01x02 - Rising Star

[bunniefuu]

(Why is his heartbeat so loud?)

(Akin's breath is uneven.)

Cut! Go check on them.

What happened?

- Are you injured?
- We're okay.

I'm sorry for

what I've done.

I know it's unforgivable.

What good does it do,

admitting it now?

Captain Ken was kidnapped

because of you!

I'm the one at fault.

Since I got here,

Captain Ken's taught me so much.

He taught me to be a better,

to improve...

just like him.

He must be disappointed in me.

Everything that happened,
it's all on me.

Cut! Moving on!

Great job, Jin.

What acting secret did you pick up?

You're on another level
since the rooftop scene.

Don't just recite lines.

Be truthful with your emotions.

There's no acting secret, P' Jo.

I just try my best, like always.

(AKINA)

This is the last semester

we'll be together.

Take good care of my gift.

I need to tell you something.

I actually...

really hate you.

You use people to get what you want.

You don't deserve my kindness.

You've been taking on a lot of
projects these days.

Is something happening
in your life behind the scenes?

Truthfully, I've been working
this hard since day one.

It's been a bit hectic lately
with the drama sh**t

and a few brand deals on the table.

When the higher-ups offer something,
you go for it.

All your hard work and good looks—

What about your heart?
Is anyone taking care of that?

I'm good.
Don't need help with this one.

The show's starting,
please excuse me.

Akin's taking on so much work—

is he doing okay financially?

He could end up sick
if he's not careful.

I just don't know why...

the more I hate you,

the more I find myself
falling for you.

Akin!

Sorry for scaring you.

What do you want?

Are you feeling unwell?

I'm fine.

But you seem to have a fever.

Is everything alright?

It's nothing.

The chair fell over.

Calm your nerves.

We're meeting so many people.

We're adults now.

- One sec.
- Who is it?

It's Jin.

Can you answer this for me?
Be right back.

Sure, sure.

- [Touch] Hello, we'll be there soon.
- Jin. What's up?

Um, it's nothing.

Hold it, please.

Mind if I join?

Your hand...

Just a scratch,

Nothing fatal.

That's good.

Are you alri...

See you then.

Are you awake, Akin?

How did I end up here, Sine?

You don't remember?

Jin brought you here.

Jin?

Akin, we'll get help soon.

Mr. Akin is showing signs of
fatigue and has a high fever.

The doctor has started an IV drip

and gave him medication
to reduce the fever.

His condition is stable,

and there's no cause for concern
at the moment.

Thank you.

Akin.

[Television] Who's a good boy?

Packed with protein from real meat!

Keep your furry friend strong and healthy.

C'mon, good boy, come get your treat!

I'll catch up to you

and be by your side,
no matter what.

Hello, P' Sine.

(Sine: Akin is awake and well.)

(Sine: Thanks a lot, Jin.)

(I'll need a new car soon)

(so I can drive Akin around
whenever he needs.)

Akin,

I heard you've been
juggling so many projects lately,

you ended up in the hospital?

It's nothing, really.

I guess I'm getting older,

so my health isn't
what it used to be.

But you bounced back pretty quickly.

Must be some top-notched medical service~?

That's me.
Sick today, strong tomorrow.

Akin,

your next scene is where you get held hostage.

P' Aoi, can you help Akin
with the blindfold?

- Gladly!
- Careful with his hair.

Okay, thanks.

We can put that on now.

It'll help me focus before we sh**t.

Aoi, you're needed at the set.

Sure.

Be back soon.

One day,

I'll catch up to you

and be by your side, no matter what.

(It's the day of the wrap,)

(should I go thank Wooden Boy
for what he did for me?)

Ah, forget it.

(SIGMA ENTERTAINMENT)

We really appreciate SIGMA for this.

I decline.

Mildy, thanks for everything.

(Ning: SIGMA's made several offers for Akin)

(Ning: but I haven't given them a response.)

SIGMA is a pro

at media manipulation—

they know how to drive trends,
generate award buzz,

and stir up tabloid drama.

More than half of today's
top stars owe their fame

to the hype SIGMA's manipulated
into existence.

Jin's left us!

Girl,

don't be so dramatic!

Leave me alone.

I've looked after Jin
since he was this small.

Let me grieve!

Didn't you get paid for it?

Money is good and all.

But it's Honey Jin we're talking about.

There's nothing wrong
with celebs chasing the spotlight.

But SIGMA's way of using their talents

without nurturing their skills

is hurting the talent's career.

What made you do it?

Take a look.
Jin's changed so much—

his look,
his eyes, his whole vibe.

The kid we used to worry about
isn't here anymore.

You do realize,
if we reject SIGMA,

it's like declaring w*r with them.

If they're only after my popularity,

then

I'd rather not tie myself to an agency

that only thrives on hype

to push their talent.

I'm an actor,

not a celebrity.

(Akin, I'm one step closer to you now.)

Looks like the apple doesn't fall
far from the tree—

You're just like your grandma.

I respect your decision, Akin.

From now on,

they'll be watching you.

Life's about to get tough.

Sure you're up for it?

Let's just say,

I'm not one to back down.

(It's Official—Akin Turns Down SIGMA's Offer!)

(Fresh-faced Actor Jin Joins SIGMA after Mildy)

We're meeting with
my team of personal stylists.

You're getting some new looks.

Grim!

Hello, Mr. Ford.

Hello.

Come this way, Jin.
Let's try some outfits.

Plagrim, we need Jin
for a quick light test.

- Go ahead.
- Thanks.

We're sh**ting now?

Just testing the lights.

(MILLÉ MILLÉ )

"MULE MULE"

I guess the brand owner
likes mules?

What "MULE MULE"?

It's "MILLÉ MILLÉ".

This brand's as big as JENINE,

the one Akin represents.

Each piece costs thousands.

Alright, it's show time.

Gotta say "MULE MULE"
is pretty cute.

I love mules!

(Ford: MILLÉ MILLÉ is a powerhouse brand.)

(If they pick you as their ambassador,)

(it's going to be a game-changer
for your career.)

(Jin: In what way?)

(Ford: You could rise to the global stage.)

(Jin: Global stage?)

(Ford: In showbiz, competition is sky-high.)

(Keep pushing,)

(keep growing your skills,)

(and opportunities will come running your way.)

You're saying I'll get to work with Akin again?

If you rise high enough.

Clients won't get to choose you—

'cause you'll be choosing who to work with.

When he's done with this gig,
he's got another one at five.

Five?

Got it.

Let's start.

(If Akin's the King of Showbiz,)

(then Judy's the Queen of the Screen.)

Partnering with a top-tier talent

will elevate your profile

and add to your image.

You're making me melt.

I haven't felt this way
since I first met Akin.

You've worked with Akin before?

Yeah,

but you're way cuter.

Touch, hurry!

- What is it, sis?
- Look!

Wait, I'm busy with
Jin's schedule.

Hurry!

Jin ate and left no crumbs
in this sh**t.

My hon, my angel boy!

- I made sure he slayed on that set!
- Thank you, queen!

A year and 2 months later:

Hi everyone, welcome to
Midnight Matter!

It's so hot today,

not because the AC is broken,

but because we have a hot
young actor

visiting our show!

Are you ready?

Let's give it to... Jin!

Hello, hello.

Hello.

- How's it going?
- I'm good.

So glad to meet you.

Likewise, so honored to have you here.

Please, have a seat.

Let us give Jin another
round of applause!

Our show feels so much livelier today

with this beautiful man with us.

Do you even realize how
famous you are right now?

I don't know...

I'm just living my life,
everything feels pretty normal..

"Pretty normal" you say?

Let's see what
Jin's "pretty normal" looks like!

Viewers, are you ready?

Your Instagram following just hit 3.5 million!

That's not "pretty normal," dear.

You're popular overseas too—

in China, Japan, and Korea—
they're all crazy about you!

Our show is going live right now,

and I can't even find a single Thai comment!

You're practically too hot to handle!

Recently, he was featured on a

magazine cover with Queen Judy!

I'm starting to think a
"pretty normal" life like yours

actually sounds pretty amazing!

Wow, look at that—Jin's already made it this big?

That was quick!

With SIGMA pushing him that hard,

it'd be strange if he hadn't made it.

Sources tell me it wasn't an easy road

to becoming the Jin we know today.

You've done it all—

from working at a convenience store to...

Check this photo out.

What photo?

There, a pizza shop employee!

Which branch did you work at?

I've never seen a more handsome
employee.

It was near my house.

Right.

It was a time when I was

figuring out I wanted to do.

I took whatever job came my way.

That's actually

how I met P' Mildy,

the owner of my old agency.

Pizza delivery!

Pizza's here.

Can you get it?

Coming~

That'll be 399 baht.

Girl, get here quick!

Why?

- I'm starving.
- Just come!

- Fine.
- Look at him.

It's 399 baht.

Take 500. Keep the change.

How tall are you, hon?

185 cm.

Ooh, 185?
Mind if I take a look at your face?

Are you biracial?

I am.

If they hadn't called to order pizza that day,

there'd be no me today.

Aw, Jin, honey...

Your laugh sounds like a mule.

So, you didn't plan on
being an actor from the get-go,

but wow, you're just really good at it!

Who do you look up to as an actor?

P' Akin.

[Host] You're smiling a lot.

[Host] What's going on...

Akin! Akin!

- [Jin] Well... because he's kind.
- Jin's talking about you.

- [Jin] I mean...
- Come sit down.

He's going on about you non-stop!

[Jin] Akin and I were in the same
drama called "Akina."

[Jin] When I first met him,

[Jin] it was intimidating

because I was just a newbie,

while he was this famous actor.

I didn't want to be a burden to him.

The last thing I wanted was to annoy him.

When I got to know him,
he's actually really kind.

Wait...

You're not bringing Akin in
to surprise me, are you?

[Host] You caught me!
Can't be too careful these days.

[Host] Please welcome... Akin!

I'm messing with you.

He couldn't make it.
The man's busy!

Now you've done it.

I'm just kidding,
but really,

if you're a real fan of Jin or Akin,

you'd know just how much Jin looks up to Akin.

Just check Instagram—

Jin literally likes every single one of Akin's posts!

[Jin] That's true.

[Host] Spill the tea.

Oh, comments are pouring in live!

Let's read some of them.

"Omigosh, JIN x AKIN...
JIN x AKIN.. I am so FIN."

"They should work together again~"

"JIN x AKIN has so many fans."

"Producers better give this pair a show soon!"

What the..

"We're begging you"

"Shippers need this ship to sail"

Next comment.

"Is this a one-sided thing for Jin?"

"Akin's not even following him on IG"

Your thoughts?

It's understandable

because Akin isn't really

active on social media.

He might not have
noticed that I followed him.

You really do admire him!

Are there any stories with Akin
that you wanna share with us?

So, we shot a scene—

and what Akin did really stuck with me.

I'll never forget it.

I had to cry,

but I just couldn't do it.

Akin came up to me.

He said "you're not breathing properly,"

then,

he did this.

You there.

What's your name?

Akin.

You're not breathing properly.

Focus…

and look into my eyes.

Breathe slowly,

follow my lead.

Whoa, viewers!

Akin followed Jin just now!

What the—

Never knew random comments
could have such an effect on you.

So you do have a soft side, Akin.

What just happened?

What have I done?!

So, what's the takeaway, dear viewers?

Remember, anything can happen
on a special night like tonight.

Midnight Matter has been lucky
to have Jin with us.

Let's give him a big round of applause!

I want to take a photo for the thumbnail..

Sure thing.

I'll just make room for you.

- But you'll be in it too!
- Oh yeah, okay.

Alright, 5, 4, 3, 2.

- Midnight Matter, bye!
- Bye.

This wooden boy.

He's leveling up.

It's alright, Sine.

If they don't want to renew
the contract, that's fine by me.

I don't beg.

I've been representing
their brand for 3 years now.

If they want someone new,

they can go ahead and find one.

"An unchanged perfection."

"Berkey Original, always your go-to."

"In a new world, change is everything."

"Robin Coffee, a better brew for you."

What's this nonsense?!

"...a better brew for you."

Luck's still on my side.

Never mind.

No drinks for me.

[Jin] "Today I'm picking up my new car."

Show-off!

[Jin] "I've put up a poll.
Please help me decide which one to get!"

[Jin] "Don't forget to vote, I know you're watching~"

Whoops.

[Jin] "Do you like green?"

[Akin] "Not really."

[Jin] "How come you voted green then?"

[Akin] "That wasn't on purpose."

[Jin] "If you could choose properly,"

"what color would you pick?"

I'm not telling.

If I had to guess,

it's white, right?

So basic.

So... sand?

This kid!

Sand is nice.

When I wrap up getting the car,

I'll come pick you up right away.

Did I ask you to pick me up?

You chose the color for me,

I thought you should be the
first to see the car.

Don't act like
I'm the only one who voted.

Where are you now?

Are all clout-chasing celebs dumb?

Akin, P' Akin.

Akin!

HelloOoO?

Urghh

So annoying.

I was just asking where you're at.

A park near my house.

My schedule's free today,
so I'm out for a walk.

The park with the vending machines

selling your favorite chocolate milk?

How does he know?

"Are you a stalker?"

"Hey, where did you go?"

(Jin: Sorry, I got a last-minute work call from Ford.)

(Jin: Looks like I can't make it today.)

He comes and goes as he pleases.

(UNFOLLOW)

Hello.

[Jade] "Hello yourself.
Why do you sound annoyed?"

It's nothing. Why did you call?

[Jade] "Are you fee tomorrow? Let's meet."

[Jade] "There's this project
I think you'd be perfect for."

[Jade] "We can talk details later
to see if you're down to join."

Of course I'm down to join.
Why wouldn't I be?

[Jade] It's about your co-star.

Just like Akin's face when he's on set.

Wonder if he likes sweets.

It's Akin!

And that's me!