My Guide // ON HOLD

Chapter 29

Narrator's POV

Two weeks passed by quickly. Somin's drama had ended last week, earning her and her co-stars a big celebration. She remembered laughing all day, her heart full and warm. But here she was, about to head in the room for the script reading of her new drama, A Cunning Love.

Jongkook had wished her a good luck message an hour ago. Her lips curled as she thought of him. As days passed by, she knew she was falling hard and fast. She thought it was stupid, considering the fact that they've only been together for a month or so. She didn't want to dread the time she'll say the three big words out of nowhere, making him flustered.

She shook off that thought, inhaling a deep breath. She had another thing to be nervous about. Jongkook had subtlely asked her about him. Lee Minki. She'd shrugged, saying that she just wanted to keep it professional. Both of them then averted the conversation to another subject.

Her train of thoughts ended when a voice called out to her. It was Mr Kim, her manager. "I'll wait in the car. Just call me if you need anything," He said as he handed her valuables. Somin gave him a small smile and nodded. He gave her a friendly pat on the shoulder as a goodluck before walking away.

Somin's POV

I opened the door as gently as I could. My eyes landed on the room full of people who was chattering, laughters filling the room. I was glad that the room wasn't quiet. I automatically bowed towards them as many eyes landed on me. They stood up momentarily to return my bow with a smile.

My cheeks hurt from grinning too wide but I maintained it as I greeted everyone that was in the room. I already knew my casts already, some of them were my senior in the drama industry. I tried my best to not squirm under their gazes. A few seats were still empty as I scanned the room. The script reading is at 2pm so it was understandable that some casts is not present yet since it's only 1.30pm.

I briefly took a glance at my seat that was supposedly next to Minki sunbae. I held back the urge to sigh out of relief when I noticed he still wasn't here. To my other side, it was Kim Mikyung sunbae's seat, who was playing as my mother in the drama. She still wasn't here but I felt nervous already since I looked up to her.

As I sat down, I was instantly acknowledged by one of the casts, Park Jinjoo, who was sitting across from me.

"Hello, Somin sunbae," Jinjoo greeted me with a cheery tone. I smiled widely as I replied her greeting. "You don't need to be so formal. Just call me comfortably," I waved my hands as a casual gesture. Her eyes light up when I said that. She just nodded eagerly, giving me a thumbs up as I giggled at how adorable she looked.

After our small exchange, I looked around once more. The casts were having small conversations here and there. Although I love film-making, nothing beats script reading where everyone is in the same room, bonding with each other. I smiled and nodded my head whenever I unintentionally met eyes with a few casts as I looked around.

I haven't counted the number of working actors and actresses in the room but it was atleast more than 20. A chair was pulled out beside me as I was going through the script. My heart almost leaped out of my throat until I realised it was my right side, meaning it was Kim Mikyung sunbae's seat.

I let others greeted her first before I said hello. I stood up and bowed as she did the same. I introduced myself with a wide smile. She held out a hand towards me and I happily clasped both of my hands around hers, shaking firmly. I could feel my heart pounding fast as she took a seat beside me. I sat after her, calming myself down.

The empty seats were being filled out as time passed by. At 1.50pm, the only seat that was empty was Minki sunbae and I was slightly annoyed that he couldn't be atleast 10 minutes earlier. My mind went back to 10 years ago when we dated. He'd always be late for our dates, making me wait for minutes, sometimes even an hour or more. I snickered at the memory, letting out a small sigh.  Whatever, it was old news anyways.

The clock showed 1.55pm when the door was pushed open abruptly, causing a few yelps among the casts. It was Lee Minki himself. He seemed to be out of breath when he closed the door. When he turned his attention to the obvious atmosphere, he bowed and apologised with a tensed smile.

I looked away from him, turning my gaze towards my script. I heard his footsteps slowing down as he pulled out the chair beside me. He took a seat and the casts around him acknowledged him instantly with greetings. Hearing his voice for the first time in 10 years was strange but it was nostalgic. It even brought back a few memories from the drama school. I smiled to myself, flipping my script pages just to fidget.

Their conversation died down, the room was quieter but still filled with rushed footsteps of staffs and small chatters among the casts. I heard Minki sunbae clear his throat awkwardly. I ignored it but he cleared his throat again. I took a glance at him to see him looking at me. I raised an eyebrow at him and he replied with a smile.

"Nice to see you after so long," He said, low enough for only me to hear. "I guess it's nice to see you too," I replied, looking away from him to my script. I heard him let out a small laughter. "Still sarcastic, huh?" He jokingly asked. I let a few seconds passed by as I flipped through my script before replying. "Still a latecomer, huh?"

Another laughter came out of him. "Alright, you got me there," He replied. I didn't say anything back, letting the conversation stop there. When the clock hit 2pm, the producer and the director stood up from their seats which was at the end of the table. They introduced themselves as the room was filled with applause.

One by one, the casts introduced themselves and their characters. I couldn't stop smiling after each introduction. When it came to my turn, I introduced myself cheerfully, giving them my widest smile.

I couldn't wait for this journey to start.

~~~

Author's Note:

What. Thank you SO much for 5k+ readers. I seriously can't thank y'all enough.

I know every update is getting even slower and I'm sincerely sorry. These days, I can't produce ideas or even have the motivation to write so it really sucks for me :/ I'll literally try my best to finish up this book but I also don't want to rush it because that'll just ruin the book, sigh.

Sorry for the short chapter too! I will write a longer one next.