CHAPTER 5

Kim Taehyung found out he got the role through a group chat.

This was not how big news was supposed to happen.

[Production Team – New Drama Project]

Director Lee:

Congratulations to Kim Taehyung, who has been cast as the second male lead.

Taehyung stared at his phone.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

“…Jiwon.”

Han Jiwon looked up from her laptop. “If this is about instant noodles, I said no.”

“I think,” Taehyung said slowly, “I just got promoted in life.”

She grabbed the phone.

She screamed.

The neighbor banged on the wall.

Jiwon screamed louder.

“SECOND MALE LEAD???” she yelled. “DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS?”

Taehyung blinked. “I… die tragically?”

“Yes,” Jiwon nodded seriously. “But BEAUTIFULLY.”

At the studio, reactions were immediate.

Some congratulated him sincerely. Some smiled too tightly. Some stopped talking when he walked in.

Choi Yunjae read the casting news in silence.

Then he laughed.

“Oh,” he said softly. “So that’s how it is.”

Later that day, Yunjae met someone for coffee.

Yoon Seoyeon arrived ten minutes late, sunglasses on, presence overwhelming.

“I hear you’re unhappy,” she said lightly.

Yunjae smiled thinly. “I hear you’re interested.”

Seoyeon sipped her drink.

“Interested,” she agreed, “in balance.”

It started subtly.

Industry insider claims Kim Taehyung received favoritism.

Then it escalated.

Anonymous source says actor was ‘personally recommended’ by Chairman Jeon.

Then it got ugly.

Is Kim Taehyung talented—or just protected?

Taehyung found the posts at midnight.

He didn’t cry.

That scared Jiwon more.

📌 Comment Section War Zone

Antis:

🗨️ Another pretty face with no skill.

🗨️ Take away the chairman and see what’s left.

Fans:

🗨️ Take away your jealousy and see what’s left.

🗨️ He’s been acting for YEARS. Google is free.

One iconic comment:

🗨️ If favoritism looked like this, I’d trip on a cable too.

Jiwon framed that comment.

Kang Daehyun stood stiffly in Jungkook’s office.

“Sir, the rumors are spreading.”

Jungkook didn’t look up.

“Let them,” he said calmly.

“…Sir?”

Jungkook finally raised his eyes.

“Truth survives noise.”

Then he added quietly:

“But lies don’t survive me.”

Daehyun felt a chill.

Taehyung’s name came up on a popular industry roundtable.

A critic scoffed. “Sudden rise stories are suspicious.”

Another panelist replied, “Or overdue.”

The host smiled nervously.

“Well, whatever it is—he’s interesting.”

At home, Taehyung watched in silence.

Jungkook texted him for the first time.

Jungkook:

Are you okay?

Taehyung stared at the message for a long time.

Taehyung:

I think so. I’m just… loud now.

Jungkook:

Then I’ll make sure you’re safe being heard.

The next morning, Seoyeon posted a photo.

Coffee cup.

Man’s hand visible.

No face.

Caption:

Some things never change.

The internet combusted.

📌 Trending

#JungkookFirstLove

#IsSheBack

#PoorKimTaehyung

Taehyung saw it.

This time, he did cry.

That evening, Jungkook released a statement.

Clear.

Cold.

Final.

Jeon Jungkook:

Personal relationships will never influence my professional decisions. Any attempt to harm an artist under my company—directly or indirectly—will be treated as misconduct.

No names.

Everyone knew.

Seoyeon’s smile finally cracked.

Yunjae went pale.

Jiwon hugged Taehyung tightly.

“He chose you,” she whispered.

Taehyung exhaled shakily.

“He didn’t have to.”

“Yes,” Jiwon said softly. “He did.”

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