Legendary Superstar

Minjae sat by the window of his apartment as his thumb scrolled through the comment section of their drama teaser on his phone.

He had checked it countless times over the past few days, but it never got old for him. Especially now, when every hour, there were new people discovering the teaser. Some of them were writing comments, filled with support, curiosity, and praise.

Minjae also didn't know why he was doing it. He wasn't like this in the past, not when he was old already.

"I watched this because of 3D2N but ended up staying for the drama's cinematography. This drama's gonna be a hit, everyone."

"Minjae's eyes in the last scene? HELLO???"

"Minjae's character here is so charming. An idol drama? I'm hooked!"

"Ahhhh! Why are they so gooddd!"

"Miinjae oppa looks so gooddddd!"

"Their chemistry in this teaser is so nice!"

"I need a behind-the-scenes video of these four, like ASAP."

A small smile tugged at Minjae's lips. His heart felt lighter as he read all of it.

Minjae looked up from his phone and stared out at the quiet view of the city beyond the window of his apartment. It was still hard to believe how much change from one variety show appearance could bring.

However, a few seconds after and his phone buzzed. This time it wasn't a notification from his fans, but rather a message from Jihoon.

[Jihoon: Hyung. Did you get the call from Global Studios? If not, then you should check your email right now. Like right now, okay?]

Minjae frowned as he read the message.

'A call from Global Studios?' Minjae became curious. He quickly opened his inbox on the phone. Right there on top of it was an email from Global Studios.

Minjae tapped on the email with a curious glint in his eyes, skimming through the neatly written message.

[Subject: Official Invitation: The Secret's Star Episode 1 Viewing and Dinner.]

To our dear Nam Minjae

We are happy to say that the final editing for Episode 1 of The Secret's Star has been successfully completed by the editing team. In light of this, Global Studios is organizing an exclusive private gathering to celebrate this milestone with the full cast and production team.

Details of the Event:

• Time: 6:00 PM

• Venue: Samseong Garden, Gangnam, Seoul

• Dress Code: Smart Casual

The evening will include a dinner followed by a private screening of the first episode. This is a closed-door event intended for cast and crew only, as a gesture of appreciation for your hard work and dedication.

We sincerely hope you will be able to attend and celebrate this important moment with us.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Best regards,

The Production Team

Global Studios

Minjae blinked slowly, then reread the message again to be sure he wasn't imagining it. A private viewing of the first episode? With the whole cast and staff?

His stomach fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement. Finally, he'd be able to see the fruit of their labor for the past weeks.

- - -

At 5:00 PM, an hour before the scheduled start from the invite, the private dining hall at Samseong Garden was already alive because of small chatters and light laughter.

Though the official dinner was scheduled at 6 pm, several staff members from Global Studios had arrived early. They went to the location immediately after work. Some were even carrying small decorating materials to decorate the space.

Global Studious had reserved the entire restaurant for the gathering tonight, The restaurant was medium-sized, just enough to accommodate everyone while still keeping a small space wherein they could move around.

With their early arrival, multiple production crews, styslist, and assistant directors were already moving around. They set up the projector and all the things that were needed to show the first episode of the drama.

Some staff also ordered already, so when the time comes, they could just eat while drinking.

Drinking was an important part of Korean culture, not just for fun, but for bonding.

In Korea, sharing drinks was a way to connect with others. It helped break down walls, especially between the different hierarchies in the workplace. While drinking, people could speak more openly, laugh a little louder, and show more of their true selves.

That's why it was such a big part of gatherings like this.

"Guys! I bought some balloons! Can someone hang them up?" One of the older staff members uttered out loud.

The younger-aged staff hurried over to help the woman. They were respectful, and most importantly, they immediately went to move after getting the balloons.

As some blew up the balloon, one woman staff member placed a handwritten sign in the middle of the restaurant's wall.

"Congratulations, Team The Secret's Star!"

There was also a simple cake on the low table near the center that was bought by one of the directors in Global Studios. The cake was simple, but in the middle of it was an elegant silver lettering that read:

"Episode 1 Complete finally complete!"

It wasn't a big celebration. There were no media, no cameras, no publicists. The staffs were also from work, tired, and already sleepy, but everyone worked together. They want to make it special, knowing that all of them poured their time, heart, and creativity into this one.

By 5:40 PM in the evening, the scent of food was already going around the whole restaurant. The restaurant's cooks were already beginning to cook the first few dishes. Small side dishes were also starting to get laid out on each table by the servers.

Everyone was patiently waiting.

A few minutes later, a white van stopped near the entrance of the restaurant.

"Someone is already here!" One of the staffs shouted out loud.

The staff turned their heads toward the door as the white van pulled up in front of the restaurant. The engine quieted, and after a short pause, the door slid open.

"Is that…?"

The first one to step out was none other than Lee Sanghoon.

"Sunbaenim!" a couple of staff called out in unison, some even giving small bows from where they stood.

Sanghoon smiled kindly and gave a small wave, his posture relaxed and effortless. Even dressed in a simple navy jacket and clean slacks, he carried the air of a seasoned actor. He was humble but naturally commanding.

He stepped inside the restaurant and glanced around, eyes taking in the decorations and the gentle clamor of the room.

"Wow," he chuckled softly. "You all did a lot to make this place look great."

A younger Assistant Director quickly approached him. "Thank you for coming early, sunbaenim. It means a lot."

"I wouldn't miss it. This is everyone's work, after all." Sanghoon just laughed gently and placed a hand on the younger staff's shoulder.

He greeted a few more familiar faces with polite bows and warm smiles, walking around the restaurant calmly. It immediately lifted everyone's mood since Sanghoon was really approachable.

Within the next few minutes, more actors started arriving too. Some came alone, while others arrived in pairs, especially those who were just supporting characters.

Still, everyone was welcomed equally.

At around 5:50 PM, Jihoon arrived next. He opened the door with a huge smile on his face. He looked excited, and happy as he saw everyone.

"Whoaaa! This place is fancy!" he exclaimed out loud while his eyes darted around at the food, the small decorations, and the crowd. He quickly spotted Sanghoon and rushed to greet him with a respectful bow.

"Sunbaenim! You came early!" Jihoon beamed. "It's nice to see you again."

Sanghoon chuckled. He and Jihoon had acted a few scenes together in the drama.

"It's nice to see you too, Jihoon. I see that you're still as energetic as ever."

"Yes, sunbaenim. This is my selling point you know," Jihoon joked before being pulled away by another actor.

Soon after, Yura and Soojin arrived at the same time. The two both looked effortlessly graceful in their smart casual outfits. They were welcomed with excitement, especially by the stylists and female staff members, who quickly gathered around them with compliments and excited chatter.

"You look so pretty tonight!" one of the stylists complimented to Yura.

"Hahaha, thanks unnie. I'm glad you liked it," Yura smiled, hiding her little embarrassment.

"Our Yura has become more pretty!"

"You too Seojin. You looked more glowing!"

Staff complimented the two.

However, it was quickly stopped when a loud question echoed in the room.

"Where's Minjae?"

Before anyone could answer, the restaurant's front door gently swung open.

Right on the clock, Minjae stepped inside. 6:30 pm. He was just right on time

He was dressed neatly, his hair slightly tousled from the spring wind, and beside him was Donghyun.

Minjae scanned the room quickly, a bit embarrased under the sudden attention, but when he locked eyes with Jihoon, who raised his arms dramatically like he was welcoming a hero, Minjae finally let out a laugh.

Donghyun gave him a small pat on the back before stepping aside to talk with the production staff.

"Let's go, Minjae."

"Yes, Hyung." Minjae took a breath.

Everyone was here.