Greg failed

As Ayumi walked to the audition, she couldn't be more stressed. Not only was she going to undress on stage, but she also will be playing with her crush. A guy she likes for so many years.

Why did she agree to this?

Why did she even come here? Ayumi was supposed to be a simple stagehand, a background actor who silently watched the main cast steal the spotlight. But now, she was at the center of attention, her every move scrutinized by the audience.

......

The director's voice echoed in her ears, his words ringing with finality. "Congratulations, Ayumi, you got the role."

...........

Ayumi stared at him with disbelief, her mouth agape. "What?" she gasped, her voice trembling. "But Greg, you're supposed to be the prince!"

Greg shook his head, his eyes filled with mischief. "I'm not the prince, Ayumi. But at least I am still in the play. I will play Sebastian, your right hand. Or claw in this case", he nervously chuckled.

Ayumi's mind started spinning. She went to the audition for him, for Greg. To play a girl he's gonna kiss and she would not allow other girls to do that. She even agreed to the nudity. And now the prince is gonna be played by another guy? She's gonna be kissing another guy in front of her crush? And the nudity, oh god. She expected she would be somehow hidden but her romantic co-lead will definitely see everything.

Ayumi wanted to scream, to rage at the unfairness of it all. But she knew that wouldn't solve anything. Instead, she clenched her fists and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

"Alright," she said, her voice shaking. "Tell me who's playing the prince."

The director looked at her sympathetically before pointing to a tall blonde guy standing near the stage. "That's Liam," he said, his voice warm. "He's a very talented actor, and I'm sure you two will work well together."

Ayumi's heart sank. Liam was a good actor, but he was also a flirt. She had seen him hit on other girls during rehearsals, and she knew he would take advantage of the situation.

"Great," she muttered, forcing a smile.