Beneath The spotlight

Chapter 1: Behind the Curtain

The air inside the studio crackled with tension, as if the spotlight shining down on the set was more than just a tool of the trade. Joong Archen adjusted his jacket and smoothed his hair, a perfect picture of confidence as he waited for the director to call action. His warm smile lit up his face, charming everyone around him with ease.

Except Dunk.

Dunk sat in the corner, his script loosely held in one hand as he flipped through it with practiced indifference. His dark eyes barely flicked up to acknowledge Joong’s arrival, though the faintest twitch of annoyance pulled at the corner of his mouth. He wasn’t cold on purpose—well, not entirely. He just didn’t see the point in Joong’s incessant need to charm everyone like it was a competition.

Joong, oblivious or perhaps entirely too aware of Dunk’s pointed disinterest, walked over. His shoes clicked softly against the polished floor, drawing a few stray glances from crew members as he passed.

“Morning, Dunk,” Joong said, his voice smooth and cheery. “Ready for another day of pretending to hate me?”

Dunk raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into something between a smirk and a grimace. “Don’t have to pretend much.”

Joong’s laughter bubbled out, genuine and sweet. “Ouch. Harsh as always, Mr. Sarcasm.” He leaned a little closer, tilting his head as though trying to provoke a reaction. “One of these days, you’ll crack a smile around me. I’m determined to make it happen.”

“Don’t hold your breath,” Dunk muttered, returning his attention to the script.

Joong sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. “Cold. So cold. How do you not freeze on set?”

“Joong!” The director’s sharp voice cut through the exchange. “We need you in position.”

“Coming!” Joong replied, throwing Dunk a quick, teasing grin before sauntering off to his mark.

---

The scene they were filming that day was intense—an argument between their characters, who were caught in the throes of forbidden love. Joong threw himself into the role, his voice rising with passion as he delivered his lines. His expressive eyes glistened with unshed tears, and his body language screamed vulnerability.

Dunk, on the other hand, played his part with the same icy precision he was known for. His words cut like knives, his controlled demeanor making the contrast between them even more striking.

“Cut!” the director called, looking pleased. “That was perfect. Great chemistry, you two.”

Joong flashed a bright smile at Dunk, who merely nodded before stepping off the set.

---

Later, as the crew packed up for the day, Joong approached Dunk again. This time, he held two cups of coffee, offering one to Dunk without waiting for a response.

Dunk stared at the cup for a moment before accepting it with a curt nod. “Thanks.”

Joong took a sip of his own drink, watching Dunk carefully. “You know, you’re not as scary as you like people to think.”

“Who said I’m trying to be scary?” Dunk replied, his voice calm but firm.

Joong shrugged, his smile softening. “Just a hunch. You’re quiet, but you’ve got this... intensity about you. It’s like you’re carrying something heavy and you don’t want anyone to notice.”

Dunk stiffened slightly but didn’t respond.

Joong, sensing he’d hit a nerve, changed the subject. “Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow. Try not to glare too much—it’s bad for the wrinkles.”

Dunk couldn’t help the faint twitch of amusement that played on his lips as Joong walked away, his cheerful hum fading into the evening air.

For the first time in a long time, Dunk wondered if there was more to Joong than the shiny, charming exterior he wore so well.