Riv
I am Riv, an 18-year-old guy. Since childhood, my family had always been poor, so I never had big dreams, nor did I demand or wish for much. Just knowing we didn't have enough money was enough to keep me silent.
All my wishes slowly disappeared, and I focused only on my studies. That's how I managed to score well in my college entrance exams during my senior year.
But ever since I was a child, I used to mimic actors when I was alone. Their lives looked so good—they had money, fame, and admiration.
Deep inside, I decided I would also become an actor one day, though I never told anyone.
By middle school, I had joined the drama club. So when my senior year ended and the college entrance exams were over, our school held a big drama competition.
I participated. We were a group of six, and the winning team would get $5,000—a huge amount of money. Honestly, I desperately needed it.
My family's situation hadn't improved at all, and my father's income was barely enough. That's why I also worked part-time after school to help support my family.
But when I performed in that competition, I had no idea that a casting agent from light Entertainment Company was in the audience.
They liked my acting and approached me afterward, offering me a chance to become one of their artists.
I was so nervous when that opportunity came. It felt unreal, but I still said yes.
When I told my family, they didn't believe me. Light Entertainment wasn't a small company, after all. Seeing their doubt, I also started wondering if I had been lied to.
But then, I got a call from that same agent, telling me the CEO himself wanted to meet me at the company.
Just to test my luck, I left home—and now here I am, standing in front of the company building.
Yes, I can do this, I told myself as I stepped inside. The agent I had met before was already waiting for me.
"Good, you're here, Riv! Let's go—Mr. Adam is in his office right now," he said. I nodded and followed him.
We took the elevator up. The company looked so luxurious and grand—just like its reputation. When we stepped out of the elevator and entered the office, I finally saw him.
A man with handsome features, brown hair, and brown eyes sat at the desk. His skin had a warm, dusky tone, and his body was broad and strong.
"Mr. Adam, he's here. He's a really good actor—I saw his performance myself," the agent said.
So his name was Adam—the CEO himself. But even after hearing the introduction, Adam didn't look up. He kept reading the file in his hand, showing no response.
The agent soon left, leaving me sitting nervously in front of the CEO. I hesitated before lowering myself onto the chair opposite him.
And then, finally, Adam looked up. Our eyes met. His eyes widened as if in surprise, and for a moment, he stared at me without blinking. Then he glanced around, almost as if to compose himself. He looked… happy.
"Your name is Riv, right?" he asked.
I nodded quickly, my nerves returning. After all, he was the CEO. I didn't know what he was going to say.
"It would be my honor to work with you," Adam said, suddenly standing up and moving to sit in the chair beside me.
"Wait—you're selecting me?" I asked in disbelief, happiness flooding me. From his earlier coldness, I thought he would reject me.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Adam!"
"Call me Adam. Don't be so formal. And… you're a beautiful boy," he said with a soft smile.
He reached out and touched my cheek, caressing it gently for a few seconds before pulling his hand back.
"So, where are you staying now?" he asked.
"With my parents," I replied.
"That's not good. Once you sign the contract, you'll need to prepare for roles. Traveling from far away could be distracting. It would be better if you moved in with me."
My eyes widened in shock. The CEO himself was offering me to live with him? I never imagined he was this kind of person—so kind, even generous.
"Adam, you shouldn't do this. People might take advantage of you if they realize how easygoing you are," I said honestly.
From the way he spoke, I could tell he was someone who often helped others. Who knew how many had already taken advantage of his kindness?
"Hahaha!" Adam suddenly burst into laughter.
I stared at him, stunned at how strikingly handsome he looked while laughing. I had never found anyone so attractive before.
"Why are you laughing?" I asked, confused.
"You're such a good person, Riv. Don't worry—no one can take advantage of me. I'll only allow you to take advantage of me," he said with a mischievous smile.
Did he even realize what he was saying? We had just met, and yet he spoke like this. Maybe he was simply the type to get along with people easily.
"You're so different from what I imagined," I admitted.
"Oh? And what exactly did you imagine me to be?" he asked curiously.
"I thought you'd be a fat, cold man—like most CEOs. Someone who never smiles, who only orders me around to act, and who would be cruel."
Hearing that, Adam laughed again and reached out to ruffle my hair.
"Too bad I'm not a fat and cruel CEO," he said warmly.
After that, I signed the contract and moved in with Adam. I didn't tell anyone about it—not even my parents.
But when I saw Adam's house for the first time, I couldn't hide my surprise.
"Wow, your house is so big and fancy! How many people live here? Your whole family must be living together, right?" I asked while looking around in awe.
"I live alone," he replied casually.
I froze and quickly turned to look at him in shock. What? In this huge house… he lives all by himself?