Alina finally agreed and both of them reached the address were auditions were going to take place, It was too far from Alina's dorm yet surprisingly close to the cafe.
The building looked every bit like it belonged to someone powerful tall glass windows, a polished marble lobby that was shining due to the reflection of lights, sound that echoed with footsteps, and the atmosphere were so serious that both of them got afraid. Because it wasn't just an office, it felt like a place where decisions could change life.
Maya pushed the glass door open with her remaining confidence or you can just say that they both are pretending to be. tugging Alina along, The cool air conditioning swept over them as they stepped inside, the faint scent of fresh flowers and coffee drifting in the background.
Both of them switching their heads side by side or simply say that both of them were confused. The receptionist sat behind a wide desk, her smile professional but polite. ''Auditions?'' she asked.
Maya answered before Alina could even nod. ''Yes, she's here for it.'' she said it cheerfully, nudging her friend forward
Alina doubtful though if some stranger came into such big office like this, shouldn't usually someone ask, do you have any appointment or you're here to meet someone?
how did she know that we were here for auditions? Alina asked her friend
''By looking to our face anyone can say that'' Maya whispered her And both of them passed forced smile to each other.
The receptionist clicked something on her computer then handed them a visitor pas. ''seventh floor. Take the elevators on your right''
Maya snatching the pass before Alina could react ''Seventh floor, huh?''
Alina just took a deep breath, her heart started beating a little faster as they walked towards the elevators, the weight of the moment pressing heavier with every step she take.
The seventh floor of Arden Entertainment felt like another world. A broad corridor gleamed under white lights, its walls lined with tall posters of movies and campaigns Kai Arden had once headlined. Faces of elegance and power, his name printed in bold silver letters at the bottom. The kind of building where every shadow reminded you this wasn't just about work ...it was about dreams.
The waiting area was packed with hope, confidence and dreams. Basically it was divided into three one for writers who are clutching folders like lifelines. and another for Nervous actors rehearsing lines under their breath. and lastly Models checking their reflections in phone screens. And in the middle of it all, sat Maya and Alina.
Alina hadn't realized where Maya had dragged her into. To her, it was just tall building in the city, polished and intimidating in a way that made her fingers tighten around the manuscript she carried. She told herself it doesn't matter.. it was just an audition , just another chance to try
The walls were lined with glossy posters.. movie stills... drama promotions... magazine covers.... all bearing the same name in bold letters... KAI ARDEN!
For a moment, she simply blinked , trying to make sense of it Of course she though ... He's a famous actor.. It makes sense that his face would be everywhere. Just branding , Just image. But the more she looked, the harder it was for her to tolerate. His name was on the walls, his posters framed.... It wasn't just branding ... it was presence. his was his space.
Maya, restless, tapping her knee, scrolling on her phone to distract herself. Alina, composed on the surface, but her fingers tightened around her manuscript until her knuckles paled. Maya leaned closer, whispering, "Relax. You've got this."
Alina's lips pressed tight. She didn't answer.
Just then, a ripple passed through the hall. Conversations dipped, postures straightened. All eyes darted toward the man who had just stepped out of the far office.
Kai Arden.
He walked right across the waiting area, No introductions were needed. His aura arrived before him sharp, cold, unapologetic. Tall frame wrapped in an impeccable charcoal suit, steps deliberate, His expressions unreadable as he moved past the group of nervous hopefuls sitting with their scripts. He didn't scan the crowd, He didn't glare at anyone, just crossed the room with an ai that made everything else blur. Silence followed him like a loyal shadow.
Maya's jaw slackened. ''Who the hell is this Greek statue in human form?''
Alina, on the other hand, felt her blood boil. Here he is, not a voice behind a curtain, not a name on the poster... but in real. Just one glance was enough to sting. She didn't see the star. she saw the arrogance, the dismissive man who thought writing was effortless, replaceable.
Kai passed by without a word, his cologne trailing behind like a signature. People held their breaths, as though exhaling too loudly would offend him.
Maya blinked rapidly, then whispered, "Holy crap, he's… wow."
Alina's teeth clenched. wow? How can people be so blinded by a pretty face? they praise his looks , fame , his charm but what about his character? what about the person who is hiding behind a mask A man with no manners, what's the use of beauty if the soul behind it is hollow?
A few minutes later, when Kai disappeared down the hall, Maya muttered, "I need the bathroom. Don't run away." She stood and stretched, heading toward the corridor. Trying to search the bathroom. Maya wasn't gone long and decided to take Alina along herself when she turned back and realize she wasn't there...
Alina wasn't in her seat. her seat was empty.
Where did she..?
Then she saw it!
Alina was inching towards the door that bore a brass nameplate ''Kai Arden''
Maya froze her heartbeat, her mouth parting in disbelief. No way. She wouldn't actually....
But she was.
Alina gaze darted around, checking if anyone was watching before she reached out for sleek handle of his office door. She looked like someone at war
Maya's eyes widened . This girl is really trying to break into the lion's den
"Alina! Wait—!" she hissed under her breath.
But before she could reach her and stopped her from going there, another figure entered the scene. A person whom she wasn't expecting to be here.
Ryan.
Tall, composed, holding a neat stack of files against his arm, his ID card swinging against his chest. His presence was quieter than Kai's, but no less commanding like a man used to running things smoothly. His steps were quick, professional, his gaze already fixed ahead on the same direction Alina was sneaking.
What is he doing here? he works here? ...does he ? She was trying to convince herself that her destiny was this.
Maya's eyes widened in panic.
Oh no. Oh no no no. If Ryan catches her, Alina's dream is over before it even starts!
In that split second, Maya's instincts kicked in. She did the only thing she could think of she threw herself directly into Ryan's path. He halted sharply, brows furrowing as he barely avoided spilling his papers. "What the....''
"Hi!" Maya blurted, her voice unnaturally high-pitched. "Good morning, Mr… uh… Handsome''
''What are you doing here? He asked . Just because I ignore you in the elevator doesn't mean you should follow me here''
Maya laughed nervously, Follow you? even if I was chasing someone I wouldn't go to that extend I was just..... appreciating how shiny your shoes are looking. Where do you polish them? They look like mirror.
Ryan blinked once. Slowly. His jaw flexed. "…Move."
Maya plastered on her most dazzling smile, heart hammering. "Why so serious? It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining...maybe not here as we are we're indoors, but spiritually the sun is shining"
Ryan stepped to the side. Maya sidestepped with him.
He stepped to the other side. She mirrored.
His nostrils flared. "What are you trying to do''
Maya laughed nervously, spreading her arms like a human barrier. "Just… uh, stretching. Yeah. Stretching right here. Coincidentally… in front of you."
Ryan stared at her, deadpan. "…You're insane."
"Thank you!" she chirped. Then winced. "Wait, that wasn't a compliment, was it?"
she was so nervous that she did the unthinkable. She leaned forward, lowering her voice to a mock-flirt. "You know… I've always had a thing for guys who carry folders. So… professional."
Ryan blinked once. His lips pressed thin. "…You're unbelievable."
Maya grinned wider, though sweat trickled down her neck. ''Keep him distracted, keep him distracted''
Ryan adjusted the stack of files in his hand, jaw locked, eyes sharp. His whole vibe screamed I don't have time for this nonsense.
Maya, on the other hand, leaned casually against the wall like she owned the building. Inside, though? Her heartbeat was punching against her ribs. Come on, Maya. Stall him. Just stall him until Alina's done. Be the best best-friend shield in history.
Ryan exhaled slowly through his nose, like he was already done with her existence.
"Step aside."
Maya tilted her head, flashing a cheeky grin. "Why? ever since I shifted here, you never talked with me, after all we are neighbors. come on, that's absolutely okay, we can have a normal chat''
Ryan gave her a blank stare. The kind of stare that could wither flowers. ''I don't answer questions to strangers plus…I'm working."
"Really?" she gasped dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "You? Working? I never would've guessed. I thought you were….auditioning for the role of Most Serious Man Alive."
One of his eyebrows ticked upward. Just slightly. "And you're auditioning for… what, exactly? Class Clown?"
Maya leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Between you and me, I'd win that role easily."