Returning from Japan filled Sei with a mix of emotions. As he stepped off the plane and onto Korean soil, he couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the time he spent filming in his hometown. Stepping out of Incheon Airport, a security guard directed him to a separate van he would be taking back to his dorm.
Swarms of fans surrounded them, some calling out for Suzy and the different actresses and actors they were with, as well as Sei. Sei absentmindedly waved at them, the talk from Bachira still swirling in his mind.
Once back at the dormitory, Sei wasted no time in unpacking his belongings. He carefully sorted through the souvenirs he had bought for his friends and colleagues, making sure to set aside special gifts for IVE, ITZY, and TWICE.
With a sense of satisfaction, Sei packaged up the souvenirs and prepared to send them off to their respective recipients. He knew how much his friends would appreciate the gesture, and he couldn't wait to see their reactions when they received their gifts, even if it did hurt his wallet a little bit.
As he finished addressing the packages, Sei felt a pang of homesickness wash over him. He missed the camaraderie of filming with his fellow actors and the excitement of exploring new places. But he knew that he had to focus on his idol activities now that filming was over.
Heading out of his room, Sei made his way to the living room where Jaehyun, Wei, and Minho were lounging, engrossed in a game of Mario Kart.
"Hey guys, I'm back!" Sei announced, his voice tinged with excitement.
Jaehyun looked up from the game, a grin spreading across his face. "Sei-ah! Welcome back, man. How was Japan?"
Sei launched into a detailed retelling of his adventures in Japan, regaling his friends with stories of filming on location and exploring the sights and sounds of Tennojiku. Jaehyun, Wei, and Minho listened intently, laughing at Sei's antics and marveling at the experiences he had.
As Sei finished recounting his tales, Minho approached him and clapped his back, a wide smile evident on his face. "That's awesome, Sei! And you may have not caught on the news, but here look!"
Pulling out his phone, he handed it to Sei after tapping on a screenshot he had taken the previous days.
"MOVIE STAR, DIVINITY'S LATEST TITLE TRACK, HAS REACHED TOP 1 IN THE BILLBOARD CHARTS!"
Newly formed KPOP Group, Divinity, shakes up the world with their title track, Movie Star, part of their latest album, Film, as they reach TOP 1 in the Billboard Charts!
Sei's eyes stared deeply at the screen, clutching the phone in his hands, a familiar feeling swirling with him, the look in his eyes had changed. "T-Top 1...?"
Jaehyun nodded, a proud smile on his face. "Yep, other than winning multiple awards ar Music Bank, Inkigayo, and Mcountdown, we hit the Billboard Charts aswell. And it's all thanks to your hard work, Sei."
Sei felt a swell of pride in his chest at Jaehyun's words, but he shook his head at the statement. "Ani, our hard work. We're a team aren't we? Divinity won't be Divinity if one of us is missing."
The other three's face lit up at Sei's words, Minhi trapled him in a headlock and relentlessly ruffled his hair. "When did you become so 'sagely', SeiSei, huh?!"
"Yah!"
But amidst the celebration, Sei couldn't shake the feeling that had been swirling inside him since his return from Japan. It was the same feeling he had when he played football. An unrelenting desire.
---
Meanwhile, in the conference room of Smoke and Mirrors Ent., Director Lee Jung-hyo, Kang-PD, and CEO Bang Janghyuk were engaged in a serious discussion.
"We've finished filming 'Doona!'," Director Lee announced, a hint of pride in his voice. "And I must say, Sei's performance exceeded all expectations. I've never seen such raw talent in a young actor before, especially someone who is an idol."
Kang-PD nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting the admiration he felt for Sei's acting skills. "Sei has a natural talent that can't be taught. Besides, I already told you, didn't I? He'd be perfect for it.."
Director Lee nodded in agreement, facing Kang-PD with a small smile. "Indeed, I guess it was my bad that I had some doubts before, he has proven himself well."
CEO Bang Janghyuk listened to their praise with a sense of satisfaction, but he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern. He knew that Sei's acting abilities had the potential to catapult him to stardom in the entertainment industry, but he also valued the unique talent that DIVINITY possessed as a group.
"Sei's acting talent is undeniable," Janghyuk acknowledged, his voice thoughtful. "But let's not forget that he's also an integral part of DIVINITY. They have a special chemistry that sets them apart from other idol groups."
Director Lee leaned forward, a determined glint in his eye. "I understand that, but I can't help but wonder... How much would it cost to annul Sei's contract with Smoke and Mirrors Ent. and sign him exclusively under my agency as an actor?"
Janghyuk's eyes narrowed slightly at the suggestion, but he remained composed. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Director Lee. Sei is under contract with Smoke and Mirrors Ent. as part of DIVINITY, and we have no intention of letting him go."
Director Lee's expression fell, disappointment evident in his features. He had been hoping to recruit Sei as a solo actor under his agency, but it seemed that his plans would have to be put on hold for now.
But Janghyuk wasn't finished. "However, I do believe that DIVINITY as a whole has the potential to make a significant impact on the K-pop industry. Sei's acting skills complement the group's talents perfectly, and together, they have the power to shake the K-pop world at its core."
Director Lee and Kang-PD exchanged a knowing glance, understanding the weight of Janghyuk's words. Director Lee may not have been able to sign Sei as an actor under their agency, but he was still committed to supporting DIVINITY in their journey to success.
With that, the meeting concluded, and Director Lee parted ways with them, leaving the two men to their own devices.
---
ANNOUNCEMENT TO CELESTIALS:
Minatozaki Sei has officially come out of hiatus and will be returning to perform his group activities with DIVINITY.
We thank you all for your patience and continued support!
comments:
seiriniitii: oooohhh, sei-oppa is back!!!!!
holsshi: wait that means his drama will be airing soon right?!?!
replies:
kruber: preparing myself for disappointment
logic56: lmao, hope u eat ur words
aerinit: finally!!!! hope DIVINITY appears on variety shows!
---
Mr. Son greeted Sei with a warm smile as he entered the practice room, the rest of the members already gathered around, chatting animatedly.
"Sei-ah, welcome back!" Mr. Son exclaimed, clapping Sei on the back. "We missed you during your filming schedule, but I'm glad to see you back with us."
Sei returned the smile, feeling a sense of relief at being back with his fellow members. "Thanks, hyung. It's good to be back."
As everyone settled into their seats, Mr. Son cleared his throat, signaling the start of the meeting.
"Alright, let's get down to business," Mr. Son began, pulling out his notebook and flipping through the pages. "First up, we have a variety show appearance scheduled for next week. You'll be guests on Running Man, held on Tuesday. I'm sure you're all familiar with the format, so just be yourselves and have fun."
The members nodded eagerly, excitement evident on their faces. Running Man was one of their favorite variety shows, and they were excited at the opportunity to appear on it.
"Next, we have an appearance on Knowing Bros scheduled for Friday of the same week," Mr. Son continued, scribbling down notes as he spoke. "Again, I'm sure you boys are familiar with it already, so just relax and enjoy yourselves."
The members exchanged excited glances, already brainstorming ideas for the show. Knowing Bros was widely known for its banter and fun games, the four couldn't help but feel excited as to what they can bring the to the show.
"But that's not all," Mr. Son added, a twinkle in his eye. "We've also been invited to perform at MAMA in Tokyo next month."
The members gasped in surprise, their eyes widening in excitement. MAMA was one of the biggest music awards shows in Asia, and they were honored to be given the opportunity to perform.
"We'll be performing an edited version of 'Movie Star', as well as a change in the choreography," Mr. Son explained, "and Sei will also have a solo stage to showcase a song he'd like to cover. Any ideas, Sei?"
Sei's mind raced as he considered his options. He had been wanting to cover a song for a while now, and MAMA seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.
"I already have a song in mind, but I'll think more about it," Sei replied, a determined look on his face.
Mr. Son replied to him a nod, finally looking at four boys infront of him. "And, not to get your hopes uo, ok? But, there may be a possible chance we've been nominated for one of the awards there, araseo?"
At this, all four boys' eyes widened, staring in shock at Mr. Son.
"Hyung, jinjja?!" Minho got uo excitedly, a wide smile on his face.
"Omo?!" Jaehyun could only stare on in amazement at the news.
Wei tried to maintain a calm expressiom, but the excitement within him built up ever so slowly. Sei meanwhile had a toothy grin on his face as he thought of that possibility.
"Alright, calm down boys." Mr. Son chided. "It's set in stone yet, alright? Let's just prepare."
With the meeting concluded, the members left the practice room buzzing with excitement. Sei's mind was still swirling at the possibility that had been presented to them, his thoughts racing around in his head.
"Perhaps..... a daesang?"
END
Short chapter to setup the events that will follow! Will be a bit busy this week so expect next chapter to come a bit late.
Enjoy, and give some feedback aswell!