It started with a single call.
Jace's voice buzzed over the speakerphone as Aster finished dressing for a casual shoot with one of the ad campaigns. "You're being invited to a roundtable script reading for a new drama. Lead role."
Aster blinked. "Wait, lead? and script reading? not an audition?"
"Yeah. The producers saw the variety show and your audition footage. Said you've got range and charisma. And, well... the fandom is feral."
From the background, Yanna added, "You trended next to an idol couple. That's not small."
Aster leaned on the dresser. "They... really want me?"
"You already have name recall," Jace said, more serious now. "This one's different, though. It's a romance drama, high budget, airing on prime time."
Aster didn't speak immediately. A lead role.
He hadn't had a true lead in his first life. He's still working on the movie. It wasn't a big production but it was the first. He was always the "rising talent," the second male lead, the tragic pretty face. Always poised for a breakout—until everything fell apart.
In this second life, that opportunity came to him twice. But this time, he was stronger.
"Send me the script," Aster said at last, voice steady. "I'll read it today."
"Alright."
After the call ended, he stared at himself in the mirror for a moment longer. His reflection stared back—sharp jaw, expressive eyes, hair still tousled.
It was him, yes. But not just a shadow of who he once was.
This time, he'd climb for real.
When he arrived at the shoot later that day, the mood was different.
Makeup artists greeted him more warmly. The ad director even came to shake his hand.
"You lit up the last campaign numbers," she said. "We're expecting the same magic today."
He smiled and nodded politely—but the shift didn't go unnoticed. Last month, they barely remembered his name.
Afterward, in the car back to the house, Adrian was already waiting.
The man had one hand on the wheel, the other lazily tapping his phone. When Aster climbed in, Adrian looked up and smirked.
"You looked good in that commercial," he said. "Even better than the tuna sushi one."
Aster groaned. "Don't start."
"No Minji this time?"
"I swear—"
"Kidding," Adrian drawled, pulling the car onto the main road. "Kind of."
Aster huffed but didn't deny the warmth that spread across his chest. "I might have a drama lead role coming," he added after a pause.
Adrian's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly. "That's fast."
"I'm still reading the script."
"You'll do it?"
"I think I want to."
Adrian glanced at him at a red light. "Then you will."
There was no doubt in his tone. No hesitation.
That unwavering support felt... dangerous.
Too comforting.
Later that night, while Finn slept curled under his dinosaur blanket, Aster stood on the balcony just outside the master bedroom.
The wind was cool. Aster cradled a cup of tea in both hands, watching city lights shimmer beyond the gated estate.
Adrian came up behind him, arms looping loosely around his waist.
"You're thinking again," Adrian murmured against his neck.
"I always do."
"You'll take the drama."
Aster smiled faintly. "Maybe."
"I already know the answer."
Aster glanced up at him. "How?"
"Because even when you doubt yourself, you've never stopped moving forward."
Aster didn't reply immediately.
Instead, he leaned back slightly into the embrace.
There was no romance between them—at least not yet. Not officially. But there was something else. A tether. Fragile, growing stronger each day.
Maybe, Aster thought, this six-month contract wouldn't end with a clean break.
Maybe, just maybe...
He was beginning to wish it wouldn't end at all.