Minjae followed Yura out of Chanhyuk's office, yet his thoughts lingered on the sudden quest notification.
He couldn't help but wonder what kind of rewards he would get at the end of the mission. The duration was 30 days, so that meant he had to train for a month.
Yura walked a few steps ahead, the confidence still radiating from her. As they moved through the 6th floor of the building, Minjae noticed that there were currently a lot of trainees in the area.
Multiple groups of tens of trainees were practicing in glass rooms. They looked so focused as they listened to the teacher who was teaching them.
"Are they also actors?" Minjae asked.
If there were a lot of trainees in the company, why do they gotta find more?
"Not really." Yura shook her head as she glanced around, looking at each room.
"They're actually trainees for K-pop groups. We're also training them for acting, since facial expressions are important on stage."
"I see..." Minjae nodded silently. Though being an idol and an actor are different, one thing that they have in common was being in front of the cameras.
That means their facial expression needs to be properly trained and executed at all times.
After all, you won't be able to do anything about embarrassing images. Once it was captured and shared on social media, it would be there forever.
"You seem to be deep in thought, Minjae. Are you nervous about the training?" Yura glanced back at him with a warm expression on her face.
Getting nervous was really common for first-timers. However, with proper guidance, she knew that Minjae would be able to finish today's session.
"Not really" Minjae shook his head lightly, offering a small smile.
"Well, that's good," Yura replied with a chuckle. "We'll just have a short session today since it's your first time."
"That's fine with me."
After a few more minutes of walking, the two arrived at a spacious training room with mirrored walls and tiled floors.
The room was brightly lit, with a table and multiple cushioned chairs set up in one corner.
Yura gestured for Minjae to take a seat while she leaned casually against the table. She crossed her arms and brought her hands together.
"Before we dive into anything, I want to know more about you..." Yura said in an enthusiastic voice.
Getting to know people was one of the reasons why she chose to be a teacher. She really liked meeting and teaching people.
"Why did you decide to become an actor?"
"..."
It was a question that Minjae wasn't prepared well enough to answer.
"Uhm..." Minjae hesitated for a moment.
Why do I want to become an actor?
It was a question he thought he already knew the answer to.
However, after dying and having a new life, he couldn't think of any reason at all.
Minjae's eyes darted to the polished tiled floor. He could see his reflection staring back at him from the mirrored walls.
He looked so clueless right now.
The silence stretched for a moment.
Yura's expectant gaze stared at him as if she was waiting for an answer even if it would take some time.
'Why do I want to become an actor?'
The question repeated in Minjae's mind as if it was challenging him to know something he hadn't fully known before.
"Take your time," Yura encouraged softly, subtly sensing Minjae's struggle.
"This is not an interview so the answer doesn't have to be perfect. Just tell me what's in your heart."
Minjae glanced at Yura for a moment. Then it made him think.
Why did he decide to return to this industry after everything he had experienced in his past life?
In his previous life, he had climbed to the very top of fame. Awards, applause, and recognition had filled his days.
But as he reflected on it now, he realized that wasn't what had driven him — not entirely.
Minjae looked back at his memories. He remembered the faces of the people who had supported him throughout the years.
The true friends and fans who supported him.
Their love wasn't entirely for him, but also for the characters he brought into life.
And then there was acting itself.
Minjae remembered the thrill of transforming himself into a different person, and the challenge of telling a story through his words and actions.
At this point in his life, acting was more than a career.
It was already a passion, a lifeline.
Minjae exhaled slowly as his thoughts settled. His lips curved up into a faint smile as the realization struck him.
Maybe that was his answer.
"I think..." Minjae started, his voice was quite low.
"I became an actor because I love it."
Yura tilted her head slightly. She remained silent as if waiting for Minjae to continue his answer.
"I love how acting lets me tell stories," Minjae uttered as his gaze met hers.
"I love the way I can make people laugh, cry, or think—How I can connect with them even if it is just through the screen. I think there's something magical about that."
Minjae paused for a moment before continuing.
"And it's not just acting. One more thing is the people. The fans who will support you through the ups and downs."
"That's a beautiful reason, Minjae." Yura chuckled, surprised by how well thought it was.
"It sounds like you already experienced it." she joked around.
"Well, one day, I'm sure you will." her lips curled up to a smile.
"Thank you, teacher," Minjae said earnestly.
Yura chuckled as she waved her hand dismissively.
"I told you, no need for formalities."
"Alright... Yura noona," Minjae replied, his smile growing a little wider.
"Good." Yura straightened and clapped her hands together. "Now that we've got that settled, let's see what you've got."
And with that, Minjae stood up, ready to give his effort for the training ahead.
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A/N:
This is the second Chapter of the day. Another one will be published in 7 hours.
Thank you for reading!