Chapter 17:
The streets outside the press event were a blur of flashing lights and camera shutters as Minho stepped into the night. Reporters called out his name, their questions sharp as arrows. He kept his head down, bodyguards clearing a path to the waiting car.
Inside, he exhaled deeply. The driver pulled into traffic, leaving the chaos behind, but Minho's mind stayed with the noise.
"You've made quite an impression," the system noted.
Minho chuckled without humor. "Is that praise?"
"Public awareness has increased by 15%. Your next milestone is within reach."
"I can feel the knives sharpening too," Minho muttered.
"Anticipate resistance. Strength breeds envy."
Minho rubbed his temple. "And if the weight of envy is too heavy?"
"You were crushed once. Survive this time, or fall again."
In a dimly lit bar downtown, Jaehyun sat with his manager, a glass of whiskey in hand. The shadows on his face seemed deeper than usual, his charm replaced with a simmering bitterness.
"He's everywhere," Jaehyun muttered, staring into his glass. "Every headline, every discussion. Hyunjae this, Hyunjae that."
His manager leaned back. "You're still the star, Jaehyun. One film doesn't make a career."
"But it can break mine," he hissed.
"You want to crush him?" his manager asked. "There are ways."
Jaehyun's eyes shifted. "I'm listening."
Minho's phone buzzed as he sat on his apartment floor, script pages spread around him. An unknown number flashed on the screen.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Hyunjae, this is Director Kim from The Forgotten Melody. I've been watching your work, and I'm interested in casting you for a lead role."
Minho blinked. "Lead role? That's…"
"Ambitious, I know. But you've shown depth that I haven't seen in years. This role requires someone with intensity—and vulnerability."
Minho swallowed. "I'll think about it."
As he hung up, the weight of the offer settled over him like a second skin.
"A pivotal moment," the system intoned.
"A lead role is good news, right?" Minho asked.
"The right role is more than good. It is destiny. Choose carefully."
Minho frowned. "And if I'm not ready?"
"You will be shaped by fire, or you will burn."
Yuna paced her agency's practice room, frustration etched into her features. She had watched the press event replay over and over—Minho's calm responses, the way the crowd hung on his words.
"Why can't I get past this feeling?" she whispered.
"Because you care," Eunwoo said from the doorway.
Yuna turned, startled. "How long have you been there?"
"Long enough." He smiled. "You're worried about Hyunjae. Admit it."
"He's a friend," she said defensively.
"He's also competition," Eunwoo countered.
Yuna sighed. "I don't want to be just someone standing beside greatness. I want to stand on my own."
"Then stop doubting yourself," Eunwoo said softly. "You have the talent. Now believe it."
Minho stared at the script for The Forgotten Melody, the words blurring together. His heart raced with anticipation and fear.
The path forward was paved with choices—and every choice carried a cost.