Chapter Text
People shouting her name. Desperately taking her pictures. Trying their best to be noticed. And her, flashing a smile at the audience. Waving like she always used to. Yes, this is the life of Kim Minji. Minji is an actress that started acting ever since she was a child. Starting from the age of 12, she is now a known actress in the industry. With 14 years of experience and over a hundred movies, directors, writers, and other actors are desperate to work with her. Any movie could become a blockbuster hit with her talent and fame. Entering the award show with her arms linked to an actor, people and their cameras follow each step of the actress. As they now reached the red carpet, the host started asking questions to them.
“So Ms. Kim Minji, your movie ‘Grace’ is nominated as Best Film and you are nominated as Best Actress. Do you think you and your movie will be able to win both awards?” Minji, as she is now used to these kinds of questions, answered,
“For me, it doesn’t matter whether we win the awards or not. Sure it’ll be great for me and the movie but I just want people to enjoy our movie that all the staff and other actors and actresses worked hard for. Awards don’t really matter” The host clapped and said,
“As always, the humble Kim Minji really suits you. I see that you’re here with your partner in the movie, Lee Min Seok. A lot of people were amazed by your chemistry with him. How was it working with Lee Min Seok?”
“It was very nice. Lee Min Seok is also a veteran actor so working with him wasn’t hard. He knew what to do and even led me in some scenes. He even suggested things that were out of script so it was all good.”
“Hmm…. I see…. As I said, a lot of people felt your chemistry.” The host continued to babble and Minji knows what the next part is.
“Is it possible that you and Lee Min Seok have something behind the cameras?” And there it was. The question that people are so desperate to ask. Desperate to know whether she and her co-actors are a couple in real life. To her surprise, Lee Min Seok answered first.
“I am a big fan of Minji” She thought to herself ‘Did this guy just call me by my first name? We are not even close’ but still listened to his answer.
“We got close during recording and Minji is really a good person. It’s easy to fall in love with her and her charms. Undeniably, I would want something more to happen with her” Lee Min Seok answered confidently and smiled at Minji and the host. With that answer, the host of course is excited to get these kinds of news.
“OooooOOoh. How about you Kim Minji? With a handsome and perfect guy like Min Seok, I think you’ll feel the same” Ugh at this point Minji was so annoyed but still flashed a smile to the host.
“I’m not really looking for relationships right now. I still want to focus on my career and my career only.” As she said that, she saw the look on her co-actor’s face drop. Minji wasn’t really interested in relationships. Or should she say men in general. Of course, no one knew that except for her closest friends. Not even her parents knew about it.
They continued to walk inside the hall and sat down at their designated seats. At her left was Lee Min Seok and at her right was an actress that she admired too. Handong. Despite being long in the industry, she only worked with Handong twice. Handong is a rookie actress yet she’s already making a name for herself. Before Handong became an actress, she already came out as a lesbian in the industry. Of course, it was hard especially with them living in a conservative country. But Handong, in those 3 years ever since her debut, did her best to showcase her talent and made people look at her for her talent, not her sexuality. Minji was jealous at Handong’s courage and bravery to do that. She also wants to do that. Maybe someday, she hopes.
The emcee of the show starts. The lights dimmed around them. There was a band performing on the stage and she recognized this song. Mayday. This band was named Eclipse. With members, Sua, as the pianist, Siyeon, as the vocalist and guitarist, and Dami, as the drummer. Ah yes. These were her dearest friends. Despite being only three in the group, they filled the hall with their passion and music. Everyone applauded, some even stood up, after Eclipse’s performance.
A few more performances and it was time for the awarding. Of course, she won the Best Actress award and the movie won the Best Film award. After all, she always won Best Actress at every award show and every movie that she has filmed. After the nominees were awarded, there were 5 more artists that were going to perform. Again, the lights dimmed and Minji waited for the performances because to be honest, she was getting bored and sleepy. Suddenly, she felt a hand grip her thigh. She looked to her left and saw that bastard Lee Min Seok sliding his hand on her thigh. Minji just stepped on his foot since she can’t make a commotion here and ruin the performances. Like a baby, Min Seok winced and almost cried. She gave a glare to him and he stood up and walked away. Handong asked her what happened and she just shrugged it off and focused on the performances.
The show was now over and they all headed to their respective cars to go home. Some people asked her why wasn’t she with Min Seok but she ignored and just went inside her van. She was tired and just wanted to lie down and sleep for at least 12 hours without any interruptions. Her ride home was quite peaceful. She bid her manager goodbye and went to her apartment.
Before she went into her bathroom to take a shower, she placed her award in her shelf that was full of her accomplishments. She glanced and smiled again and took a shower. After that, she plopped herself on her bed and wandered into the dreamland.
To be honest, Minji was already tired. Of everything. She never wanted to be an actress. It was her mother’s dream but her mother got into a severe accident that prevented her from doing so. Despite being an actress is her mother’s dream, her mom didn’t force her into acting. Actually, Minji’s parents were okay with whatever she chooses to be. Her mother was okay with everything she did and her dad was supportive with all the dreams and careers that she said to them when she was a kid.
Until her father got sick. She started working part-time in a fast food chain but it wasn’t enough. She needed to pay the bills of the hospital, pay the bills of their house, her needs, her tuition and all that. Her mother did her best to provide too but due to her weakened legs, her mother couldn’t do a lot.
Until her mother saw an audition. To be a supporting role in a movie that was directed by a famous director. Minji didn’t want to audition since she doesn’t have the talent to do so. But with her mother being convincing and persistent saying that this could pay their bills, she took the opportunity and auditioned. Well as we know, her career took off from that moment. Minji had a hidden talent for acting. And please. She was gorgeous. People had their eyes almost pop out of its sockets and their mouths agape when Minji entered the audition room. She wore casual clothes yet she shined most among all candidates. With that, she started her career in acting. She just finished high school and dropped out because balancing both was hard. Her mother was her first manager until she got accepted in an agency for actors.
It was fun. It was fun at the start. Until all these people started to give her attention. Attention to things that she didn’t want to, such as her personal life. The media portrayed her as the humble, classy, elegant actress that is neat. That is flawless. That is well-mannered. Minji always has to act like she doesn’t have any flaws when she’s outside. Getting drunk? A big no. Laughing like there’s no tomorrow? Oh hell nah. If she laughed like a maniac, people would start rumors and all those shit about her. People also started to judge her for her skills. And she didn’t want that anymore. Minji could tolerate it but saying such words to her parents as well, made her want to quit. She talked about it to her agency but she still had 3 years left in her contract. The agency begged Minji to stay up until the contract is finished.
3 years and I’m done.
She woke up with a lot of notifications on her twitter and instagram congratulating her. Her group chat with her friends were also flooded with congrats and an invitation to a party.
3 musketeers and a princess
Bora:
Hey Minji! Wake up! Treat us to drin]ks later :P
Siyeon: Bora…. Let her rest. But anyways. Congrats Ji! I’m happy for you!
Yubin: Congrats Minji! Take a lot of rest! We love you!
She smiled at the messages of her friends before replying,
Minji: Thanks guys! Let’s go out later. Maybe to dinner or something
Bora: So no drinks?? :((
Minji: Well sure we can but don’t make me carry you home
Bora: No promises :P
Siyeon: Don’t worry Ji, I’ll take her home. To be honest, I think it’s a good idea to let loose again for once before you start another movie again
Yubin: Yeah! Drink all you want today Minji. We’ll take care of you!
Minji: Alright, if you guys insist. But I’m only gonna pay up until the third round. You know I have low tolerance.
Bora: WHAAAAAAT?! But I’m only getting started on the fourth one :(
Minji: That’s why you’ll pay for it. I’m not your sugar mommy Bora
Bora: But you could be ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Minji: ….. No drinks for you today
Bora: I’m kidding!! I’ll pay for the fourth one just make sure you drink as well today. Let loose for today minmin!
Minji: I will lol don’t worry. Just…. can you guys make sure that no one sees me? You know that I can’t really show my vulnerable side lol.
Siyeon: Don’t worry Minji, we’ll make sure of that.
Yubin: Yeah, just let loose today Minji. We’ll make sure that there is no paparazzi around us.
Minji: Thanks guys! You’re the best 😭 Let’s meet at 7? Let’s eat first pleaseeeee….
Siyeon:
Sounds good to me!
Yubin: Yeah, sounds alright. I’ll drive us since I don’t really feel like drinking today.
Minji: Aww thanks Yubin! See you guys later!
She put her phone down and smiled. If there was a good thing about being an actress, it would be meeting her friends. They met in one of Minji’s movies where she played as a singer of a band. Since Eclipse is very popular, they casted the band and that’s where their friendship took off. It wasn’t hard to get close to them. She can be vulnerable with them. She can show her true self without getting judged. She can get drunk, cry over the stupidest reasons, laugh like there’s no tomorrow and many more. She always ranted to her best friends and they were always there for Minji. And Minji will do anything to protect her best friends.
Before 7 pm, Minji got ready. Wearing a black off shoulder dress that hugged her curves and paired with black heels, she smiled at herself while looking in the mirror and she waited till Yubin and her friends picked her up. She wore light make-up since this is just a party with her friends. They ate at this “fancy diner” as Bora called and went to a nearby club. As expected, Bora tugs Minji to a bar and ordered drinks. Yubin and Siyeon just watched the two girls get drunk since they know how terrible it is when Minji and Bora get drunk (especially Bora). The two drank and danced until Minji felt tipsy. Bora? Well, she was just starting. Minji excused herself to the bathroom to freshen up (Though she's not sure if Bora heard that). All the lights and the pumping music in the club made her dizzy. She made her way into the bathroom and entered. She put her bag on the dry side of the sink. Minji looked at herself in the mirror and smirked. ‘What will happen if the media catches you in this state? Get yourself together Minji.’ She sighed and opened the faucet of flowing cold water. She closed the faucet and dried her hands, grabbed her small purse and got herself ready to go back outside.
Without control of her body, she almost hit her body in the hand dryer. She clumsily held into the doorknob and opened the door to go outside. Staggering, she tried to walk back to their table but of course her clumsy self didn’t allow that. She lost footing, almost falling to the floor when a pair of hands grabbed her shoulders. A woman held tightly onto Minji’s shoulders and asked,
“Miss? Are you okay?” She has a nice voice, Minji thought. She cleared her hair that was on her face to look at the person talking to her. Despite having a hazy sight, Minji thought, Wow. She’s so pretty. She stared at the person’s eyes that were full of worry and concern reserved only for her. She snapped out of her thoughts when the person asked her again if she was okay.
“I- yes. I’m fine. Sorry for troubling you.” Minji almost cursed herself for stuttering. What can she do when the woman that was holding her was so fine and pretty. The taller woman formed a small smile on her face hearing that. Her smile is pretty too. The taller woman helped Minji to stand up properly and removed her hands from Minji’s shoulders. Minji wished that the person in front of her didn’t remove her hands from her shoulders. She was missing it. Minji apologized again but the taller girl didn’t seem to mind. They both looked at each other’s eyes. Both feeling a pull from it. Until Minji removed her gaze first.
“I’m sorry. I’m here with my friends and I have to go.” She said the moment she stopped looking at the taller woman. She added,
“Do you mind telling me your name? I want to repay you for your kindness.” Minji hopes that her savior will tell her name and imprint it on her mind forever.
“Oh. I’m Yoohyeon. And don’t worry, you don’t have to repay me.” Minji swore that she felt her heart skip when the taller girl smiled after saying her name.
“I see. Well thank you and sorry again, Yoohyeon. Have a great night” She walked away before Yoohyeon could form a word out of her mouth again. Yoohyeon just watched the girl get lost in the crowd until she could no longer see her. Minji came back to the table with her friends and their worried eyes.
“Minji! Where were you?! You weren’t answering our calls!” Yubin shouted but thanks to the heart-thumping music around them, it didn’t seem that Yubin was very mad.
“I was in the bathroom and my phone died. Sorry for worrying you.” Minji said with her head down. Yubin sighed and patted Minji’s hair
“No no it’s okay. We were just worried, okay? It’s just- We thought that the paparazzi found you and you ran away or something.” They both laughed and Siyeon butted in saying,
“Hey guys. I think we need to go. Bora’s too drunk and Minji, you need to rest.” She said while holding a very drunk Bora in her arms.
“I’ll take Bora home and go with Yubin, Minji” Siyeon added then left with a staggering Bora in her arms. The drive home with Yubin was quiet and peaceful. She asked Yubin to open the window to get some fresh air. Letting the fresh air hit her face, she sighed contentedly until a face popped in her mind.
Yoohyeon
Minji felt ecstatic and had this desire of meeting Yoohyeon again. She can’t forget the worry in Yoohyeon’s eyes and the smile that made her giddy. She smiled to herself, hoping that one day, she’ll be able to meet Yoohyeon again. Once she reached her apartment, she offered Yubin to stay but the drummer refused saying that she would like to be in her own home. They bid their goodbyes and a more sober Minji entered her apartment. For the first time in her life, she felt cold in her own apartment. She felt lonely. Sighing, she removed her shoes and took a quick bath before dressing herself into a loose shirt and jogging pants. She plopped on her bed and slept with her encounter with Yoohyeon, playing in her mind.