Legendary Superstar-Chapter 137: Fourth

Sooyun didn't expect that Minjae was qualified. Not even close.

He thought he would be dropped out immediately.

He had laughed when he first heard about the open auditions. He laughed even harder when he realized that lesser-known actors could apply. He never once considered that Minjae of all people would even pass, let alone standing in the same waiting room as him.

Now, seeing Minjae with a calm posture and quiet confidence in his eyes, something inside Sooyun twisted.

"This has got to be a joke," he muttered in the air, standing up straight again, the script crinkling slightly in his hand as he clenched it too tightly.

"You okay, hyung?" The actor beside him glanced over.

Sooyun didn't answer but still smiled.

He can't let his emotions sweep over him now that he is in a public space with his fellow actors.

Sooyung straightened his shoulders and relaxed himself. He pushed back the irritation that was rising at his chest.

No. This wasn't the time to look petty.

Cameras may not be allowed in this waiting room, but there were still eyes everywhere. And eyes, especially in this industry, can talk. He had spent months retrieving his good image.

He wouldn't let that crumble now especially not because of Minjae again.

So, instead of turning away, Sooyun walked toward Minjae.

Minjae looked up just in time to see Sooyun approaching. Their eyes locked again.

"Minjae-ssi," Sooyun greeted with a warm smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Minjae smiled back just as warmly, maybe even more. His voice was soft and almost affectionate when he replied.

"Sooyun Hyung, it's been a while. You look great."

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Then, without hesitation, Minjae stood up and reached out his hand. What a good timing that he had.

Sooyun, didn't think twice and accepted the handshake. However the moment their palms met, his eyes dropped to Minjae's wrist.

Sooyun's smile dropped for a second.

A shining watch was on Minjae's wrist.

'That watch…'

It was the exact same watch he had remembered giving to Minjae a few months ago.

Sooyun's throat tightened as the memory hit him with sharp clarity.

Minjae, of course, noticed it. His gaze flicked down to the watch as if on cue, then back up at Sooyun's face, lips curling into a gentle too-innocent smile.

"I'm still wearing the gift you gave me, Hyung," Minjae said softly, as if it was something sentimental. "It really means a lot."

If Sooyun could play this game, then Minjae can, too.

"Glad it suits you." Sooyun forced his mouth into a grin again.

'This stupid…' Sooyun's jaw clenched.

"Thank you again for it, Hyung." Minjae added, tilting his head slightly like he meant every word.

Sooyun wanted to pull his hand back, but he didn't. Instead, he tightened the handshake for half a second before letting it go.

"You're welcome," he said, eyes sharp behind his polished smile. "I didn't think you'd actually keep it."

Minjae's smile didn't falter. "I always keep things that are given with sincerity."

And with that, Minjae sat back down, calm and composed, while Sooyun turned away, his teeth sinking into the inside of his cheek.

He hated Minjae.

He hated that watch.

He hated that it was here.

And most of all… he hated that Minjae was smiling and looking so confident.

He didn't even know why he hated Minjae.

He just hates him.

Minjae's eyes lingered on Sooyun's back as he walked away, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but smile more.

He had already expected him to be here. Sooyun was a good actor after all. Objectively speaking, It was something that he couldn't deny.

Minjae glanced at the watch on his wrist. He tugged his sleeve up a little higher, letting the face of it catch the light. It shone faintly under the waiting room's lighting.

I was his first time wearing this one. It was heavy and too flashy for his taste. Aside from that, he really didn't want to wear it, knowing that it came from Sooyun.

But this morning, as he was getting dressed, something told him to put it on., his guts.

And now, just minutes earlier, it was all worth it.

The way Sooyun's smile faltered was so funny.

He didn't even need to throw more words. Just wearing the watch was enough.

Minjae chuckled quietly to himself. Not loud enough to draw attention.

'You didn't expect to see me here, huh?' Minjae thought. "But I knew you would.' Bottom of Form

Minjae smiled as he leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked around the room.

Most of the actors were quietly flipping through their scripts, though they looked more composed

Then, all of a sudden, the door of the room opened.

A production assistant stepped in. It was a woman with a headset, clipboard, and that efficient kind of smile you only see behind the scenes.

"Excuse me, everyone," she called out, her voice was polite knowing that she wasn't just talking to anyone.

"We'll begin the audition process shortly. Please come forward one by one to draw your numbers. This will determine the order of your performance."

All of them couldn't help but raise this brows at the sudden announcement. But still, they followed.

Minjae stood with the rest of them, giving his arms a light shake before stepping forward. He didn't rush. No one did. Everyone moved with the same carefully slow steps, showing how calm and confident they were.

When it was his Minjae's turn, he reached into the small velvet pouch the staff member offered and pulled out a folded slip of paper. He flipped it open.

"Fourth," he said simply, a flicker of amusement dancing in his voice. "Lucky number."

The staff member nodded. "Thank you. Please return to your seat—we'll call your number when it's time."

Minjae stepped back, slipping the paper into his back pocket. His eyes swept the room again, casually, but when they landed on Sooyun, he paused.

And then he smiled. That same light, harmless, and polite smile. The kind that meant absolutely nothing and everything at once.