prologue.

Hyukjae blanched as he read the script in front of him, provided by Mr Park Jungsoo, the President of SM Entertainment. Beside him, Sungmin softly sighed, reaching out to place an arm around the stiff shoulder of the actor. If he could, he would object to this, but he doesn’t have the power to do so and in all honesty, it’s not his choice to make. Hyukjae would have to deal with it.

“Hyuk, if you don’t want to do this we can do something else and—” Sungmin began, worried for his friend.

“No…I will go. Plus, I want to see him.”

•••

On the way to the van, Hyukjae seemed to be in his own world, dazed and unfocused as he stumbled inside and crashed onto the seats. There were many occasions where Sungmin had seen the other behaving so absentmindedly, but not once did he see Hyukjae biting his lips and twiddling his thumbs so hard.

This kid must be really nervous…

“Hyung,” Hyukjae started talking, cutting the peaceful journey. Sungmin looked up from the paper schedule of his artist, trying to plan and add in more events when he heard Hyukjae's worried tone.

“Yes?”

“Do you think I can pull this one off? I mean, he’s going to be watching and…”

“Have faith in yourself.” Sungmin smiled.

“I do, but I'm not sure if my heart can cope with him being in the same room, I mean, it’s been five years.” And I still owe him an apology; Hyukjae added bitterly, a wry smile on his lips.

“I will support you in your decisions.” Sungmin said quietly.

“Of course! You’re my manager, and brother.” Hyukjae finished, smiling a gummy smile as his ruffled Sungmin’s crispy brunet waves of hair.

•••

Contrary to what Hyukjae believed, the director wasn’t present for the interview, but many other famous actors and actresses are there, trialing for the role they want. He unexpectedly saw some of his entertainment friends; friends from the same circle and field of work, but not exactly close enough. Times like this force Hyukjae to remember his high school days, surrounded by real friends and bubbles of happiness. He doesn’t quite know if it’s the simplicity of life years ago or if it’s the loosely planned lifestyle that resemble the cool summer breeze, either one, Hyukjae craves those bittersweet moments to be in his life again.

Please log in to read the full chapter