Thanapon Aiemkumchai, or Pon, as the public knew him, stared at his reflection in the mirror. The lights from the vanity highlighted his delicate features—features that had once graced screens across the country in a handful of BL dramas. His soft yet striking face had garnered attention, drawing fans with its captivating beauty. Despite that, his career felt like it had come to a standstill.
For a long time now, Pon had no ongoing acting projects. His days were filled with nothing more than occasional modeling gigs—high fashion shoots and brand endorsements, small bursts of work that never lasted long enough to give him a sense of stability. While his name still floated around the industry, he was constantly reminded of how fleeting fame could be, especially for a Beta like him.
In a world where Alphas dominated the screen and Omegas had their own allure, Betas were often overlooked. They were seen as too ordinary, lacking the magnetism that made Alphas charismatic or the sensual appeal that made Omegas desirable. For someone like Pon, who had no family connections or Alpha status to boost his career, the entertainment industry felt like an uphill battle he was slowly losing.
He used to have a bright future, or so everyone had said. When he landed his first role, the buzz was electric—fans swarmed his social media, talking about how his chemistry with his Alpha co-star was undeniable. For a while, it felt like he had made it. That maybe, just maybe, he could overcome the odds stacked against him.
But now, with no acting offers in sight, it felt like the excitement had faded. Pon had become just another face in a world full of beautiful faces. The attention that had once followed him had drifted away, fans moving on to the next big thing. The industry's cycle was brutal, especially for someone like him. The series would air, fans would gush over the couple, but as soon as the show wrapped and the next trend appeared, the attention disappeared. Betas, they said, weren't memorable. And in this industry, being forgotten was a death sentence.
Still, this was Pon's dream.
He had always wanted to be in the entertainment industry, not for fame, but because he loved the craft. Acting, modeling—just being in front of the camera made him feel alive. It had taken him years to get where he was, fighting for every opportunity, battling the whispers that told him he didn't belong. He refused to give up, even if his career was stagnant, even if society still saw him as a Beta who didn't deserve the spotlight.
The quietness of his career was unsettling, though. No casting calls, no new roles—just short-lived modeling contracts that kept him afloat. It was a routine Pon had learned to live with: temporary gigs, momentary flashes of attention, and then silence.
He sighed, adjusting his jacket as he prepared for another photoshoot. Modeling wasn't what he had envisioned for his future, but it was something. A small part of him still hoped that one day the right opportunity would come—a project that would reignite the spark his career desperately needed.
"Pon, you're up!" called the photographer from the set.
With one last look in the mirror, Pon stood up, smoothing his outfit and squaring his shoulders. The cameras were waiting, and though his heart felt heavy with uncertainty, he wasn't ready to let go of his dream just yet.
Being a Beta might have limited him, but it wouldn't stop him. Pon had fought too hard for his place in this industry to quit now. Even if the world was quick to forget, he would keep reminding them who he was.
Because this was his dream, and he wouldn't let it slip away.
As Pon walked into the sleek, modern building where the casting meeting was being held, a nervous thrill ran through him. This was his chance—a new BL series called Pit Babe, a project that had the potential to revive his career. He had received the call just a few days ago, and the excitement of landing the role was still fresh. But along with that excitement came a familiar knot of anxiety. The fear of judgment, of being dismissed as just another Beta in a world where Alphas and Omegas ruled, loomed over him.
He took a deep breath and entered the room where the casting was taking place. His eyes swept over the space, noting the mix of high-end furnishings and the comfortable seating arranged for the meeting. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation and the low murmur of conversations. Pon's heart raced as he took in the sight of the twelve actors who would be part of the series, including himself.
The room was a mix of Alphas and Omegas. Pon's eyes scanned the group, and he quickly noted that he was the only Beta present. It was a stark reminder of his place in the industry—a solitary figure among a sea of higher ranks. Some faces were familiar; he recognized a few of the Alphas who had starred in successful series, their names often mentioned in fan circles. He also noticed two Omegas he had seen in recent popular shows.
A pang of insecurity hit him. He had been in this situation before, surrounded by stars and feeling like an outsider. His role in the industry had always been precarious, and now, as the only Beta among this impressive cast, he couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place.
Suddenly, he heard a familiar voice call out to him, cutting through his anxiety. "Pon, over here! Sit with me!"
Pon turned and saw Benz—Atthanin Thaninpanuvivat—waving at him with a warm smile. Benz was someone Pon had worked with before, a popular Alpha actor known for his roles in several hit series. They had shared the screen in the past, and while they hadn't become close friends, Benz had always been kind and supportive. Pon felt a wave of relief wash over him as he made his way to Benz's side.
"Hey, Benz," Pon said, offering a grateful smile as he took the seat next to him. "Thanks for saving me a spot."
"No problem," Benz replied, his smile widening. "I heard you were cast in this series. It's good to see you again. How have you been?"
Pon shrugged, trying to maintain a casual demeanor. "You know, same old. Just working on whatever comes my way. It's nice to be part of this project. I've heard good things about Pit Babe."
Benz nodded, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's going to be great. The script is solid, and the chemistry among the cast is going to be amazing. You're going to do great."
Pon's nerves eased a little with Benz's encouragement. The warmth of his presence was a comfort in the midst of his uncertainty. As more actors arrived and the room began to fill with chatter, Pon took solace in the fact that he was among familiar faces and supportive colleagues.
As the meeting began, the producers and director walked in, their presence commanding attention. Pon listened intently as they introduced the series, explained the roles, and shared their vision for Pit Babe. The excitement in the room was palpable, and Pon's anxiety started to give way to a cautious optimism.
Despite his worries about being the only Beta, Pon knew he had to focus on his performance and seize this opportunity. Benz's reassurance and the promising project were enough to spark a glimmer of hope within him. He was determined to make the most of this chance, to prove his worth, and to carve out a space for himself in the industry—one role at a time.
As the meeting continued, Pon tried to push aside his fears and focus on the possibilities ahead. It was another cycle, another chance to rise, and he was ready to embrace it, no matter how daunting it might seem.
