HIATUS

Chapter 2 - Change of Pace - Part 2

"Apparently they've changed the location of the meet up, Mum. Are you still okay to drop me off?" Gulf moaned while brushing his teeth. They hadn't released the cast yet to the fans and it didn't seem as though there was much of a buzz about it. Every trending topic was about Yi Jen and her non-hiatus.

"We better leave soon, 8:00AM did you say?" Mrs Kanawut kept a relaxed manner, for Gulf's expense. She knew how nervous he was with this being his first series. They packed everything up quickly and left the house.

"Yi Jen is said to be in talks with her old agency about acting in a leading role in their new series, TharnType The Series. Will she be able to handle the pressure?" The radio host questioned.

"Of course she can, she's Yi Jen-" another reporter added.

"I'm not sure, the only previous work she has is music videos and advertisements. I guess the short films that were part of REDSAID's albums could be counted as experience but it does seem like they're just giving her the role to garner popularity rather than making her work for it." The original host clapped back.

"Gulf, how exciting! Maybe that's why they changed the location, a big star like her..." He mumbled in agreement, clearly off in another world. He had been sent more lines that were part of the read through and was desperately trying to learn them. "You already have the role, stop stressing yourself out!" No response; she chuckled.

They pulled up outside a rather luxurious building with a gated entrance. The man at the front door asked for the name and checked a list as well as ID, lucky Gulf brought it. Bit much, Gulf thought. After waving goodbye to his mum, Gulf entered the building.

"Gulf, over here!" A familiar voice shouted; Mew. They were both wearing the same company black t-shirt they were asked to wear incase of any photo opportunities. Mew lead him through a small crowd of people that were hovering around a table, all set up with cups of water and snacks. "Can you believe it?" Mew questioned.

"I know, this place is so fancy." He looked around the room at everyone there.

"No," Mew groaned. "The news about Yi-Jen." Jesus, Gulf thought. Here he goes. "She should be on her way here, right now." He said enthusiastically. Why would Yi Jen be on her way here?

"Alright, everyone, if you could take your seats please and we will get started." Someone important stood at the top of the room. Both Gulf and Mew stalked around the table and sat in front of their name tags. "I'd like to welcome everyone to our first cast read through." Applause surrounded the room. "Let's begin by introducing ourselves," The woman signalled towards Mew and Gulf who  took their turns to offer their names. After the whole table was introduced, they turned back towards the woman. "I'm sure you're all wondering why we changed the venue last minute but I'm also sure you all know why." The room began to buzz. "Please make her feel welcome and part of our new family," The door at the back of the room opened, rather dramatically Gulf thought, and in walked a young, blonde girl with a bright smile.

Her hair sat just below her chest in waves, dyed blonde with bright undertones. Her denim jeans clung to her legs with a matching denim jacket; Gulf noticed the company t-shirt as she swung passed. Her scent, a mix of garden roses. Behind her stalked a familiar young looking Asian man, not much older than him, he thought, dressed in full black. He had never seen Yi-Jen dressed so casual. Every photo he had ever seen she was dressed head to toe in designer gear. Gulf felt a hand squeezing his knee so tight he winced as he turned. Mew's face lit up like a bulb, he followed Jen's every move from one end of the room to the other, he could see the admiration in his eyes.

"I saw her concert last year when they came to Thailand, it was the best concert I've ever been to. The music, the lights, the set, the atmosphere..." Mew whispered, his voice trembling. Gulf never had a love of idols or idol music for that matter, he stuck with his traditional Thai music but even his heart was not able to steady at the mere glimpse of Yi Jen. She took her seat opposite Gulf, across the table. Gulf noticed her smile drop, just for a second, sending a strange feeling up his stomach. She looked nervous.