RACA 116

Eunsol’s first full fledged acting job was decided a full month after signing his contract, when he was cast in a daily drama. The role he took was the immature but cute omega youngest son.

It wasn’t a really important role, but he appeared regularly, which was more than enough to leave an impression on viewers.

“Eunsol-ssi, you know I really pulled some strings for this, right? So please do your best.”

On the day Eunsol went to his first shoot, President Kim followed him all the way down to the parking lot and earnestly emphasized his words. Because of Jaebeom’s pressure, and also to avoid damaging the company’s image, he had agonized over choosing this drama.

He had only made the decision after repeatedly confirming that it was a production led by a well liked and capable PD, filled with respectable mid career actors who had plenty to learn from and didn’t cause trouble.

So he sincerely hoped that Eunsol would at least do the basics. It would be even better if he did more than that, but that was something you couldn’t really expect from a rookie.

“I’ll do my best.”

“Yes, I’m really trusting you.”

Leaving President Kim behind as he spoke with heartfelt emotion, Eunsol got into the car.

“Looks like the boss is really worried. He looked more anxious than you.”

The manager, who had already gotten in and was organizing a few things, let out a hearty laugh.

“I think it’s because I’m the first rookie the agency is officially introducing.”

“Well, CC Entertainment has built its place through star marketing until now, so it’s about time they built an image of discovering talented rookies too.”

“……I really need to work hard.”

The manager laughed again.

“I like that attitude. But honestly, when you’re a rookie, it’s okay to make mistakes. If you get an NG, just say loudly, ‘I’m sorry. I’ll do it again.’ Just that alone already passes.”

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

After answering, Eunsol looked outside. Before he knew it, the van he was riding in was entering an open lot packed with parked cars. It looked like they were almost at the set.

“Good. As soon as we arrive, greet everyone first. It doesn’t matter who it is. If you make eye contact with anyone, be polite no matter what.”

“Understood.”

At the realistic advice, Eunsol immediately nodded. The manager’s expression softened as he saw that.

“Alright, we’re here. Shall we go, Actor?”

“Yes.”

Eunsol nodded and followed the manager out of the car.

Maybe because it had been a while since he last stepped onto a set, even the atmosphere felt different. As always, Eunsol cheerfully greeted everyone he met for the first time.

“Hello. I’m rookie actor Lee Eunsol. I look forward to working with you.”

Together with his manager, he bowed and introduced himself one by one to the PD, the writer, the lighting team, the makeup team, the filming staff, and the actors. Everyone responded with at least a brief smile, and seeing that reaction put Eunsol more at ease.

Until filming started, he looked around and took every opportunity to watch the other actors perform. The way their expressions changed the moment the camera rolled, the way their tone and breathing shifted instantly according to the directing.

That bustling yet passionate scene reignited an old ember deep in Eunsol’s chest.

Maybe that was why.

Even though it had been a long time since he had come to a set, Eunsol approached the shoot with excitement rather than nerves. Thanks to that, he was able to finish his appearance smoothly without a single NG.

Although he only had a few lines, the PD praised him, saying he did well for a first performance. Because of that, it felt a bit disappointing to just leave like this.

“Actor, shall we head out now?”

In response to the manager’s question, Eunsol hesitated for a moment, then carefully asked.

“I’d like to stay and watch the seniors act a bit more. Would that be rude?”

“No, not at all. Then I’ll go talk to the writer for a moment. You can stay here, okay? Take this too.”

Since the actor was showing dedication to his work, there was no reason for the manager to refuse. With an approving expression, he handed over the coffee he had prepared.

“Yes, go ahead.”

Only a few minutes after the manager smiled at the now bright faced Eunsol and hurried off, someone spoke to him.

“You’re Lee Eunsol, right?”

All of a sudden, a sweet yet slightly cloying scent wafted in. When Eunsol quickly turned around, a tall actor was looking down at him.

“Hello, sunbae-nim. I’m Lee Eunsol.”

Eunsol hurriedly stood up and bowed. On a filming set, no amount of greeting was ever too much.

Moreover, the person who had spoken to him was Park Seunghyun, the alpha actor who played the male lead of the drama. He was also playing Eunsol’s older brother, someone Eunsol would be seeing often going forward.

“Haha. We’re not even that far apart in age, so it’s kind of embarrassing to be called sunbae-nim.”

He spoke with the corners of his mouth raised and pretended to be cheerful, but there was a strange sense of superiority in his eyes.

“Nice to meet you. I’ll introduce myself properly too. I’m Park Seunghyun.”

Among celebrities, there were often those who subtly wore pheromones, as if they were perfume. Alphas, in particular, did this to flaunt their superiority.

So, although it may seem like a message to take it easy on the outside, it was actually a warning to be more careful.

“Yes, Park Seunghyun-sunbae. Would you like to sit here?”

When Eunsol politely offered him the seat, Park Seunghyun accepted without hesitation and sat down leisurely. He crossed his legs with his arm on the armrest, his gaze blatantly scanning Eunsol up and down.

‘Ah, this is bad.’

Of all times, he had shown up while the manager was away talking to the writer. And judging by the way he was staring, it felt like he had another purpose.

“I saw you earlier. I heard you’re a rookie, but your acting was more natural than I expected.”

It was a compliment, but there was a subtle arrogance in his tone

“Thank you for thinking so highly of me.”

Perhaps he liked how consistently polite Eunsol was, because Park Seunghyun’s attitude softened a little.

“I’m not just saying that. These days, there are a lot of omega actors who rely only on their faces and act out. They’re good at pretending to be cute, but they chew up their lines all the time.”

He spoke with a smile, but there was a grain of contempt in his words. How could Eunsol not understand the emphasis on the word “omega”?

Eunsol schooled his expression. It would be foolish to show his displeasure in a situation like this.

“I’m glad Lee Eunsol-ssi isn’t that type. Let’s work well together from now on, okay?”

Park Seunghyun stood up and patted his shoulder. It was a casual gesture, but Eunsol had to struggle not to frown. He felt the alpha’s pheromones lingering where his hand had touched.

And judging by the way Park Seunghyun was studying his face, Eunsol could tell he was anticipating his reaction. So, he had to be extra careful not to show any sign of displeasure.

“Ah, yes. I still have a lot I lack, so I’m working hard. I look forward to your guidance.”

“Your acting was pretty decent for a rookie, and you’re humble too. But you know…….”

Park Seunghyeon deliberately lowered his voice and tilted his head closer.

“The spoiled act you did toward me earlier was very childish. You did seem like a younger brother, but to be frank, you looked like an empty headed idiot.”

Despite the gentle voice, the evaluation was merciless. Eunsol flinched. He had been criticized like this before, which made it hit even harder.

“I’ll try to act in a way that suits the role better next time.”

The corners of Park Seunghyun’s mouth rose at his compliant reply. His upper body leaned forward even further, and the pheromones leaking out became stronger.

“That kind of mindset is very good. But what can you do? It’s because Lee Eunsol-ssi is still a rookie.”

“I’ll work even harder.”

“Yeah. Good.”

As he spoke, Park Seunghyun placed his hand on Eunsol’s shoulder. But the position was awkward, almost as if he were cupping the back of his neck.

Eunsol felt his neck growing stiff.

“But things like that don’t improve just because a rookie works alone.”

This time, when the hand brushed directly along his skin, a shiver ran through his body. Even Eunsol’s expression turned rigid.

He suddenly recalled Jaebeom’s words.

‘I want to make sure you don’t experience any unreasonable situations while you’re active.’

Maybe he had anticipated moments like this. Then Eunsol had to make sure none of the things Jaebeom worried about actually happened.

“Yes, sunbae. I’ll take your advice to heart.”

Eunsol stopped enduring it and stood up. With that movement, Park Seunghyun’s hand, which had been subtly stroking the back of his neck, fell away.

Park Seunghyun tilted his head crookedly, looking at Eunsol as if he didn’t like that. He couldn’t help but wonder if he dared to reject him now.

“Please guide me properly in your role as my older brother.”

Eunsol played dumb and remained polite to the end. He heard Park Seunghyun snort, but he didn’t lift his head.

“Must be because you’re the youngest. You act cute. Alright. Let’s do well.”

Then, as if he had decided to back off for now, the presence moved away. Only then did Eunsol raise his head. Simply avoiding him probably wouldn’t be enough.

“I’ll need to think of a method.”