporters laughed. Meanwhile, Ian wrapped his arm around Zeno. “Why don’t you ask my very handsome friend one question before he leaves, huh? I can see his friends waiting for him.”
Zeno pursed his lips before nodding. Fortunately, a sensible reporter asked this time. “From which designer did you get your outfit? We just love the intricate burning on the side of the polo, showcasing your toned v-line,” she blushed.
Zeno didn’t know what to say for a moment. Should he admit it was a cheap polo from the local mall, burnt by charcoal supposedly used for barbecue? He knew they wouldn’t believe it. So, instead, he settled on one name.
“Grace Han.”