Chapter 1:

How It All Began Part 1

Behind The Scenes


Koda's POV

The day after, I told my parents that I wanted to be an actor, and they were thrilled. I started small by starring in a couple of commercials to see if I like it acting in front of the camera. My mom was my manager at that time. She handles all of my auditions and she receives e-mails from companies and studios. Since I didn't have any experience and no one in the industry knows me, I only managed to star in 2 commercials that year.

When I went to school one day, my classmates surrounded me and greeted me with smiles and cheers. My commercial aired the night before and they saw me there. They were happy for me, and this made me feel happy. I was more confident to pursue acting.

I told my mom that I wanted to take acting classes so that my acting can improve and more casting directors would try to get me to audition for their shows. They didn't hesitate to let me take classes, although I can only take a year of classes since classes are pretty expensive.

One year later, I completed my class and am ready to try out again. I wasn't pretty lucky. I barely got any roles that year. The only roles I received were extras for shows like a high school romance drama where I have to either just walk by, engage in small conversations with other extras, or just idly sit or stand in a corner.

I told my mom that I feel like nothing is working. The year is almost over and I haven't received any more roles, even the minor ones. Even my mom tried to find auditions. It's either the role has been filled already or I didn't make the cut.

I felt like it because of my acting. I did take a year of class, but I think that one year isn't enough. I tried to talk to my mom about this.

"Well, why don't you take more classes?" She asks me with a smile.

I look at my mom, surprised. "Wait, can I?"

"Well, you don't know this, but-" My mom pulls out a jar full of cash from under our kitchen counter." "Your dad and I have been saving up money for your acting classes."

I was taken aback by this act of my parents. "You all did that for me?"

"Well, we know how acting means so much to you," She says. "Ever since you were a kid, you didn't find interest in anything. Only your toys. So when you told us that you wanted to be an actor out of the blue, we were surprised. This was the only thing that got your interest, so we want to be supportive of your interests."

I couldn't hold back my tears. I hugged my mom tight. "Thank you, mom."

My motivation to be an actor is now stronger than ever.

* * * * *

This time, I took a 5-year acting class. My last years of junior high and the entirety of my high school were fully packed. Not only do I do acting classes, but I also have to go to school. When there are times that my schedule is too packed that I can't attend classes, my best friend Kaito would tutor me. Kaito and I have been best friends ever since junior high school. He was always at the top of the class and he's qualified to tutor me. Our parents offered to pay, but he insisted that he'll do it for free just for me. Honestly, I'm happy that I'm surrounded by supportive people.

I feel a roll of paper hit my face. I jolted up and rubbed the part of my face that got hit. "Ow! What gives?!"

Kaito has his arms crossed, one hand holding the rolled paper he used to hit my face. He adjusted his glasses with his free hand. "I'll have to let you know that you are also graduating this school year. If you don't take this seriously, you will end up repeating the third year, giving you less time to focus on your acting career."

He's been strict with me these past few days since graduation is right around the corner. I can understand, but these past few days have been tiring. "I know, but lately acting classes dismiss us later than usual."

"Have you been reading more scripts instead of getting some sleep after classes?"

I look away, repeatedly tapping my arm. "....no."

He sighed. He then reached for my ear and pulled it. "How many times do I have to tell you, don't do anything extra before going to sleep especially the exam week!"

"ow ow ow!" I exclaimed. My eyes were getting teary from how hard he pulled my ear. "Okay, I'm sorry it won't happen again!"

I went back to answering some activities that Kaito gave me as I rub the ear that he pulled.

"Make sure you state the reason as to why you answered False on those numbers," he pointed at the one section of the paper using the rolled paper he was holding.

"Yeah, yeah," I rolled my eyes as I keep answering.

The both of us went silent for a moment. I kept answering while he watches me answer the activity he gave me.

"Koda," Kaito broke the silence.

I look up to him, "Yeah?"

"So umm," He says, not looking at me. "So I've heard that your mom has been looking for a new manager for you..."

"Yeah," I reply, looking back at the paper I was answering. "She says that she doesn't have time to be my manager anymore so she has been looking for one for me for the past week. Why did you ask?"

"Ummm," He was rubbing his arm. He still avoids my gaze. "Can I be your manager instead?"

I look up to my surprise. "Wait, what?"

He still isn't looking at me. "Yeah, I want to be your manager."

"Why?"

"Koda, I have been here with you growing up. I know how acting means so much to you and that you'd do anything to achieve your dreams. And I want to help you with your dreams by being your manager."

"Kaito..." I am touched by all of this.

Other than my parents, Kaito is the most supportive person I have in my life. Now that I look back at it, he has been helping me throughout everything since junior high. He would make sure that I eat in school. He would let me sleep in class whenever I was tired from my auditions and he would let me borrow his notes after school so I could catch up. Even for school plays, he would handle all the stuff I couldn't do if I was not available like my application for auditioning, handing me my scripts every time the club would hold a play, and he would be even the one who would contact our club president if I can't make it.

I just realized that not only he was supportive of me, but he definitely is my manager at school.

"Sure thing," I smile at him. "I'll tell my mom later before I go to bed."

He smiles back. "Thanks."

"But this time, you're getting paid okay? No buts."

He chuckles. "Okay, okay. I could use the money anyways."

I chuckle as well. We continued with the tutoring right after.

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