Love In The Spotlight~ YEONBIN FF

7. The Journey Begins

Soobin sat rigidly in front of his laptop, his eyes fixed on the screen as he refreshed his email inbox every minute. The anticipation was suffocating. Last Friday's audition for a coveted role had left him on edge, and the results were scheduled to be announced this Friday.

Beomgyu, noticing his best friend's distress, had skipped his dance class to offer moral support. He settled beside Soobin, concern etched on his face. "Hyung, constantly checking your email won't speed up the results. My dance audition results will be out soon too, but I'm not freaking out like you," Beomgyu said with a gentle smile.

Soobin's fixation on the screen didn't waver. Beomgyu placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You haven't eaten anything since morning. Come on, let's grab some lunch. You need to calm down."

Beomgyu's own anxiety about his dance audition results lingered, but he suppressed it to focus on soothing Soobin's frayed nerves. He knew his friend was on the verge of unraveling.

"Let's take a break, hyung. We can go for a walk or watch a movie. Anything to distract you from this endless waiting," Beomgyu suggested, his voice filled with empathy.

Soobin's gaze remained fixed on the screen, but his eyes betrayed a glimmer of gratitude toward Beomgyu. His friend's presence was a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone in this anxious limbo.

As the minutes ticked by, Beomgyu continued to offer words of encouragement, trying to ease Soobin's tension and refocus his attention away from the agonizing wait.

Beomgyu pulled out a packet of moist chocolate cake and a cold carton of chocolate milk from the fridge, hoping to entice Soobin's stagnant appetite. He placed the treats in front of his friend, coaxing him to take a bite.

"Eat, hyung. You need something to calm your nerves," Beomgyu urged, his voice laced with concern.

Soobin hesitated initially, but Beomgyu's persistence paid off. He took a reluctant bite of the cake, washing it down with a sip of creamy milk. The sweetness provided a fleeting distraction from his anxiety.

Just as Soobin began to savor the taste, his laptop beeped, signaling the arrival of the long-awaited email. His heart skipped a beat as he clicked on the message.

As he scanned the contents, his eyes widened in shock. The milk he had just sipped shot out of his mouth, splattering the keyboard and screen. The cake fell from his hand, forgotten.

Beomgyu's eyes snapped toward Soobin, alarm etched on his face. "What happened?!" he exclaimed, rushing to his friend's side.

Soobin's face was a picture of stunned disbelief, his eyes fixed on the screen as if hoping the words would change. Beomgyu's curiosity turned to worry, unsure whether the news was good or bad.

Subject: Exciting News: Lead Role in "Heart of the Star" BL Drama!

Dear Choi Soobin,

We hope this email finds you well! We are thrilled to inform you that after a thorough selection process, you have been chosen for the main lead role in our upcoming BL drama, "Heart of the Star"!

We are delighted to have you on board alongside the talented Choi Yeonjun, the beloved soloist K-pop idol and nation's sweetheart. Your chemistry on screen is going to be electric!

As the main lead, you will play a crucial role in bringing this beautiful love story to life. Your character's journey will captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

To discuss the project further, we would like to invite you to a meeting this Saturday at 2 PM at our office in Seoul. Our team will be present to share more details about the drama, your character, and answer any questions you may have.

Date: This Saturday

Time: 2 PM

Location: Starlight Entertainment Office, Seoul

Please confirm your availability by return email. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday and starting this exciting journey together!

Congratulations once again, and thank you for being a part of Starlight Entertainment!

Best regards, Starlight Entertainment Team

Beomgyu, reading over Soobin's shoulder, couldn't contain his shock. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" he yelled, startling Soobin.

Beomgyu's outburst still echoed in the room. Soobin's face reflected a mix of shock, excitement, and trepidation.

"Lead role? BL drama? With Choi Yeonjun?" Beomgyu asked, his voice filled with awe. "This is huge, hyung! You're going to be a star!"

Soobin's eyes met Beomgyu's, his expression searching for reassurance. This unexpected turn of events would change his life forever.

With trembling hands, Soobin replied to the email, confirming his availability for the meeting.

Soobin's journey as the lead in "Heart of the Star" was about to begin.

Beomgyu's enthusiasm was contagious as he yelled, "We need to celebrate, Hyung! This is huge news!"

Soobin's concerns, however, tempered his excitement. "But Gyu, I didn't audition for this drama. How am I supposed to tell Mom and Dad that I landed a role in a BL drama? What will everyone say?" Soobin's voice trembled with anxiety.

Beomgyu's expression softened, understanding Soobin's apprehensions. "Hyung, don't overthink this. A drama is a drama, and all love deserves representation, not just between a man and woman. Two men can fall in love too," Beomgyu said, his tone gentle yet persuasive.

Soobin nodded, his eyes reflecting turmoil. "I know, Gyu. I'm not homophobic, but you know our society and my parents... I just don't know how to break this news to them."

Beomgyu's practicality took over. "First, go finalize everything on Saturday. Then, take your time to tell your parents. You're working with Yeonjun; this news will spread like wildfire. You need to tell them before they find out from someone else."

Beomgyu's words offered a semblance of calm, but Soobin's heart remained heavy with the weight of societal expectations and family dynamics.

"Think about the positives, Hyung," Beomgyu encouraged. "This role could catapult your career. And who knows, maybe this drama will help change people's perspectives on love."

Soobin's mind was consumed by the puzzling question: How did he land a role he never auditioned for?

Time passed, and Beomgyu's anxious wait finally ended. His dance audition results were out, and he burst with joy upon learning he had been selected as a dance trainee at Starlight Entertainment.

Soobin shared his friend's elation, beaming with pride. "Congratulations, Gyu! You did it!" he exclaimed, embracing Beomgyu in a warm hug.

To celebrate this milestone, the friends headed to a nearby drink shop. Inside, they settled at a cozy table, ordering a bottle of soju to toast Beomgyu's success.

As they clinked glasses, Soobin said, "To your bright future at Starlight Entertainment! May your passion for dance shine brighter than ever."

Beomgyu grinned, taking a sip of the crisp liquor. "Thanks, Hyung. This wouldn't have happened without your support."

Their laughter and chatter filled the evening air, sealing the memory of this triumphant moment.

The soju's warmth spread through their veins, intensifying their joy. As they savored the taste, their bond grew stronger, forged in the fire of shared celebrations and mutual encouragement.

In this moment, Soobin forgot his own worries about the BL drama. Beomgyu's achievement reminded him that success comes in many forms, and his friend's happiness was equally worthy of celebration.