"Ro Min, you sure it's okay to do this without telling your company?"
Cheongdam—a neighborhood whose very name oozed class and luxury. That was the image Ha Moo-young had in mind. But now that he was actually here, it wasn't all that different. Just a slightly cleaner residential vibe.
Moo-young glanced at Go Kyung-min, who was driving.
Is he saying that from the company's perspective?
After passing the audition info to Ro Min, everything had fallen into place naturally. Enbin had reached out to PD Lee Yu-jin on Ro Min's behalf and vouched for him.
"That's exactly why they're being so cautious, right?"
"Come on. If the guy's that eager, a big agency like theirs would probably let him go for it."
"They said it'd hurt his image if he got tagged as a bad actor. And honestly, I think they've got a point."
It had been genuinely shocking to watch in person, after all.
"What about you? You okay with this, Moo-young?"
"Me? Why wouldn't I be?"
"Think about it—you're basically rivals. If helping him out backfires, you'll be the one feeling the burn."
Unlike Ro Min, who'd landed the audition solely on the Zero Team name despite serenading in the broadcast hall, Moo-young had turned it down when they offered a solo slot. Ro Min had insisted on group auditions instead.
"I'm fine. If he'd snagged the role just on name value, he'd already be shooting something else by now."
Besides, their goals weren't the same. Moo-young was gunning for the lead, Ro Min for the Little Mermaid Prince. Same direction, different destinations—why not help each other along the way?
"Plus, Ro Min helped me out too. Feels right to return the favor."
"If you're cool with it, then fine. But please, for the love of god, don't go rogue behind the company's back. We'll back whatever you need. Got it?"
He sounded like a worried parent fretting over a kid who'd just made a mischievous new friend. Moo-young burst out laughing and pointed ahead.
"Hyung, looks like we're here."
A stylish sign reading Chun Rang came into view. Famous spot in Cheongdam, apparently... though Moo-young had no clue what they actually did. Not hair and makeup, that much was sure.
"Is that Ro Min?"
"Who? That guy?"
A man stood in front, hat, sunglasses, and mask making his face a mystery. Moo-young leaned out the window, and the guy waved him in.
"Yup, that's him. Why didn't he just tell us to drive in?"
"Go on ahead. I'll park and catch up."
"Neeeng!"
Screech! As Moo-young hopped out, Ro Min bounded over with a grin and led him inside like an old pro.
"Thanks for coming. I was stressing about how to get here without a license. Taxi felt too iffy."
"No biggie. Was on my way anyway. But aren't you done for the day?"
With no manager tagging along, they'd planned to ride together. That's why Moo-young had swung by for pickup...
"Pretty much, yeah. What about you, hyung?"
"Me? I just got th—"
"Don't say 'this done.'"
Ro Min cut him off flat. Was it that bad? He'd shelled out top dollar at the neighborhood salon, even.
Moo-young shuffled inside, sheepish, as the staff welcomed them warmly.
"Ro Min! Where've you been?"
"Just stepped out. Hyung, say hi. This is the director—best in Cheongdam, handles me personally."
"Aigoo, now you're laying it on thick."
"Noona, take good care of my hyung."
"Huh? Me? Really?"
"Come on, this way. Sit."
Moo-young was practically dragged to the chair. Instead of the usual salon chemical whiff, a soft, sweet floral scent lingered.
The director fussed over his hair, muttering.
"Makeup's a bit smudged too. Redo?"
"Uh, Ro Min, we're kinda short on time?"
And broke, kid!
Ro Min just winked, signaling to chill.
"That's why we met early. Director'll knock it out in thirty, tops."
He mimed zipping his lips—huge celeb discount here. Civilians faced endless waitlists and fat bills, but stars? Different story.
Events mean photos everywhere. Walking billboards, basically.
"Eyes closed."
Moo-young obliged gently. She had no idea—even top designers didn't get director hands-on like this, no wait.
"Hyung, listen up while she works."
"Huh? To what?"
"Know your enemy, win every time. Good to know who's auditioning ahead, right?"
"Uh, sure?"
Acting auditions weren't like you could scheme much knowing opponents. But it beat surprises—maybe highlight their weak spots if luck held.
"Enbin-hyung fibbed to his company about interest to dig this up. Was gonna push me originally."
After linking Ro Min with PD Lee Yu-jin, Enbin had bowed out, citing a change of heart. Zero Team's bond ran deeper than most idols', probably why they'd hit the top.
"Anyway, you should hear it too."
Ro Min beamed and spilled the intel—whisper-quiet. But the depth...
Big agency through and through.
* * *
"What do you think, PD?"
Drama production meeting room. Women's roles auditioned mornings, men's afternoons. One-at-a-time format, slated for a full week.
PD Lee Yu-jin flipped files, replying.
"Song A felt right."
"Her soft speech made the lines flow smooth. Pale skin too. Man, these kids are pretty these days."
"But Song A's comeback overlaps, yeah? Hair might clash."
"Talk to her agency. Top priority sans comeback. Agreed?"
"One vote yes."
"Me too. Pyo Rai for the other."
"Real-life prettier than screen. Fun vibe on cam, but cooler up close—surprising."
PD, writer, and production reps huddled, hashing out female lead and sidekick friend roles.
The writer groaned, tossing her head back mid-debate.
"Why's this project turning into total idol central?"
She knew vets shunned it, but this much? Half applicants mid-to-small idols, half rookies.
"Don't knock it. Kids act solid now, huge fandoms. Ads'll stick."
"Ugh, whatever."
She'd vowed a smash hit. Getting snubbed at casting? Soul-crushing. She slumped face-first on the table.
Knock knock.
"Auditionees here."
"Time flies."
PD Lee Yu-jin waved to prep. Debuted talents meant one-on-ones ideally, but...
Band means checking chemistry too.
Group shots for camera fit, image synergy—had to bundle 'em.
"Hi! Gu-ryong of A-rong here!"
"Come in, sit."
First round anyway—no grilling. Camera test, light read, chat.
"All eight? Two more—Zero Team and that Moo-young guy."
"Ah, Ha Moo-young?"
Zero Team mention perked ears. Top idol dog at a cattle call? Tension spiked inwardly.
Screech.
"Hello! Sorry, we're late."
Ro Min entered, maknae charm radiating. Neat hair, fresh makeup. Faint red under-eyes added wistful allure.
"Nah, right on time..."
Then the guy behind him. Writer froze mid-sentence.
Faded hair curls, pomade sheen, subtle smoky eyes. Gaze like it'd devour you whole.
Black panther.
Alive and breathing. Anyone facing it would feel like prey.
"Ha Moo-young."
His bow came with a cavern-deep voice. Writer eyed the PD.
What the hell? Him?
Told you—real talent.
PD Lee Yu-jin shivered too. Riper appeal than at the station—stage-ready sparkle, outshining the pros beside him.
"Alright, let's kick off. Casual chat, bit of reading. Think of it as friendly. You all know each other, right?"
"Seen around."
"Keep it natural."
Production chief shuffled papers, signaling start. Odd energy rippled the room.
"Gu-ryong first?"
"Yup."
"Acting background?"
"Tried debuting as actor, flopped—so idol route. Academy on the side, never quit."
"Nice."
Chief seemed to dig him. Name fit: chuunibyou macho vibe, rough-edged.
"Role prefs? Guitarist suits you."
All knew guitarist was lead. Gu-ryong beamed.
"Ten years shredding. Confident."
"Built good. Workout guy?"
"Yeah, love staying active."
Free-spirit role hinted at shirtless upper-body scenes.
Cozy vibes all around. PD Lee Yu-jin didn't hate him—just had her pick.
Moo-young's build again...?
Face had distracted; tall, sure, but details fuzzy.
Glancing over, she jolted.
What?
Moo-young lounged back, surveying coolly like an outsider. Station desperation gone.
"Heights?"
"181."
"77."
Eyes flicked to Moo-young. He grinned, basking.
Stage animal through and through.
"Tallest here. 184."
"Nice lines. Model?"
"Nah, aspiring actor. Bulk up?"
Chief adjusted glasses at the question.
"Romance means some exposure—back mostly. Lead guy. Issue?"
Moo-young flashed a grin, unfazed.
"Hell no. Total confidence. Can sculpt by shoot. Skin's flawless—no ink, no blemishes."
"Looks it. Ha!"
Laughter rippled warmly—except Gu-ryong, forcing his smile.
Tattoos? Oh—
Nine massive dragons inked across his back. Front-mirror life meant forgetting.
"Anyway, back to Gu-ryong..."
"No worries. Group Q. Haha."
Moo-young nodded apologetically Gu-ryong's way. Looked like polite interruption sorry...
Ugh, my bad.
Moo-young was sorry elsewhere. Ro Min's intel was just the opener.
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