Chapter Text
“In the running for three years in a roll, Kim Seokjin is placed number one for best actor and best face of 2011 followed by Park Jinyoung.”
“Looks like for the fourth year in a row, Kim Taehyung is runner up following up in third place. Looks like this year he’s getting closer and closer to beating Park Jinyoung for best actor. Will he succeed in the year to come or will he land in third place again?”
With anger and frustration, a man with dark brown hair threw the ipad he was using on the coffee table in front of him. He let out an exhausted sigh, his hand moving towards his forehead, massaging it with his index and thumb. In the distance, he could hear footsteps coming closer and closer, the voices following it getting louder.
“Can you believe he got third place again? After having all those roles this last year too? That’s crazy.”
“Hey, maybe if he gets that role with that one production, he’ll finally pass Park Jinyoung.”
The two, man and woman, laughed. The two entered the room where the brown haired man was sitting in, his expression still filled with anger.
When their eyes met his form, they stopped. Glancing at each other, they cautiously walked closer. The man reached forward, placing his hand on top of the brown haired man’s shoulder as carefully as he could.
“Uhm. . . Taehyung-ssi? Are you feeling okay?” He said in a soft tone.
The brown haired man lifted his head, his eyebrows turned down in a glare.
“Oh, you don't look so well.” The man said with a nervous chuckle. Taehyung smiled, unamused, the glare still present.
“Gee, I wonder why that is?”
The nervous smile on the other man’s face left, his head tilting down. The woman on the other hand only chuckled. She sat on the chair adjacent to him, grabbing the ipad that was placed on the coffee table.
“I see you found out about the results. How’re you feeling.”
Taehyung sighed, his shoulders slumping. “How would you feel after hearing that you’re once again in third place when you worked your ass off for the last year?”
The woman hummed, the amused smile still on her face.
“Well, let’s hope next year everything changes. In the meantime, I’m still trying to see if I can get you that leading role. Hyung-woo, why don't you fetch my documents at my desk.” she said to the other man.
“Yes, ma’am.” He responded, instantly doing what he was told.
“What about the American film role, Hye-jin?” Taehyung asked, his expression serious as he eyed his manager, Hye-jin.
She smiled and placed her leg over the other. “Well, he hasn’t responded yet. Besides, if she does decide to give you a chance, you have to travel to America and right now, you can’t. Not when you might be getting this main lead for this drama. You also have a few shoots due for the next few weeks and don't forget about the various commercial shoots you have to film.”
Taehyung’s response to that was to sigh again, his shoulders slumping even more.
“Don't sweat it, you’ll beat Park Jinyoung next year.” Hyung-woo, the assitant manager added.
“He’s not the only problem.”
Hye-jin smiled, an eyebrow lifting up at Taehyung's comment. “Oh, that’s right, you want to beat your brother too. Well, I can’t reassure you on that but you won’t achieve your goals unless you try harder.”
Hyung-woo finally found the papers and handed them to Hye-jin. He remained standing, his eyes watching Taehyung as he eyed the pages on her hands.
“Look through them and if you like it, I’ll organize an audition though I doubt they’ll refuse.”
Taehyung leaned forward, taking the papers off of her hands.
“Secret Love. . . a love drama?” Taehyung looked bored but his response only made Hye-rin laugh.
“You want publicity? This is going to give it to you. Do you have any idea how many more fans you’re going to get if you act in a love drama? A lot. Think about it, this might even be what gets you to number one.”
Taehyung stared back at the papers, his mind reading the title once more.
‘Secret Love. . . huh?’
“Secret Love. . . really?” A dark blonde haired man said.
He was sitting on the floor with his legs crossed, his lower body draped with the covers that was under their lower table.
“What? It’s his first real gig. You and I both know that if you want to make it big in the acting industry, the best way to gain popularity and more roles is a romance drama. He can handle himself, right Kook?”
A man with black hair asked, his eyes landing on the man sitting on the floor in front of him, his body being held up by his arms, which was behind him. He had long black hair, the front bit covering his eyes. He lifted both of his shoulders, giving a silent response.
“We also know that if he screws up, the industry won’t let him live it down. It’ll follow him, Joon, it’ll follow him.”
The black haired man named Namjoon sighed, “I know but he won’t mess up, he has experience.”
“What experience? He’s been on commercials where the only thing you see of him is the back of his head.” The dark blonde haired man turned to the one with long hair, his expression serious.
“You don't have to do this if you don't want to. I told you I can help you pay your debt. I can-”
“Yoongi. . . I know you mean well but I don't want to pass the responsibility to you when you have nothing to do with it. Besides, acting is what paid the majority of it. I just need a little more and this role can give me enough to be done with it.”
The blonde haired, Yoongi, sighed, his head shaking side to side. “I don't want you to be alone in this Jungkook.”
“I’m not alone, Namjoon is my manager. And I have you too, don't I?” Jungkook replied, his shoulders once again lifting nonchalantly.
“See! What did I tell you?! He’ll be fine!”
Yoongi sighed at that, “Yeah sure, a barely there actor, a wanna be manager, and yours truly. Oh what ever could go wrong?”
Namjoon chuckled at Yoongi’s words as he loudly patted Yoongi’s shoulder, making him wince. “Oh come on, he’s just going to an audition. What could go wrong?”
“Gee, I wonder.”
It was Jungkook’s turn to laugh at Yoongi. He smiled at both of them, internally thanking the two of them for being there for him.
“Everything is going to go well, you’ll see.” Jungkook nodded his head, his mind made up.
He’s going to go to KB Entertainment and audition for the role, simple as that. He took a deep breath, releasing it slowly. He’s done this plenty of other times before, it should be easy. What could go wrong?
The company was larger than Jungkook remembered. He looked up at the tall building, dozens of people going in and out of said building.
“Come on, let’s get a move on.” Namjoon said, nudging him into the building. Jungkook nodded and followed in.
Namjoon cleared his throat once they were in front of the receptionist, giving her a kind smile.
“Hello, good morning. My name is Kim Namjoon and this is Jeon Jungkook. He has an appointment with producer Jung Sung-bae. He has an audition.”
“Oh, please wait a moment. I’ll let him know.” She replied with a smile of her own.
“Thank you.” Both Jungkook and Namjoon waited a bit, hearing the receptionist speak with someone through the phone. Her smile slightly fell, her eyes catching both of theirs.
“I see, I’ll let them know.” She hung up the phone, her head lifting to the two of them.
“Mr. Jung will see you now. Please follow the yellow tape on the wall into the elevators and exit on floor six.”
“Thank you.” Jungkook replied this time.
“What do you think that was?” He later asked once the two were in the elevators alone.
“Not sure but let’s hope it’s good.”
They were nervous now but they held their heads up high, trying their best to stay confident. Once they made it out, they were led by another man into a set of two doors. There, they were met with the producer himself. They instantly bowed, giving him smiles when they stood straight.
“Good morning, I’m Jeon Jungkook, the one auditioning.”
He smiled sadly, a sigh escaping his mouth. “I see well. . . I’m afraid the position was already taken.”
“What? But we had an appointment. Jungkook was the first one to see you. How is it already taken?” Namjoon asked, a confused look on his face.
“I’m sorry but the position was taken by someone high up that will definitely call more attention to our drama.”
Namjoon frowned, his head tilting to the side. “Who?”
The producer chuckled a bit, a hint of pride appearing on his face. “None other than Kim Taehyung.”
Jungkook frowned, his head tilting to look over at Namjoon’s expression. “Kim. . . Taehyung?”
He looked surprised, a bit angry too.
“Uhm, is there a possibility that I can get another role? Even if it’s a smaller role or an extra even.”
“Jungkook!” Namjoon whisper yelled, his eyebrows furrowing at his words.
“What? You know I need anything right now.” Jungkook whispered back.
He looked back towards the producer, finding him thinking. Hopefully even giving Jungkook a chance. He let out a sigh, his hand moving to scratch his head.
“Alright, fine. Why don't you show me what you got and then I’ll call you and let you know if you’re in.”
Jungkook smiled, relieved that the producer was giving him a chance. He thanked him, bowing towards him before he followed towards the audition room. On his cue, Jungkook started saying his lines. Yes, they were the ones he practiced for the main role and even though he knew he wasn’t going to get that one anymore, he did his best to act out with all he had. When he finally finished, the room was left in silence.
He took a deep breath, his eyes finding the producer. He was silently staring at him. He began smiling a couple seconds later, his head nodding. Jungkook took that as a good sign.
“Alright, leave your information over there and I’ll let you know in a couple days.”
Jungkook smiled as he bowed deeply. “Thank you so much, I’ll be expecting your call whether it be good or bad.”
The producer only laughed. Only after they were leaving the elevator did Namjoon let his breath of air out.
“I can’t believe you settled for a role as an extra.”
“It doesn’t matter what I land in. Yes, being the leading role would’ve been great but I don't mind what I get as long as I’m working.”
Namjoon whined, his head moving down to look at the ground. Jungkook chuckled at his expression but as he was watching him, he didn't notice the person walking towards him. They nudged shoulders, making the two of them stop and turn to each other.
“I’m so sorry, I didn't mean to-” Jungkook stopped when his eyes landed on another set of eyes.
They glared down at him, his lips pulled tightly into a frown. “Why don't you watch where you’re going.” He said with a scoff.
Jungkook instantly frowned, his eyebrows furrowing. “It was an accident.”
“Please, an accident. Like I’m going to believe that. Only an idiot wouldn’t see me walking by.” The man said with another scoff.
This person had dark brown hair, his skin and complexion like nothing Jungkook has ever seen. He was wearing what looked like expensive clothing. He carried himself highly, his head lifted up, his shoulders squared. Of course, it didn't matter how nice or wealthy this person looked. His personality was enough to sour his image. For Jungkook at least.
“Believe what you like but it was just that, an accident. But if you don't believe that then maybe the idiot is another.” Jungkook smirked cockily when he saw the look of rage on the man’s expression.
“Have a nice day.” He ended it.
He walked out of the building, Namjoon speed walking close by. “Dude, what the hell!!”
Jungkook frowned, his eyes rolling when Namjoon stopped him from walking.
“Do you have any idea who that was!”
“No and I don't give two shits. Did you hear how he spoke to us? Geez, I swear I don't understand how money gets into people’s heads and makes them act like assholes.”
Namjoon sighed loudly, his eyes nervously looking back into the building. “That was Kim Taehyung, you idiot! Damn it, let’s go before he sends someone to look for you. Come on.”
Jungkook was surprised but he honestly didn't care. He was an asshole and he didn't regret telling him what he told him.
“Damn, I really hope you don't make him your enemy. Do you realize how bad it’s going to be if you get Kim Taehyung on your bad side?! Especially if you end up working with him?!!”
Jungkook rolled his eyes again, his arms crossing in front of him. He huffed, his tongue moving to push the side of his cheek in irritation.
“He’s a stuck up celebrity, it’s about time someone put him in his place.”
Namjoon looked defeated as he drove them back to Jungkook’s house, where he and Yoongi are currently residing. When they told Yoongi what he did, he laughed so hard, he was laying on the floor, cackling.
“Hot damn, good riddance!”
“Yoongi!” Namjoon yelled, stunned by his words. “The Kims are one of the most popular and prestigious actors and models in Korea. Getting them as an enemy is the last thing you want to do.”
Yoongi hummed, pulling a grape from its vine from a fruit bowl that was sat on the kitchen table.
“The Kims?” Jungkook asked, making Namjoon chuckle with disbelief.
“Are you serious right now? You call yourself an actor yet you don't know who the Kims are!? Kim Seokjin has been the number one actor for three running years and Kim Taehyung is his younger brother, who’s following in his footsteps. Not only has he won dozens of awards, he was seen as Korea’s sweetheart and heart throb. They have tons of power in the entertainment community, they’re someone you don't want to mess with.”
“Yeah yeah but unlike Kim Taehyung, Seokjin is at least respectful enough to be in the same room with. That brat Taehyung needs someone to put him in his place. I’d say a good spanking.” Yoongi imputted, his hand moving back a little.
Namjoon groaned, his hands moving to grab and pull his hair when Jungkook threw his head back with laughter.
“I swear, I can’t with you two.”
Yoongi and Jungkook were now left alone in the kitchen. Only after Namjoon was no longer around did Yoongi turn to look at him.
“You’re alright with getting an extra role and working with a douchebag?”
Jungkook hummed, his eyebrows furrowing as he pretended to be in thought. “Well, I guess I have no choice, do I?”
He chuckled, his expression shifting into one of seriousness. “I need this job, even if it is being an extra.”
Yoongi nodded, moving his hand to grab another grape. “Okay, be careful though. I know how you are and I know that if you have another run in with this guy, you won’t hesitate to give him a piece of your mind. Joon wasn’t joking when he said that. This guy, Kim Taehyung, he can be trouble when he wants to be.”
Jungkook stared into Yoongi, waiting until he turned his head to meet his eyes. “How do you know all of this about them?”
Yoongi hummed again, shrugging his shoulders before he walked out of the kitchen, dragging his sandaled feet on the wooden floor. Yoongi’s weird reply was a bit questionable but Jungkook stood quiet, respecting his privacy. He knew Yoongi had a past with the entertainment industry but it only occurred to him just now that maybe what happened had to do something with the Kims. He won’t dwell or ask about it though, only when Yoongi was ready. Though his words were something Jungkook was going to take into consideration. If what he said is true, he has to make sure not to run into any of the Kims. Especially Kim Taehyung.
“Isn’t it great? You got the role without even taking an audition. Looks like your name and fame is rising enough that you get what you want. You should be happy.” Park Hye-jin, his manager said through his phone.
“Filming won’t start until a couple weeks so take a day off. In two days, you have a photo shoot, don't forget. I’ll send Hyung-woo over with the details.”
Taehyung didn't reply and instead hung up the phone. Yes, he did land the role but he wasn’t excited for it at all. If anything, he was dreading it. He never imagined he was going to be in another romance Kdrama.
He’s only done it once and even though it did cast a light on him in his acting career, he hated it. Dozens of scandals appeared because the main actress, his romantic partner in the drama, couldn’t keep her mouth shut about her attraction to him. He, of course, denied having any type of feelings for her that weren’t professional but that only got the scandal out of control. He was glad that the media sided with him in all of this. He let out a sigh, his expression serious when he recalled the earlier events he had in the Entertainment Company.
“If you can’t see that it was an accident, then maybe the idiot is another.”
Taehyung crushed his water bottle in his hand, the plastic making a loud crackling sound. He was angry and frustrated. How dare that man insult him when he was the one that ran into him.
‘Does he even know who I am?!’ Taehyung yelled in his head. He let out another sigh, his eyes closing so he could relax.
“Don't get angry. The one who does, loses.”
Taehyung stood up from his couch, his feet taking him to his bedroom. He was in his luxury two story apartment. His bedroom was not only filled with lots of tinted windows but a wonderful view once you pulled the glass doors open.
His balcony overlaid the beautiful nature around him. Yes, he was still in Seoul but he was lucky enough to find this apartment where a lot of greenery grew. He walked over to his spacious bathroom, reaching over to get a sheet mask. Taking it with him, he decided to take a long warm bath to ease his stress. He needed to forget the incident and worry about the dreadful drama. Putting a mask on in front of people was tiresome and he didn't want wrinkles to appear at such a young age.
“Ugh, how does Seokjin even do it?” He said as he placed the sheet mask on his face.
He entered the bath once it was full, a bath bomb had already dissolved in the hot water. Leaning his head back, his shoulders slumping, he relaxed and imagined his name on the first place list for top actor instead of his brother’s. Oh, what a dream that would be.
It was late at night, the house was quiet, signalling that everyone in the house was asleep. With a sigh, Jungkook walked from room to room, shutting the lights off as he went. He stopped when he heard a soft meow by the house’s entrance. He smiled, an airy laugh coming out from his mouth.
“Heya scraps, you wanna sleep inside tonight? It’s cold, isn’t it?” Jungkook asked as he opened the door.
The cat came walking in, instantly rubbing on Jungkook’s leg, his purrs loud and clear.
“Come on, let’s go upstairs.”
Jungkook walked up the stairs, into his room. The cat followed close by. As soon as the door to his room was open, the cat ran to a cat tree Jungkook had built for him. Instead of getting into bed as Jungkook had said he was going to do, he sat on the stool that was on the foot of the bed, his phone beeping lightly. Reaching it, he saw that it was a couple emails, none of them were important. He groaned and laid down, his body hitting the bed with a soft thump. He closed his eyes for a bit, his mind, unconsciously, filled with the moment he had with that stuck up actor.
“Hmm. . . Kim Taehyung.”
Call him crazy but he’s never actually paid attention to any celebrities. He was practically one himself but he never wondered who else was one too. Grabbing his phone again, he searched Kim Taehyung on the web, his images appearing with a list of everything he appeared on. He was on loads of product commercials and almost a dozen different types of show hosts and films but only one drama. By simply looking through his stuff, you could easily figure out he wasn’t a fan of dramas.
‘Weird. . . why is he doing this one then?’ He thought in his head.
Jungkook tapped on the image section, Kim Taehyung’s images appearing one by one. Each one of them looked professional or on a red carpet. None seemed to be by his own hand. Well, that is until he reached the twelfth photo. It was a selfie, one that was apparently uploaded in his social media. Curiosity got the better of him as he didn't hesitate and touched the link to his social media. There, he saw hundreds of photos of Kim Taehyung. Each one of them was selfies either of him by himself or with people. One more than others, a blonde one. The caption said “Me and Chimmie, out causing trouble.” All the photos had more than a hundred million likes and reposts. Jungkook’s eyebrows furrowed, surprised by the amount of followers this person had. He scrolled through his photos again, his finger accidentally pressing a photo without him realizing.
Jungkook’s eyes instantly moved onto Taehyung’s, the photo in front of him was of one where he was looking out in the distance, a smile so different from the rest of them. It looked. . . real and tranquil. His eyes looked soft, his features relaxed.
“Hmm, if you weren’t such a shit person. . . you’d actually be pretty.”
Jungkook finished off that sentence in a slight whisper. His eyes continued to stare at Taehyung’s features before he locked his phone, tossing it somewhere on the bed. Deciding it was best to sleep, he stood up and got ready. The day went as well as it could and Jungkook really hoped he would get the role. Even if he had to spend a few scenes with Kim Taehyung.
“That’s it, beautiful!”
A snap followed by another and another was what filled the room besides the constant praise each time Taehyung changed pose. Holding a glass perfume bottle, Taehyung made his eyes sensual, his head tilting so his neck was the most visible. He knew how to move and work his body so that every one of his photos came out better than the last.
“Wonderful! We have what we need thanks to you. I’m sure this perfume bottle will be sold out like a light!” The photographer said with a cheery smile.
“I hope they do.” Taehyung replied with a smile of his own.
He loved having photoshoots, especially since he always gets compliments. He knows what he needs to do, he’s done it a million times he could practically do it in his sleep. This was one of the things he enjoyed doing, it being what he does best.
“I’ll send a copy to you if you like.”
Taehyung smiled once again as he shook his head. “I look at this face every day. It’s fine, thank you.”
The photographer all but laughed, “Yes yes honey, I know but who wouldn’t want to look at a face like yours every day?”
Taehyung laughed back, his hands moving to grab the photographers. “Thank you but I must go. I have another thing to shoot later on. Thank you for your great work.”
“No, thank you.”
Taehyung smiled wider before he walked out of the studio, instantly running into his manager. He sighed, his smile dropping when his eyes landed on him.
“Where were you? You were supposed to wake me up and take me to the shoot. I had to come on my own. I almost missed it if it weren’t for me putting an alarm.”
His assistant manager, Hyung-woo, looked down to the ground, his shoulders slumping. “Sorry. . . I uhm, slept in.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes, walking towards his car. “Well, I have my car now so I’ll head to the office. You can take the van there too and just drop it off I guess.”
Hyung-woo nodded, still feeling a bit shameful because of his mistake. “Yes sir.”
Taehyung drove off, reaching the company before his manager did. He parked and exited his car. He quickly put his shades on when he saw a few people with cameras.
“Please help me,” Taehyung said with an exhausted frown.
He walked to the company entrance, catching the photographer’s attention when he passed by.
“Kim Taehyung!!”
“Kim Taehyung!” They all yelled.
Taehyung smiled, lifting his hand to allow a few photos but kept walking. Once he was in the elevators did he let out a sigh of relief.
He walked out, his legs taking him straight to his agent’s office. “Hye-jin, you should take care of the paparazzi outside before-”
He stopped in his tracks when he saw not only his manager but a familiar man inside.
“Well, if it isn’t Kim Taehyung himself.”
Taehyung didn't fight the distaste expression on his face as the man stood up, his smirk present on his face. The man had black sleek hair, his posture straight as a board. His head was tilted high as he looked at him, his expression cocky.
“Park Jinyoung, oh what ever did I do to deserve this?”
Jinyoung chuckled, his smirk still aimed at Taehyung. “I’m just here to congratulate you on being third place, again. How does it feel to be under me for another year in a role? For what, three years now?”
Taehyung gave an unamused laugh, his eyes turning into a glare as he stared at Jinyoung’s cocky face.
“Just you wait, I’ll surpass you and then we’ll see who’ll be laughing.”
Jinyoung smiled widely, humming as he tilted his head. “Still me. I don't care if you pass me, I would still get the last laugh because you’ll never surpass Kim Seokjin. Me? I at least know I would never pass him. I’m being realistic. But you? You still live in the clouds of pretend and deceit. When will you learn that you’ll never be a top number one actor, hmm?”
Taehyung’s glare deepened whilst Jinyoung’s smirk increased.
“And where is he now? In Japan, filming another film as the leading role. And you, you’re here accepting roles in a simple romance drama.”
Jinyoung laughed, his head tilting back. “Good luck in that drama.” He said before he left the office, closing the door behind him.
Hye-jin, who was watching everything in silence, stared into Taehyung’s face. “That anger, use it and you will pass him.”
“What does it matter if I’ll never pass. . . him.” Taehyung replied harshly.
He walked over to the couch, throwing himself, making the leather couch squeak.
“Well, if you really want to pass Kim Seokjin, you shouldn’t let people’s words bring you down. Use that anger, that feeling you have, and turn it into something great. Work hard but also show the people and your fans that you’re a good person. This drama, even though he made fun of it, will give you that opportunity. Romance dramas are in and I know you will gain a lot more followers because of it.”
Hye-jin reached for a large packet of papers, throwing it on the coffee table in front of him.
“What’s this?”
“The new script. Apparently there were a few changes in the drama. You might want to read that when you get the chance.”
Just then, the door to the office opened, Hyung-woo running in with a pant. “Sorry I’m late.” Taehyung grabbed the packet, giving it to his assistant manager.
“You wanna make up for it? Here, make sure to take this to me after work. I have another shoot to film.” Taehyung stood up, leaving the office, the door slammed behind him.
“What happened?” Hyung-woo asked, his eyes following Taehyung before he was out of sight.
“Park Jinyoung happened but don't you worry. We’ll do anything to make sure Taehyung gets an impressive role and we’ll show him.”
Hye-jin smiled, giving a proud look to Hyung-woo, who looked more confused than anything. “You’ll see, Taehyung will be number one in no time.”
*One Week Later*
“Filming will start soon but you and I believe another actor or two will be present. The main actress won’t be arriving until the third day of filming so there won’t be that many people here.” Hyung-woo said as Taehyung was getting his makeup done.
Taehyung simply listened, letting the makeup artists finish their job. He didn't move but thanked them when they were finished.
“Good, that means I won’t be here long then.” Taehyung finally responded.
He walked out of the changing room, now wearing what looked like regular looking clothes. His first scene was going to be him in regular clothing before it’s revealed that he’s actually the son of a CEO in episode five.
He bowed slightly when the camera crew and film directors bowed, greeting him as he walked by. He instantly turned to the main director, giving him a warm smile.
“I see everything is set. I hope our filming will be done successfully and in a short time. Shall we get started?” Taehyung asked.
“Ah, yes but we’re waiting for the other main actor.”
Taehyung’s smile faltered. “Other. . . main actor? I’m sorry, I’m not sure who you mean.”
“Oh? I sent over the script to you. I made a couple changes to the script, did you not read it?”
Taehyung’s memory was finally justled and he turned to give a tight smile to his assistant manager, Hyung-woo, who was now cowering behind him.
“Ah, right. I guess it wasn’t sent to me then. Must’ve been replaced.”
Taehyung turned back to the director, his forced smile still looked like a kind one to those who didn't know him.
“Don't worry, everything is pretty much the same except for the actor. You won’t be acting with him just yet so I’ll give you the newer script so you can read it. I have faith that you’ll memorize it in time.”
Taehyung smiled, reassuring him that yes, he’ll memorize the new lines easily. He then walked away, ready to scold his manager when a face he thought he would never see again walked through a set of the double doors.
Their eyes instantly locked, Taehyung’s expression turned sour whilst the man's turned into one of expressionless. He walked towards him, about to walk around him but stopped when Taehyung spoke.
“I see you’re lost, should I call security to help you out?” Taehyung said with a forced smile, one Jungkook instantly saw through.
“No, actually, I’m here because I’ll be working with you.”
Taehyung was about to question him further when he heard the director’s laugh. “Jungkook-ssi! Perfect, we can start filming now!”
He walked towards them, placing his hand on Jungkook’s shoulder.
“Kim Taehyung, meet Jeon Jungkook, the other lead role. Jeon Jungkook, I’m sure I don't have to tell you who this is but this is Kim Taehyung.”
Taehyung’s expression fell, he was no longer able to fake his surprise. “What? Lead. . . role?”
“Yes, you and Jungkook-ssi will be in a love triangle with the leading female role. You two won’t be acting together today but be prepared to soon. Get to know each other and familiarize with each other.”
The director then left, leaving the two behind. Jungkook smiled, one looking a bit too prideful. Taehyung certainly didn't like it.
“We’ll be working together for the next few months, Taehyung-ssi. I know we’ll get along great.” Jungkook cockily smirked at him before he left.
“Uhm. . . Taehyung-ssi-” Hyung-woo tried to say but closed his mouth when he turned to look at him, a harsh glare on his face.
“You and I are going to have a serious conversation after this.”
And then he was gone. Hyung-woo took a deep breath, hoping he still had a job after this. He really hoped that whoever this person was didn't sour Taehyung’s mood even more.
The day went on faster than Jungkook thought. He didn't film much with anyone, just a few shoots by himself and a singular one with another actor by the name of Choi Minho. He quickly got along with him and was happy to make a friend. Jungkook was also thankful that he was nothing like a particularly annoying actor, who seemed to be throwing daggers at the back of his head. Thanks to the script he read and memorized, he’s going to act with him soon. And Jungkook dreads for when that day comes.
He bowed towards the director, thanking him once more for the opportunity. With a promise he was going to arrive early, unlike today.He let out a relieved sigh when they finally left. He was on his way out of the building when he heard the doors open and close behind him. He turned around, his eyes meeting the one and only Kim Taehyung who walked out of the set room. Their eyes met but unlike this time, Taehyung turned his head, walking around Jungkook with what seemed like annoyance. Jungkook chuckled, making Taehyung stop on his step.
“I’m sorry, is there something you want to say?”
Jungkook had an amused smile on his face as he turned to look at Taehyung. “Oh nothing, I just never thought you’d be this childish. Aren’t you older than me, Taehyung-ssi?”
Taehyung frowned, his eyebrows furrowing. Jungkook’s expression instantly irked him, the want to tell him off surfacing but as he was about to, some crew members from the drama walked out of the set, walking around them after they bowed towards the two, greeting them as they left. Taehyung and Jungkook stood put, Jungkook with his amused smile and Taehyung with his fake one, his eyes constantly shifting towards Jungkook.
“Well, have a wonderful day, Taehyung-ssi.” Jungkook said as he took the opportunity and left, bowing towards him before he jogged out of the building.
Taehyung took a single step towards him before he was stopped. “Taehyung-shii! I’m sorry about the script, I promise it won’t happen again.” Hyung-woo, his assistant said.
Taehyung simply sighed, his shoulders slouching. He turned on his heel, walking away from him.
“Wait! Please don't fire me!” Hyung-woo yelled as he followed after him.
Taehyung didn't give him much chance to talk as he entered the van, its tinted windows hiding him from the outside.
Hyung-woo entered the driver’s seat, thinking better than to talk to Taehyung when he was in a bad mood. “Hyung-woo, that man, the second lead in the drama, who is he?”
Hyung-woo looked over at Taehyung from the rear view mirror, his eyes catching Taehyung’s. “That’s Jeon Jungkook. I don't know much about him but he does have some history with acting.”
Taehyung hummed, his eyebrows shifting down into a frown. “Take me home” Was all Taehyung said before he looked down at his phone, fingers clicking to the latest news on the internet.
He found a couple articles about himself, comments saying how handsome he was. He skipped those, his eyes catching onto something he didn't expect to see.
“Kim Seokjin will return to Korea next week!” The headline read.
‘Seokjin? He’s coming back?’ Taehyung said in his head.
‘He’s really coming back. . .’
“Jeon Jungkook, twenty three years old who has only appeared in fifteen commercials.”
“Fifteen?” Taehyung asked as he took the papers offered to him.
Hyung-woo continued speaking even though Taehyung now had the information and could read it himself.
“He hasn’t done much and the role he has for the drama is his first main one. There’s no history of any siblings in the industry or any at all actually.”
Taehyung simply hummed, his eyes skimming the two pages on Jungkook. “He doesn’t have much experience.”
Hyung-woo nodded but didn't hear the rest of Taehyung’s sentence.
“Then why did he get the main role?” Taehyung had a frown on his face before he looked up at his assistant. “You may go now.”
“Ah-. . . right.” Hyung-woo bowed deeply, instantly apologizing for the mistake he made today. Taehyung only responded with a wave of his hand and with that, Taehyung was left alone in his home. He had his velvet robe on, his velvet slippers, his hair still slightly wet from the quick shower he took. He looked back down onto the papers, who he placed on the coffee table.
“So, you’re the person who’s challenging me.”
Taehyung chuckled, a smirk appearing on his face. “Well, it doesn't matter who you are. I will come out on top and I will be the one people will admire.”
Taehyung’s smile disappeared as he stared out into the distance. “I will be number one. . . no matter what.”