A room was filled with silence.
Chairs stood neatly in rows, occupied by a total of eleven people.
Some scrolled through their phones, others murmured amongst themselves, and a few quietly practiced their lines. They were all auditioning for a minor role in the popular webtoon adaptation, Beautism.
Every person in the room was handsome and fairly well known—idols, actors, martial artists, and models. Among them, an idol from famous Kpop group, UTO seemed to pique the staff's interest. But there was someone else who stood out.
In the far corner, a tall man sat scrolling on his phone. He had sharp, masculine features and a well-built frame. On his screen played clips of LoverBoyz, a newly-debuted rookie boy group from Circle Entertainment.
A familiar yet unfamiliar face appeared.
"He's gotten extremely handsome," Byuongho muttered, watching fan edits and performances of Junho. One video showed Junho smiling, flicking his thumb across his lower lip, and winking. The clip was slowed down and matched with a popular thirst-trap song, making it ten times more alluring.
He scrolled through the comments:
OMG! He's so fine! Who is he?
AHHHHHHH what is this?!
His name is Junho Kim. He's a member of LoverBoyz.
I hope God blesses me with a boyfriend who looks like this.
My eyes have been blessed!
That was so damn sexy! I'm a fan now!
Byungho glanced at Junho's K-profile. His brows shot up.
He's 180? He grew three centimeters? What is he eating? How is it possible to change so much in just a few months?
Scrolling further, the headlines shocked him:
'My Drip' takes 2nd place on the Daos Charts
New boy group LoverBoyz is taking netizens by storm
LoverBoyz's 'My Drip' album surpasses 1 million copies sold
Will LoverBoyz reach the same heights as ARCADE?
The handsome white-haired boy, Junho, is stealing everyone's hearts
"Damn… Junho is really killing it. One million copies as rookies?" He whispered.
"Byuongho Joon Lee!"
He looked up, startled. A high-ranking staff member stood at the door. Byungho shot up from his seat.
Crap! I totally forgot to review my lines. Damn it!
He hurried inside. And felt his soul leave his body.
Eight people sat waiting, each one with an aura of authority.
There they were—the kind of gathering people only read about. The legendary director Joong-ki, his sharp eyes scanning him up and down.
Beside him, Souyun Park, the actress whose very presence drew quiet stares, her beauty so effortless it almost seemed unfair as she gave him an elegant smile.
Bo Gum, often called one of the most captivating men in the industry, leaned back in his seat, flashing that easy smile that had made half the country fall for him.
And then there was Drum, the towering actor-idol from Icon 1, his sharp and dazzling features and magnetic aura making him stand out even in a room full of visuals.
He immediately felt overwhelmed by their presence.
Why the heck did I agree to this? There's no way I can land this role. They're all A list celebs. And Drum-The Drum is here!
He steadied himself, keeping a poker face, and bowed.
"Hello. My name is Byuongho Joon Lee," he introduced himself.
The evaluators immediately sized him up.
He's about as tall as me, Drum thought, his sharp eyes scanning the newcomer.
He fits the character's image. Out of all the applicants, he looks the best, Bo Gum analyzed silently.
Souyun Park gave the slightest nod. Handsome, tall—exactly what we're looking for.
Director Joong-ki leaned forward, studying Byuongho as if examining a rare find. There was something about him—an alluring, manhwa-like presence, the kind of charisma that seemed to leap straight off the page.
"His looks are exactly what we need," Souyun Park whispered.
"I agree," Drum murmured.
"He passes the physical evaluation," Bo Gum added decisively.
"The character, Kenzo, is tall, good-looking, and muscular," Joong-ki mused aloud. "The only flaw is that his skin is a little too pale."
Screenwriter Gayoung leaned in. "That's nothing a bit of tanner can't fix."
The panel murmured in agreement, already envisioning him as the character.
Byuongho pursed his lips, heat creeping up his neck.
What are they whispering about—?
"We'll begin," the director announced at last, glancing at Drum.
His heart slammed against his ribs.
Drum rose from his chair with effortless confidence and came to stand beside him, casting a long shadow.
Screw this! I don't want to do this! Byungho's mind screamed, his pulse racing. He wanted to run, to vanish, but the moment demanded something else.
And then—like a switch had been flipped—he snapped into character. His spine straightened, his jaw tightened, his eyes sharpened with sudden resolve.
"Oi! Daniel," he said, his voice low but carrying, edged with steel. "I got rid of the bad people."
He folded his arms across his chest, the panic in his veins masked by a mask of cool defiance.
The line, simple on paper, came alive with weight and authority, like a challenge hurled into the room.
That's so Kenzo-like, Editor Tuuvo thought, his eyes widening in surprise. He hadn't expected the auditioner to slip into character so quickly and naturally.
He turned his head.
Beside him, screenwriter, Gayoung's lips were pressed into a thin line, the corners threatening to curve upward. Her excitement was palpable—barely restrained, shimmering in her gaze.
Daniel(Drum) lifted his gaze, slipping into character with ease. "Good job, Kenzo. But things will get more complicated," he replied in a low, leader-like tone, his eyes distant as though plotting their next move.
"How so?" Kenzo(Byuongho) stepped closer, his sharp gaze locking onto Drum's, intensity radiating from his posture.
Daniel lowered his head, brushing his hair back with quiet resolve. "You trust me, right?"
"Of course," Kenzo answered without hesitation.
His eyes glimmered with loyalty and respect so convincingly that the panel leaned forward unconsciously.
The director Joong-ki nodded, lips curving in approval.
"This is good," Souyun Park whispered, her eyes never leaving Byuongho.
"Then you'll understand that I can't tell you," Daniel said quietly.
Kenzo froze, his tongue darting across his lips.
That flicker of hesitation looked natural—believable, like something Kenzo himself would do.
Several panelists smiled behind their hands.
"Very well." Kenzo gripped Daniel's shoulder firmly, his voice steady and heartfelt as he declared, "Whatever happens, I'm always on your side, Daniel."
Drum's mouth parted slightly, caught off guard by the depth in the delivery. The way this actor's voice carried—controlled, sincere—made the line feel real.
He's the first auditioner to meet me at eye level, Drum realized. No… he's a little taller.
The panel exchanged knowing glances, some stifling smiles of approval.
Daniel(Drum) gave a small, genuine smile and covered Kenzo's hand with his own. "Thanks, Kenzo."
Byungho's heart skipped, but he stayed in character, his intensity unwavering even as the moment closed.
The panel broke into applause—unexpected, unplanned, but completely genuine.
Drum broke character and extended his hand.
Byuongho took it immediately, bowing deeply.
"Good job," Drum praised.
Byuongho chest bloomed with pride. "Thank you, sunbaenim."
Drum returned to his seat, but his eyes lingered for a moment, still impressed.
"Thank you, Byuongho, for your audition," the director said, his tone warmer than before. "We have your information—you'll find out later tonight if you got the role."
Byungho nodded firmly. "Thank you."
He bowed once more before exiting the room, shutting the door a little too quickly behind him. The moment he stepped into the hallway, he exhaled like he had been holding his breath for hours.
I'm so glad it's over. I'm never doing that again.
By the time he made it outside, the cool air hit his face. He leaned against the wall, dragging a hand down his cheek.
"That was so stressful…" he muttered. His stomach twisted—not from hunger, but from sheer embarrassment.
Just a few days earlier…
Byungho had been standing shirtless under bright studio lights. His defined abs and broad chest drew gasps and excited chatter from the photography staff. Camera shutters clicked nonstop. Compliments flew at him from every angle.
Still, one woman on set seemed especially stunned, her jaw hanging open as she stared at him.
After the shoot wrapped up, Byungho pulled his shirt back on, checked his phone, and saw his balance jump.
1,000,000 won deposited. (≈ $700)
"Excuse me," a voice called.
An older woman, well-dressed and confident, stepped toward him. "Would you like the chance to become an actor?"
He froze, unsure how to answer.
"Do you know Beautism?" she asked.
Byungho nodded.
Of course he knew it. The webtoon was massively popular—a violent, stylish story of school gangs, pretty privilege, and raw power.
"Do you know Kenzo?"
Another nod.
Kenzo—one of the main character Daniel Kim's closest friends. A martial artist with a strong sense of justice. A fan favorite.
"How would you feel about auditioning for him?" the woman asked with a knowing smile.
And the rest… was history.
Now, standing outside that suffocating audition room, all Byungho wanted to do was crawl into a hole and never come out.
Why did I do it? Maybe I was desperate. Maybe I just wanted… more.
At least they nicely rejected me.
His stomach growled loudly, breaking his thoughts. He rubbed his face with both hands, groaning as he started walking down the road.
—
Inside the room, however, the panel was buzzing.
"He's one of the best so far!" screenwriter Gayoung said with a giddy smile.
"Did you see how he walked in?" Editor Tuuvo chimed in. "He commanded the room without even trying. He didn't look nervous for a second. He came in ready for business."
"Let's not even talk about his looks," Producer Kang Ta-yuh added. "He passes with flying colors."
"He fits the character's physical description, and he's good at acting," added, Souyun Park.
"I agree. He looked great standing next to Drum—no small feat when Drum's already absurdly handsome," Bo Gum added with a grin.
"I still think Kim Jiwoong is the best fit for the role," another voice interrupted.
Everyone turned.
It was none other than the reputable director Kim Soo-in—a legend in the industry, known for multiple award-winning films and countless box office hits.
"The male lead—Drum—needs to shine. He's the centerpiece. But the last auditioner made Drum look… ordinary. Drum is very tall, he should look more commanding--and better. And not to mention Jiwoong is a very good actor."
Bo Gum leaned forward, with a slight frown. "With respect, no one can make Drum look ordinary."
"I know," Director Soo-in said evenly. "But what's the auditioner's name?"
"Byuongho," Gayoung supplied.
"Yes. Byuongho." Director Soo-in's voice carried weight. "What I meant is that when Drum stands beside him, He doesn't look as impressive. They're the same height. That balance shifts the visual dynamic—and Drum is supposed to dominate the screen."
Main director Joong-Ki nodded. "That's a fair point."
"Besides," Director Soo-in continued, "Jiwoong already has a strong fanbase. His casting alone guarantees viewership."
Kang Ta-yuh frowned. "We already have our A-listers—Souyun Park, Bo Gum, and Drum. That's more than enough star power."
The three sat beneath the panel's gaze like living sculptures.
Souyun Park radiated innocent beauty—milky skin, dark hair, elegant features, standing tall at 168 cm.
Bo Gum's soft, masculine charm and dazzling smile filled the room. At 182 cm, he towered confidently.
And Drum—handsome, charismatic, with sharp features and flawless skin—stood tallest at 188 cm, his aura magnetic.
The panel stared, briefly lost in their presence.
"But he doesn't have any acting experience," Director Soo-in pressed.
"He seemed promising," editor Tuuvo offered. "How much experience does he actually have?"
"None," Main director Joong-Ki admitted.
The room grimaced.
"None?!" Gayoung exclaimed.
"I agree with Director Soo-in," Bo Gum slowly nodded, changing his mind. "Jiwoong is a professional. I've worked with him personally. He'll make Drum shine, not overshadow him. That's what matters."
Tuuvo nodded. "Exactly. This isn't the place to debut rookies."
Murmurs of agreement spread.
One by one, heads nodded.
Souyun Park folded her hands. "Byuongho might be talented, but this project is too big for him. He'll struggle."
"All in favor of Kim Jiwoong?" Main Director Joong-Ki asked, raising his hand.
Hands went up around the table—Bo Gum, Souyun Park, Tuuvo, Soo-in, nearly everyone.
Drum reluctantly lifted his as well.
Only Gayoung and one other person remained still.
Kim Taugun, the creator of Beautism, leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. His gaze was sharp, deliberate. "I vote for Byuongho."
The room froze.
Taugun never remembered an auditioner's name—ever. He referred to them as "the tall one," "the nervous one," "the one with the nice eyes." But now… he had spoken a name. Clearly. With intent.
"Even without acting experience?" Main Director Joong-ki, asked cautiously.
Taugun nodded. "If you looked at his profile it says he's a black belt in martial arts. The actor who plays Kenzo will need to train in martial arts anyway—and it's not easy. When I first saw him walk in, I immediately thought, That's Kenzo. I'd rather cast someone who looks exactly like the character and already has the skills than an experienced actor who doesn't fit my character's image."
"I agree," Editor Tuuvo said carefully. "But this could be very stressful for someone with no acting background. And if we do give him the role… he'll become really famous overnight."
Taugun smiled drily. "He's a rookie? Perfect. That means we save money by hiring him. Even more reason to recruit him."
"Acting and sports are not the same," Director Soo-in shot back. "Next to Bo Gum, Souyun Park, and Drum, he'll look like a child playing dress-up. Not everyone handsome belongs on screen."
The panel murmured in agreement.
But Taugun didn't flinch. "I created Kenzo. Byuongho is exactly what I envisioned. He did well in the audition, his visuals match the character, and he has the martial arts foundation. He is Kenzo."
"I still disagree," Director Soo-in said flatly.
"You won't change my mind," Kim Taugun countered, his tone final. "This is my webtoon. You're only able to make this show because I gave my permission."
The panel fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on them.
Kim Taugun pushed back his chair and stood. "I've already chosen who will play Kenzo. There's no reason for me to stay any longer."
Without another glance, he walked out, leaving the room in stunned quiet.
Joong-ki, exhaled slowly and turned his attention to the profile sheet in front of him.
Byuongho Joon Lee
Height: 190cm
- Former HY-BE trainee, part of debut lineup
- Ranked top 8 in every evaluation
- Former SYP trainee
- Trainee for 4 years
- 1st place—National Martial Arts Tournament
- 1st place—International Martial Arts (Teens Division)
Joongki studied the attached photo.
Sharp, masculine features. Strong brows and piercing eyes. Skin smooth and pale as porcelain. He didn't just look like a manhwa character—he looked like Kenzo himself, pulled straight from the pages.
–
*In english "All you've done for the past 48 hours is sleep and eat," Alejun complained, arms crossed. "Did you two have some kind of hot night or what?"
Diego groaned from under his blanket.
"What is this, hibernation? Stop being lazy, you—"
A sudden noise cut him off.
"Shut up," someone muttered as they grabbed Alejun by the arm and tugged him toward the door, shutting it gently behind them.
Kai shifted under the covers. "Bro, I love you, but not right now." He buried his face deeper into the blankets.
Diego yawned and mumbled.
Kai blinked.
His vision was blurry.
"Time is it?"
Diego with his eyes closed fumbled for his phone before giving it to Kai.
Kai blinked his eyes trying to focus on the bright screen.
"Damn! It's time for dinner," His vision focusing.
Kai got up and brushed his teeth.
He returned to room and saw Diego still sleeping on the bed.
He jumped and flopped on the bed.
Diego inhaled deeply before blinking his eyes open.
"Gosh, I'm so tired," he murmured in a sleepy voice, shifting closer to Kai. "How long have we slept?"
Kai mumbled into the pillow, "Seventeen hours?"
"That's not bad," Diego muttered, already asleep again.
"Oi!"
The door burst open.
Both Kai and Diego cracked their sleepy eyes open at the intruder.
"Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up!" Alejun sang out, clapping his hands in rhythm.
Before they could react, he launched himself onto the bed.
"Ow! Alejun!" Diego yelped as the mattress dipped.
Alejun wriggled his way right between the two of them with no hesitation.
"Alejun!" his mother's voice called from the hallway. In Spanish, "¡Deja a tu hermano y a su amigo en paz!" (leave your brother and his friend alone)
In Spanish, "¡No te preocupes, ya están despiertos!"(Don't worry, they're awake) Alejun shouted back, grinning.
He leaned over and planted a dramatic kiss on Kai's forehead before snuggling against him.
Kai, still dazed and groggy, blinked in confusion.
"Come on, guys! It's time to eat!" Alejun announced, patting Kai's head like he was a pet.
Diego groaned, pulling the blanket over his face.
–
The stage lit up.
The audience erupted into cheers as a group of dazzling women walked gracefully onto the stage.
Each of their faces flashed on the big screen one by one. The loudest cheers went to a tall beauty with video-game-like pink hair and striking features. She smiled and waved to her fans, her presence magnetic.
"DANA! NAJIKO! DAHIRA! MIYEON! COCO!" the crowd shouted in unison.
"Hello!" the members greeted together, bowing slightly. "We are Les Fleurs!"
They each made a heart with their hands, sending it toward the crowd. Fans screamed in delight.
In Japanese Najiko stepped forward, her short hair bouncing as she leaned toward the mic. "Are there any Japanese fans here today?"
"Yes!!" voices rang out from the crowd.
Najiko clapped her hands and hopped excitedly, her mini jump making the other members laugh at her cuteness.
"Hello, Blossoms!" Dana, the leader, said warmly. "Are you ready for today's performance?"
"YESSS!" the fans roared.
"Then let's get started!"
The energy in the arena soared as the members took their positions. The lights dimmed, and the audience hushed with anticipation.
A familiar melody burst from the speakers, the stage washed in soft pink light. The song — known for its unique sound, iconic choreography, and viral TikTok clips — was the track that had catapulted Les Fleurs into stardom.
As the gentle yet upbeat rhythm echoed across the venue, even the staff backstage found themselves mesmerized.
"This song is so good."
"It went viral on TikTok!"
"Just wait for the iconic part…"
The beat dropped.
The cheers shook the stadium as Dahira, the group's visual and powerhouse vocalist, strode to the center. She flipped her hair, her movements confident and captivating, drawing a roar from the fans.
She swayed her hips side to side, commanding the stage with effortless charisma. The other members held still, waiting for their cue before joining her on the second chorus, amplifying the energy.
"OMG! OMG! OMG!!"
"AHHHHHHHHH!!"
"I CAN'T HANDLE THIS!!"
Each member radiated their own charm, blending seamlessly into the performance's rhythm.
Finally, as the song reached its climax, two members dropped to one knee while the other three stood tall, striking their final pose with perfect synchronization.
The crowd went wild.
Cheers were deafening.
Backstage, staff and fellow artists couldn't hold back their admiration — clapping and shaking their heads in awe.
"Les Fleurs really are unstoppable."
After the performance, the members of Les Fleurs dragged themselves back to the dorms, too drained to talk. Their manager dropped them off with a soft, "Good work today," before disappearing into the night.
Dahira lay on her bed, the weight of exhaustion pressing down, but her phone screen kept glowing in her hand. She stared at it blankly.
"Why are you staring at your phone like that?" Najiko asked from across the room, tugging her blanket up.
Dahira blinked, quickly locking the screen.
"I don't know. I'm just tired," she mumbled, rolling over.
But as soon as Najiko turned away, Dahira unlocked her phone again.
At the top of her messages was a contact she had disguised as: Kitty.
Me:Hey Kai, I just heard what happened. I'm so sorry. I can't imagine the pain you're in.
Kitty:Don't worry about it. Life happens. I'm glad you're doing great—I hear your songs everywhere.
Me:Thanks. What's your plan now? I know things are a little messy.
That was the last time he had replied. A month ago. Since then, nothing.
Still, she kept messaging.
Me:Hey Kai, how are you?
(no response)
Me:I'm in practice right now with my members. What are you doing?
(no response)
Me:Taking a water break. What are you up to?
(no response)
Me:[sends a picture of the city skyline] Isn't the view incredible?
(no response)
Me:Hey Kai… are you doing okay? You mean a lot to me, and if I offended you, I'm sorry. You're my dearest friend.
(message still unread)
Her only friend outside the industry hadn't replied. And the silence stung.
Yes, she was close with her members. They laughed, trained, and leaned on each other. But Kai… Kai had been her anchor when she was struggling with the industry's cruelty. Now that he was the one struggling, all she could do was talk into silence and hope he could feel her words, even if he never answered. When the weight of fame felt suffocating. When she just needed someone who saw her as Dahira, not Les Fleurs' visual.
Now he was ghosting her.
She turned toward the window, gazing at the dark sky. In its reflection, a familiar face appeared in her mind—dark hair, porcelain skin, warm light-brown eyes. That attractive smile, those soft lips. His personality even more irresistible than his looks.
He was, without question, the most handsome man she had ever met.
But without him, she had no one beyond this glittering, isolating industry. A place where everyone was cautious, fake, or cold. Where trust felt like a luxury she couldn't afford.
Her screen dimmed, and in the reflection of the black glass, she saw her own eyes. Silent tears spilled down her cheeks as the weight of loneliness pressed into her chest.
She didn't want to feel this alone.