Seventeen Imagines

Mingyu: female lead syndrome

*warning: this imagine is long (7k words)*

One day while shopping with friends at the mall you were scouted by an agency because of your looks, and from that day onward your life has never been the same. The agency was small at the time and all your gigs consisted of supporting acting roles in movies and shows but you were grateful to even have the opportunity to act. As the years progressed so did your life experiences and acting skills. Fast forward to today, eight years later, and you've now starred in major films and tv shows, garnering massive media attention.

As an adolescent your favorite literary and film genres were always dramas and romantic comedies. You were a huge sap for a good love triangle plot and easily had second lead syndrome. You used to be obsessed with anything kpop related as a young teenager too. Though not much has changed for you as you grew into an adult besides your appearance and knowledge. You still adore certain kpop groups, you love to read romance novels in your free time, and most of your acting career has been romance-comedy related.

The most recent movie you finished working on wrapped up only two months ago. Just as you were enjoying having time off, reading a new book, your manager Minsung called. And you knew exactly what he was about to ask you. This phone call happens every time the agency feels like you've had too long of a break.

"Good morning, yn. How is your vacation going?"

"Cut to the chase, Minsung."

You could hear your manager let out an apologetic sigh followed by a chuckle. Minsung knew you were aware of what was about to happen. He apologized first before beginning his explanation.

"It's a rom-com." He started.

You couldn't help but sigh.

"I'm just burnt out from the last movie."

"I understand..."

Minsung ended the call after that. Even though the company was pushy about giving you more roles now that you were their biggest money-maker your manager on the other hand wasn't as pushy. Minsung actually cares about your health and understands when you're not feeling up to diving into a new gig. But with that being said there are times where Minsung doesn't have a choice but to convince you to take on a new role.

And it appeared that this was one of those instances. The next day you received another call from your manager. It was to talk about the upcoming rom-com show he mentioned yesterday. You declined again but he insisted that you at least read the pilot script before finalizing your answer. You reluctantly agreed to read the script but told him your answer wasn't going to change.

Shortly after the call your manager sent over an email with the script attached to it. You made sure you had a cup of hot coffee before you ever opened the email. You weren't one to judge a book by its cover, or a script by its title, but the show's name made you skeptical. It was called "Cheating A Cheater".

Already feeling put off by the title you unenthusiastically read through the script. And to your surprise you ended up hooked. The female lead and her boyfriend were dating for over a year when she and one of her boyfriend's best friends learned that the boyfriend had been cheating on the main character. And who was he cheating on the main character with? Her best friend since childhood.

As you read the script you started to enjoy the main lead character and her personality. You thought how the pilot script would've been a great book. Just as you were really getting into the script your phone rang like clockwork. Minsung was calling to ask if you had read the script. You told him your answer didn't change...yet.

"The director is asking specifically for you to play the female lead."

"If you can get the cast list for the show I might think about it." You responded.