Chapter Text
Beomgyu took a deep breath, before pushing open the courtroom doors. Someone screamed.
“He’s here!"
Then began the blinding flashes. The shouting voices. The people jostling in the crowd, eager for a glimpse of South Korea’s darling, now fallen from grace.
Striding forward through the chaos, careful not to reveal even the slightest hint of emotion on his face to the constant shuttering of cameras. A microphone shoved in his face.
“Mr Choi! How do you respond to the allegations of drug abuse?”
“...how are you feeling right now?”
“Please give us a word-"
“-denying the charges?”
“-must be guilty…”
Internally, Beomgyu smiled sardonically. Oh, how quickly the tide of public favour turns. It didn’t matter how fiercely he had pleaded his innocence. Despite the thousands of denials, in the eyes of the public? He had sinned irrecoverably.
There was no point trying anymore.
♡
“Gyu-yah? It's time to wake up!”
“Five more minutes, hyung!” Beomgyu whined, pulling the covers up even higher. A sudden blast of cold air made him yelp, and his eyes sprang open, searching for his attacker. His manager Soobin smiled down at him innocently, as if he hadn't just yanked Beomgyu's covers, and Beomgyu scrunched his nose at him.
“Come on, Beomgyu. I got back the headshots from last week.”
All annoyance forgotten, he sat up, eager to look through the pictures. “Gimme!”
Soobin flicked his forehead fondly. “Freshen up first. Your morning breath stinks.”
He pulled a face, but complied. As he brushed his teeth, he called out, “Are you making breakfast?”
“Make it yourself, brat,” Soobin retorted. Beomgyu spat out his mouthful of toothpaste, rinsing his mouth before coming outside and seating himself on his countertop.
“Yah! What's the point of being my manager if you don’t even make your meals for me after waking me up so early?”
Soobin gave him an unimpressed look. “It's 10am, Gyu.”
He pouted, refusing to give up. “Come on, hyung.” Widening his eyes innocently, he jutted out his lower lip in an attempt to look as pitiful as possible. “Won’t you do a favour for your favourite dongsaeng? Your dongsaeng who loves you a lot?”
Snorting, Soobin pulled out two plates from the cupboards. “My dongsaeng who annoys me a lot, more like.” He ignored Beomgyu’s indignant squawk and continued, “Anyways, I already got you some gaeran toast from that vendor you like. We can look at the photos while we eat.”
Beomgyu’s face lit up, and he placed a delighted kiss on Soobin’s check, who turned bright red and waved him off. “Aww, hyung, you know me too well.” Really, without Soobin in his life, Beomgyu would've been a lot worse off. His childhood best-friend-turned-manager had been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout his entire life, and especially during the past two years.
He swung his legs as he chomped happily on his breakfast sandwich, savouring the taste. Soobin dug a folder out of his bag, but held it just out of his reach when Beomgyu made grabby hands for it. “Aish, Choi Beomgyu, don’t get your dirty hands on these!”
Beomgyu huffed and quickly rinsed his hands in the sink before rushing back, opening the folder and flipping through the pictures. “Yah, I look so good in these!” After a few seconds however, his face turned dejected. “But Soobinnie, what's the point of even having these headshots when no one’s even going to hire me?”
Soobin placed a hand on his shoulder comfortingly, giving him a sad smile. “Don’t worry Beomgyu-yah. You just need to give it time. Sooner or later a role will come for you.”
Sighing, Beomgyu complained, “It’s already been two years. How much more time does the universe need?” He knew he was being slightly childish, but his despair had reached a whole new level. Months of moping around, months of rejections and failed auditions just because of one reason.
That stupid scandal.
He knew he was a good actor. Better than good. The number of awards and trophies lining his shelves stood testament to that. It wasn’t his skills that were in question. It was his reputation. So the utter hopelessness he felt that he could do nothing to change his situation was a whole new feeling.
“Beomgyu, I know how amazing of an actor you are. It’s not your fault that these people have such narrow minds and refuse to listen to the truth. They’re missing out on you, and that’s their loss. We just need to have faith in the universe that someone out there is smart enough to give you a second chance.
Swallowing down his misery, he sat back up, handing the folder back to his friend. “Thanks Soobin-hyung. It means a lot.”
Ruffling his hair, Soobin went to put his folder back in his knapsack, but accidentally knocked it over, leading to all the contents of his bag falling out. Beomgyu jumped down from his perch on the countertop to help, gathering the various files and notes, when his eyes narrowed on a suspicious looking stapled set of papers. Soobin looked up, eyes widening. “Beoms, no-“ he began to protest, but he had already grabbed it, dancing out of reach with the papers.
“Soobinnie! Yah, you scoundrel, why didn’t you tell me that you had a script for me?” Beomgyu sang, eyes flicking through.
“Gyu-yah, give it back-“
“Were you planning to surprise me? After giving me such an inspirational speech about patience and the power of the universe?”
“Beomgyu.”
“This already looks so good, Soob. A lawyer forced to represent his old childhood friend who he hasn’t seen in years? And then they fall in love? It’s perfect-“
“Beomgyu!” Soobin said, tone unusually stern, and Beomgyu looked up, surprised. “It’s not for you.”
“Not for me?” Beomgyu repeated, head whirling. “What do you mean?”
Running a hand through his hair, Soobin sighed. “When I saw the script, I immediately asked the script writer if you could have the role. Not too many actors are auditioning for the role anyway, seeing as it’ll be filmed abroad. but…they said no.”
Beomgyu bit his lip, trying not to let the tears collecting in his eyes fall. Of course . That was just his shitty luck. But the more he thought about it, the less disappointed he felt, and the more determined he became. What was the point of passively sitting around, waiting for the universe to take a chance on him? Beomgyu believed in hard work, and talent, and most importantly, himself . He would make sure he got this role if it was the last thing he did. He looked up, eyes glinting with resolve.
“Soobin-hyung, call back the agency. I want to meet that writer tomorrow.”
Recognising the look in his eye, Soobin hesitated for a second, before nodding in acquiescence. If there was any chance for his best friend to have a comeback, he would help him.
Beomgyu felt a slow smile spreading across his face. “I’m going to show them just how badly they need me for that role.”
♡
“Beomgyu-ssi, I understand what you are trying to say, but a scandal of this size is a burden for my project. It would be a burden trying to deal with the bad press.”
Tamping down his irritation, Beomgyu dialled up his smile a notch, throwing in some large, quivering, eyes for good measure. No one could resist the Choi Beomgyu Charm (™). No one.
“Ms Lee, you know what they're saying isn't true,” he pouted.
“I’m sorry, Beomgyu-ssi, but the truth doesn't matter in cases like this.”
Beomgyu shot Soobin a pleading look, and he coughed. “We know that Beomgyu’s reputation is not exactly sparkling clean, but everyone knows how good of an actor he is. His acting will surely guarantee success for your show, Ms Lee. And anyways, as the industry says, any press is good press. It will bring attention to your movie, making it extremely anticipated.”
Ms Lee hesitated, the dilemma clearly written out on her face. “I guess that is true…but there are a lot of promising actors out there who have talent as well.”
Time to pull out their ace. “Not a lot of people will be willing to take this role though, seeing as the majority of it will be filmed abroad. But if you take me on, I would gladly accept the contract, and you will be guaranteed success!” He clasped his hands together, eyes earnest. “Please, Ms Lee. I need a role to have a comeback. Your writing is really beautiful; it's the only role I want.”
The script writer closed her eyes with a sigh. When she opened her eyes a few seconds later, her eyes were set. “Fine, Beomgyu-ssi. I’ll give you the role. But on one condition.”
Beomgyu’s face absolutely glowed with happiness. “Of course, Ms Lee! Anything, I promise.”
♡
“No! I won’t do it!” He exclaimed, throwing himself in his favourite armchair once they were back at home. Soobin closed the front door and followed him into the living room. “Why should I need experience at an actual law firm? It doesn’t make any sense!”
Soobin nodded, a thoughtful look on his face. “It actually does make sense. I once read an interview about a stage actor who was playing the role of a university student. To learn the habits, dress, and mannerisms of the characters, he lived in student housing for a month!”
Ms Lee smiled at him challengingly. “You said you would do anything, wouldn't you?”
Grimacing, he nodded, and she continued, “Show your commitment to the role by doing this. It’ll help you get truly into the role of the character. I won’t accept anything less than your best performance if you take on my script. And besides, you haven’t done anything for the last two years. It’ll give you a chance to brush up on your skills.”
Huffing, Beomgyu glared at Soobin. “Hyung, I’m Choi Beomgyu , actor for 8 years. Choi Beomgyu, winner of the most prestigious awards in the film industry. I don’t need real life experience to act. It’s bad enough that I had to ‘reflect’ on myself quietly instead of making a dazzling comeback. I can’t believe I have to give into her demands for the role!”
Soobin rolled his eyes at Beomgyu's dramatics. “Gyu-yah, this could be your last chance. You haven't been offered a role in two years. If you don’t accept this, you may not get a role for another two! Forget all of your awards, you’ll turn into an Olympic actor.”
Wincing, Beomgyu repeated, “My last chance?”
When he saw Soobin’s nod, he groaned, slumping backwards. “Ughhhh, fine, hyung. I’ll do it.”
Smiling, Soobin patted his head. “I’ll call Ms Lee and let her know. Besides, it’s only six months at the law firm. I’m sure you can do it!”
Beomgyu smiled hesitantly back at him, but inwardly, he was dreading the next few months. He had zero idea what being a secretary of a law firm entailed, and learning was not going to be easy, for sure. But if this was the only choice he had, he had no other option but taking it. And besides, he’d always liked a challenge. If this was what he had to do, then he’d make sure he was the best fake secretary that Ms Lee had ever seen.
♡
“No. There is no way I’m going to do this.”
Somewhere in the city, someone was saying the very words Beomgyu had uttered just a day ago, but this time, it was not an outcast (but pretty) actor, but instead a stubborn (but handsome) lawyer.
Yeonjun twisted his lips, expression pained. “Come on, Tyunnie. What’s so bad about having a secretary?”
“You know it's not about having a secretary, it's who’s going to be the secretary. Why on earth would I want Choi Beomgyu to be my secretary?”
“Why not?”
Taehyun raised an eyebrow from his seat on Yeonjun’s very comfortable sofa. The elder’s office was stylishly (and expensively) furnished, and Taehyun nearly melted into the warm leather seat. “Do you really need an explanation?”
“Yes! How am I supposed to know otherwise?”
“Working at a law firm is no joke, hyung. How am I supposed to trust someone who has no experience in the field? I bet he’s some spoilt brat who’s just going to mess around and ruin everything-ow!” He yelped, rubbing his head, which smarted from Yeonjun’s swat. “Why did you do that?”
“Show some respect, Taehyun. You’ve never met the guy. And it won’t be for free, either. I’ll give you a bonus paycheck!” Yeonjun looked at him pleadingly. “I really need you to do this. My father is friends with the CEO of his agency, and he owes him a favour.”
Shaking his head, Taehyun got up, trying to ignore the pang of guilt he felt to disappoint his friend and boss. “I’m sorry, hyung. But I'm really too busy.”
He made his way to the door, when Yeonjun suddenly called out, “Six years ago, that summer…”
Taehyun froze. He slowly swivelled around. Yeonjun, that bastard, didn’t even try to hide his triumphant smirk. He knew he’d got him. Rolling his eyes, Taehyun groaned. “When will you stop bringing that up?”
His reply was swift. “Once you agree to take on Choi Beomgyu as your secretary.”
Choose your battles wisely, they said.
Taehyun knew he’d already lost this one.
♡
Beomgyu shrieked, jumping up. “Tomorrow? I’m starting work tomorrow?”
“You need to be there by 9.30. Don’t be late. I heard that the lawyer you’ll be working for is quite strict,” warned Soobin.
Groaning, Beomgyu got to his feet. “That leaves me with just 11 hours to choose an outfit, sleep, wake up, eat breakfast and get there on time! Yah, Choi Soobin, why didn’t you warn me sooner?”
“Stop dropping the honorifics, brat! Anyways, I’m telling you now.” Soobin followed Beomgyu, who was marching towards his extensive wardrobe with single minded purpose. “Don’t go too overboard, Gyu-yah. You should tone down your usual style for the office.”
“Hyung, I'm not an idiot. I know I can’t just wear a leather jacket or a fur coat to the office.” Beomgyu said, rolling his eyes. Trailing his fingers across the multiple hangers on his racks, he made a thoughtful face. “I’m sure I had just the right suit somewhere…ah, there!”
He pulled out a hanger. The suit in question was a deep shade of turquoise, but other than that, quite understated. “And if I pair it with this black v-neck, it’ll be perfect. Don’t you think, hyung?”
Soobin smiled. “It looks great.” Out of nowhere, he pulled Beomgyu into a tight hug. “I know I didn’t say it before, but I’m really proud of you, Beomie. You’ve waited so long and worked hard for this.”
Beomgyu swallowed thickly, trying to get rid of the sudden lump in his throat. When everyone had left him, Soobin had remained. The one constant in his life. “Thanks, hyung.” He whispered. “You’ve done so much for me. I wouldn’t have reached this far without you.”
They stayed in their embrace for a few more minutes, before Beomgyu stepped back. “Aish, hyung, don’t crumple my suit! Do you want me to turn up tomorrow all rumpled?” He joked, trying to cover up the slight wetness in his eyes. Soobin’s eyes were knowing, but he let him get away with it.
As long as he had his best friend by his side, he could tackle anything.