Take 16, Action!

Chapter 1

Take one, Action!

"Aaaaaah !!! Eeeeek !! "

The shrill screams piercing my ears didn't startle me in the slightest. I was used to this kind of environment. Oh, and that numbness creeping up my legs after standing for a full three hours, too.

"Nong Nine !! "

"Aaaaah, you're so beautiful !! "

"Nong Nine! Fighting, son !! "

And all kinds of high-pitched noises around me blending into a chaotic mess. Luckily, my height of one hundred seventy-eight centimeters became an advantage amidst the dozens, if not hundreds, of young women packed into the narrow space that the event organizers had designated for fans of the artists attending the launch of a supplement brand at a famous shopping mall in the heart of the city.

Even though I was considerably taller than the girls around me, I still tried to stand on my tiptoes, raising my DSLR camera equipped with a seventy-to-two hundred millimeter zoom lens to capture the best angles. The rapid clicks of the shutter competed with the fans' screams. As I fired off shot after shot, I couldn't help but quietly admire the model in front of me.

That's awesome. Today, Nine stood out under the spotlight as usual. It's no surprise that someone with an aura like his is at the top of the industry. No wonder he won the Best New Actor award this year.

I hid my smile behind the black mask covering my face, my eyes and hands still busy with the camera, firing the shutter continuously. From where I stood, I could only see the side of him from a distance with my naked eye, but thanks to the power of the zoom lens, I could clearly see even the tiny mole next to his ear.

Even his mole is adorable. He's my bias, my bias !!

"Nine !! "

"Aaaaaah !!! "

The screams from Nine's self-proclaimed mommies grew louder when he turned to wave at his fans after finishing the press photo session. Event staff came to guide him to the special seating area prepared for the artists and VIPs attending the event. Fans quickly shifted their cameras to capture photos and clips as the event officially began.

Damn, it's hot. It's freaking hot! No matter how strong the mall's air conditioning is, it's useless when you're crammed in with a crowd for hours. Still, it's better than an outdoor event. That's why I hang in there, using my camera lens as my second pair of eyes. My finger continuously pressing the shutter when Nine playfully waves at the fans. My heart and hands trembled when I realized Nine was looking straight at my camera.

Aaaagh !!!

Of course, that was just me screaming internally. If I screamed out loud, I'd probably startle everyone around me. I couldn't scare the girls nearby, so I did my best to keep my cool. No one knew I was grinning like a fool under my mask. My legs were still numb, but I wouldn't complain anymore! I could stand here for another half-day if it meant seeing him.

When the artist I love is right in front of me, all the exhaustion and discomfort from the past few hours become meaningless.

Nearly an hour later, the event came to an end. I rapidly clicked my shutter as Nine and the other artists took a group photo with many important people whose names I couldn't remember. As soon as they left the stage, reporters swarmed Nine, as expected of a rising star. After finishing the interviews, he waved to the fans for a few more minutes before heading back to the artists' lounge.

The crowd around me immediately scattered like ants. Some fans chased after Nine, who left with his AR team and security guards, while others, including myself, stayed back and watched from afar. I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a fan interaction session today. But, it didn't matter, just seeing Nine for thirty minutes was enough to give me energy for the entire week!

"Hey, are you a fanboy of Nine?"

While I was craning my neck to catch a last glimpse of my bias, a girl approached me with another friend by her side. The phone case she held had a polaroid of Nine, which meant she was part of the same fandom.

"Uh ... yeah."

"Aww, cute! See you at the next event," they said sweetly with a smile.

"Yeah." I pulled my mask up a bit higher, nodding shyly and waving back awkwardly.

"Wan! Hey! Over here!"

Barely three seconds after the girls left, I heard a familiar loud voice calling my name. I turned to see Jay, my classmate, waving enthusiastically and signaling me to come over.

"Did your Pink leave already?"

"Gone already. Probably left a bit before your Nine," Jay, who is also a stan (he's a stan for girl groups), said while craning his neck to look in the direction I just came from out of curiosity. We came to the event together today because his bias was attending the same event as mine. "So, when did it happen? Did a girl hit on you or something?"

"They just said hi. We're in the same fandom."

"Oh, really? Damn, I thought you were finally getting a girlfriend," Jay laughed, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Come on, Wan! Let's grab some food. I need to sit down and upload photos. Pink looked amazing today. She even did a cat-paw pose at my camera!"

"Nine looked at my camera, too."

"Dude! We're both lucky today, huh? Our bias both gave us moments!" Jay clicked his tongue in excitement. I smiled so wide under my mask that my jaw hurt as we walked side by side toward the food court.

Naturally, our conversation over ramen was all about our beloved artists. Jay and I took turns bragging about the moments we captured. Even the tiniest glance at our cameras became a point of playful debate. After about ten minutes of arguing, I emerged victorious by pulling out the timestamp data. Nine had looked at my camera three seconds longer than Pink had looked at Jay's.

Sounds silly, right? But everyone needs a little silliness to spice up life, don't you think?

"Hey, have you decided on your research topic yet?" I asked as we walked through the mall's parking lot toward our motorbikes.

"Not yet. You?"

"I have. We have to submit it tomorrow, you know."

By the way, despite how I seem, I always manage my studies without falling behind. I owe it to my parents for supporting my education. As for Jay, he always sneaks out after attendance to see Pink. He once stayed out so late after a concert that he almost missed an exam the next day. From sophomore year to senior year, nothing's changed.

"Crap, I'm not sleeping tonight," Jay groaned, ruffling his already messy hair.

"Alright, I'm heading back to work on my paper. See you tomorrow." "Yeah, later. Drive safe."

"You too." He straddled his motorbike and rode off.

I turned to my beloved black scooter, grabbed my helmet from under the seat, and rode back to my condo near the university which is about five hundred meters from the train station. Even though I had my motorbike, I always had to think about the other person living with me, who couldn't ride one.

"P'Wan! You're late!"

As soon as I pushed open the door to my room at nine thirty P M, a shrill voice called out my name. Three seconds later, a cute girl who bore a strong resemblance to me walked out of the bedroom, arms crossed, frowning at me with a disapproving look, just like a nagging auntie.

"Wow, look at you. Did you go fanboying or go to war? Why do you look so drained?"

"Why don't you try standing on tiptoes for four or five hours and see how it feels? Even a guy would be exhausted," I replied to View, my biological younger sister who always acts like she's my mom, as I trudged toward the sofa.

Honestly, as much as I'm fully dedicated to supporting my bias, I'm not exactly thrilled about standing around on tiptoes for hours. Back when I first started taking freelance photos of celebrities, I didn't really understand fan culture. I once arrived an hour before an event started, only to find that all the good spots were already taken. Sure, my lens can capture even the tiniest pores, but if I don't have a good angle, the photos won't turn out great.

Geez. Isn't it time to change already? When will everyone stop reserving spots half a day before the event starts, huh ...

"Ouch!"

"Oh, oh! Clumsy again," my dear little sister teased when I stubbed my toe against the sofa leg, making my face twist in pain. "And have you eaten yet?"

"I've eatennn."

"Good, because even if you hadn't, I wouldn't get you anything anyway," she curled up the corner of her mouth, letting out a haughty 'hmph' like a snobby princess in a cartoon.

I rolled my eyes upward, already used to our sibling conversations where three sentences in, we've already exchanged ten snarky remarks.

"And don't sprawl around like a snake like that. P'Wan, after you come back from outside, hurry up and shower. You stink."

"Are you my sister or my mom, View? Go do your homework."

"I already finished it! You're the one who shouldn't be slacking and forgetting your work. Be careful, so you don't fail to graduate!"

"Yeah, yeah, I won't forget. Go, go read your books, or you'll fail the university entrance exam," I said lazily, waving my hand to shoo away the annoying little brat.

She flipped her hair and marched back to her room. I sat and rested until the fatigue wore off before getting up, going to my bedroom to grab a towel, and heading to the shower. Once my body was fresh and clean, I returned to my desk in my bedroom, opened my laptop, launched the photo editing software, uploaded the pictures I took today, and happily started editing the best shots.

Oh! I've been rambling for a while, but it seems like I forgot to introduce myself. Alright then. Hello, my name is Achawin Sukkoson. My nickname is just what Jay and my sister call me. I'm currently twenty-one years old, a fourth-year student majoring in Public Relations under the Faculty of Communication Arts. But I'm not some important figure contributing to the nation, so my biography is probably not as interesting as the story I'm about to share.

I'm a fangirl-well, fanboy, to be precise. Yes, I'm a fanboy of a rising male actor, Nine Nopphanat!

My journey as a fan began about two years ago. Back then, I was a second-year student doing freelance photography for fan events. I already loved taking photos and, being the good child I am, wanted to help lessen my parents' financial burden. So, I saved up and invested in an expensive zoom lens to take celebrity photos and sell them to fans who couldn't attend events themselves.

You might wonder, does such a job really exist? Well, let me tell you, it pays quite well. That day, I was at Siam Square to photograph a famous BL series actor. Since the series was airing at the time, he was incredibly popular, and the place was packed with fans, making every alley and corner crowded with excited girls stepping on each other's toes.

I stood on the outer edge, almost at the very back, zooming in as much as I could to capture photos. Even so, people kept squeezing in to find a better angle, pushing and shoving constantly. At one point, someone bumped into me so hard that I lost my balance.

"Careful!" Before I could fall flat on my face, a hand grabbed my arm just in time.

"Like -" I looked up to thank the person, but the words caught in my throat because the one who helped me was the most attractive guy I'd ever seen.

His skin was smooth and fair, with large, bright eyes partially hidden under a black cap. He wore an oversized white T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. His features were a perfect blend of handsome and beautiful. He gave me a small smile, and when he smiled, his eyes curved like a crescent moon.

He was, without a doubt, ridiculously cute. My friends had told me I had a sweet face, but this guy outshone me by a mile. No, a hundred miles.

"Th-thank you," I stammered, still feeling embarrassed and a bit dazed. When I sneaked another glance at him, I couldn't help but wonder if someone this good-looking was even real. Even the celebrity I was there to photograph didn't hold a candle to him.

"Are you an Ozone fan?" he asked casually.

"Ah ... uh ... yeah," I replied absentmindedly. It would be too weird to explain to a stranger that I was just there for a photography gig.

He turned to look at the stage again. From where we stood without a camera, the performer on stage looked like an ant. Yet, he gazed at the celebrity intently for a while before turning back to speak to me, who was still absentmindedly staring at him, forgetting my job for a moment.

"He's really outstanding, isn't he? You know, I want to be like that too."

"I'm working hard for it. One day, I'll be like him," he laughed softly, flashing a smile that made his eyes crinkle with warmth.

" ... Good luck," I said after being stunned for three whole seconds by that dazzling smile. Seriously, even as a guy, I felt flustered. I could already picture him charming audiences on stage.

"Thanks. I'll be going now," he said with a smile before walking away.

Amid the deafening cheers, the loud music from the speakers, and the bustling crowd at Bangkok's most famous shopping district, his retreating figure was the clearest thing in my vision.

For a moment, he shone brighter than the actual celebrity on stage.

That impression took root in my heart and grew instantly. After returning from Siam that day, I tried to find out who he was. Unfortunately, I wasn't familiar with the entertainment scene and barely knew any celebrities. Even when I asked my female friends, they could only guess he might be a net idol, a trainee, or an extra in some series.

In the end, I couldn't figure out who he was. I regretted not taking a photo of him that day. Without any clue to follow, my search was fruitless. But I promised myself that if I ever saw him again, I would support and cheer for him with all my heart. Part of it was gratitude for his help, but more than that, I admired his determination.

Besides, he had an adorable smile. I guess you could call this ... liking someone.

And then, one day, fate brought us together again. When he debuted in his first acting role as the protagonist's friend (basically, an extra), I finally learned his name-Nine, a rookie actor. It felt like unlocking an SSS-level mission. I followed his Instagram immediately and, of course, watched the series he was in.

Even as a newcomer, Nine's acting was so natural and smooth, even better than the main lead. I'm not exaggerating, he truly had star quality. Before I knew it, I was attending his events, taking photos, and supporting him without anyone needing to hire me.

Nine isn't just a pretty face, he's talented and hardworking. He didn't become famous overnight but climbed his way up from minor roles through sheer effort. I admired his dedication deeply.

Now I've become a full-fledged fanboy. Normally, I'm just a casual music fan or someone who watches performances in passing. I even tend to like girls more. I never thought I'd become so seriously obsessed with anyone like this. At first, I wondered if it was weird for me to like a male celebrity to the point of following him to events.

But then I thought, I'm not bothering anyone, right? Life is short, so why not do what makes me happy. If I want to obsess over a celebrity twenty-four seven, that's my business. Even my parents don't mind, so why should I care what other people think.

But, well ... it's easy to talk big when I'm alone, haha. In reality, when I go outside, I still get self-conscious about how others might see me. Most of the fans in my fandom are girls, so whenever I attend events, I always wear a cap and a mask to cover my face, playing the role of a lone wolf, without a single friend in the same fandom.

Because of Nine, I saved up for almost half a year to buy a new camera lens worth fifty thousand baht just to photograph him. But I also take photography gigs for other artists, so I consider it an investment in my career. Oh, I even created a secret account just to help trend hashtags and vote for him. I also buy official merchandise from his company and have been following him since he only had a few dozen fans. Now, whenever he shows up at events, there are hundreds of people supporting him.

Nine seems to be doing really well on his path as an actor. Over the past two years, he's gone from playing minor roles to supporting roles, and his latest project has been a huge hit. People on Twitter are raving about his acting skills. It even went viral! Just last month, there was news that he's about to land a lead role in a BL series!

You know what, I'm so freaking proud of my bias! Nine has everything it takes to be number one-good looks, a sweet personality, and a polite demeanor that makes everyone adore him. His acting skills are top-notch, and if you've ever heard him sing during live streams or events, his voice is amazing. With the upcoming BL series, he'll probably release music too, and then the 'muggles' will finally see another side of his talent. With all these qualities in one person, the number one spot isn't too far off. My bias is seriously awesome!

As for me, my job as a fan is to push him toward his dreams, to help him go as far and as high as he can. Bring on the hashtag trends, I've got a dozen secret accounts for that. I go to almost every event to cheer him on. I do wish I could participate in top spender events, but I'm just a student with lots of expenses and a younger sister to take care of. I'd feel guilty using my allowance to drop tens or hundreds of thousands on fan projects. Still, I help promote him by taking high-quality photos and videos, editing clips, and sharing them on Twitter, Facebook groups, and TikTok to reach a wider audience.

Is it tiring? Of course, it is. A camera body plus a lens as big as a dog's leg isn't exactly light, you know. Even as a guy, waiting at events for four to five hours-sometimes since morning for an event that starts at seven p.m.- takes a toll. Cramps, back pain, and then coming home to edit photos and videos. It all takes time.

But all my exhaustion is so worth it, just to see Nine's smile. Just to see his face, to hear his soft voice speaking while smiling. Those feelings of exhaustion just disappear as if they were never there.

This is the love of a fan. Underline the word 'fan.' Let me tell you first, I have never thought of him in a romantic way. People who have never been a fan wouldn't understand that all of this is genuinely goodwill without any hidden motives. I just want to see him succeed, that's all. And I don't know how long this love will last, but in the meantime, I will give him my all. So that one day, when he grows up and succeeds, with so many people who love him, I can let go and watch him from afar, just like I intended.

I click the mouse to edit the photos while admiring my own photography skills. The lighting in the mall is hard to capture, you know. But I still manage to take beautiful pictures. By the way, Nine really has amazing skin. I barely need to retouch anything. Sometimes I wonder how someone with such good looks and perfect skin can actually exist. I'd better upload this set of photos quickly. Everyone in the world should know just how good my bias looks.

"Shit, is it already one AM ... " I mutter when I glance at the time on the bottom of the screen. If it weren't for the fact that I have an eight AM class tomorrow, I would have stayed up editing videos for TikTok a bit longer.

I close my laptop, drag my feet to switch off the lights, and collapse onto my bed, falling asleep almost instantly.

"Damn, you must be feeling good now that your research topic got approved!" Jay's rough, half-sarcastic voice rings out the moment the professor leaves the room.

"Good my ass. What part of doing research is easy?" I let out a sigh, resting my face on the desk because I'm still feeling a bit sleepy.

Every senior student in every faculty cannot escape the hell known as research. The research topic I chose is 'The Image of BL Series Actors and Its Effect on Social Media Publicity.' Let me clarify, I chose this topic because it's interesting, not because I'm a fan!

Just thinking about how I'll have to stay up late fixing drafts like 'Final.docx,' 'RealFinal.docx,' and 'I-Swear-This-Is-Final.docx' makes me want the world to end. But at least I can rest easy on one thing, I don't have to come up with a new research topic. Too bad Jay isn't as lucky as me.

"My topic didn't even get approved. Help me think of something, Wan. Please~"

"Yeah, yeah, I got it," I sigh deeply, feeling helplessness.

Fine, I'll help this poor puppy out. Maybe it'll even help me get an A in this class.

"That's what I'm talking about! That's true friendship right there." Jay's eyes sparkle as he grins enthusiastically. Feeling annoyed at his overly cheerful face, I shove my notebook into my bag, sling my backpack over my shoulder, and walk out of the classroom, intending to grab lunch at the cafeteria.

"Oh, hey, Wan. Look at this," Jay suddenly smacks my arm a couple of times, making me turn to look at his phone.

"What is it?"

"Check this out. They're holding BL series auditions." He shows me the screen, which displays a Facebook page from a production company announcing auditions for a new BL series.

"Deep Dive: Into Your Heart. Doesn't the name sound familiar? Isn't this the series where your bias got the lead role? The one you've been blabbing about all week?"

"Yeah, yeah," I nod enthusiastically.

This series is about swimmers, friendship, competition, and some love triangle stuff, which Nine, my bias, will play a leading role as another male lead. Or, as BL fans call it, the bottom, but really, it should be called male lead and another male lead. Makes sense, right?

"Here's your chance, Wan. You should try auditioning."

"Huh !? " Jay's words make me stop in my tracks, my eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"What? Why would I audition?"

"Why not? I even tried once, but I didn't make it," he pouts, recalling his less-than-glorious past.

See, Jay once wanted to break into the entertainment industry. He said it seemed like an easy way to get rich (he probably forgot that only ten percent of people succeed in this field). But no matter how many auditions he went to, he never passed. It's not like he looks bad. He doesn't, but either his character didn't fit the role, or his acting just wasn't good enough.

I shake my head. "Not happening."

"Come on, trust me. They care about looks first, and you've got the look-big eyes, sweet face, the whole 'popular uke' type. Use your face to make a living, man."

"Even if I look the part, if my acting sucks, it's pointless. I can't act," I roll my eyes. Just because I'm a communications major doesn't mean I know how to act. My program is more focused on marketing, not performing arts.

"Nobody's born knowing how to act. If you pass the audition, they'll send you to acting workshops," Jay keeps pushing.

"No-"

"Look, your research is about BL actors, right? If you get the part, you'll have firsthand experience for your thesis. Plus, you'll get closer to Nine. Who knows, you might even get famous, and then you won't have to worry about job hunting after graduation. It's a win-win!" My best friend is practically a paid advertiser for this audition.

"Come on, Wan. I wanna have a celebrity friend."

" ... Nope," I insist, though my eyes start to dart around uncertainly.

His argument is kind of tempting, but I have no acting experience, no connections in the industry, and no one to guide me. I'm just a regular fanboy. Even if I audition, there's no way I'll make it.

"Wan, opportunities like this don't come around often."

" ... No."

"Wan-"

"No, no, no. Drop it. Let's go eat," I hook my arm around Jay's neck, cover his mouth with my hand to shut him up, and drag him toward the cafeteria.

Stop overthinking. Stop fantasizing. The entertainment industry is way too competitive, and I was never interested in this path anyway.

Me, auditioning for a BL series? Not a chance in hell ...

Take two, Action!

No way, where would that be ...

"Numbers zero seventy to zero seventy-five, please get ready." The female staff member walked around calling the audition participants to prepare to enter the room for their test in front of the judges.

I, wearing a name tag with the number zero seventy-three written in the center of my chest, took a deep breath to calm my nerves while standing up to join the line, preparing myself to enter the slaughter room.

That's right. In front of Jay, I acted tough, but when I got back to my condo, I lay down with my hand on my forehead (actually, I wanted to use my foot, but it couldn't reach) and thought about it for three whole days. In the end, I decided to attach my photo and an introduction clip with the application form and sent an email to the organizers.

I weighed the pros and cons and found that there were indeed more advantages. If I passed the audition, I would gain career opportunities, research material, and the chance to work with actors I admire. I might even discover my true dream. If I didn't pass, it would still be a life experience. There's nothing to lose.

When I sent the email for the preliminary audition, I didn't think I would pass. I sent it with a bare face, unstyled hair, and recorded the introduction clip in my bedroom. When I received the email calling me to audition today, I was shocked. Since they went through the trouble of calling me, I decided to give it my all. I even asked a friend majoring in performing arts to tutor me in a crash course, just enough to understand the basics of acting.

The friend who helped me said I had potential. Acting requires a certain sense, and I learn quickly. When Jay heard that, he pumped me up, saying I would definitely pass. I really want to drag him here to the hall right now. What am I going to pass with, huh? All the guys around me are handsome and striking. I look like a chick among champion fighting cocks worth hundreds of thousands or even millions. You get the picture, right?

But whatever, I didn't expect anything anyway. Oh, I forgot to mention, the role I'm auditioning for is 'Sky,' a supporting character who is basically the villain. I chose to audition for this role because the physical description of the character matched me the most. Besides, if I'm going to try, I might as well aim for a prominent role! If I'm going to be bold, I should go all out!

"Oh!"

While I was clenching and unclenching my fists, taking deep breaths to focus, I suddenly heard a commotion around me. When I turned to look, my heart pounded so hard that it echoed in my ears, because the two male leads of this series had just walked through the door.

Of course, my eyes automatically focused on my bias. Today, Nine was wearing an oversized hooded shirt, jeans, and glasses (probably fashion glasses), and he entered the room with his familiar polite smile before stopping at the front.

"Hello, I'm Nine. Today, Third and I are here to cheer everyone on." He spoke with a smile and his signature crescent-shaped eyes.

I pressed my lips together to hold back a smile, my heart racing with excitement and joy. I kind of guessed he might come to surprise us, but seeing him in person made me so happy. It's a shame I didn't bring my big camera today. The moment I saw his face, my fan spirit kicked in. I wanted to take his picture so badly!

Honestly, even though Nine didn't have his hair styled or wear a full face of makeup like at events, just a little lip balm, his aura still shone brightly like golden light radiating from him. It made everyone else in the room look dim in comparison.

"I hope to work with you all. Good luck, we're rooting for you," he said with a slight whine at the end of his sentence, which made even the guys feel fond of him.

Just seeing Nine's face and receiving his well-wishes pumped me up. I completely forgot that I only intended to try it out. Now, all I can think about is giving it my all. I have to land this role!

"Do your best. I believe everyone here has prepared thoroughly for the audition and is very dedicated. I wish you all ... "

The other actor who came with Nine, a handsome and serious-looking guy named Third, was also encouraging the participants. But I couldn't hear him because my entire focus was on Nine. I was so dazed that I didn't snap out of it until the female staff member pushed me forward to enter the audition room.

Crap. What were my lines again? I forgot! Shit, shit, shit! God, spirits, anyone, please help me !!!

Some supernatural being must have heard my prayers because the audition went smoothly (I think).

Okay, to be honest, it wasn't perfect but not terrible either. When I walked in, I slipped up a bit, and I stuttered slightly during my introduction. I mean, come on. Standing in front of experienced producers, directors, and staff would make any newbie like me nervous.

But I did well (I think) during the script test. The scene was an argument with 'Copter,' the main character. I poured all my emotions into it. At least someone in there praised me, saying I had good potential and my gaze conveyed emotions effectively. The whole thing probably took less than ten minutes. Before I knew it, I was bowing in thanks and walking out.

I felt kind of dazed, wondering, 'That's it? I waited nearly six hours for this?'

Once it was over, I felt both relieved and anxious. If I passed, I would sign a contract with the production company. It would be great if I got it, but if not, that's fine. I wasn't expecting much ...

"Wan, you're really talented."

At that moment, something unexpected happened. As I walked past the two main actors sitting near the exit observing the auditions, Nine suddenly looked at my name tag and said that. He even gave me a thumbs-up and smiled at me.

"T-tha ... thank ... thank you!" I froze for a second in shock before stammering my thanks.

Am I dreaming? Or did he recognize me as his fan? No way. I always wear a hat and mask when following him to events, and I've barely spoken to him.

But Nine complimented me! My bias watched my audition and said I was talented! Aaaaahhh !!!

At that moment, my brain almost short-circuited from happiness. I wanted to talk to him a bit more, but I didn't want to hold up the line, so I quickly walked out of the room. Before leaving, I glanced at the other lead actor sitting next to Nine. That guy just kept his eyes on the next contestant and didn't even glance at me.

My heart was still fluttering with excitement as I left the room. But at the same time, I furrowed my brows in thought.

Other than Nine, the series 'Deep Dive: Into Your Heart' also got 'Third Tharit Charaslecha,' another rising star actor, to take the lead role as well. He had acted in the same series as Nine before, but they were not paired together. He was just the main character's friend, that's all. His acting was also outstanding and talked about, no less. And there were quite a few fans who shipped him with Nine when the series aired. Plus, they are under the same agency. The agency probably saw the opportunity to make money, so they got to play the lead roles together in this one.

When it was announced, I remember that the fangirls squealed and cheered so much that the hashtags 'ThirdNine' and 'ThreeNine' trended on Twitter. From a rowing boat, it became an official ship, a cruise ship, or something like that. But personally, I'm not a BL fans. I don't ship Nine with anyone. I keep it solo, keep it main. Whoever he works with, I'm ready to support them all.

But I'll make an exception for this one person. I really don't get along with this Third guy at all.

Ah, ah, before you say I'm biased-yeah, maybe I am. But I feel weird about this guy. Like, I follow Nine to events often, right? And this other guy also appears with Nine a lot. I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like he keeps a distance from my bias. Nine seems to approach him, starting conversations and all, but he gives short answers. Not just at events either. Even when I watch interview clips or behind-the-scenes footage, I still feel the same way.

Let me say, it's not just me who thinks this way. Some fans from our side think the same. It even reached the point where a fan from our side commented on Twitter that Third seems cold towards Nine. But fans from the other side defended him, saying Third is an introvert, speaks little, and may not be good at building relationships with others. So, there was some back-and-forth, but I didn't join in. My main account is just for posting pictures like a fansite. My alt account is only for trending and voting. I don't use it to follow these dramas.

But I agree with what people are saying. I think this guy acts cold toward Nine. Even though they're under the same agency. Seeing it with my own eyes like this makes it even clearer. Does he not want to work with my bias or what? Hmph, but who cares? I believe there are plenty of people who would love to work with someone as talented as Nine!

This guy is probably just arrogant, thinking he's so handsome (even if I don't like his face, I have to admit he's ridiculously good-looking), his acting is passable (like, it's fine), and he has quite a lot of fans, so now he wants to act superior or something! In this industry, just having a pretty face won't get you far if you have an unpleasant personality like that! And I haven't even mentioned his overall image, which leans a bit towards the bad-boy vibe. In front of the camera, he likes to do that smirking thing like some edgy anime character, you know what I mean? Which is not my style at all.

Anyway, I don't like this Third guy, and I don't want Nine to be shipped with him. Especially now that people are paying extra attention because using ships as a marketing tactic is disrespectful to the LGBTQ+ community. Profiting off other people's identities like that, trying to make fans fantasize unnecessarily, doesn't feel right. Plus, there could be problems if it's revealed that either of them has a partner.

For me, Nine is too talented to waste time playing along with these ships. It's twenty twenty-four. The era of fooling BL fans is over! But I guess the agency thinks having a ship will bring in more couple fans to support them in addition to the solo fans. From a business perspective, sometimes the drive for social issues weighs less than the profit. So,

if it's absolutely necessary to sell a pair, I wish it were someone else. Not that walking block of granite.

I turned around, then leaned my face toward the window to look inside the room and see the situation. I saw Nine tilt his face to whisper something to Third, but that guy kept a completely blank expression, not speaking, not responding. He only kept his eyes on the person casting and didn't even glance at Nine.

See! Isn't that annoying ?!

I exhaled sharply in irritation, but there was nothing I could do. The production already decided to make the series for these two. Besides, I had watched Third's acting before and had to admit that he's a skilled newcomer. In terms of performing as an actor, I admire him. But other than that, he seems like a lost cause.

"If you finish casting, you can leave right away. We will announce the casting results on our page next week," the female staff member said to me while I was retrieving the bag I had left, smiling sweetly.

I figured she probably wanted to clear people out of the area as quickly as possible. Come to think of it, I only just realized how many people want to become actors. For this project alone, there were seven roles to cast, but no less than four hundred people came to audition. Well, if you become famous from acting in a BL series, you'll have enough to live off for a lifetime. Just landing one product endorsement can earn you millions, and if you get several, multiply that. Plus, fans from our side and abroad spend a lot. Like for Nine's birthday event, there were extravagant money bouquets and branded gifts from head to toe. Whatever he wants, fans buy it. He hardly has to spend his own money, and he gets this kind of treatment at every event he attends.

Money, and only money, rules everything. But that's normal. Everyone wants money because poverty is terrifying. However, one truth about this industry is that not everyone succeeds. Only ten to twenty percent can reach that level, and even at their peak, their career usually lasts just four to five years before it stabilizes and their popularity gradually fades over time. It's a highly competitive industry, especially in the BL sector, where new faces pop up every day. Consumers these days have countless choices.

High risk comes with high reward, which is why everyone wants to try their luck. But I don't think I'll be one of those lucky ones. Just seeing Nine today, getting encouragement from him, hearing him say my name, and even complimenting me, my life is already complete!

My phone vibrated in my bag, alerting me to a new message. When I took it out, I saw it was from Jay, asking for an update.

Have you finished the casting yet?

Tell me quickly, I want the scoop.

I finished. I got to see Nine, too.

Damn, lucky bastard. So, how did you do? What did the judges say?

Some people complimented me, but I probably won't make it. There are too many talented and handsome people.

Hey! If they complimented you, it means they've got their eye on you. Trust me, you have a shot!

I smiled at my friend's message. Jay sure knows how to hype things up. I bet he really wants a friend who's a celebrity.

Results come out next week. Let's wait and see.

But there are hundreds of people auditioned for my role. I probably don't stand a chance. If I make it, I'll eat dog food.

I typed confidently.

One percent chance of passing. Ninety-nine percent chance of failing. If this were the lottery, I'd definitely hit the jackpot this round!

Got it!

I'm taking a screenshot, Wan. Even if you delete it later, it's too late. Five five five five five.

Jay's teasing didn't faze me in the slightest. Let him tease all he wants. I'll never have to eat dog food anyway!

I had heard people say the famous life principle, 'The only certainty is uncertainty,' countless times, but I never thought it would apply to me today ...

Woof woof! Wan, what would you like to eat? Beef flavor? Liver flavor? Or how about wet food? There's chicken in gravy too. What do you like? Hahaha.

Jay laughed heartily, thoroughly enjoying himself while we stood in a pet supply store near our university after class.

Hey, hey, how about this one? Salmon flavor with a fur-enhancing formula!

I'll choose it myself, I snapped through gritted teeth while scanning the shelves.

Yep. I had said I'd eat dog food if I passed the audition, and now it's happening. Yesterday evening, the production company posted the casting results on their Facebook page. Turns out, the role of 'Sky,' a supporting character in the series Deep Dive: Into Your Heart, went to me-Achawin Sukkoson.

Damn it, I actually passed! How the hell did that happen? When I saw my name, I screamed so loud until my little sister rushed in with a baseball bat, thinking a burglar had broken in. But when she found out I passed the audition, she screamed louder than me.

P'Wan!!! What! How! When! When did you audition, and how did you pass? Tell me, tell me!

I don't know!

I didn't know how to answer her because I genuinely had no idea how I passed. At first, I thought there had been a technical error, maybe they listed the wrong name. But about an hour after the announcement, I received a call from the production team inviting me to discuss signing the contract tomorrow.

So, no mix-up. I passed the audition and am officially going to be in a series.

So, what do you want to eat? Back to the present, Jay stood with his arms crossed, smirking and pressuring me to pick out the dog food I promised to eat.

Mistakes are part of being human. I messed up once but won't mess up again. So, I did some research on dog food that humans can safely eat without torturing their taste buds.

And I found it!

I'll take this one, I said, smirking as I grabbed a pack of goat's milk tablets from the shelf. Humans can drink goat's milk too, right? And I checked, this brand only uses human-safe ingredients.

Hey, hey, what's that? Jay's face changed as he glared at me. You're cheating, Wan.

How is this cheating? This is dog food. Phi, this goat's milk tablets for dogs, right?

Yes, the store owner confirmed from behind the counter.

I smirked triumphantly as I walked to pay. See? I kept my promise.

You bastard, Jay cursed as we left the store.

What? I didn't break my promise. I said I'd eat dog food but never specified what kind. I tore open the packet and popped a goat's milk tablet into my mouth, casually flashing a victory sign.

I bet Jay wanted to record a video to embarrass me online, but sorry, I'm too clever for that. Hahaha.

Tastes good, actually. Want one?

Can humans really eat that?

Of course. It's sweet. I munched on another tablet, enjoying the taste. Honestly, it was just like any regular milk tablet. But don't try this yourselves, guys. Normal milk tablets are cheaper than the dog version.

Jay, curious as always, grabbed one and tried it. So now, we had two fourth-year university guys standing in front of a pet store eating dog food. What a sight.

Still, who would've thought you'd actually pass the audition?

Wait, didn't you say I'd definitely get the part?

I was just encouraging my friend. I saw how hard you worked, he said, patting my shoulder, his eyes shining with genuine happiness.

But when I found out you passed, I was so relieved! This is your chance, Wan. If you're lucky and the series gets popular, you'll be set. This is the first step that could open up so many more opportunities for you.

Honestly, Jay, I'm still not sure, I sighed.

I mean, I'm happy-of course, I am. But to be honest, I've never really wanted to be an actor. Now that the opportunity is here, I feel unsure. I don't know if this is the right path or what I should do next.

It's okay. Life is all about trial and error, Jay said, as if he could read my mind, offering a comforting smile.

Yeah, you're right. I finally managed to smile back.

After all, I got this role fair and square. No connections, no shortcuts. Since I've been given this opportunity, I should give it my all. Who knows? Maybe I'll discover a new dream along the way.

Besides, this is a golden chance for me to get to know Nine beyond the artist-fan dynamic. We'll get to talk, work together. It's more than a dream come true, isn't it?

I'm starting to get excited. I can't wait to start filming the series!!!

Take three, Action!

Sometimes life takes an unbelievable turn in the blink of an eye. Take me, for example. Two weeks ago, I was just a fourth-year university student buried in stress over my research topic, worrying about whether I'd be able to find a job after graduation. But at this very moment, I am standing and stretching my neck in front of a grand house in the Bangkok Greta area to sign a contract as an actor for a series production company.

Sometimes, the word 'house' might not be sufficient to describe the grandeur of the building in front of me. It might need to be called a building, a mansion, or a villa-something like that. But let's just say it's huge, way too big to be just a residence in my perspective, having grown up in a three-story shophouse. Maybe it also serves as an office for the company.

I send a Line message to P'Cher, the AR who called me the other day, to let her know I've arrived. After standing awkwardly in front of the house for about two or three minutes, someone comes to open the gate for me.

"Hello," I quickly raise my hands in a respectful wai to the woman in front of me. P'Cher is a beautiful woman with sharp eyes and a model-like figure. She wears gold-rimmed rectangular glasses, giving off the image of a strict female character from a drama.

"Hello there. You can park your vehicle in the lot over there. That parking area belongs to our office," she points to the left, where a small parking lot is. So, I lead my beloved Scoopy to a shaded spot before quickly following P'Cher into the house, trailing her like a chick following a mother hen.

"Let me formally introduce myself. I'm Cher, an assistant to P'Jarin, the manager. I'll also be the AR taking care of everything for you from now on. P'Jarin will be here at four in the evening. I'll take you to introduce yourself to him then."

"Okay ... " I respond briefly. I'm not someone with excellent social skills or great at chatting with new people. It takes me a while to warm up to someone I've just met.

P'Cher leads me into a reception room so grand that it could rival a hotel lobby. I see a young man sitting on the sofa, looking strikingly handsome. He turns to look at us and gives a slight smile.

"Wan, this is a junior actor under the same agency. Get to know each other. You're the senior, right? I think you're two years apart."

"Hello, P'Wan. I'm Ren," the young man stands up and gives me a respectful wai, which I quickly return.

As soon as he introduces himself, I recall seeing his name in the casting announcement. Someone named Ren was also cast in a role, playing the protagonist Copter's friend. Being two years younger than me means he's only nineteen, but he's so tall that I have to tilt my head up to look at him. He must be at least one hundred ninety centimeters tall.

"Renji," P'Cher suddenly says.

The young man gives a sheepish smile and quickly responds, "Yeah, yeah, I'm Renji. Sorry, I'm still not used to it."

"Uh ... What do you mean?" I don't quite understand.

"They added to his original name to make it more unique and avoid duplicates. His full name is Jirapat, so they decided to use Renji. From now on, whenever someone asks, introduce yourself with that name, okay? That way, you'll get used to it quickly," the AR emphasizes the point to the new actor in the agency.

Renji nods obediently, while I just stand there blinking.

"Then ... do I have to change my name too?"

"We'll discuss it later. Why? You don't want to change it?" "Well ... yeah." I nod.

I've been using the name Wan, given by my parents, for twenty-one years. I've never thought about changing or adding anything to it. Besides, I'm already slow to respond. If my name changes, I probably won't even react when people call me because I won't recognize it as mine.

"It's fine. Let's talk about something else first," P'Cher changes the subject before turning to the young man. "Renji, wait here to meet P'Jarin. I'll take Wan to discuss the contract in the office."

"Okay," the young man nods obediently and gives me a smile.

I pat my junior's shoulder lightly and tell him we'll see each other later before following P'Cher into a room that's been set up like a conference room.

After we sit down and the housekeeper serves water, P'Cher who's sitting across from me, immediately gets to the point.

"Alright, first, tell me about yourself in detail."

"Sure. Uh ... my name is Achawin Sukkoson. My nickname is Wan. I'm twenty-one years old and currently a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Communication Arts, majoring in Public Relations. I have one younger sister," I start recounting my rather unremarkable life history.

"And ... I'm from Ayutthaya. My parents are merchants, they run a boat noodle shop. I studied in Ayutthaya from kindergarten to grade nine. When I was about to enter high school, my parents sent me to study in Bangkok, where I took the entrance exam for a public high school. Back then, I lived with my uncle, who was my guardian. But when I entered university, I moved out and rented a condo near Phaya Thai. Then, when my younger sister started high school, she moved in with me."

" ... " ...

"That's all." I scratch my cheek awkwardly.

"Do you have any special skills? Singing, dancing, rapping, playing sports, playing instruments? Or any hobbies?"

"Uh ... I can play the guitar. I can sing decently, but I'm not good at dancing. I don't play sports often, but I'm okay at badminton and table tennis. As for hobbies, uh ... " At this point, I pause. Saying that my hobby is being a fan who follows artists around would probably sound weird. So I decide to give a safer answer.

"I take photos. I've done some freelance work as an outdoor photographer."

"That's great! Then you probably already have a foundation in this field," P'Cher smiles slightly. The moment she smiles, she transforms from a strict disciplinary teacher-like figure into a kind older sister. "Do you have an Instagram? You didn't include it in your application."

"Oh, I have an IG, but it's just for general photos," I show her my Instagram, which mainly features landscapes and sceneries with no photos of myself, hence why I didn't put it on the application.

"Do you have an Instagram where you post pictures of yourself?" "No."

"That's fine. After signing the contract, set up an Instagram account. It'll be your portfolio for clients." She quickly concludes before getting up to grab a file from the shelf, pulling out two copies of a contract, and placing them in front of me.

"This is the artist contract, one original and one copy. Both have the same details. It includes terms, profit shares, restrictions, and other conditions. Let's go through it together, and I'll explain the details page by page. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

The next twenty minutes are spent reading and explaining the contract details. P'Cher is very kind and doesn't rush me or show any signs of annoyance, even though I ask about almost every clause. Since I know nothing about the entertainment industry, I have to ask a lot to ensure I don't put myself at a disadvantage.

While we are discussing the contract, P'Jarin, my manager, arrives at the office. He is openly gay and introduces himself briefly before we return to discussing the contract. Both of them also take the time to explain various aspects of the entertainment industry to me.

"Ps, I have a question," I decide to ask before signing the contract.

"What is it? Go ahead," P'Jarin prompts.

"I want to know why I passed the audition." I look at both of them, waiting for an answer. Hundreds of people auditioned for this role, yet somehow, I-a complete beginner in acting-managed to beat ninety-nine others. I want to know what the judges saw in me.

"Hmm ... That, you'd have to ask P'Wut, the agency owner, and P'Phai, the director."

"Oh ... I see." I give a dry smile. That makes sense. I'd have to ask the ones who made the decision.

"But if you ask me, your looks played a big role. You stand out a lot. And I watched your audition clip, you have potential. You might not be perfect yet, but there's something charming about you that makes people stop and look."

"Yeah, I felt the same way," P'Cher nods in agreement.

"Exactly! Good-looking people are everywhere, but those with a strong character and natural charm are rare. Even more so when they can bring that charm into acting. That's a talent, and not every actor has it. P'Wut and P'Phai must have seen that you were right for the role, which is why they chose you."

"Y-yes ... thank you," I smile in relief.

The words of both of them made the heavy stone that had been weighing on my heart for days dissolve. I had always wondered if I was truly good enough to be chosen. Had I taken away the opportunity from someone else who was more suitable, who deserved the chance more than I did? However, upon receiving confirmation that I truly had potential, I felt much more at ease.

"How does my character look?"

"Hmm ... looks a bit clumsy, but still cool. Approachable, but also seems like a receiving type. Like, naturally so ... I can't really explain it. Let's just say it's rare to find someone with this kind of character so clearly in one person."

" ... " I was at a loss for words upon hearing P'Cher's explanation. I could understand the other things, but what did they mean by 'receiving type'? These things have types too? Like, does this appearance look like a 'top,' and this one like a 'bottom'? Isn't it that anyone can be anything?

"Let's put that aside for now. Let's get to the important matters before signing the contract." P'Jarin switched from a sweet smile to a serious expression, making me tense up. "Uh ... Yes."

"Wan, have you ever done anything bad?"

"Huh?" I blinked. Suddenly, I felt like I was being interrogated. And what does 'something bad' mean?

"Have you ever bullied a friend?"

"Huh? N-no, I haven't." I quickly shook my head. Do I look like someone who would bully others? I think I look more like someone who would be bullied instead.

"Have you ever used drugs? What about marijuana? Pot?"

"Never!"

"Have you ever gotten into a fight, used violence against someone? Have you ever physically harmed a partner? Have you done anything bad that could potentially be exposed later?"

"Never." I answered. I mean, I've slapped mosquitoes and flies before, but all those things they mentioned shouldn't be things to do to other people, right?

"If there's anything, tell me honestly right now." P'Jarin urged.

My brain finally caught up, and I understood their purpose. They were checking my background to see if I had any past actions that could be exposed on social media and tarnish my reputation, affecting the agency. Nowadays, celebrities get exposed all the time. The agency has to take precautions.

"I have never done any of those things. Really." I insisted. Though, sometimes I might not follow the Five Precepts completely, like lying to take my mom's milk money to buy toys, drinking alcohol, slapping mosquitoes, but that's all I've ever done.

"That's good. But the agency will still run a background check. Also, we'll need all your social media accounts so we can help scan for any past posts that might be risky. If there's anything that should be deleted, better do it now to avoid problems later." P'Jarin switched back to a sweet smile, making it easier for me to breathe.

P'Cher asked in a neutral tone, "Have you ever had a partner?"

"Yes." I answered truthfully.

I mean, at this age, it's not surprising that I've had a partner before. But it was just one person, a female classmate in high school who transitioned from a friend to a girlfriend. But in the end, we broke up in our senior year because I realized I didn't feel any different between being friends and being in a relationship.

"Did it end well? Any chance of them exposing anything?"

" ... I don't think so. My ex and I are still friends." I assured them.

I did like her, genuinely. I was even the one who pursued her first. But after we got together, I didn't feel any difference from just being friends. I later realized that maybe I never saw her in a romantic way, it was just admiration. She felt the same. In the end, we broke up on good terms. She even has a new partner now. We still occasionally check in on each other.

"What about now? Do you have a partner?"

"No."

"If you do, you can tell us."

"I really don't." I emphasized firmly. My studies were already exhausting, and combined with my fanboying, I barely had time for anything else. Twenty-four hours in a day weren't even enough for everything I wanted to do. Where would I find time for a partner? Even if I had one, we'd probably break up anyway because I wouldn't have time for them.

"Okay." P'Cher and P'Jarin seemed relieved and smiled.

"Alright, do you want to read through the contract again, or are you ready to sign?"

"I can sign now." I picked up the pen.

I had just checked that both copies had the same details. There were no issues, so I pressed the pen to the last page and signed my name with a heavy, pounding heart.

I've really become an artist now, haven't I? Who would've thought my life would reach this point?

"Alright, let's go sit and chat in the lounge. I still have a lot to discuss with you and Renji." P'Jarin got up with a sweet smile, linking arms with me as we walked to the lounge together.

The close interaction made me a little tense, but they weren't strangers anymore. Besides, it wasn't excessive skinship to the point of feeling uncomfortable. So, I let P'Jarin link arms with me, telling myself that I would try to get used to it quickly.

"You're not in a rush to leave today, right? Both of you?"

As soon as we sat on the sofa, P'Cher switched back to the strict older sister mode. Even though she said it like a question, her eyes clearly said, Don't even think about leaving early.

"No."

"Okay. We'll order some food, and in the meantime, P'Jarin and I will explain the basics of how to conduct yourselves in this industry, like how to interact with seniors, fellow artists, journalists, and fans. Whether you remember it all or not doesn't matter yet, but just listen. We'll guide you when the time comes."

"Exactly. And you'll also be sent to personality development and speech courses. I noticed that both of you speak too fast and not very clearly. You both had braces before, right?"

"Yes." Renji nodded, and so did I. I had never noticed that I spoke unclearly, but I guess it was a habit from wearing braces.

"You'll also need to visit the clinic. For Renji, I've looked into it, and you might need a slight nose enhancement to perfect your look. But it won't be in time for the series shoot since they're on a tight schedule. So, for now, makeup will have to do."

When P'Jarin said that, I, who had been listening idly, suddenly froze. I had never planned to enter the entertainment industry, so I never thought about cosmetic surgery before.

Am I really going to have to get something done?

"As for Wan ... "

"Your facial features are already perfect, but you need to take extra care of your skin. First, you'll need laser treatments. Maybe a little filler here and there. I'll take you to consult a doctor. This clinic is top-tier, celebrities use it all the time, so don't worry about quality." P'Jarin smiled sweetly. Meanwhile, I started sweating because all of this sounded expensive.

"Who ... will pay for this?"

"The agency, of course. But sometimes clinics sponsor it, so we just post reviews for them on Instagram ... "

Hearing that, I secretly let out a sigh of relief. My family isn't wealthy, so if I had to pay for it myself, I wouldn't be able to afford it.

Now that I think about it, an agency probably spends a lot to develop an artist. Sending them to various classes, training them ... But if they become famous, the revenue must be much greater than the investment, right? Otherwise, why would production companies keep scouting and signing new actors all the time?

"Ah, let's start with the first thing, which is how to carry yourself in public. Keep this in mind, as long as you're not in your own condo, no matter the situation, you must smile. No making faces. No sulking or frowning. Absolutely not. And then ... "

And for the next two hours, a flood of information poured out from P'Jarin and P'Cher. Renji seemed to handle it easily since he had some experience in the industry, whether in modeling or as an extra on set. But for me, I was a complete newbie. I hardly knew anything at all, just sitting there with a blank expression, listening to the massive amount of information. My brain could barely process it, and for a moment, I even thought 'can I still cancel the contract now?'

Being an artist doesn't seem easy at all. Can I really do this?

"Alright, let's call it a day for now. See you on the profile shoot day." P'Jarin said while popping a piece of pickled mango into his mouth as the digital clock next to the TV showed seven thirty P.M.

I placed my empty milk tea cup, which had been ordered via delivery, on the table. The empty cup reflected my current state of mind, completely blank.

"Oh, if there's any scheduling matter, like when you need to attend classes or go somewhere, P'Cher will be the one to notify you. You'll get a daily work schedule summary every night at eleven P.M., and there will also be a weekly schedule. Okay?"

"Yes."

"Oh, almost forgot. Both of you, I'll send the pilot script in Line. Try reading it and getting familiar with it." P'Cher spoke while quickly tapping on their phone, sending us the file.

"This script was written specifically by the production team. There's no original novel. P'Phai, the director, just approved the first draft. Read and get familiar with it first, and on the sixteenth, there will be the first workshop class with other actors."

"Okay." I nodded, starting to feel excited because that meant in just two weeks, I would get to meet Nine up close, as a coworker!

"If you have any questions or anything you're unsure about in the meantime, feel free to message me or P'Jarin. See you on profile shoot day, Saturday at eight A.M. Don't be late." The female A.R. wrapped up before finally letting the two of us go home.

I pressed my palms together in a respectful wai to the older seniors before walking out of the office with Renji. I still felt like I was floating. I couldn't believe I was about to enter the entertainment industry ...

"P'Wan, how are you getting home?"

"I rode my motorbike here," I told the junior as we walked towards the parking lot together. I was thinking that if Renji needed to book a ride, I could drop him off at a train station or even at his house if it wasn't too far.

Since we're in the same company and acting in the same series, we'd be working together for a long time. I needed to build some connections, so I'd have someone to share my struggles with.

"Okay, I thought P'Wan came alone. I was going to offer you a ride." The other person smiled gently, looking at me like a puppy that hadn't been weaned yet, while pulling his car keys out of his jeans pocket.

The sound of a car unlocking echoed in the parking lot. I gave a weak smile when I realized that the car responding to the sound was a white metallic Porsche Taycan. If I remembered correctly, that car was worth over seven million baht.

Kid, whose son are you ?! And here I was thinking about giving him a ride on my motorbike. Have some self-awareness, Wan!

"See you on Saturday, P'Wan." The junior waved at me warmly.

"Ah-haha, see you." I waved back rapidly, forcing a smile to hide my embarrassment as I watched the luxury sports car drive off. Then I let out a deep sigh.

And this was just the first day ... How am I going to survive this? Sigh.

Two weeks passed by in the blink of an eye.

Maybe because ever since I signed the contract, I had so many things to do. Aside from starting to write the first chapter of my research paper for my professor, I had to take personality development classes, speech training, visit beauty clinics, shoot profile pictures, and so much more. Normally, I wasn't the hyper-alert, high-energy type to begin with, so nowadays, the moment I

got back to my room, I would drag my exhausted body to the shower and almost pass out instantly.

"P'Wan, you come home drained every day. Are you going to die before you get famous?" View teased me.

I was wondering the same thing myself, was I going to die before making it as an artist? It seemed like it would take some time before my body and mind could fully adjust to this new routine. Lately, every time I heard my alarm, I'd whine a little before dragging myself out of bed. But not today.

Today, I shot up the moment my alarm rang, rushed to the shower, and got ready without hesitation, because today was the first acting class for the cast of Deep Dive, Into Your Heart. Today, I would finally meet Nine!

Ever since I passed the audition, I hadn't had time to go take pictures of Nine at his events. I was totally bummed out about not seeing my favorite actor. But as the old saying goes, good things come to those who wait. Today, I'd get to be closer to Nine than even his top-tier fans had ever been!

I had been psyching myself up for days, telling myself to stay calm, not to act weird or make Nine uncomfortable. I barely slept last night from the excitement. I kept staring at our group chat, reading and rereading Nine's message 'See you all tomorrow.' probably over twenty times!

"Wow, you're glowing today. If I didn't know you were going to an acting class, I'd think you were going on a date." View commented as I grabbed my backpack. My little sister had just woken up, her hair messy, but she still dragged herself to the door to see me off.

"Of course. If you were meeting your favorite person, wouldn't you be happy?"

"Sure, sure. Hope you get lots of moments with him." She rolled her eyes but smiled slightly.

I clicked my tongue at her before stepping out of my room with my heart soaring. I prayed that today would go smoothly and be a happy day for me.

Have you ever had expectations, only for things to not turn out the way you hoped?

Because I have. All the time!

"P-Please ... huff ... Studio ATZ is in this building, right?" I panted, completely out of breath after sprinting four hundred meters from the parking lot, and stammered out my question to the security guard at the entrance.

"Yes, son. It's on the third floor."

"Tha-huff-thank you!" I quickly pressed my palms together in gratitude before dashing towards the emergency staircase. I wasn't going to waste time on escalators, because I was already twenty minutes late!

I could blame it on bad luck, but honestly, it was mostly my own stupidity.

See, I'm originally from the countryside. Even though I've lived in Bangkok for over six years, I rarely travel around. I only know places near my home, school, university, or event halls.

Last night, when P'Boe sent the acting class location, I skimmed through it and thought, 'Oh, I know this place. It's in Lat Phrao.' But I was dead wrong, it wasn't Lat Phrao. It was Lat Pla Khao. And on top of that, I overestimated my own sense of direction and didn't use a map.

So yeah. Jackpot.

By the time I realized I was in the wrong place, I had only twenty minutes left before class started. I had to channel my inner street racer, weaving through traffic like a menace. But still, I ended up being twenty minutes late.

"I'm ... here ... huff!" I gasped as I pushed open the door, giving a sheepish smile as all seven actors and staff turned to look at me at once.

Just then, my heart-fluttering moment was shattered by a deep, steady voice from someone. I could feel a piercing gaze from the side and found that the owner of that gaze was Third Tharit, the other lead actor of this project.

"Okay, okay. Now that everyone's here, let's get to it. Each of you introduce yourselves again, and then we'll warm up. Alright, starting with Renji." P'Luang, the acting coach, spoke up, beginning the ice-breaking session before getting into character.

Third's sharp eyes were still on me. That gaze, filled with obvious disapproval, made my face heat up with embarrassment. I quickly looked away and took a deep breath, focusing on the lesson in front of me before I got scolded by the director or acting coach.

The acting lesson went on for about an hour and a half. Then, P'Luang announced a ten-minute break, letting everyone go to the restroom or relax their posture.

"P'Wan."

The moment the break started, Renji quickly walked over to greet me and plopped down beside me, tilting his head and looking up with wide, innocent eyes like a puppy looking for a playmate. That alone made me, someone who still barely knew the other actors, feel relieved. It made me want to raise my hands and wai him right away.

"How's the lesson going? Can you keep up?"

"Well ... maybe." I gave a weak smile. This was my first time seriously studying acting, so I had to try much harder than the others, who already had a foundation or prior acting experience.

"Wan."

Then, a familiar, gentle voice called my name. My heart pounded as if someone was beating a drum in my chest when I saw Nine walking toward me. His incredibly perfect face held a friendly smile.

"Can I just call you Wan? When we introduced ourselves earlier, I saw that we're the same age."

"Y-yes ... " I stammered, my ears burning hot. The shining star on stage, the person I used to only admire from afar, was now the one approaching me first. And now, he was sitting right next to me. Not even half a meter apart. Aaaahh !!

"I heard you got lost before coming here. Where did you end up?"

"Uh ... I took the wrong route from Lat Pla Khao and ended up in Lat Phrao." I answered awkwardly, rubbing my neck in embarrassment. From now on, I won't rely on Luang Pu Mun anymore. Bangkok is cruel. Huuu ...

"Sorry for making you guys wait."

"It's alright. Everyone makes mistakes." Nine smiled with squinted eyes.

Just that gentle smile made me feel light, as if I was floating. Like I was lying on a soft, fluffy cotton candy cloud. Encouragement from my bias is the best thing ever!

"Mistakes happen because of carelessness, don't they?"

But then, suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the cloud I was lying on. The once bright blue sky turned into a stormy gray, as if a tornado was about to destroy the city.

I turned to meet the owner of that voice. Of course, it was none other than the ice-cold lead actor standing nearby with his arms crossed.

"If you paid more attention to today's lesson, you wouldn't have made such a simple mistake like getting the location wrong."

"Third," Nine warned.

The man in question let out a soft scoff before striding out of the room. His off-camera personality was as cold as ice, completely different from the friendly bad-boy image he showed in front of the media.

Nine let out a long sigh. Renji turned pale, while I sat frozen, my whole body going numb with embarrassment.

"Don't take it to heart. Third is just really serious about things. He doesn't like it when people are late," Nine told me.

" ... Okay," I replied softly, my brain still unable to fully process everything. But there was one feeling that stood out clearly.

I don't like that guy !!!

Call it childish if you want, say I'm holding a grudge over nothing, but come on! I know I was wrong for being late, but people make mistakes sometimes, don't they? It's not the end of the world! Even P'Phai and P'Luang didn't scold me, so why was he making such a big deal out of it? Has he never made a mistake in his life? Did he really have to rub it in that hard?

"I'll step outside for a bit," Nine patted my shoulder lightly before getting up and walking out of the room.

Meanwhile, I leaned back against the wall and closed my eyes in frustration.

"P'Wan ... P'Third is scary," Renji whispered, his imaginary ears and tail drooping even though he wasn't even the one being scolded.

"Like a Rottweiler." I gritted my teeth and muttered. I know talking behind someone's back isn't good, but for that guy, I'll let it slide this once!

See? My instincts weren't wrong. I already knew it, there's no way that guy and I could ever get along!

Take four, Action!

Click!

"You're back, famous star! How was it? How was today's acting class?"

As soon as I arrived back at the condo in the evening, my mischievous little sister, who had been at tutoring all day but was still diligently sitting on the floor in front of the sofa, practicing TGAT English exam questions, lifted her face and asked me with a look of eager curiosity.

"How was it? It sucked, obviously." I let out a sharp sigh, threw my bag onto the sofa, and plopped down. The delicious shabu I just had for dinner didn't help ease my lingering irritation at all. The more I thought about that guy's tone and expression, the more pissed off I got again!

"Huh? What happened? What's wrong?" View was confused because it was rare for me to show this level of frustration so clearly.

" ... Nothing. Just a little annoying thing."

"What thing?"

"Nothing much. Forget it." I replied evasively, not wanting to dig up the irritating topic. If I started talking about it, it would go on forever.

Actually, after that, the cold-hearted leading actor didn't say anything to me again. To be precise, he didn't even glance at me.

So, the acting class went by smoothly. As soon as the class ended, the great one immediately excused himself and left, saying he had an evening event to attend, so he needed to go prepare. Nine also left with him. The other actors all went their separate ways. Since Renji and I were both free, we decided to go to the mall, eat shabu, and then head home.

My day was almost a happy one, if not for that damn Third saying something so irritating. I made a firm resolution that from now on, I will never be late again. I will focus on acting, diligently memorize my lines, and even as a newbie, I will give it my all. I won't be a burden to the production or a target for snide remarks.

And that guy, just wait. If he ever makes a mistake, I will roast him mercilessly!

"Okay." View seemed to sense that I didn't want to talk about it, so she didn't push further. That's one good thing about her. Even though she can be spoiled, as the youngest daughter who's always pampered by our parents, she knows how to read the room and rarely makes things difficult for me.

"So, how was it? Did you get a lot of moments with Nine?"

"He actually talked to me. We just call each other by name now since we're the same age. He even encouraged me."

The moment I mentioned my bias, my sulky face immediately transformed into a bright, beaming smile. Nine is genuinely adorable both on and off camera. He's a celebrity who isn't arrogant or stuck-up in the slightest. So calm and always cheering others on. A true human vitamin.

I'm so proud. I really picked the right person as my bias!

"That must've been such a thrill!"

"Yeah! I was so nervous. I kept debating whether I should tell him I'm his fan. But I was afraid it'd make him uncomfortable." I rambled

I mean, I already told him that I've been following his work, but I didn't dare admit that I like him so much that I go to take photos of him, collect his merch, and help trend hashtags for him. Because now, we're colleagues. I don't know if he'd feel awkward knowing that I'm actually a hardcore fan.

"Maybe you can tell him after filming wraps. Like, surprise! From a fan to a co-star! I think he'd be happy that his fan has succeeded." View suggested.

I agreed. I'd tell him at the wrap party. I'd even mention that I had met him before when he wasn't famous yet. I bet Nine would be so surprised.

"Hey, hey, I wanna know something." My little sister suddenly sprang up from the floor and plopped onto the sofa next to me, leaning in close with sparkling eyes. She asked excitedly, "How about Third? Is he super handsome in real life? Is he nice?"

Click!

The veins on my temple immediately bulged at the mention of that guy's name. That icy expression of his, as if he was above everyone else, and those judgmental eyes were still engraved in my brain.

"He's only got his looks going for him. His personality is absolute trash."

"Huh ?! Are you serious?"

"Dead serious. Listen to me, just stop liking that guy. I'm telling you, he's not as great as he looks on screen!"

Being triggered, I lost control. Even though I originally planned not to talk about it, I ended up venting everything to my sister. I told her how I went to the wrong place and ended up being late for class, how Third scolded me, and how he kept giving me those sharp looks even during break!

"Ohh, so that's what happened." View, who had been listening attentively, nodded in understanding. Meanwhile, my throat felt dry, so I got up to grab a bottle of water from the fridge and chugged it down.

"I mean, yeah, he was a bit too serious, but it's understandable. Some people are super strict. If someone's late and causes delays, it can be frustrating."

"What !? " My sister's words made me freeze. I turned to glare at her. "Are you siding with him, View?"

"Maybe? I don't know. I like him, okay? Among the fans, it's well known that he's like this. Honestly, it's no big deal. And you were actually late, weren't you?" She tried to reason with me, defending her favorite actor.

My face darkened. I didn't want to hear a word of it.

"But it's not like I committed a crime, right? Did he really have to make such a big deal out of it? You didn't see the way he looked at me, View. I felt like a tiny ant under his gaze. Do you get that?" I grumbled, feeling frustrated. In all my life, no one had ever made me feel this humiliated. He was the first!

"Maybe you're overthinking. Maybe he was just looking normally. He has a naturally stern face."

"No! He straight-up scolded me. How is that me overthinking? Don't be biased, View!"

"Really? Hmm ... Maybe he's not as nice as I thought." My sister's large eyes reflected hesitation.

I immediately felt victorious, puffing out my chest. "Exactly! Not nice at all. But Nine, on the other hand, is just as sweet as he looks on camera."

"Oh ... " View replied briefly.

I narrowed my eyes at her suspiciously. "What? Why that tone?"

"What? This is just how I talk! Stop being so suspicious." View furrowed her brows at me.

I raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.

"What, are you still mad that I said I didn't like your bias? That was ages ago!" View sighed dramatically before explaining in an exasperated tone, "I already told you, I don't hate him. I just don't feel drawn to him. But it's not like I despise him or anything. When I said I don't like him, I meant I'm just indifferent. He's not my type, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." I replied half-heartedly.

To be honest, View and I had already fought about this before. I love Nine so much, right? But when I told her, she just went, 'I don't really like him.' That led to a long argument, and I even ignored her for a whole day until we sat down to talk it out. That's when I finally understood what she meant.

Sounds dumb, huh? But siblings fight over dumb things all the time. Once I understood her reasoning, I let it go. Still, I couldn't help feeling a little annoyed whenever it was brought up. You know how when you really like someone, you want the people close to you to like them too? It's kinda like that.

But my sister, man ... She doesn't like an adorable, kind person like Nine, and instead, she goes for some guy who's only good-looking but talks like he owns an entire farm of attack dogs. It pisses me off so much!

She probably only likes him because he's very handsome. Sure, he acts well, but there are plenty of other good-looking, talented actors out there.

Why the hell did my sister have to like that guy !?

"Anyway, just go like another actor. Don't like this Third guy." I concluded. View nodded absentmindedly, but I had a feeling she was just humoring me. She'd have to experience it herself to understand.

"Did you eat yet?"

"I did. What about you?"

"Alright, my friend treated for her birthday," my sister said while glancing at my state, both my hair and clothes reeked of shabu. "You should go take a shower and get some rest."

"I'm not sleeping yet," I returned the water bottle to the fridge and stretched lazily to the right and left, my eyes filled with determination. "I'm going to read the script for a bit."

"Whoa, so hardworking!"

"Of course, I can't let anyone call me a burden," I scoffed under my breath. Let me tell you, my grudge has ignited the flames of my learning spirit to the max!

"Don't overwork yourself, take some rest. I want my brother to be a star, not a zombie."

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. Just watch, View. Your brother is going to be more famous than that Third guy," I declared so loudly that my voice echoed through the small living room.

Normally, I'm a slow-life kind of person, not someone who enjoys competition. But with that Third Tharit, one day, I'll shine brighter than him!

After taking a shower and changing clothes, I sat in front of the vanity mirror and holding an iPad. I read my script, and trying to practice my facial expressions, gaze, and voice according to what I had learned. For someone like me, with zero acting background, it was quite difficult, but I put my all into it, relying on sheer determination. I was set on perfecting the role of Sky!

I glanced at the printed photo of Nine that I had taken myself and pinned onto my desk grid. Whenever I felt exhausted, like right now, I would always look at my idol's picture for motivation. Nine's smile still had the power to make me smile.

Aside from working hard so I wouldn't look down on myself, I also wanted the first project where Nine got a lead role to be as perfect as possible. No matter how much I disliked the other lead actor, Nine was more important. As a devoted fan, I had to give my all for my idol.

I would never give up!

The past two or three weeks could probably be called the most exhausting period of my life. It didn't even compare to the stress of preparing for university entrance exams.

Besides attending workshops with the other cast members, the agency also arranged for me, Renji, and four other newly signed actors to take additional acting workshops twice a week. There were also personality development and speech training classes, plus trips to beauty clinics for various procedures. Now, small modeling gigs and product promotions were starting to come in. Sometimes, P'Jarin would take us to meet clients and pay respects to senior figures in the industry to build connections.

On top of all that, I was still a fourth-year university student who had to dedicate time to my research report. Even though I was advised to take a break if things got overwhelming, but it was my final semester. I was so close to graduation, why would I drop out now and waste time? I wanted to graduate with my friends. So, after finishing my packed daily schedule, I had to stay up late working on my research.

These days, I got a maximum of four hours of sleep per night. The dark circles under my eyes were practically screaming, 'I can't take it anymore, please sleep!' But I had to submit progress reports to my professor every class. Even if I wanted to sleep, I couldn't.

The lack of sleep made me feel groggy and sluggish at times, to the point where Jay said I looked like a sloth.

Ugh, I missed my slow-life days. Did I make the right or wrong decision by auditioning for this series? It was all because of Jay's persuasion.

"Hello, Wan."

Nine's gentle voice greeted me when I stepped into the small studio.

Today was a fitting session for the actors to try on their costumes before the official fitting two days later. So, everyone had gathered at my agency's office. But since I had a class in the afternoon, I informed them I'd be an hour late.

By the time I arrived, everyone was already in their costumes and making final adjustments.

"Hello," I immediately smiled upon seeing my favorite artist. Any lingering hesitation disappeared from my mind.

I had made the right choice by auditioning for this. Otherwise, would I ever get to chat with Nine this casually? Normally, I'd be lost in a sea of fans at an event, barely distinguishable, and Nine wouldn't even notice me.

"You look tired. Didn't get any sleep?"

" ... Oh ... yeah, I was working on my research last night," I admitted. I had probably only gotten two hours of sleep. My sluggish brain took two whole seconds to process Nine's question.

"No wonder, your dark circles are so bad," he chuckled softly.

I instinctively touched my under-eye area, which must have been in terrible shape. The makeup artist was definitely going to scold me for using too much concealer. But I couldn't help it, I had allergies, and when I lacked sleep, my dark circles got even worse.

"Wan, don't get carried away chatting! Come take this outfit and change, then come see me," P'Waen, the famous stylist in charge of the costumes for this series, called out in her sharp voice, beckoning me over. She shoved a shirt and pants into my hands and pointed toward the restroom outside.

Dragging my feet, I headed in that direction, eyes half-closed from exhaustion. As I was walking with my head down and eyes shut, about to turn a corner.

BAM!

"Ah ... " I shook my head in a daze. Lack of sleep plus back-to-back morning classes had slowed my brain function significantly.

When I looked up and saw who I had bumped into, my sleepiness vanished instantly. It was like an electric shock ran through my body as I locked eyes with those sharp, cold, piercing eyes glaring at me.

With over twenty cast and crew members present today, my bad luck had to make me bump into Third of all people!

And there it was again! That same icy stare, brimming with disdain. If this was just his natural expression, I genuinely wondered how this guy managed to survive twenty-one years of life when he looked like he was picking a fight with everyone.

"Sorry," I forced myself to say gruffly. After all, it was my fault for not paying attention while walking. I had enough manners to apologize.

Third furrowed his brows, staring at me in silence. His gaze was filled with disapproval, just like that day in acting class. It instantly reignited my frustration.

"Can you move? I need to change," I said curtly. If there was enough space, I would've walked around him, but it was a narrow hallway, and he was absurdly tall and broad.

"You," he said in a cold voice. I heard him let out a sharp sigh, sounding irritated. Then, his strong hand grabbed my wrist and pulled me aside.

"Do you have a problem with me?" he asked the moment he dragged me into the kitchen area, looking around to make sure no one else was there.

I yanked my arm free and snapped back just as firmly, "Shouldn't I be asking you that? Do you have a problem with me? Because it seems like you don't like me."

"Oh? Maybe," he replied nonchalantly.

His bluntness caught me off guard. I didn't expect him to admit it so easily.

"Wait, hold on. We've never met before. What did I do to make you dislike me?"

"I don't like weaklings like you," Third said flatly, his sharp eyes scanning me from head to toe, making my face burn with anger.

"You showed up late on the first day. You seem distracted in class, always fidgeting. Today, you bumped into me and gave a half-hearted apology. Is that enough reason for me to dislike you?"

"I-"

"Are you really serious about becoming an actor?" Third didn't give me a chance to defend myself. He shot out a question that hit me right where it hurt. "Or do you just want fame and recognition, so you're using BL series as a stepping stone? Doesn't matter if you act stiff or terrible, right? Because you know you're good-looking, and sooner or later, you'll have fans supporting you anyway."

"You -!!! " My eyes widened in fury. His condescending words made my blood boil.

Okay, fine. Maybe I didn't come to this audition because I dreamed of being an actor. But that didn't mean I wasn't taking my role seriously. I never intended to disrespect the audience. Yet here he was, judging me before I even had the chance to prove myself.

"What is it? Are you angry because you're not like that? Or are you angry because I saw right through you?" He smirked. It was a cold, lifeless smile that somehow made his already handsome face seem even more devoid of warmth.

"There are so many people who enter this industry just for fame, without caring to improve their skills. Meanwhile, there are just as many who genuinely dream of becoming actors, yet they lose opportunities because the first type of people takes up all the space. To be honest, I don't care what your reason for joining this industry is. But what I do despise is the unprofessionalism you're displaying right now."

His long-winded criticism made my ears ring with anger. So this was what it felt like to be prejudged by someone who didn't know a damn thing about me. But I guess it was fair, because I was prejudiced against him too.

"Fine, maybe I've made some mistakes. But don't you think it's a bit much to judge me without even giving me a chance to prove myself, Mr. Famous Actor?" I deliberately stressed the last part mockingly, meeting his gaze without backing down.

"I had no prior acting experience before this. This is my first time learning how to act. You might think I'm not serious, but I'm giving my all to this opportunity. I might not be naturally talented like you. I might take longer to improve. But I won't stop trying. I never intended to drag anyone down. So if that's what you're worried about, you can rest assured."

"Good. I hope you keep your word through actions, not just empty promises." He lifted the corner of his mouth, but his eyes remained cold.

"Hurry up and change your clothes." Third strode away immediately, leaving me clenching my jaw in frustration, watching his broad back as I cursed him in my head.

That bastard !!!

This was straight-up an insult. There was no way I'd ever get along with that guy. I absolutely hated people who judged others before even getting to know them.

But I refuse to be the failure he expects me to be. I'll prove to him that I can be just as professional as anyone else. I'll become an actor that people recognize and respect!

Take five, Action!

Two days after Third and I had a big argument, the day of the fitting and press conference for the series 'Deep Dive : Into Your Heart' arrived.

I forced myself to wake up at five in the morning, booked a Grab, and arrived at the photo studio in Lat Phrao at six-thirty, a full thirty minutes before the appointment time, so no one could say I was late. I even arrived before P'Cher, my own AR. When I got there, I saw the most excellent and outstanding person in all three worlds, our series' male lead, already sitting and waiting. He was the first actor to arrive at the studio.

"Hello, P'Chuchan, P'Waen. Hello, everyone," I greeted with a smile, raising my hands in a respectful wai to the makeup artist, stylist, and other crew members. But I didn't greet Third.

He glanced at me briefly before closing his eyes, allowing P'Susan, the makeup artist, to continue enhancing his already handsome face. I didn't pay him any mind either. I hurried to change clothes and then sat in the dressing room to get my hair styled. Other actors gradually arrived, and soon, the dressing room was packed. The room was filled with chatter while everyone ate breakfast and prepared themselves so they wouldn't be late.

"Are you excited, P'?" Renji, who had just finished getting his hair and makeup done, came to sit beside me. I was the first to finish dressing and was now scrolling through my phone on the sofa outside the dressing room.

"Very excited," I replied.

Honestly, my heart was pounding, and my hands were ice-cold. I was scrolling through my phone to calm myself down. Even though I had done some modeling before, today was different because reporters would be there to observe, take photos, and shoot videos for news features. I couldn't help but be nervous since this would be my first media interview.

I'm still quite awkward and clumsy. I just hope I don't embarrass myself in front of everyone.

"I'm nervous too. I usually just play extras," Renji said, shaking his hands restlessly. If someone with experience on set was this nervous, what chance did I have?

Renji slipped his hand into mine, interlocking our fingers. His hand was just as cold as mine, making me laugh.

"It's okay. Just do your best. P'Phai and the photographers will help set the mood," P'Cher, who was sitting nearby, said in a calm voice.

I was usually a bit scared of her because she was strict, but today, I felt relieved to have her around. It was like having a mom with me.

"Okay! Let's do this!" I told Renji.

"Yeah! P' too!" He grinned widely. Even though he looked like he had just recovered from an illness, once you got to know him, he was like a fluffy Samoyed puppy. And not just any puppy, he was the pampered kind because he was the son of a famous department store owner. His family was ridiculously rich.

Renji squeezed my hand tightly as if seeking encouragement. I squeezed his hand back twice. If his hair hadn't been meticulously styled, I would have ruffled his head. He was just too adorable, this little kid. Aww.

By eight o'clock, the fitting photoshoot began. Naturally, the first pair to go was the two leads, Third and Nine, for their first set of photos. Since the reporters hadn't arrived yet, the atmosphere was more relaxed.

They started with individual shots before moving on to couple shots. Technically, Renji and I, along with the other actors who weren't scheduled yet, could wait in the lounge, but I dragged Renji to watch from the studio instead. I wanted to observe and prepare myself. But mainly, I wanted to see Nine at work.

"Move a little closer. Third, put your arm around Nine's waist. Pull him in closer. A little more. Yeah, just like that."

P'Phai, the director, shouted instructions that echoed throughout the studio, accompanied by international music playing softly in the background to set the mood for the actors. My eyes focused on Nine. He looked so focused and natural. No matter how the director and photographers guided him, he executed everything perfectly. Plus, he always had a bright smile, showing no signs of exhaustion.

My bias is such a professional. I'm really proud of him. As for the other one, well, whatever. He has to act professional because he's already made a big deal out of me (indirectly). If he didn't behave well now, he'd embarrass himself.

"Lean in a little more. Almost touching lips. Yes, just like that!" P'Phai shouted, while the photographer rapidly clicked the shutter.

I frowned and whispered to Renji, "Does it really have to be that close? Their lips are almost touching."

"I guess they're using it for promotion," Renji guessed, while I grimaced in confusion. 'Deep Dive : Into Your Heart' is supposed to be about competition, chasing dreams, and friendship. The romantic subplot isn't even that prominent. If they were using this for marketing, it seemed a little off from the series' actual plot.

Weird.

"They usually take a lot of photos first and then select later. These pictures can be used for merchandise, like photo books. It's all about marketing. They say BL fans love this stuff," Renji explained when he saw my furrowed brows.

Oh, so it's all about money. That makes sense.

Once the main leads finished their shoot, it was time for a break and a wardrobe change. Then, it was time for the supporting roles, including me. I started with solo shots. At first, I was a bit stiff, so the director and P'Cher had to step in to guide and encourage me closely. But after about five minutes, I started to settle in, embodying my character Sky, a deceptive noble brat, with ease.

"Good, now look more arrogant. Yes, just like that. Give me a condescending gaze."

A condescending gaze? Got it. My mental reference? None other than the look that our so-called righteous male lead gave me the other day!

"Okay, that's a wrap. Wan, take a break. You'll be called back for a shoot with Third and Nine when the reporters arrive."

After about twenty minutes, my session was done. I sighed in relief, bowed to thank the crew, and went to rest. I didn't forget to fist-bump Renji for encouragement before his turn.

"Wan, how was it? Everything okay?" Nine, now dressed in a new outfit, greeted me as soon as I walked into the lounge.

"Yeah," I automatically smiled at him, completely ignoring the other lead actor sitting alone on the couch. He didn't acknowledge me either, just sat there with his AirPods in, lost in his own world.

"Around eleven, the reporters will arrive. It'll be a bit crowded, but don't be nervous. Just stay calm," Nine reassured me in his usual kind and charming manner. I nodded eagerly, my eyes sparkling. I liked him even more now.

After that, we didn't talk much since Nine had to focus. I also went to change outfits and sat quietly, preparing myself as he did. After a while, a crew member came to call us for the shoot.

"The reporters are here. Watch your expressions and body language," P'Cher whispered as I was about to step out of the room.

I nodded and followed Third and Nine outside. As soon as I stepped into the studio, I was shocked to see a crowd of thirty to forty journalists surrounding the set.

"Hello, everyone. Welcome!" Nine, who was leading, flashed a sweet smile at the reporters. I followed his lead, bowing slightly and smiling at them. Meanwhile, Third, walking at the front, gave a small smile, turning on his full professional charm, completely different from his usual cold demeanor.

Professional actors, huh?

"Let's start with a trio shot, then we'll do a couple shoot with Third and Nine," P'Phai instructed. I stepped onto the set with the other two, my heart pounding. This was my first time being surrounded by so many cameras, all focused on me.

Normally, I'm always the one taking pictures of other people. I've never been the one getting photographed, so I felt a bit stiff. But I tried to act natural, pretending not to care about my surroundings, only listening to P'Phai shouting directions. I held my breath a little when I had to stand next to Third.

I'm one hundred seventy-eight centimeters tall, which is considered quite tall by Thai male standards. But our leading man is nearly ten centimeters taller than me, so I felt like a Smurf standing next to him. And when we were directed to look at each other with Nine standing in the middle, I got even more annoyed. Being shorter made me feel like I was being looked down on.

"Hey. Third, Wan, great inner emotion! Keep going, don't drop it!" P'Phai shouted encouragingly. I immediately glared at that guy, while he looked back at me with a teasing expression, just as the script required.

Of course, my emotions had to be intense, it's not like we liked each other to begin with.

After that, my turn was over, and they moved on to another photoshoot set with the lead actors, finishing off with a group shot of the entire cast. That nearly hour-long session drained me more than I expected. Having to stay in character and project emotions was way more exhausting than just being myself. But even though we were done shooting, there was still no break. We had to head straight to the press conference.

"Yes, the series 'Deep Dive: Into Your Heart' is about chasing dreams, competition, friendship, and love within the swimming club."

Nine's smooth, pleasant voice rang out as he answered the reporters' questions in front of the crowd and numerous cameras. The interview was flowing effortlessly. Standing on Nine's left side, I glanced at him, smiling slightly in admiration. Who would've thought that from just watching his interviews on YouTube, I'd end up standing next to him in an actual press interview today?

"There has been a buzz about you two as a popular on-screen pair since your last series. Now that you're officially acting together in this one, how do you both feel about it?" a female reporter asked.

"Ah ... Nine answer first, okay?" Nine turned to smile at the camera when he glanced over and saw that the other person being asked had no reaction.

I glanced at Third. His facial expression and eyes looked emotionless.

"I've seen that there has been a hashtag created by fans since the previous project. I really want to thank everyone for adoring the two of us. Also, I'm grateful and happy that the seniors gave us this opportunity. Third and I are both very happy to be able to act in this series together. Right? Like, we were already very close, so there wasn't much adjustment needed. Just looking into each other's eyes, we already understand each other. Acting together probably made us even closer."

Nine laughed shyly while glancing at the person on his left.

I thought to myself that this kind of answer would make BL fans go crazy. When I go back and check Twitter, this clip will definitely be cut and spread everywhere.

"And how about Third? How do you feel?" The reporter shifted the focus to the lead actor of the series.

"I want to thank the fans for their support, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to work with the director, the crew, and talented actors. As for the script, from what I've read, it's very interesting and has every emotion. It should allow the audience to see the acting skills of all the actors."

He explained with a small smile before his eyes became more serious as he spoke the next sentence.

"As for the ship, I don't want people to focus on whether Nine and I are a real pair or a fan-created ship. We are actors, so I want people to focus on the acting more. We are determined to showcase the chemistry between the characters we portray for everyone to see in the series."

Those words made me, who was listening, feel slightly uneasy, but I managed to keep my expression perfectly composed, offering a small smile while listening to the reporters continue with other questions.

I didn't turn to look at the reactions of others, but inside, I felt conflicted.

On one hand, I felt that Third's answer was too harsh. Maybe because Nine had just talked about their closeness earlier. And I knew Nine said that because the company had briefed him to do so. After all, BL series inevitably have to sell the chemistry a bit to attract the BL fans fanbase. But Third chose to answer differently, focusing only on work, which made me feel like Nine got embarrassed a little. I could already predict that some fans would think the same way since there had been previous drama about this.

But on the other hand, I also thought what Third said was true. Even though I don't particularly like him, I'm not a child who can't separate logic from feelings. An actor's career should focus on acting skills, not on ships.

From a business perspective, it does help with marketing, increasing fan support. But it also has drawbacks, making people expect that you should always be paired with the same person.

Some fans can differentiate, but some can't. If things are done in a way that makes people think there's something more than just coworkers, it'll become troublesome later.

I think someone as serious as Third chose to answer this way to avoid future problems. Even though his personality isn't the best, it's clear that he really wants to be an actor. He wants to showcase his skills and be recognized.

It's hard to say which side is right. But as Nine's fan, I do feel sorry for my bias for setting things up just to be brushed aside. Couldn't

Third have found a better way to avoid the question? I don't know ...

"I heard this is Wan's first series too. A complete newbie! How excited are you?"

While I was still torn over someone else's business, the reporter suddenly targeted me.

I quickly put on a big smile, just as P'Boe and P'Jarin once advised, to always smile a lot. Then, I answered as briefed.

"I'm very excited, but I'll do my best. I'll focus on learning acting properly. I'll be the character Sky in a way that won't disappoint the audience!"

"And how was it working with the other actors?"

"Everyone is very kind. Whenever I don't understand something, they always help. Nine especially helps explain things and gives me acting tips. The others too."

I turned to smile at Nine, who smiled back with eyes nearly closed. In moments like this, of course, I had to praise my bias' kindness in front of reporters. I want everyone to know that behind the scenes, he's truly a good person.

The interview continued for about twenty more minutes. Then, it was time for solo interviews. I was pulled aside for interviews with two or three other media outlets, while the two lead actors had a queue of reporters waiting to interview them one by one.

Supporting actors like me finished work first, so we could go eat before taking a few more photos, then change and go home.

"P'Wan, those two are still being interviewed."

Renji, who had already changed, gestured toward one corner of the studio. Third and Nine were still giving interviews, smiling, though they were probably tired since they hadn't had lunch yet.

"That's what happens when you're famous. You have to accept the exhaustion. Who knows? Maybe one day, we'll be like them too."

I teased Renji. No one knows what will happen. If we perform well and get lucky, we might rise to fame too.

"I'll go change real quick," I said.

After the fitting, Renji and I planned to go to the clinic. He was getting lip fillers, and I was getting laser treatment. So yesterday, he told me not to bring my motorbike, saying we'd go together and he'd drop me off at my condo afterward.

As I went to change and return the outfit to the stylist, I overheard voices coming from a rarely used dressing room.

Curiosity made me stop in my tracks and listen instinctively.

"We've already talked about this. I've told you so many times, Third, not to answer so bluntly like that," a woman's voice said.

If I'm not mistaken, it's P'Sunny, the AR for Third and Nine. They're from the same company. The company owner, P'Pitch, is also an artist manager and a friend of my company's owner, P'Wut. That's why they co-produced this series, in order to let their trainees act while my company got to debut new talents. A mutually beneficial deal.

"Answering like that will cause more problems. Your fans are already fighting all the time. Right now, we need the shipping fanbase to make the series popular. Can't you just force yourself to say something that suggests some chemistry?"

"I don't like giving people false hope about something that will never happen. If the script is good and the acting is good, the series will become successful on its own," Third's deep, indifferent voice responded.

No need to say, he was talking about shipping. It seemed like the AR was upset that Third didn't answer as briefed.

"And if I'm going to have fans, I want them to like me for who I really am."

"This industry isn't that easy. And being realistic doesn't guarantee fame, Third. Being yourself all the time isn't always a good thing. Right now, we have to do whatever it takes. If you're really that uncomfortable, just fake it a little at the beginning, and later-"

I walked away before hearing the rest.

Once again, my mind was split.

If it were me, what would I choose?

Would I sell the ship to make the series popular?

Or would I be myself and let the quality of the series and my acting speak for themselves?

But wouldn't the latter take longer to pay off in the long run ...?

I took the outfit to the stylist and then went to grab my own bag in the resting room. The other actors were gradually coming in to pick up their own belongings, preparing to go home as well, including Nine and Third, who walked in afterward.

Nine was still smiling, while Third had a neutral expression, as usual, impossible to read.

"I'm leaving first. See you all at the workshop class the day after tomorrow," Nine cheerfully bid farewell to everyone. I saw him walk over to nudge Third and say goodbye.

Third's reaction was to grab his own brand-name bag, sling it over his shoulder, and walk out of the room amidst the gazes of the other actors and staff, who all fell into an awkward silence, exchanging uneasy glances.

"What was that?" I unconsciously mumbled my thoughts out loud, watching the back of the person who walked away without even glancing back, feeling displeased. This guy has such bad manners. And today was already the second time he acted unkindly toward my bias.

Such a bad attitude!

"Don't be mad. He's probably irritated about something. When he's angry, he's always like that, silent. He probably doesn't want to take it out on anyone," Nine leaned in and whispered to me, who was fuming on his behalf.

See? Even now, Nine was still making excuses for him. Isn't he being too nice?

"Or maybe he just doesn't want to talk to me," he continued with a sad smile. From my observation over multiple instances, Third really did seem to avoid conversations with my bias. It wasn't just my imagination. Only Nine was the one constantly trying to approach him.

That only made me even more annoyed at Third!

"Don't pay attention to it. There are plenty of people who like you, Nine," I comforted.

The other nodded, giving me a gentle smile before saying goodbye and leaving with his AR.

"P'Wan, are we going now?"

"Let's go, let's go," I told Renji, the puppy-like guy who was obediently waiting. His eyes were still watching Nine until the other got into the car and left. I let out a deep sigh.

During the series shoot, I probably need to act as my bias' guardian knight for a bit. If that Third guy wants to pick a fight with Nine, he'll have to step over my dead body first !!!

"I'm backkk!"

"P'Wan! I watched today's interview too!" View rushed to the door just as I was taking off my shoes, shoving her phone at me, which was playing a clip of the press conference. "You answered so casually, just like a real actor. You've really become one now."

"Really? How was it? Was I cool?"

"Eh, so-so. There are lots of other handsome guys," my cheeky little sister tilted her chin up, the corner of her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Like this one. The tall one, with narrow eyes, the one named Renji."

"Oh, this guy is really nice. He even drove me home today."

"Really ?! Ahhh! Why didn't you tell me ?! I want to take a picture with him!" View shrieked, but I think it's a good thing they didn't meet. Not because I'm an overprotective big brother, but I'm worried about Renji instead.

My sister is crazy and chaotic. Let Renji go find a good person instead.

"So, how's the feedback? I haven't checked Twitter yet."

"It's great. It even trended. Most of the hype is from Third-Nine fans, but a lot of people are saying you're cute too. Looks like someone even made a base fan account for you."

"Really?"

"Yeah, look." View held out her phone, showing an account page of my base fan club.

Even though the followers weren't even a hundred yet, I couldn't help but feel warm inside, knowing that there were people cheering for me.

"Alright, I'm gonna go shower first. Feeling sticky."

"Okay. I'll go read my book. Oh, and don't forget to call Mom. She's been complaining that you haven't called her much lately."

"Okay, okay."

That little rascal ran off into her room. I quickly took off my clothes and went to shower since I had been out all day. After freshening up, I called Mom first to keep her from worrying and told her about the fitting today. After hanging up, I sat at my desk, opened my laptop, and checked the feedback on today's series fitting press conference.

There were quite a few people complimenting me, saying I looked good, and they were looking forward to my performance. So far, I hadn't seen any negative comments yet. As for Third and Nine, just as expected, some fans thought that Third had humiliated Nine,

causing a minor drama. If those fans had seen how Third ignored Nine when going home, like I did, they'd probably be even angrier.

My eyes locked onto the handsome face of the male lead in the clip, who was answering questions. I scoffed, closed Twitter, and opened my photo editing program instead.

Just looking at that guy's face annoyed me. I'd rather edit pictures of Nine to calm myself down!