Chapter 1: The First Encounter

Sung Minjang adjusted his tie in the dressing room mirror, the sound of muffled voices from outside filtering in through the thin walls.

Another press conference, another day under the relentless glare of the media. This time, though, something was different.

There was a buzz in the air that even he couldn't ignore—a hum of excitement that wasn't just about him.

He sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled black hair.

At thirty, Minjang was used to being the center of attention, the one the cameras always focused on.

He had earned his place at the top with years of hard work, and this drama was meant to be his next big project.

But today, there was a shift in the balance. The attention wasn't just for him. It was for Lee Jang.

The door opened, and his manager, Park Minwoo, poked his head in. "Ready? Press conference starts in five."

Minjang gave a curt nod and stood, his tailored suit crisp and immaculate. He was always ready.

He stepped out into the hallway, where the air was buzzing with activity—assistants rushing around, journalists setting up their equipment, and cameras flashing incessantly.

As Minjang made his way toward the stage, he heard it—the sudden rise in cheers and applause.

He didn't even need to look to know who had just arrived. Lee Jang.

The younger actor had only been in the industry for a few years, but his meteoric rise was undeniable.

He was charming, confident, and everything the public loved. Minjang had seen his type before, but something about Jang felt different.

He wasn't just another rising star—he was a threat.

Minjang kept his face neutral as he approached the stage, where Jang was already standing, smiling at the cameras like he owned the room.

His light brown hair was slightly tousled, giving him that effortlessly cool look, and his casual posture contrasted sharply with Minjang's professional demeanor.

Jang's youthful energy was palpable, drawing the eyes of every journalist in the room.

"Ah, Sung Minjang!" one of the reporters called out as Minjang stepped onto the stage.

The cameras shifted slightly in his direction, but the majority remained focused on Jang.

He could feel the change, the way the spotlight had shifted.

"Thank you for coming, everyone," Minjang said, flashing his practiced smile as he took his seat next to Jang.

The director and other cast members settled into their places, but it was clear that the real interest was in the two male leads.

The press conference kicked off, with the director introducing the project and speaking about the significance of the new drama.

Minjang nodded along, but his attention was half on the questions and half on the man beside him.

Jang sat there, relaxed, his leg casually bouncing under the table, as if this were just another day to him.

Minjang couldn't help but feel a flicker of annoyance.

"And now, to our leads—Sung Minjang and Lee Jang! How does it feel to be working together for the first time?" a journalist asked, directing the question to both of them.

Jang, always quick on his feet, flashed a smile. "It's a huge honor to work alongside someone as experienced as Minjang. I've watched him since I was young."

He leaned back in his chair, his smile turning slightly playful. "I hope I can keep up."

The room chuckled, the comment lighthearted on the surface, but Minjang heard the underlying tone.

Was Jang mocking him? Trying to paint him as old and out of touch?

Minjang's smile tightened, but he kept his voice smooth. "Experience comes with time. I'm sure you'll learn a lot."

There was a slight pause in the room, the tension almost imperceptible, but there. The media sensed it—the start of something.

As the press conference continued, the questions kept coming, mostly directed at Jang.

The reporters seemed fascinated by his easygoing nature, his charm, his fresh face. Minjang answered his fair share of questions, but the shift in focus was clear.

This wasn't just about the drama anymore. This was about the new rivalry brewing between two stars.

By the time the event ended, Minjang's jaw ached from forcing smiles.

As the crowd began to disperse, Minjang stood, ready to leave as quickly as possible.

He wasn't in the mood for small talk or post-event mingling.

But as he turned to go, Jang caught up to him, his signature grin still in place. "Hey, you did great up there."

Minjang arched an eyebrow. "I didn't need your validation."

Jang's smile didn't falter. "Didn't say you did. Just thought it'd be nice to say."

Minjang said nothing, his eyes cold as he looked Jang up and down.

The younger man didn't seem phased, his confidence unwavering. It was infuriating.

With a slight nod, Jang turned and walked away, leaving Minjang standing there, fists clenched at his sides.

As he watched Jang disappear into the crowd, Minjang couldn't help but feel that this drama was going to be much more difficult than he had anticipated.

Because this wasn't just a role. It was a competition. And Sung Minjang never liked to lose.