Chapter 36

The most inconvenient thing about attending school, at least for me, was the separation of boys’ and girls’ classes.

If only we were in a mixed class, my mind would have been at rest, but the fact that we’re separated ironically made me uncomfortable.

“Anyone have spares? Oh man, I completely forgot about this.”

“Ugh, there are better things to forget.”

“…”

It’s always especially awkward to overhear conversations like this.

Seventeen years I’ve lived as a woman. I’ve become accustomed to it, the sense of detachment between flesh and spirit has long disappeared.

Still, there’s something about this atmosphere that I can’t quite seem to adapt to no matter what. Oddly, I’d be more nonchalant in my previous life.

‘I’m so bored.’

Is it because of this? It’s already been three months since I started high school, and I haven’t made any friends.

Why, really? Am I not gentle enough, compassionate enough?

“You should just approach people, idiot.”

When I confessed my troubles during lunch break to Ji-yeon, she waved her lollipop back and forth while looking at me as if I were hopeless.

“If you plan on initiating conversations…”

“Would you?”

“… They run away.”

“Hmm.”

Ji-yeon somehow gets it.

“Your face is the issue; it’s bound to intimidate people.”

‘Do I really give off an intimidating vibe?’

What do you mean by ‘face’ anyway? Occasionally, Ji-yeon tends to be too blunt with her words.

“Anyway, that’s not the most crucial issue.”

“It is important.”

“What about the two things you mentioned earlier about trying out for?”

“What? That’s important.”

Ji-yeon apparently doesn’t care much about my social life or lack thereof, but her memory is sharp when it comes to things I said in the morning.

It’s really too much. I pouted as I replied.

“Play.”

“Huh?”

“I’m going to audition for a play at a small theater in Jongno.”

Ji-yeon blinked at my words, looking at me as if she were questioning if I was serious.

“…Should I ask you something? If you explain well, I could get you something useful.”

Rarely does she sound this kind.

It seems that the mere mention of the word ‘play’ sounds strange to her.

“Well, what are you planning to do with school at that time?”

“Since the performance will be during the summer break, it should be fine.”

I’ll still be able to practice while attending school, and I plan on gaining a certain amount of permission from school as well.

“And the other thing? Besides the play, what else?”

“That’ll happen if I get the role in the play.”

“Seriously, what on earth is that?”

Though Ji-yeon stared at me as if I were joking, what can I do? I’m completely serious here.

‘The first project post-return is important, after all.’

I finally felt my emotions and spirit stabilize after puberty. Though it wasn’t easy, it all turned out well in the end.

It was roughly around that time that I made up my mind to return to acting. It was spring, just when I started high school.

Since then, I’ve been reflecting heavily on my first work post-return.

‘What would be good?’

I have the knowledge from my past life, and thanks to that, I know which works would likely succeed and which would fail, even though I can’t remember much from school lessons yesterday. In this regard, everything remains vivid.

There are a few that immediately come to mind.

‘Above all, the role I take on is what’s important.’

Since this is my first project post my comeback, it’s better for it to have a significant impact. However, the number of roles acquired through auditions is minuscule, and more often than not, they’re in sentimental plays.

‘Hmm.’

And after much deliberation, I’ve chosen one.

But, there’s a prerequisite to that.

That’s the play I’ve chosen.

Still…

“?”

I quickly glanced at Ji-yeon. Sensing my gaze, Ji-yeon tilted her head looking baffled.

The one lingering concern is the effect if I successfully get cast, like Ji-yeon or Seo-hee Jo.

Especially Ji-yeon.

Ji-yeon is slated to receive a lot of negative backlash due to a commercial. She eventually faded into relative obscurity, only resurfacing with a voice acting scandal that permanently took her out of the industry.

But, I’m now the one who has taken over that commercial and rather steadily growing.

If this continues, it’s plausible that I’d get the lead in a popular drama sooner or later.

…Things have indeed gone too well.

Though, it’s fortunate Ji-yeon’s career is improving…

“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“…Never mind.”

I glanced at Ji-yeon again and checked the date on my smartphone. Her major event is supposed to be just around the corner.

Would it be alright if we just let things be?

Mixed thoughts swirled in my mind.

“Ji-yeon.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you want to come over sometime?”

“To your house? Sure, why not.”

Ji-yeon replied indifferently.

Anyways, I’ll figure out what to do about Ji-yeon later. The current problem is my comeback work.

‘An audition for a play in Jongno.’

Teen plays generally don’t cast teenage actors, but it’ll work out somehow, given my circumstances.

‘The title, I believe…’

“The Eyes Shut,” a play that was quite the topic of discussion in my previous life. It was quite popular, and the actor who starred in it later went onto movies and gathered immense attention.

Yeah, that’s perfect. Considering what will happen afterward…

***

‘She’s thinking something strange again.’

Ji-yeon watched as Seo-yeon returned to her classroom without fully explaining after the lunch break ended.

‘A play?’

Honestly, there’s a lot here that feels strange. Why a play all of a sudden?

Even holding out the banner of “Princess Yeon-hwa from ‘The Moon That Hid the Sun'” would still attract attention in many places. Of course, since she’s been on hiatus for ten years, verification will be necessary eventually.

However, Ji-yeon doesn’t think Seo-yeon will fail even that basic test.

‘She’s a real actress, after all.’

A real actress. As Ji-yeon mulled over those words, she sighed.

Even though Ji-yeon herself is doing decently in a recent cable drama, she still can’t help but sense the difference when she sees Seo-yeon act.

Whereas before, she might have relied solely on emotional acting, Seo-yeon’s acting now is plenty colorful without even needing to “force” it.

Genius.

That’s the term all her acting instructors agreed on, praising her. Frankly, it’s perplexing that she took a hiatus for ten years.

To be honest, she could’ve appeared in plenty of decent projects whenever she wanted.

“Well.”

Ji-yeon turned her gaze from where Seo-yeon had disappeared. She mentioned she didn’t have any friends in her class…

That’s understandable. Seo-yeon gives off an air that naturally discourages people from approaching her.

Presence, is that the term? Being an actor by nature, most ordinary people find it hard to open up in front of Seo-yeon.

The only people who probably talk to her the most, aside from me, must be the staff at the convenience stores she occasionally visits. Though frankly, why she constantly rotates among different convenience stores remains a mystery. It’s natural that she doesn’t have many friends in school.

‘Her acting aside, what does she spend her time on?’

If only she smiled more brightly and made an effort to approach others, there’d be a whole lineup of people waiting for her every morning. Yet, Ji-yeon never felt the need to give her such advice because—well, it’s just simpler this way.

Having too many friends doesn’t quite fit Seo-yeon.

***

Anyways, with her mind set, Seo-yeon immediately told Su-a about it once she returned home after finishing school.

“I’ve been thinking about making a comeback.”

“Is it because you don’t want to study, honey?”

“…”

Seo-yeon immediately froze, unable to answer that question right away.

‘Crap.’

I should’ve answered right away. Reflecting on my mistake, I carried on as naturally as possible.

“Of course not. I’ll continue studying.”

“Hmm…”

Su-a gave her daughter a slightly suspicious look. Despite being a brilliant daughter, Su-a noticed when Seo-yeon tried to evade schoolwork. Up until middle school, her grades were decent, but in the high school midterm exams, they were catastrophic. She hadn’t even shared results from her practice exams.

‘This girl isn’t unintelligent, though.’

With a light hum of thought, Su-a shrugged it off. She’s already incredibly talented. Expecting her to excel in studies would just be too much.

‘How does mom maintain her skin so well?’

Meanwhile, Seo-yeon observed Su-a inwardly in admiration. Su-a was 39 years old, which made her an aunt by societal standards.

Yet, remarkably, her appearance hadn’t changed much from a decade ago. In fact, her bust seemed bigger now!

Her endurance was as enigmatic as her strength.

“So, my daughter has rested long enough, huh? You’re really okay to return to acting now?”

“Yes, I’m perfectly fine.”

As Seo-yeon said this, she struck a confident pose with her arms.

From somewhere downstairs came a clear voice.

“Sister, that’s funny!”

A cute girl with her jet-black hair tied on both sides stood nearby.

She resembled Su-a but was clearly younger. Her name was Joo Su-yeon, aged seven. With a similar name and sound, she was Seo-yeon’s younger sister due to their ten-year age gap.

Because of that vast gap, Seo-yeon had spent much of her childhood taking care of her.

“So, mommy and Su-yeon will go shopping. Is there anything in the fridge for dinner?”

“I understand.”

“Su-yeon, let’s go. Bye, sis.”

“Bye.”

Clearly, she insisted on coming along because she didn’t want to stay home. Watching Su-a and Su-yeon walk away, Seo-yeon closed the door.

Her mom’s casual reaction to her decision to pursue acting slightly deflated her. After all the careful thinking she did…

“Hmph.”

Left alone, Seo-yeon sat on the sofa, turned on the TV.

A familiar face soon appeared on the screen in a commercial.

“Eek.”

“Love you as much as the dew…”

Actually, it was a cosmetics commercial although it sounded like a soju ad. Typically, such products are endorsed by the most beautiful men and women, reflecting the brand’s prestige and recognition.

In other words, landing a cosmetics commercial symbolized an actress’s popularity.

“And here comes Seo-hee.”

The woman smiled, presenting herself.

Though of a similar age to Seo-yeon, her face was unusually mature. She looked like someone in her twenties.

‘Jo Seo-hee.’

Undoubtedly one of the top teenage actresses today. Contrasting her former life when she stumbled in “The Moon That Hid the Sun,” Seo-hee had spent the last decade shining her way to success.

Now, she’s only poised to keep climbing.

‘Cosmetics commercials are indeed quite iconic. I should turn them down if they come my way later.’

As Seo-yeon thought this, she absentmindedly turned on YouTube. Following an array of eye-catching playlists, one in particular caught her attention.

“The new SevenLive 3rd phase cast will be revealed soon!”

Reviewing the list that appeared, Seo-yeon slightly furrowed her brows.

Indeed, one expected member was missing.

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