Months had passed since the casting switch in Horizon of Desire. Throughout that time, the film continued to thrive, thanks largely to the fiery debates raging across social media. Viewers dissected every glance, every line exchanged between Namtan and Film, turning each fleeting moment they shared on screen into the center of attention.

What few knew, however, was that off-camera, the two rarely crossed paths unless absolutely necessary. Not because their schedules never aligned, but because they deliberately avoided each other. Old misunderstandings had never been resolved, and the silence stretched long enough to become a habit—creating a distance that was both far and strangely nameless.

But, like all storms of public opinion, it eventually quieted. The hashtags #TeamNamtan and #TeamFilm disappeared from trending charts, replaced by newer topics. Still, in the hearts of the audience, the comparisons and expectations for the two never truly faded.

---

A new press conference once again drew everyone's attention. At the grand ballroom of a five-star hotel in central Bangkok, hundreds of reporters, journalists, and entertainment bloggers scrambled for the best positions. Camera flashes went off incessantly, the atmosphere buzzing as though everyone sensed a major announcement was coming.

On stage, Director Pravit—renowned as a guarantor of success in the girl-love genre—appeared in a sleek gray suit, his confident smile radiating certainty.
"Moonlight Whispers, or Lời Thì Thầm Dưới Ánh Trăng, will tell the story of a psychologist and a young woman battling depression," he announced, his gaze sweeping across the press. His voice was deep, clear, and measured, every pause deliberate, as though each word had been rehearsed. "We want to explore psychological depth and delicate emotions. Girl Love is trending right now, and this is the perfect moment to bring the project to the public. This will be the most heavily invested production of the season."

The hall erupted with murmurs. Fingers flew across keyboards, laptops, and phones. Within minutes, the announcement of open casting for the two female leads had become the hottest topic online.

---

At a small café, warm golden light washed over beige walls. Film and Bonnie sat tucked away in a corner, apart from the noise yet close enough to hear the hum of the coffee machine. Bonnie scrolled through her phone, her finger pausing on a striking photo: Director Pravit standing before the Moonlight Whispers backdrop.

"Film, Moonlight Whispers is holding open casting. I think this is a golden opportunity. You're going to audition, right?" Bonnie asked eagerly, her eyes still glued to the screen.

Film lifted her gaze from her cappuccino, the scent of coffee mingling with vanilla. She glanced at the phone, at the bold words Open Casting.
"The main roles are a psychologist and a depressed patient... I think there's a lot of room for performance here. I'll audition."

Bonnie tilted her head, her eyes lighting up as though she'd found treasure.
"Then I want to try too. Girl-love films are booming, and projects like this are heavily funded. I'm not sure I'll get a role, but at least I want to test myself."

Film smiled faintly, her lips curving though her gaze remained deep.
"Good idea. Come with me, you'll feel less nervous. These auditions can be intense."

Bonnie rested her chin in her hand, teasing:
"If you're nervous, then I'll be terrified."

Film shook her head, laughing softly.
"Bonnie, no one is immune to pressure. What matters is turning it into drive. Just do your best—I believe you can."

Bonnie nodded, though the flicker of nerves in her eyes gave her away.
"Yes, I'll give it my all."

---

At Namtan's apartment, Milk was arranging newly purchased accessories on the table. Sunlight poured in through the windows, making the metals and gemstones glimmer. Namtan sipped chamomile tea as she browsed her laptop, the delicate aroma soothing her.

"Hey Namtan, I heard about this girl-love film that's all the rage. Casting opens tomorrow. Are you planning to try? You might just become the next girl-love idol," Milk said, half-teasing, her eyes still on a necklace in her hand.

Namtan nodded slightly, her voice steady.
"You mean Moonlight Whispers, right? I've looked into it. I think it's a good opportunity. After Horizon, I need a project to reshape my image. Plus, girl-love films rise fast—there's a loyal audience base. Definitely worth a try."

Milk smirked, tilting her head.
"Yeah, it's about a psychologist and a depressed patient. Suits you well."

Namtan arched a brow.
"As the psychologist, you mean?"

Milk propped her chin in thought, then quipped with a grin:
"No, more like the psychiatric patient."

Feigning offense, Namtan pressed a hand dramatically to her chest.
"Wow, that's harsh. What kind of stylist teases her client so mercilessly?"

Milk shrugged.
"Special clients deserve special treatment. But hey, if you land the doctor role, let me handle the wardrobe. I'll make sure you look the part."

Namtan laughed.
"Alright then, but be prepared. Sometimes the stylist feels even more pressure than the actor."

Milk pointed at her.
"Exactly. Stylists always suffer, because actors demand perfection."

Namtan's lips curved, her tone laced with playful teasing.
"Fine, my best stylist—this time, you'd better make me shine."

On casting day, Bangkok's sky was unusually clear. Love pulled up in a black SUV in front of Film's home early in the morning. Film stepped out in a crisp white shirt, dark slacks, and neatly tied low ponytail. She exuded quiet elegance and seriousness, as if ready for battle.

"Nervous, Film?" Love asked as she climbed in.

Fastening her seatbelt, Film glanced briefly at the road.
"Of course. But I'm excited too."

Love nodded slightly, her gaze lingering on Film before she spoke slowly.
"Moonlight Whispers is a big project. I believe you're perfect for the lead."

Film tilted her head, offering a faint, almost enigmatic smile.
"Love, do you really believe in me that much?"

Love pressed her lips together before whispering, almost too softly to hear:
"I believe in you more than you believe in yourself. So hold your head high."

Film froze for a moment, her eyes softening. A small smile bloomed, as if a weight had lifted.
"That's a lot of pressure, you know. But thank you. Your words mean more than you think."

Love fixed her eyes on the road, her tone firm.
"I just want you to give your very best. That's enough."

Inside the casting hall, tension hung thick in the air. Murmurs blended with names being called. Along the walls, rows of candidates sat, flipping scripts or silently practicing breaths to steady themselves.

Namtan and Film crossed paths in the waiting area.

"Hello. It's been a while since we acted together," Namtan began, smiling faintly, though her gaze carried something unreadable.

Film nodded, curt.
"Yes. Best of luck to you."

Namtan smiled lightly.
"Thank you. Hopefully we'll see each other again at the final cast announcement."

When their turn came, the two were unexpectedly paired for the doctor–patient dialogue. At first, the air was tense, their lines careful and restrained. But once their eyes met, the scene began to flow naturally. Their rhythms synced in a way that defied logic—every pause, every breath weaving an atmosphere so raw the entire crew fell silent, the only sound the steady hum of the camera.

When the scene ended, Director Pravit nodded approvingly.
"Excellent work, both of you. This pairing is worth serious consideration."

Off-stage, as Film packed her things, Namtan turned to her.
"This scene reminded me... it's been a long time since we matched this well."

Film replied softly, without meeting her gaze.
"True. But chemistry on stage and in real life are two different things."

Namtan fell silent for a moment, before letting out a small smile, as though swallowing unspoken words.

---

The casting wrapped up. As the crowd trickled out, chatter filling the hallways, a mysterious poster for Moonlight Whispers suddenly surfaced online. It had never been officially released. On it, the lead female role was already marked with a blurred figure—but the facial outline was unmistakably that of a well-known actress.

Comments exploded:
"Clear as day—so the casting was just for show?"
"Then what were the hundreds of auditionees doing there today?"
"Drama already brewing!"

And just like that, the online world was set ablaze once more.