TGS C3

"You can drop me off over there, mister." 

Renly stopped his wandering thoughts and spoke while pointing where the cab driver should stop. After the cab came to a halt, Renly paid the fare and exited the car. 

"Good luck." 

The cab driver said, surprising Renly. 

"Ah, thank you." 

Renly replied as the cab drove off.

As he approached the long line leading into the theater hall, Renly's footsteps halted. 

He remembered his father's words: "There are countless people in the world who want to become actors, but only a few can succeed." 

A path lined with thorns, an uncertain future ahead, a journey where even the bravest might falter. 

The cloudless sky shone brightly over Manhattan. The steel forest was unable to quell the restless heat that made heads spin.

Renly calmed himself with a deep breath, pushing aside useless thoughts. He strode to the end of the line and joined the aspiring actors.

...

Rami Malek adjusted his collar. He tried to ease the tension in his chest with a breath of fresh air, but to no avail.

Outside, the street bustled with the roar of engines, the chatter of passersby, and the distant sounds of a street performance. Inside, the hall was eerily silent, amplifying his restlessness.

Taking a deep breath, Rami felt his lungs strain, but it didn't calm him one bit. 

It was the last day of auditions for the TV series "The Pacific," an opportunity any aspiring actor would covet to be part of.

Despite being just a TV show, "The Pacific" was a prestigious project produced by HBO, a companion series to the acclaimed "Band of Brothers." With Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg at the helm, success seemed inevitable.

Like "Band of Brothers," "The Pacific" chose a cast of mostly new, lesser-known actors instead of established stars. 

In "Band of Brothers," there are over 100 characters with lines and several core actors. This approach gives every actor a fair shot but also intensifies the competition, with perhaps only one in a hundred—or even one in a thousand—succeeding.

In North America, there are over 400,000 union-registered actors, but less than 10% find regular work. "The Pacific" is a coveted opportunity that everyone wants to seize, including Rami Malek.

At twenty-eight, Rami Malek has spent nine years in Hollywood and has appeared in successful films like "Night at the Museum," but his career hasn't advanced much. 

He sees "The Pacific" as his chance for a breakthrough.

As he nervously waited his turn, Rami Malek couldn't stop his legs from shaking. He knew it was a bad habit and tried to control it, as such movements might divert attention.

Suddenly, a light tap on the shoulder made Rami's muscles tense. He spun around and took a half step back like a startled rabbit.

Rami Malek realized he had overreacted and felt embarrassed as he noticed the jerky movement on the corner of the other's mouth. 

His cheeks flushed slightly. The young man behind him looks like a college student. 

He stood in the sparse sunlight, which softly illuminated his slightly curly, golden-brown short hair.

His eyebrows and the tall, straight bridge of his nose gave him a heroic look. A few loose strands of hair fell on his forehead, adding to his casual charm.

"Ahem, ahem." 

Rami Malek coughed twice to hide his embarrassment. 

"Uh... Excuse me, what's the matter?"

"...Sorry." 

The young man showed an apologetic smile. His voice was relaxed, with a hint of hoarseness. 

"I didn't mean to startle you."

Despite his charming elegance, a childlike innocence was inadvertently revealed in the young man's demeanor. The afternoon sun seemed to shine brighter.

Rami Malek waved his hands.

"No, no, I just overreacted." 

Recalling his nervousness, Rami Malek scratched the back of his head. He felt embarrassed and unsure of what to do.

The young man shrugged casually, a smile playing on his lips. 

"I just wanted to ask, how long does it take for each group to get in?" 

He pointed to the shortening queue ahead, indicating that Rami Malek should move forward.

Rami's lips twitched as he moved a few steps forward with the team before abruptly turning back. 

The young man in front of him seemed oddly relaxed, his white collarless shirt contrasting with the calmness of the lake. 

His blue suit trousers hinted at a French artist's flair, stirring a hint of envy in Rami.

"There are five in each group, usually taking about ten minutes." 

He said, a tinge of nervousness evident in his voice.

"But the last group took fifteen. Seems someone caught their eye."

The young man grinned then patted Rami's shoulder. 

"Don't worry. Opportunities for everyone; it's your call in the end." 

His easy confidence eased Rami's nerves. It brought a moment of calm.

"Next group, get ready." 

The staff's voice called from the door as it issued a series of instructions. 

"Line up by the door, hand me your info when it opens, then go in orderly, center stage. The casting director will guide you; keep it quiet."

"Three more groups ahead of us, huh." 

The young man nodded at Rami, climbing the last step. He rolled up his shirt sleeves, brushing back his hair casually that caught Rami's eye.

Rami suddenly realized the young man's height. 

Rami, at five feet nine inches (175 cm), was accustomed to his average height. However, standing next to the other man, who appeared to be at least six feet two inches (187 cm) tall, he couldn't help but feel a bit small.

The stairs had concealed this difference before, but now, face to face, Rami couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy.

Noticing Rami's reaction, the young man turned and offered a friendly smile. It was the first time Rami really looked into his eyes, which were long and narrow, framed by striking eyebrows. 

His dark pupils seemed deep and mysterious, like the sea after a storm.

Extending his right hand, the young man introduced himself politely.

"I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Renly Hall. It is a pleasure to officially meet you."

'Officially?' 

Rami thought that was weird but shrugged it off, tossing the thought to the back of his head.

"I'm Rami Malek." 

Rami responded, feeling a bit awkward as he shook the young man's hand. 

Despite his experience, the young man's calm demeanor and refined presence made Rami feel like a novice actor.

Time seemed to warp as they waited. When the door finally opened, signaling their turn to perform, Rami's mind went blank for a moment. 

Then, he noticed the young man subtly wink, raise his right hand, and gesture as if to say: 'The opportunity is ours to seize.'

Rami's smile grew as he hurriedly handed over his personal information at the gate and joined the other actors in his group. 

The young man followed closely behind.

Walking onto the stage, the empty theater revealed its grandeur. It was decorated in red and navy blue with intricate carvings and luxurious chandeliers.

In the third and fourth rows sat a small group of decision-makers, about a dozen in total, of varying appearances.

 Among them were Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, whispering to each other.

Their presence was unexpected.

It wasn't common for top Hollywood producers like Tom and Steven to attend auditions in person. 

This meant that today's audition was more than just for "The Pacific"; it could potentially lead to future opportunities if they were impressed.