The Unexpected Audition

"You've got to be kidding me! You actually did it?" Anna exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. She leaned across the small café table, nearly spilling her coffee. "I thought you weren't interested in him. So… planning for a baby already?" she added with a sly grin, unable to hide her teasing tone.

"Shut it, Anna!" Emily retorted, her cheeks glowing a deep shade of pink. She fidgeted with her spoon, trying to focus on stirring her tea rather than her friend's relentless teasing. "It's not what you think, okay? I don't trust him even a little bit."

Anna raised an eyebrow, curious but not interrupting. Emily sighed, glancing out the window as if searching for the right words.

"He actually brought a woman home," Emily continued, her tone bitter. "And get this—she's his cousin. Or so he says. I mean, who does that? What's stopping him from bringing another woman home next time? Maybe just to see how I react? It's frustrating!" She buried her face in her hands.

Anna tapped her fingers on the table thoughtfully. "Okay, now I feel you," she said sympathetically. "That does sound… frustrating. Like he's playing some weird game. But, you're married to him now, so maybe—"

Before Anna could finish her sentence, a boy of no more than ten years old darted up to their table. His cheeks were flushed from running, and he held out an elegant envelope with gold-trimmed edges.

"Excuse me," the boy said, his voice slightly out of breath. "This person asked me to give this to you. He said you can also bring your friend. Have a nice day!" Without waiting for a response, the boy dashed off, disappearing into the crowd.

Emily and Anna stared after him in stunned silence.

"What… just happened?" Emily finally managed to ask, blinking in confusion.

Anna held up her hands dramatically. "Who? What? Why? And what is going on here?" she said, her voice rising with each word.

They both burst into laughter, but Emily's mind was racing. She picked up the envelope, noticing the weight of the paper and the elegant script that spelled out her name.

"Open it already!" Anna urged, leaning closer.

Emily hesitated, but her curiosity got the better of her. She slid her finger under the seal and unfolded the note inside. The handwriting was bold and precise, almost intimidating in its neatness.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Emily exclaimed as she reread the invitation. Her heart raced as the words "audition for the lead role in Love Triangle," a Korean drama series, stared back at her.

"This is huge, Emily!" Anna said, practically bouncing on the sofa beside her. "You've always loved K-dramas, and now you have a chance to be part of one! We're going, no questions asked."

Emily hesitated, biting her lip. "Anna, this has to be a mistake. Why would they invite me? I've never even auditioned for anything."

Anna waved her hand dismissively. "Details, details. Look, you've got the looks, the personality, and most importantly, the invitation. You're going, and I'm coming with you. End of story."

The next morning, they arrived at the massive studio building where the auditions were being held. Emily's nerves skyrocketed as she saw the throngs of people gathered, each one more glamorous than the next.

"Anna, I think we should go back," Emily whispered, clutching her friend's arm tightly.

"No way," Anna said, dragging her forward. "At least I want to try for a side role if they'll let me. Come on, Emily, you've got this!"

They made their way inside, where various audition lines were forming. The buzz of excitement was palpable, but one thing immediately caught Emily's attention: the line for the lead actress role was empty.

"Why is no one here?" Emily whispered nervously.

Anna shrugged. "Maybe they already picked someone? Or maybe everyone's just too scared to try?"

Before Emily could respond, a deep, familiar voice called out, "Hey, Emily."

Emily froze, her heart skipping a beat. She turned around slowly, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight of Dylan, her high school crush.

Standing before her was not just the Dylan she remembered, but Dylan transformed—a polished, dashing man whose presence was almost larger than life.

"Senior Dylan?" Anna exclaimed, her voice rising with excitement. "Wait a minute—you're the famous actor George? But why did you change your name?"

Dylan—or George, as he was now known—smiled warmly, his charm evident. "Long story," he said, winking at Anna. "But if you stop asking questions, I can get you a supporting role."

Anna immediately zipped her lips, nodding eagerly.

Then Dylan turned his attention back to Emily, his gaze softening. "Emily," he said, his voice low and sincere, "you'll be acting as the heroine… with me."

Emily's breath hitched, and she felt her cheeks flush furiously. Her mind was spinning. Me? Acting? As the lead? Opposite him?

As if sensing her nervousness, Dylan stepped closer, his eyes locking onto hers. "You can do this," he said gently. "You've got the talent—I know it. And besides, I'll be right there with you."

Emily felt her heart melt under his gaze, her nerves momentarily forgotten.

Anna, standing off to the side, grinned mischievously. "Looks like someone's blushing hard."

"Anna!" Emily hissed, mortified, but Dylan just chuckled.

"All right," Dylan said, his tone shifting to something more professional. "Let's get started. Emily, follow me."

The Audition Room

The audition room was spacious, with bright lights and a small panel of judges sitting behind a long table. Emily's hands were clammy as she stood next to Dylan, who seemed calm and collected.

"Relax," he whispered to her, his voice soothing. "Just follow my lead."

The director, a stern-looking man with glasses, glanced up from his clipboard. "Emily Carter?" he asked, his voice clipped.

"Yes, that's me," Emily managed to say, her voice shaky.

The director nodded, gesturing for them to begin. "You'll be reading the part of the heroine. Dylan will be assisting you."

Emily took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The scene was a romantic confrontation between the heroine and the male lead, and as Dylan began his lines, Emily found herself getting swept up in the moment.

"You don't understand," Dylan said, his voice filled with emotion. "I've loved you from the moment I saw you."

Emily stared at him, her own emotions bubbling to the surface. "Then why didn't you say anything?" she replied, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and vulnerability.

Dylan stepped closer, his eyes locked onto hers. "Because I was scared. Scared you'd walk away."

For a moment, it felt as though they were the only two people in the room. The words came naturally to Emily, her emotions pouring into the scene.

When the scene ended, there was a brief silence before the panel began to clap.

"Well done," the director said, a rare smile on his face. "Emily, you've got the role."

After the Audition

Emily and Dylan stepped out of the audition room, the weight of the experience settling over her.

"I can't believe I did that," Emily said, her voice still shaky.

Dylan smiled at her, his expression warm. "I told you you could."

Anna, who had been waiting outside, ran up to them. "Oh my gosh, Emily! You were amazing!"

Emily smiled, her confidence beginning to grow. "Thanks, Anna."

Dylan chuckled. "You're going to do great, Emily. I can already tell."

As they walked out of the building, Emily couldn't help but feel a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. This was the start of something new, something she never could have imagined for herself.

And as Dylan's warm smile lingered in her mind, she realized that maybe, just maybe, this wasn't such a bad thing after all.