Chapter 33

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As Lucy settled into the car, Minnie's thoughtful gesture of handing her a water bottle from the front seat brought a smile to her lips. "You did great today," Minnie remarked, her voice filled with pride.

"Thank you," Lucy replied with a chuckle, her nerves still tingling from the day's events. "I was so nervous I thought I could die, lol."

Their shared laughter filled the car, a brief moment of levity amidst the lingering tension. As Minnie steered the car through the bustling streets, she couldn't help but inquire, "By the way, I didn't know you knew Song Gu nim. Thank God you know some seniors in the industry; it will make shooting easier for you."

Lucy's smile softened, but a hint of uncertainty flickered in her expression. "Yes," she replied tentatively, her voice barely above a whisper.

Sensing Lucy's hesitation, Minnie glanced at her through the rearview mirror, concern etched in her features. "Is there something you're worried about? Is it because of Sung Hoon Nim?" she ventured; her tone gentle yet probing.

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise at Minnie's astute observation. "How did you know?" she asked, taken aback by the unexpected question.

Minnie chuckled playfully; her gaze focused on the road ahead. "It would be more shocking if I didn't know," she teased. "You kept staring at him during the reading. Don't worry, Sung Hoon is usually cold, but you'll be fine after working with him for a bit."

Lucy's mind raced with uncertainty as Minnie's words sank in. She couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension that gnawed at her, fueled by the unresolved tension between her and Sung Hoon. "He's normally cold?" she echoed; her voice tinged with disbelief.

Minnie's response carried a hint of disappointment as she nodded solemnly. "Didn't you hear? He's known for his cold and stiff demeanor," she explained.

A wave of disbelief washed over Lucy as she grappled with this revelation. "Wait, isn't he the nation's good boy known for his friendly and sweet personality?" she countered, struggling to reconcile Minnie's words with the image she had of Sung Hoon.

Minnie's expression softened with understanding; her voice laced with empathy. "It was a long time ago," she replied, her words heavy with unspoken truths.

Minnie's words hung in the air, a sobering reminder of the passage of time and the ever-shifting nature of fame. Lucy listened in silence, her thoughts swirling with a mix of disbelief and resignation.

"I think it's been around one year?" Minnie continued, her tone thoughtful. "All the staff noticed the change in his behavior. But it's not shocking, though. I mean, his fame has risen so much lately; his fan meetings were all sold out. It's natural for someone to change if they get so famous. At least he's not rude like other celebrities."

Minnie's innocent commentary only added to Lucy's internal turmoil. She couldn't fault Minnie for her lack of awareness; after all, she didn't know the history between Lucy and Sung Hoon. Yet, the words cut deep, serving as a stark reminder of the chasm that now existed between them.

As Minnie spoke, Lucy's mind raced with conflicting emotions. She couldn't deny the truth in Minnie's words, yet a part of her still struggled to accept the reality of Sung Hoon's transformation. The image of the sweet and friendly actor she once knew seemed to fade further into the distance, replaced by the cold and distant persona he now portrayed.

A heavy silence settled between them, punctuated only by the hum of the car engine and the muted sounds of the city outside. Lucy's gaze drifted to the passing scenery, her thoughts consumed by memories of the past and uncertainties of the future.

Despite Minnie's attempts to reassure her, Lucy couldn't shake the nagging feeling of unease that gnawed at her heart. The prospect of working alongside Sung Hoon, once a source of excitement and joy, now filled her with a sense of trepidation.

As they continued their journey home, Lucy found herself lost in a whirlwind of emotions, grappling with the harsh realities of fame and the complexities of human nature.

Minnie's voice broke through Lucy's reverie, pulling her back to the present moment. "Oh, but the shooting starts next week, so make sure you rest and prepare for the drama well," Minnie advised, her tone filled with concern. "Don't forget you have a lesson tomorrow too. I'll come pick you up at 11:00."

Lucy nodded in acknowledgment, grateful for Minnie's reminder. The prospect of diving into the hectic world of filming both excited and daunted her, but she knew she needed to be fully prepared for the challenges ahead. With a deep breath, she resolved to make the most of the time she had left to hone her craft and ready herself for the role.

"Thank you, Minnie," Lucy replied earnestly, her voice tinged with gratitude. "I'll make sure to be ready for tomorrow."

As the car continued its journey through the bustling streets of the city, Lucy's mind buzzed with plans and preparations for the days ahead. With Minnie's unwavering support by her side, she felt a renewed sense of determination to face whatever obstacles lay in her path.

With each passing moment, Lucy grew more eager to embark on this new chapter of her journey, filled with both excitement and apprehension for what the future held. Little did she know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would challenge her in ways she never imagined and

the road ahead would be paved with challenges and triumphs, shaping her into the actor she was destined to become.

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On the other hand, as they departed from the script reading, Sung Hoon's manager cast a concerned glance at him through the rearview mirror, noting his uncharacteristic silence.

"Hyun, are you okay?" he inquired gently, his voice laced with genuine concern. When there was no immediate response, he continued, attempting to break the awkward silence. "I mean, it's okay. You won't be meeting her so often on set anyway, since she's just a second lead," he reassured, his eyes meeting Sung Hoon's through the reflection in the mirror.

After a moment of silence, Sung Hoon, his voice devoid of its usual energy, spoke up. "Can you bring the rest of the script with us to Manila for the fan meeting? The shoot is next week, and I should start working on it, even if it means doing it on tour," he requested, his tone resigned.

Sensing Sung Hoon's desire to change the subject, his manager simply nodded in acknowledgment. "Okay," he replied softly, understanding the unspoken message. The journey back home was cloaked in silence, the weight of unsaid words hanging heavy in the air.

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Song To listen to - Stranger (Olivia Rodrigo)

The Invisible String (unedited)Unde poveștirile trăiesc. Descoperă acum