Sparks in the Shadows

Chapter 9:

Minho was jolted awake by the buzzing of his phone. Groggily, he reached for it, squinting at the screen.

New Message from Eunwoo:

Have you seen the article?

He sat up straight, his heart pounding. His fingers hovered over the screen before he tapped the link Eunwoo had sent.

The headline was bold, impossible to miss:

"Unknown Actor Hyunjae Draws Attention—But Is His Talent Real?"

Beneath it was a mix of praise and doubt, with quotes from anonymous "industry insiders" questioning whether his sudden rise was due to skill or manipulation.

The Fallout Begins

As Minho scanned the article, his jaw tightened.

"It's already starting," he muttered.

The system chimed in: "This is the first test. The media will shape public perception. How you respond will determine your trajectory."

"And if I fail?" Minho asked, his voice low.

"Then your chances of reclaiming your past life will diminish significantly."

Minho let out a frustrated sigh. The system wasn't wrong, but the pressure was suffocating.

On Set: The Silent Storm

When Minho arrived on set, the atmosphere was noticeably different. The article had already circulated, and whispers followed him like a shadow.

"Do you think it's true?"

"Maybe he's just another pretty face."

"I heard the director is going easy on him."

He clenched his fists, forcing himself to keep walking.

Yuna intercepted him near the dressing room, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Hyunjae-ssi, have you seen the news?"

"I have," Minho said curtly.

She hesitated. "It's… unfair, but these things happen. People always talk when someone starts standing out."

Minho looked at her, the weight of her words sinking in. "I know. I just have to prove them wrong."

She smiled faintly. "Exactly. Let them see who you really are."

The Scene That Changes Everything

That day's shoot was one of the most intense so far. Jiho was confronted by a journalist—played by Jaehyun—who questioned his worth as an artist in front of an audience. The parallels to Minho's real-life situation weren't lost on him.

As the cameras rolled, Minho channeled every ounce of frustration and determination into his performance.

Jaehyun leaned forward, his character's sneer practically dripping off the screen. "Tell me, Jiho. What makes you think you're different from the hundreds of other nobodies trying to make it big?"

Minho held his gaze, his character trembling with restrained emotion. "Because I don't need you to believe in me," he said, his voice cracking. "I believe in myself. And someday, you'll remember this moment—not because you were right, but because you were wrong."

The director called, "Cut!" and the room erupted in applause.

Minho blinked, surprised, as crew members clapped and exchanged murmurs of approval.

"That was incredible," Yuna said, her eyes shining.

Even Jaehyun, though visibly reluctant, nodded in acknowledgment.

An Offer

After the shoot, Minho was approached by a middle-aged man in a tailored suit. His presence exuded authority, and Minho recognized him instantly: Director Han, one of the most respected filmmakers in the industry.

"You have potential," Director Han said bluntly. "I've been watching your progress."

"Thank you, sir," Minho replied, bowing deeply.

"But potential isn't enough," Han continued. "This industry will eat you alive if you don't learn to navigate it."

Minho straightened, meeting the man's gaze. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

Han studied him for a moment before nodding. "Good. Then prove it. I have a role in my next project—a supporting character. Auditions are in two weeks. Consider this your invitation."

Minho's breath caught. This was a chance to work with a legendary director—an opportunity that could catapult his career to the next level.

"I'll be there," he said firmly.

The System's Guidance

That night, Minho reviewed the day's events. The system chimed with a new notification.

[New Task Unlocked: Prepare for Director Han's Audition]

Objective: Secure the role in Director Han's upcoming film. Deadline: 14 Days.

Rewards: +3 Skill Points, +1 Charisma, Unlock Tier 2 Acting Techniques.

Penalty: Loss of industry credibility.

"Two weeks to prepare," Minho murmured. "No pressure, right?"

The system responded: "Success is built on preparation and focus. Use the tools at your disposal."

Minho opened the system's Advanced Scene Breakdown Tool, analyzing key techniques to improve his emotional delivery and stage presence.

Facing the Media

The next morning, Minho's agency released a statement addressing the article:

"Hyunjae's recent performances speak for themselves. We hope audiences will judge him based on his work, not baseless rumors."

While it was a step in the right direction, Minho knew he couldn't rely on the agency alone. He needed to take control of the narrative.

That evening, he posted on his social media account—a single picture of him holding the script with the caption:

"For those watching: This is only the beginning."

The post went viral within hours, drawing both praise and skepticism.

The Countdown Begins

As the days passed, Minho threw himself into preparation for Director Han's audition. Between filming, practice sessions, and moments of quiet reflection, he felt the weight of his second chance pressing down on him.

He could feel the tide starting to turn—but whether it would lift him higher or pull him under remained to be seen.