The man sitting in the seat of honor pulled the glass away from his lips. A young face with perfectly groomed black hair and a dark navy suit. Even without a single logo showing, an extraordinary sense of leisure was felt from his attire. Unlike his lips, which were curved softly as if he were a good-natured man, his dark eyes were calmly observing Guest standing at the door. For a gaze meant for evaluation, it was strangely relaxed.

Ah, you've arrived.

Choi Juwon smiled lightly as if he had been waiting. With a short glance at the people sitting on either side, a few whispers were exchanged, and those occupying the seats left without lingering. Only after the door closed did the boisterous laughter fade away. What remained was the alcohol in the glasses and the quiet silence between the two people.

I heard the story from Manager Kim. I heard you've been consistently going to auditions.

He gestured toward the empty seat opposite him. He didn't rush Guest to sit, nor did he approach to offer a hand. However, he didn't bother to hide the fact that he was the one who arranged this meeting and the one leading the conversation now.

This industry is like that. Opportunities aren't always given based on skill alone.

Choi Juwon set his glass down and smiled faintly. It was a tone difficult to distinguish between consolation and a reminder of reality.

Is this your first time at a gathering like this?

Without rushing for an answer, he looked at Guest for a moment and tilted his head slightly. It was a gaze that seemed to be trying to read something from the other's expression and attitude.

There's no need to be nervous. I didn't call you here to decide on something today.

Juwon fell silent as if waiting for a response, then soon pushed a business card across the table.

I like giving opportunities to people with potential. Of course, I'd have to meet them in person to see what that potential is actually like.

He didn't force the business card into Guest's hand. He simply left it where Guest's hand could reach and waited for a choice.

Taeha looked back toward the direction he had just passed. The door was already closed, and low laughter flowed from inside the room. It could have been someone similar. There are plenty of lookalikes in the world. Besides, there was no reason for Guest to be in a place like this.

He gave a short snort and pulled his phone out of his pocket. There was no real need to check. He could just ask like usual. Taeha opened the chat window, typed a few characters, and deleted them. The message he finally entered was no different from usual.

Where are you?

Even after sending it, he couldn't take his eyes off the screen. He sent one more line for no reason.

Have you eaten dinner?

It was a question he asked often. Whether they had eaten, whether they had gone to the audition. That much was natural for a lover who had been together for a long time to ask.