Magnetic energy fills the room as stage lights cast a dazzling glow, illuminating every corner of the meticulously designed set.
Cameras perched on tripods stand ready, their lenses trained on a central area where a sleek, modern living room set has been meticulously constructed at the studio's heart. Plush sofas in neutral tones sit empty and awaiting their inhabitants and a backdrop of large windows give the illusion of a high-rise apartment overlooking a city skyline. A tall bookshelf, brimming with colour-coordinated books and artful knickknacks, adds a touch of homeliness to the otherwise controlled environment, yet the vibrant lights preserve the mystical, unreal ambiance of television.
Production staff move with purpose, some hunched over clipboards, others adjusting light angles or sound equipment. The hum of conversation fills the air, punctuated by the occasional barked instruction or burst of laughter. A makeup artist hurriedly touches up a singer's face, ensuring no shine disrupts the camera's unforgiving gaze, while a wardrobe assistant straightens the collar of another actor's designer jacket. Everyone carries an air of stylish professionalism, fitting for the vibrant atmosphere of a celebrity game show.
By the snack table, a plain man in ripped jeans and a white t-shirt empties the garbage bin.
I can't believe I was almost late on my first day! Kai, lost in thought, replaces the bag in the bin he's emptying, depositing the full one into his growing collection of trash in his large black garbage bag.
The mundane task is a stark contrast to the glamorous world around him, but it doesn't dampen his spirits.
With the last bin emptied, Kai heads towards the exit, his heart racing with the thrill of being on set. He casts a glance towards the main stage, his view obstructed by the cameras and crew. The energy in the air is palpable, and Kai can't help but imagine himself in the spotlight.
"I may just be a gopher for now," Kai says to himself, a confident smile spreading across his face. "But I'll be up there with them soon enough."
He presses his hip against the push bar of the exit door. The door swings open with a soft creak, and he steps out into the back alley of the main studio building. The door closes behind him with a muffled thud, silencing the sounds of the ongoing production.
Bright daylight floods his vision, a stark contrast to the dim, controlled lighting inside the set. He squints, raising a hand to shield his eyes as he adjusts to the sudden brightness.
The alley is narrow, flanked by the imposing walls of the studio on one side and a high, weathered chain link fence on the other. Just a few steps away, a large green dumpster stands sentry, its metal sides gleaming in the sunlight.
The alley is surprisingly tidy, with only a few stray pieces of trash scattered about. The air smells faintly of asphalt and city dust, mingling with the tang of garbage. There's a constant distant hum of traffic, a reminder of the never-ending life in the heart of Seoul.
Taking a moment to breathe, he leans against the cool brick wall, his mind racing with thoughts of the future. The alley, with its quiet solitude, feels worlds away from the vibrant chaos inside. It's a reminder of where he is now and where he wants to be.
A soft breeze rustles through the alley, carrying with it the scent of blooming flowers from a nearby garden. Kai closes his eyes, taking in the scent and letting it calm his racing heart.
His stomach growls loudly.
"Ugh! I'm starving!" He groans, rubbing his belly. "Maybe I shouldn't have given that guy my pastry."
Kai shifts the weight of the bulging garbage bag on his shoulder, his smaller frame handling the burden with surprising ease. With the dumpster lid already open, he effortlessly tosses the bag inside, hearing it land with a satisfying thud.
"Someday, I'll have people bringing me food whenever I want." He vows to himself. "But for now, I'm just lucky Tokkul's brother got me this job. Thanks to him, I'm one step closer."
Kai clenches his fists, eyes brimming with determination. "For Tokkul, Tokkul's brother, and especially Kaoru, I'll do good! I'll become famous! I won't let them down!"
He reenters the building, flashing his lanyard badge when a security officer gives him an inquisitive glance.
Quietly, he slinks back onto the set. The director stands on a box in the centre of the main stage, surrounded by the cast of celebrities for the new season of A-List. The full roster remains shielded by a sea of crew and equipment, preventing Kai from catching a glimpse of the stars.
A-List is a wildly popular reality competition TV show where celebrities of varying levels of fame compete in a series of challenges. The show captivates fans by revealing different sides of their favourite stars while introducing fresh talent to the audience. Known as the "it" show for up-and-coming stars, A-List has already sparked a few budding celebrities' careers.
Scanning the bustling set, Kai spots Tong-Hyeon, Tokkul's brother, casually leaning against a distant wall near the makeup chairs for the guests.
Tong-Hyeon's sharp sense of style is immediately apparent. He's dressed in a sleek, tailored blazer over a crisp white shirt, paired with dark, fitted jeans and polished leather boots. His muted lilac hair is artfully tousled, and a pair of trendy glasses frames his intelligent, almond-shaped eyes. A thin silver chain peeks out from under his collar, adding a touch of understated elegance to his ensemble.
With a friendly wave from Tong-Hyeon, Kai weaves through the set to reach him.
"Glad to see you made it." Tong-Hyeon says, his voice low.
"I was almost late!" Kai snickers in a hushed tone. "But thank you for recommending me for the position, Tong-Hyeon. Though I totally would've aced the interview even without your help."
Tong-Hyeon smiles, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Of course you would've. Showbiz is tough, so it's nice to have a friendly face on set."
Kai grins, his eyes sparkling with determination. "Once I'm famous, you'll be my personal stylist! As long as Tokkul is the caterer."
"You're still passionate about becoming a celebrity, huh?" Tong-Hyeon says, the doubt in his voice completely going over Kai's head.
"Absolutely." Kai declares, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
From his new vantage point, Kai has a clearer view of the stage. The set is a scintillating display of lights and colours, perfectly framing the twelve celebrity guests preparing for the first group interview of the season. Their collective glamour is almost blinding, each one exuding a magnetic aura. Some stand out more prominently, their confidence radiating, while a few blend into the crowd of faces.
Despite his dreams of fame knows so little about the world of stars.
"So, how have–" Tong-Hyeon starts, but a loud growl from Kai's stomach cuts him off.
Tong-Hyeon's laughter rings out, lighthearted and teasing, eliciting a glare from Kai, who masks his embarrassment with irritation.
"The food over there is for everyone to eat." Tong-Hyeon says, motioning towards a nearby snack table laden with an assortment of treats. "Just don't overdo it, or people will think poorly of you."
Before Kai can respond, a woman with a clipboard and headset approaches them. She acknowledges Tong-Hyeon with a respectful nod, her poise warm and professional. When she turns to Kai, her greeting is noticeably cooler, though Kai, in his usual obliviousness, carries on unbothered.
"Kai, can you please go get Mr. Jin Daewon another iced Americano? He didn't like the previous one."
"Huh?" Kai's face scrunches up in annoyance. "Why do I gotta go get one just for him?"
Her expression tightens slightly, her professionalism slipping just a notch. The woman clears her throat, her tone clipped, "He said that if you have time to chat, you certainly have time to attend to his request."
The rebuke stings, and Kai feels the heat of indignation rising in his cheeks. Kai's eyes narrow into a glare as the woman's raw words echo in his mind.
He scans the set, filled with bustling crew members and preening celebrities, until his gaze locks onto a singular figure.
Dark ebony locks sharply cascade to frame the sharp contours of his face, skimming his ears with a touch of calculated nonchalance. His nose, straight and defined, adds to the symmetry of his features. Beneath a furrowed brow are thin lips, delicately downturned, which speak of unspoken thoughts, their natural curve lending an air of quiet contemplation.
Elongated yellow eyes, partially veiled by meticulously styled strands of onyx, hint at an inner world shielded by the piercing sunlit gaze.
Yet, in this moment, an intensity gleams from their depths, which paired with his pinched brows and downturned lips speaks of his displeasure.
There's an undeniable pull to Daewon, a sense of hidden depths that draws others in, despite his aloof demeanour. Kai can't deny the pull of his allure.
And he pisses Kai right off.