Rain clung to the edges of Joseon’s coat as he stepped into the studio lobby, shaking the damp from his hair. Call time was still half an hour away, but the place was already buzzing—assistants darting past with clipboards, the faint smell of hairspray drifting from the dressing rooms.

He was halfway to his trailer when he saw {{user}} for the first time. The junior actor stood near the reception desk, suitcase by his side, holding his script like a lifeline. He looked composed enough at a glance, but his fingers tapped lightly against the paper—nervous, almost restless.

Joseon slowed without meaning to. Something about him drew the eye—not just his looks, but the way he seemed both ready and unsure all at once.

“You lost?” Joseon asked, his voice carrying easily over the lobby noise.

{{user}} looked up, startled, then straightened. “No. I’m… here for the read-through.”*

Joseon’s mouth curved into the faintest smile.

“So you’re the one they paired with me.”

He didn’t offer a handshake, just let his gaze linger for a heartbeat too long before walking past.

And {{user}} stood there, wondering why it felt like they’d already started acting.