chapter 32 - career

Something had definitely changed.

A lot.

Zahn was busier than ever. His internship kept him occupied during the day, but even after coming home, he barely slowed down. Some nights, he stayed late at the office; other times, he returned at a normal hour but went straight to his laptop, determined to stay ahead. He wasn't just working-he was pushing himself.

Meanwhile, Amy spent most of her time at home, aimless.

Her friends were moving forward, chasing their careers, working hard. But Amy? She wasn't.

Left alone in the quiet apartment, she found herself wondering What am I even doing? The stillness felt strange, suffocating. She glanced around the living room. Maybe I should clean?

Grabbing a broom, she started tidying up. She dusted the shelves, wiped down the surfaces, washed the dishes, at least this was something.

When Zahn returned that evening, he paused at the door, taking in the unusually spotless living room. His brows lifted in surprise. Did she...?

"You cleaned?" he asked, setting his bag down.

Amy grinned, taking his hand and guiding him to the couch. "Yup." She gently pressed her fingers against his shoulders, starting a massage.

Zahn leaned back slightly, amused. "You're being unusually nice."

"That's what I should do anyway," she said with a little shrug. "Oh, and guess what? I even cooked."

His eyes widened. "For real?"

"Yep." She smirked. "Instant noodles."

He let out a short laugh. "Hah. Instant noodles?" He shook his head, sitting up. "I'll make us a proper dinner."

Amy frowned. "Are you a machine? Do you ever get tired?"

"Yes," he answered flatly.

"Zahn, let's just order food tonight."

"No. Homemade."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?" She leaned in, peppering his face with tiny kisses.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Fine, fine."

Evenings like these were warm, familiar. Cozy dinners, playful conversations, the comfort of curling up together at night. It should have been enough.

And yet, as Amy lay beside him, staring at the ceiling, she couldn't shake the unease settling deep in her chest.

What am I doing with my life?

The next morning, as they sat at the table having breakfast, Amy found herself mumbling her thoughts out loud.

"I feel strange, Zahn... Like I'm doing nothing with my life. No job, no hard work, just... existing."

Zahn sighed, setting down his coffee. "You don't have to feel weird about it. Just take it easy. You'll figure things out. It's not the end of the world."

"But I should still be doing something, right?"

He glanced at her. "Amy, didn't you once say you just wanted to enjoy life? No responsibilities, no early mornings? I'll take care of us."

She let out a small laugh. "Are you trying to make me lazy now? After all those years of forcing me to study?"

He chuckled. "Don't take it that way." Rising from his chair, he grabbed his bag. "Just give yourself time."

"Mhm." She smiled, watching him leave just like every other day.

Zahn made it sound simple. Take it easy. But even though she'd once dreamed of a carefree life, someone to take care of her, no stress, no job, nothing to worry about-it felt different now.

Zahn is working so hard. He's going to be successful someday.

And what about her? Would she be left behind?

He doesn't mind now... but what if he gets annoyed?

What if... one day, he doesn't need me anymore?

Amy tapped her cheeks, shaking off the thought. That's absurd. Zahn loves me. He always has.

Even so, she couldn't just sit around and do nothing. She had to do something. Not just rely on him.

She wandered the room aimlessly, lost in thought. And then, something clicked.

That time... over a year ago.

She had been in her second year of college, performing in a campus stage play. Afterward, a scout had approached her, handing her a business card. He'd offered her a chance to try acting.

Amy's eyes widened. That card... where is it?

She rushed to her bag, rummaging through old papers and notebooks. Her fingers finally brushed against it-the worn edges, the faint imprint of the name.

She held it between her fingers, doubt creeping in.

Is this even a good idea...?

Yet before she could second-guess herself, her feet were already moving.

Stepping out of the house, she found herself heading straight for the address.

I'll just check it out. No big deal... right?

Amy's steps halted outside the academy. She stared at the building, hesitation clouding her thoughts.

What am I even doing here...?

Just as she considered turning back, a familiar voice called out.

"Amy? Is that you?"

She turned, eyes widening. "Mr. John..."

It had been a year since they last met, yet he still remembered her. Now that she'd been seen, there was no point in running away.

John gave her a warm smile. "You must have thought a lot before coming here. Come inside, let's have a talk."

With a small nod, she followed him through the corridors.

As they walked, her gaze drifted to an open room. Inside, young students some her age, others even younger, were practicing their acting under the guidance of mentors. Their expressions, their movements, the sheer passion in their voices-it was captivating.

Amy found herself awed by the sight.

Before she could linger any longer, John led her into another room. They took their seats, and he looked at her expectantly.

"So, Amy. Have you made a decision?"

She hesitated. "I... I really don't know. It sounds weird, but my confusion brought me here."

John chuckled. "Well, since you showed up, I'd say there's at least some desire in you for this career, don't you think?"

Amy let out a small sigh. "Okay, honestly... I do like acting. But it was always just a hobby, something I did for school plays. I never seriously considered it. And... I don't know if I can handle the responsibility."

John nodded, taking in her words. "That's understandable. It's okay to be confused it takes time to figure things out. But you know what?" He leaned forward slightly, smiling.

"I still remember your performance from that stage play. You had a shine in your eyes, Amy. You looked like you were born to be seen. The way you carried yourself, your presence, it was natural. And talent like that? It only gets better with time."

Her heartbeat quickened at the praise, warmth spreading in her chest.

"Then... how would this even work for me?" she asked.

"This academy is run by our industry. We train aspiring actors-people like you under experienced mentors. But we don't give free passes. Everyone auditions, and whether they succeed depends on skill, hard work... and, well, a little luck."

Amy bit her lip. "Is it too late for me? You first told me about this a year ago..."

John let out a small laugh. "It's never too late. You're what, 21? Sure, some people start earlier, but that doesn't mean you've missed your chance. Plenty of successful actors start later in life. What matters is whether you want to try."

She swallowed. The uncertainty was still there, but alongside it... a flicker of determination.

"...Fine. I'll join."

The words left her lips before she could overthink them.

John's eyes lit up. "That's what I like to hear. But no slacking be here first thing tomorrow."

Amy let out a chuckle, nodding.

As she left the room, card still clenched in her hand, her heart was racing.

Maybe she didn't have everything figured out yet.

But at least now... she had a place to start.

Later that evening, when Amy got home, Zahn was already back from work, settling onto the couch to rest. Seeing the opportunity, she moved closer, wrapping her arms around him from behind.

"You tired?" she asked softly.

"Not really," he murmured, snuggling deeper into her embrace.

"Let me give you a massage."

He chuckled. "How generous."

"Yes, yes," she teased, pressing her palms firmly against his shoulders. As she kneaded his tense muscles, Zahn let out a sigh of contentment, eyes closed. For a few minutes, she worked in silence, enjoying the quiet intimacy.

Amy's eyes sparkled as she leaned toward Zahn, barely able to contain her excitement. "I have something to tell you"

Zahn cracked an eye open. "You seem excited. What is it?"

she said, grinning. " I'm joining an acting academy! I decided-I want to become an actress!"

Zahn blinked. "What?"

His reaction wasn't what she expected. No surprise? No excitement? No congratulations?

Amy beamed, trying to shake off the weird feeling. "I'm going to be an actress! Isn't it great?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, waiting for his reaction, praises.

But instead of excitement, Zahn stared at her blankly. His expression was unreadable, and for a moment, Amy hesitated.

Finally, he spoke, his tone neutral. "What's going on? Where did this suddenly come from?"

"Oh, you remember my stage play in second year, right? Back then, someone scouted me-Mr. John from MX Industry. He said I had potential. I didn't think much about it at the time, but now that I'm unsure about my future, I went to see him again... and I decided."

Zahn raised a brow, but his expression remained tense. "And you're telling me now? That offer was a year ago."

Her heart dropped slightly. Why did he sound... annoyed?

"I wasn't ready back then," she said quickly. " But now I've thought about it, and I am. Aren't you happy?"

"What exactly am I supposed to be happy about?"

Amy blinked. "Huh?"

"Acting." He leaned back against the couch. "Are you even sure about this? Or is this another impulsive decision, like all the other things you pick up and drop when you get bored?"

Her frown deepened. "It's not like that! Yes, I've been impulsive before, but this isn't some random hobby like vlogging. It's my career. You know I've always loved acting. You seen me on stage."

He sighed. "Yeah, for school plays. Not a career. Do you really think you can handle the stress? The competition? The grueling hours?"

"And why do you assume I can't!"

"Amy, just think of something else." His tone was dismissive as he stood up, already turning toward the bedroom.

Amy stepped in front of him, blocking his way. Her chest tightened as she stared at him, feeling hurt. "I don't get it. I thought you'd be happy for me. Why are you acting like this?"

His gaze softened slightly, and he let out a breath before cupping her cheeks with both hands. "Amy, listen to me. I'm not trying to crush your dreams. I just don't want you to jump into something you'll regret later. I want you to think before you act. And... you know how shady the entertainment industry is. I just want you to be safe."

Amy's shoulders relaxed slightly, but the frustration still lingered. "Zahn, I will manage. There's nothing else I want to do. It took me time to realize, but I've always loved acting."

Zahn rubbed his temple.

" Amy, you used to complain about waking up early for college. You hated routine, responsibilities. And now you want a career that demands ten times the effort?"

Amy's hands balled into fists. " Are you saying I'm a child who can't make her own decisions?"

His jaw tightened. "Are you mature enough to make this decision, Amy?" His voice was sharp, laced with doubt, as if he already knew the answer.

The air between them thickened, tension crackling like electricity.

Amy felt something snap inside her.

"Zahn, shut up!" she burst out, anger boiling over. " I don't need your approval! I'll do what I want, got it?!"

He stared at her, unimpressed. As if she were a child throwing a tantrum.

Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, shutting the bedroom door behind him.

Amy stood there, chest heaving, frustration burning in her veins.

He never understands me. No matter how much I try, I'll always be the foolish girl in his eyes