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“Do you know why I’m here? A while ago…”

“No, bro, I…”

“So that’s it!”

Voices with crisp tones echoed from everywhere.

Where is this place?

It’s the path to the audition waiting room.

Yeah, the path.

Even so, I can hear the auditionees mumbling their lines and speaking them out loud.

Looking around, it seems there aren’t any actors I can recognize just by seeing their faces…

Well, to be honest, I couldn’t even recognize Moon Chang-sik, so maybe there’s a famous actor here that I just can’t identify.

Anyway, from my perspective, there are just a bunch of unfamiliar faces holding scripts around me.

Thinking that all these people are actors feels both amazing and nerve-wracking at the same time.

Thus, I tightly held onto the script I brought and walked inward.

Moon Chang-sik just directed me on where to go and then disappeared to see the director.

So now, I’m heading to the personal waiting room all alone.

I hear that unlike many people using the main waiting room, they give me some kind of special treatment.

My name is gaining recognition these days, but it’s probably mostly due to Moon Chang-sik and Sangshik Entertainment’s influence.

Once in the tranquil private waiting room, I examined the script collection on my own.

This time the script collection was entirely my choice, as Moon Chang-sik let me pick it myself.

It features a woman who manages to survive the survival game and joins the main character’s group.

She’s smart, strong, and well… quite a cool character.

So for days, I diligently memorized the script and practiced with different expressions.

Even in the waiting room now, I was continuing to memorize my lines and think about my character.

While thoughts on how to perform swirled in my mind—

*Knock knock—*

Someone knocked on the waiting room door.

“Yes— come in.”

Thinking it might be a staff member, I said that, and the door opened to reveal a man entering.

“Oh.”

As soon as I saw him, I could tell at a glance he wasn’t part of the staff—he even had a familiar face.

Though his hair color was different from before, I recognized him instantly.

Um, so…

“Yun-seong?”

He was the leader of Beasts, from whom I even got an autograph.

“Oh, did I interrupt your practice?”

“Well, yes, but… what brings you here?”

“I heard you were here, so I came by to say hi.”

“Ah.”

Come to think of it, we do have some connections.

We’ve appeared in the same movie, I got his autograph, and I even featured in an album with the group’s maknae.

Hmm, speaking of which, I think I lost a bet back then and ended up giving Lee Hyun-jun a wish right… Did he use it?

It’s been a while, so I’m a bit hazy on that.

Anyway, it’s really nice to see him after such a long time.

Especially since there’s no one I know here, and Moon Chang-sik is with the director, so it feels even more welcoming.

“Have you been well?”

“I’ve been doing well, busy with activities.”

“Oh… So are you here for the audition too?”

I pointed at the script in Yun-seong’s hand.

It seems he’s here for the same audition.

“Yeah, the company said it’s a good opportunity, so I thought I’d give it a shot.”

“And you want to do it too?”

“…That’s right.”

Since I got the vibe that he was eager to act when I last saw him, I nudged a bit and it seems I was right.

“What role are you preparing for?”

Naturally, that curiosity arose.

The gender difference means our roles won’t overlap, but still, aren’t you curious?

I wonder what kind of part the popular idol leader has chosen.

“Ah, well…”

A bit shy, Yun-seong discreetly showed me his script.

Um, so…

“A detective, huh?”

“Yes, it’s an important role unraveling the truth behind the death game.”

I see…

Well, it’s completely different from my chosen script, so I don’t know much about it…

“…I’m rooting for you.”

At least I can tell that a detective role doesn’t quite fit Yun-seong.

“It’s a bit off, right?”

And it seems Yun-seong was aware of that too.

“Well… a little?”

If there are strengths, there are weaknesses too.

He has a face that is perfect for being an idol, but it’s not the right look for a hard-boiled detective.

If Yun-seong were to act as a detective…

He wouldn’t be that weathered veteran who’s seen it all… nor that passionate rookie either.

It’s, well, a bit ambiguous.

Anyway, hearing my comment, Yun-seong wore a disappointed expression.

“But I really wanted to do it.”

“I understand that desire.”

I’m not really in a position to advise, but I felt I should at least share my thoughts.

“But since it’s work, I think a suitable compromise is important.”

“That’s true.”

Yun-seong seemed to take my words to heart and nodded.

“But I’ll still try my best.”

“That sounds great. It’s important to broaden your spectrum.”

“Right? I think it’s a bit limiting to only do similar things.”

“Oh, well, that’s not quite true.”

“Ah, really?”

“Yes, highlighting your strengths is generally important…”

Thus, I continued to share my teachings with Yun-seong.

Didn’t I just quote Moon Chang-sik?

Oh, come on, learning is meant to be passed down.

Anyway, after sharing my insights, Yun-seong’s expression shifted slightly.

From being a fellow rookie actor, he seemed to view me with a bit more respect as an industry peer.

“Thank you so much for your advice.”

“No problem.”

It’s kind of strange seeing such an iconic idol like that, but it doesn’t warrant a thank you.

If anyone deserves thanks, it’s Moon Chang-sik.

“By the way, what role are you preparing for, Soo-hyun?”

“Oh, me? It’s this one.”

Oh right, I should also show him since I’ve shown mine.

I held up the script I was holding for Yun-seong.

“…This character here?”

However, after glancing at the script, Yun-seong turned to me.

And then….

“Um…”

He refocused on the script.

“Uh, why, what’s up?”

Thinking there was some problem, I looked at Yun-seong, who pointed to his script and said:

“…But isn’t mine pretty similar to yours?”

“Really?”

What’s wrong with my role…

…Honestly, it’s the one that makes most sense in a survival game context…

I know, I might not be the best fit for running or fighting with these skinny arms and legs.

But still… I wanted to do it.

Seeing my flustered state, the trust in Yun-seong’s eyes began to fade.

Uh oh… looks like my slip-up has been exposed.

“…Alright, let’s do our best.”

“Sigh… let’s just get some food for the one who fails.”

“Whoa, such blasphemy!”

Saying that makes it seem like someone will definitely fall, doesn’t it?

If I fail, it’ll be a disaster, and if Yun-seong fails, it’ll just be awkward.

Anyway, after chatting a bit longer, I sent Yun-seong off.

And then…

“Um…”

I lifted up the script I had prepared.

I guess I should have asked Moon Chang-sik which one to choose?

No, no, this is just right.

I should play a role in a survival game while filming a survival game drama.

And it’s better to have more experience in games.

Of course, I am confident.

After all, who am I?

Even Moon Chang-sik himself called me a talented actor.

Though the preparation time is short, I can confidently say I worked really hard during that time.

Thus, even though I felt nervous when the audition started a bit later, I went in with confidence.

I still find auditions somewhat intimidating…

But I have to be confident so all the numerous characters inside me…

Like, ah, what’s her name again… Lady Soo-yeon, and Sera can stand tall.

With steady steps.

As I exited the waiting room into the audition space, it was quiet again.

“Alright, Kim Soo-hyun, please go ahead.”

Now, I just have to perform in front of all those people in this quiet space.

Among them are likely the director, the writer, and the key staff members.

“I shall do it.”

Though it’s a daunting environment with so many eyes on me,

Haven’t I acted in even busier filming locations before?

So, I straightened my back and began to act.

**

After completing the performance as per the script.

“*Um… she’s too pretty.*”

“Oh.”

The first comment I heard was unexpected.

Is this praise? Or is it criticism?

The tone sounded critical, but the content was complimentary.

“Is that… a compliment?”

“Well… yes, but I meant it negatively in this context.”

In response to my question, the middle-aged man sitting in front replied.

“Your mask is just too prominent, making it hard to see the character.”

“Oh…”

Is that a rejection?

At that moment, a wave of embarrassment washed over me.

I had just guided Yun-seong on the same issue, only to be potentially rejected for a similar reason.

Well, I knew it all along.

Hmm? Was this really the role I should have taken?

Yet, it’s true… the character I picked was likely the one who would be the survival game’s champion…

Amidst my slight disappointment…

“Could you perhaps show a blank expression?”

The man who said my presence was too strong mentioned that, as he seemed to be the director.

It must be something necessary for auditions.

“Ah, yes, okay.”

I didn’t ask why suddenly, but since it’s an audition, they probably have their reasons.

It wasn’t exactly a difficult task.

I glanced at the evaluators, stripping my emotions, and stared at them.

“Oh….”

“Wow.”

“Indeed.”

Suddenly, exclamations came out.

…Am I doing well?

It wasn’t the kind of reaction I got earlier while acting.

“Now let’s see a somewhat serious but business-like blank expression.”

Business-like?

Hmm, did I overdo it?

I thought for a moment about the expression.

Having practiced in front of the mirror countless times, I could imagine what it would be like.

So, in a work mode…

“How about this… uh.”

As I asked the evaluators about my expression, I was slightly startled.

An unexpectedly flat tone slipped out of my mouth.

I might have concentrated too hard.

However, the evaluators reacted to my presence…

“Wow, that’s really good.”

“Indeed. She’s perfect for this role.”

“We were slightly worried, but you came at just the right time.”

The evaluators who had been merely ordinary just moments ago now wore glowing expressions.

“…Am I imagining that you’re considering a different role for me?”

Seeing that, it would be odd not to notice.

It seems like they want to suggest a different character.

“Oh yes, there’s actually a fantastic role that would perfectly suit you. You’ll love it when you see it.”

“And the amount of lines won’t be less than the one you prepared. We really lacked someone for it.”

“This will definitely be a popular character.”

“Would you like to take a look at the script?”

The evaluators, who seemed so serious and expressionless earlier, were now suddenly friendly towards me.

It seems they genuinely liked me.

Right, that’s all good.

“…I’ll take a look at the script.”

If they are searching for a character they’ve long sought, then it’s likely they’d treat it well and be accommodating.

Thus, without reluctance, I accepted the script and quickly began to skim through it.

But…

“Um…”

“Oh, is it not to your liking?”

“No, it’s actually good…”

Far from being disappointing.

Honestly, this character looks better than the one I had chosen in terms of character depth.

At a glance, it felt like she was the secretary of the mastermind behind the survival game.

Keeping a business-like demeanor while always appearing alongside the mastermind, it seems like a character that could attract attention.

Not to mention, the character would have a decent amount of lines, showing up every episode, so the pay could add up.

But the important part isn’t that.

It’s…

“This character doesn’t participate in the game, right…?”

“Pardon? Oh yes, that’s right, she’s not supposed to.”

No matter how I looked at it, this character wasn’t going to take part in the survival game.

But I wanted to participate in the game…

 

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