Love In The Spotlight~ YEONBIN FF

6. Heart of the Star

손깍지 끼면 하나가 됐던
Sonkkakji kkimyeon hanaga dwaetdeon
(We became one when we held hands)

외롭게 남겨진 반쪽짜리 star
Oeropge namgyeojin banjjokjjari star
(A half star was left alone)

Tell me about the meaning, 없어 그딴 거
Tell me about the meaning, eopseo geuttan geo
(Tell me about the meaning, it ain't there)

잃어버린 의미 돼버린 낙서
Ileobeorin uimi dwaebeorin nakseo
(A doodle that lose it's meaning)

Yeah, I was stupid

왜 그랬을까 그땐?
Wae geuraesseulkka geuttaen?
(Why did you do that then?)

이젠 추억도 못 해
Ijen chueokdo mot hae
(I can't even remember anymore)

내버려 둘 수밖에
Naebeoryeo dul subakke
(I had to leave it alone)

Choi Yeonjun gazed at the rejected sheet of lyrics, his mind still lingering on the disappointment. He had to come up with new lyrics by the end of the week, a daunting task that weighed heavily on his creative shoulders. Adding to his stress, his management team had been persistently asking him to choose a script from their latest selection. Yeonjun had been putting it off, unsure if he was ready to dive into acting.

As he sifted through the stack of scripts, a yellow file caught his attention. Curiosity piqued, he picked it up, wondering why his manager had kept it separate from the others. The title, "Heart of the Star," sparked intrigue.

Yeonjun began to read the teaser plot, and his eyes widened as he realized why his manager had kept it apart. It was a Boys Love (BL) drama script, a genre that still faced stigma in the conservative entertainment industry. The story revolved around Juwon, a courageous warrior prince, and Doyoon, a talented but humble potter. Forced to hide together during a kingdom invasion, they forged an unbreakable bond, defying societal norms and risking everything to be together.

Despite initial reservations, Yeonjun found himself captivated by the narrative. The themes of love, acceptance, and rebellion resonated deeply within him. He admired the bravery of the characters, willing to challenge the status quo in a time when same-sex relationships were shunned and punishable.

A spark of defiance ignited within Yeonjun. If his company wanted him to take on a drama, he would choose this script, no matter the potential backlash. For once, he wanted to challenge the norms, to break free from the expectations of his management and the industry.

With newfound determination, Yeonjun decided to take on the role of Juwon. He envisioned himself bringing the character to life, pouring his heart and soul into the performance. The script's message of love conquering adversity echoed within him, and he knew he had to be a part of it.

Yeonjun's mind whirled with excitement as he contemplated the project's potential. The rejected lyrics forgotten, Yeonjun's creative energy now focused on the daring story that would soon become his next challenge.

The next day, Yeonjun arrived at the production company, accompanied by his manager, Hajun, who drove the artist van. As Yeonjun sipped his Americano, he scrolled through his phone, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Yeonjun-ah, you still haven't told me which script you chose," Hajun asked, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Oh, Hyung, it's a secret. I'll reveal it later," Yeonjun replied, his smirk evident.

Hajun, familiar with Yeonjun's antics, sensed something was brewing. He caught Yeonjun's sly grin in the rearview mirror and couldn't help but worry about the potential fallout. Losing his job on a random Wednesday was the last thing he wanted.

Upon arriving at the meeting room, Yeonjun settled into his chair, coffee in hand, exuding confidence. "Can you tell me now?" Hajun asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A few more minutes, Hyung," Yeonjun teased, his smile unwavering.

As the creative team assembled, Yeonjun pulled out the yellow file from his bag, its contents poised to stir controversy. Hajun's face drained of color.

"I want to work on this script," Yeonjun declared, his smile radiant.

The creative team exchanged uneasy glances. "It's from a rookie scriptwriter and director, Kang Taehyun," Mirae, the head of the creative team, pointed out. "Considering other scripts from esteemed writers, would you reconsider, Yeonjun-ssi?"

Yeonjun's resolve remained unshaken. "If I'm to act, it has to be this script. Otherwise, I won't participate."

Hajun intervened, "How about you take a week to think, Yeonjun-ssi?"

Yeonjun's response was firm. "It's decided, Manager-nim. This script is the one."

Mirae forced a smile. "We'll arrange an audition for your co-star soon. Hope you can attend."

Yeonjun dropped a bombshell. "No need. I know who'll be the perfect Doyoon for my Juwon."

Mirae's eyebrows rose. "Sorry?"

Yeonjun's eyes sparkled, recalling the stranger from the auditions - the first person to not recognize him. The challenge had piqued Yeonjun's interest.

"The auditions last week," Yeonjun began, "there was a contestant ideal for this role."

Mirae nodded to her subordinate to bring up the audition clips. Yeonjun pointed to Soobin's video. "That's my Doyoon."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Yeonjun's choice had set the stage for a potentially groundbreaking project, one that would defy conventions and push boundaries.

Soobin pedaled his delivery vehicle homeward, his mind still reeling from his latest visit to the department store. Lately, he'd found himself frequenting the store, accumulating an impressive collection of products featuring Choi Yeonjun's captivating face. The department store lady, now familiar with Soobin's enthusiasm, handed him a special prize: a Yeonjun photocard.

The prize was awarded to the customer who purchased the most ice cream from the brand Yeonjun endorsed, and Soobin had unknowingly taken the top spot. As he gazed at the photocard, his eyes lingered on Yeonjun's chiseled physique, particularly the exposed waistline beneath the crop top. Soobin's pulse quickened, and he felt an unfamiliar flush rise to his cheeks.

Perplexed by his body's reaction, Soobin shook his head, attempting to clear the haze. He wondered if his growing fascination with Yeonjun was becoming an unhealthy obsession. Perhaps he was investing too much time and energy into this celebrity?

A pang of guilt struck his chest as Soobin thought about his uncertain future. He still hadn't received word from the production company where he auditioned for a supporting role in a romantic comedy. His parents' well-being and financial security weighed heavily on his mind. He needed to secure a stable career, not indulge in fleeting fancies.

With renewed determination, Soobin tucked the photocard into his pocket and refocused on his delivery work. Little did he know, fate was about to present him with an unexpected opportunity, one that would change the course of his life forever.

As Soobin continued his delivery route, his thoughts drifted back to Yeonjun, and the unsettling yet thrilling sensations that accompanied his thoughts. The photocard in his pocket seemed to symbolize the conflicting desires within him - the desire for creative expression and the need for stability.

Unaware of the doors about to open, Soobin pressed on, his heart and mind poised for the unexpected.