“The script is done.”
“The script? Not just the plot, but the whole script? The final version?”
“Yes...”
The five group members flipped through the bundles of paper in disbelief.
About eight pages were filled with dialogue.
Ryu Shin clicked his tongue.
Of course, as a beginner who had only briefly tried out for a theater club, he might not have considered scene transitions or pauses in the dialogue.
Nevertheless, it was astonishing that he had written a 15-minute one-act play script in just a week.
“The title is... Love of His Life?”
“Yes. There’s a song by Queen called Love of My Life, which is known to have been written by Freddie Mercury for Mary Austin. I borrowed the title from that song.”
“You must have a clear picture of the scenes in your head. So are you going to direct, Yoomyeong?”
Everyone seemed to agree, but Yoomyeong quickly interrupted.
“No! I want to act.”
“Act?”
“Yes. I intend to pass the script on to the director and step back. I’ll help with script revisions if the director requests it, but I don’t intend to be involved in directing.”
Ryu Shin looked straight into Yoomyeong’s eyes. There was an unmistakable determination in them—he would not back down.
Why would someone like him initially go to the Business Department instead of the Acting Department?
“Looking at the script, there are only three roles. You do realize that everyone here is an aspiring actor, right?”
“Yes. That’s why I’m going to suggest we hold auditions.”
“Auditions? For a class assignment?”
“We’re going to read through the script to cast roles anyway. If I don’t make it through the audition, I’ll just direct or do whatever else is needed.”
“Which role do you want to play?”
“It’s Freddie Mercury, of course.”
Ryu Shin laughed as if amused.
“Do you know that our group has two actors from <Oedipus>?”
The Acting Department’s theater club, <Oedipus>.
Along with the Central Theater Club <Changcheon>, <Oedipus> was currently one of the two major theater clubs at Gwanak University.
The two shared a strained rivalry. Or rather, <Changcheon> considered <Oedipus> a rival, but <Oedipus> paid them no attention. Even though both were college theater clubs, the caliber of those aiming to become professional actors was different.
In fact, <Oedipus> consistently overwhelmed <Changcheon> in audience ◆ Nоvеlіgһt ◆ (Only on Nоvеlіgһt) numbers during their annual autumn performances.
Ryu Shin was the president of <Oedipus>.
To him, Yoomyeong’s ambition was as amusing as an eagle watching a chick’s antics.
Moreover, <Changcheon> didn’t allow first-year students to act.
In other words, this enthusiastic guy had no acting experience whatsoever.
On the contrary, in <Oedipus>, where talent allowed even first-semester freshmen to take lead roles, Ryu Shin had consistently played leads.
However, the newcomer casually crossed his arms and replied at ease.
“Well, we’ll see who reads better.”
“Oh, thank you~”
“That’ll be 1,800 won.”
With her always cheerful smile contrasting her curt tone, Bora held out her hand, and Yoomyeong promptly pulled out the exact amount from his wallet.
After the quick exchange of money, Yoomyeong set down his tray and started eating.
“Why do you always come from that direction? What class do you have before this?”
“Ah, it’s the Acting Department building.”
“You’re taking a course in the Acting Department?” freeweɓnøvel.com
“Yep.”
Bora and Shinhee’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“There must be a lot of pretty and handsome students in the Acting Department, right?”
Yoomyeong thought about it.
Certainly... the students from the Acting Department were visually impressive. Occasionally, people who looked like future screen actors caught his eye.
“Well, I’m not sure.”
There was no need to tell the whole truth.
Then Sang Jin spoke while chewing on his pork cutlet.
“Hey, do acting students really see Shin Yoomyeong as their equal, even though he’s a business major? That’s a bit strange.”
“What? What’s wrong with Yoomyeong?”
“How can you say that?!”
As Bora and Shinhee began to get upset, Sang Jin quickly corrected himself.
“No, I mean... he wasn’t originally someone who stood out. He changed after his military service, but he still hasn’t shaken off his army habits. I’m just worried he might feel out of place among acting students.”
It was a weak excuse. Yoomyeong quietly looked at Sang Jin and continued eating without saying anything.
“See, Yoomyeong understands. You’re being too sensitive. Hey, should we hang out tonight? I heard Hongdae has a great vibe these days. Want to go to a club?”
“I have something to do in the evening.”
“What is it? You can come after.”
“It’s the first meeting for the play. If there’s an after-party, it’ll end late.”
“A play? You’re doing a play?”
Sang Jin waved his hand dismissively, as if it didn’t suit him. It was clear that his image of Yoomyeong as a freshman hadn’t changed.
“Wow~ Yoomyeong, are you in Changcheon?”
“Are you acting or working as staff?”
“Let me know when the performance is. I’ll definitely come watch.”
Bora and Shinhee waved goodbye to Yoomyeong and nudged Sang Jin’s side as they stood up. They seemed anxious about what he might say if they stayed longer.
“We have to go to the library to borrow some books. See you tomorrow!”
“Good luck at your first meeting. Fighting!”
The three quickly disappeared, and Yoomyeong’s lips twisted.
To those who knew his old self, he was still a nerd. He had no desire for revenge, but he would be lying if he said he didn’t want to turn the tables and leave them speechless.
‘Maybe I should go buy some clothes...’
Minhee was eating a cup of ramen in the empty store.
‘Maybe I should have opened a women’s clothing store instead...’
The area around the university was a fashion hub.
Every alley was bustling with high school and college students shopping, women visiting beauty salons, and visitors looking for good restaurants. However...
‘There aren’t many male customers during the day...’
Unlike women’s clothing stores, which were busy even during the day, the men’s store only had customers in the evenings or on weekends.
Minhee, who had opened the shop with the concept of “a store to pick out clothes for a boyfriend,” soon realized her mistake.
‘Still, coordinating men’s fashion is fun.’
She had worked as a stylist for a famous boy band until her mid-twenties and was recognized for her keen eye and sense.
However, fearing she would never make a name for herself while living the unstable life of a stylist—unable to enjoy her evenings or weekends—she invested all her savings and opened this store three months ago.
Ding~
At the cheerful sound of the bell, Minhee set aside her ramen.
Standing at the entrance was a male student whose appearance seemed very plain by Minhee’s standards, but he had a likable impression.
“Welcome~~!”
Her voice lifted with her excitement.
Yoomyeong looked at the shop owner with a warm gaze.
It was a face he had seen many times in the media.
Jeon Minhee.
After opening a men’s clothing store near Woon University and gaining word-of-mouth popularity, she would later become a leading figure in fashion, achieving success with a men’s-only online shopping mall concept that transformed “ordinary” men into “hunks.”
That person was now greeting him with a wide smile, her teeth tinged with chili powder.
“I came to look at some clothes.”
“What kind of style are you looking for?”
“In your opinion, what style would suit me?”
Minhee looked at the bold student with a puzzled expression.
‘What kind of game is this kid playing?’
She crossed her arms, scanned him from head to toe, then brought out two pairs of trousers, a shirt, a T-shirt, and a jacket.
“Try these on.”
Without a word, Yoomyeong headed to the fitting room.
In 2018, the fee for a styling session with “Jeon Minhee” was 200,000 won for two hours.
With a capacity of 50 people, total revenue for a lecture would reach 10 million won. Even after expenses, her hourly rate would exceed 3 million won.
He was receiving that level of guidance for free.
Thump—
Minhee was surprised when Yoomyeong stepped out of the fitting room.
‘Even though I chose it... it’s perfect, isn’t it?’
The purple color suited his unusually fair skin.
It was a high-end fabric T-shirt—expensive for a college student—but that was precisely why it carried a subtle sophistication, and above all, the fit was impeccable. Beneath his loose clothes, his physique was more athletic than expected.
The jacket he wore over it was checkered.
Although the pattern would be bold on most people, his clean look made it appear stylish rather than excessive. His broad shoulders also contributed.
Additionally, the indigo jeans Minhee had chosen—since she didn’t favor trendy wide-leg or boot-cut styles—gave the outfit a refined finish.
“Even though I picked them... they really suit you.”
“I came after hearing you have a good eye, and you didn’t disappoint.”
Minhee didn’t even register the student’s cheeky remark.
Something... felt off.
“Turn around.”
At her instruction, Yoomyeong spun once.
That was when she understood the source of her unease.
‘No wonder he looks better than expected. This guy has...’
Grace.
Charisma.
His movements carried an elegance. Even the placement of his fingertips and the way he crossed his legs subtly drew attention.
Why did this ordinary student move like someone trained in the entertainment industry?
“Have you learned dancing or something?”
“No?”
Minhee handed him another shirt, concealing her confusion.
His new look did not disappoint.
“Wow, it looks great.”
“Yes, it really does. But these items are a bit expensive.”
“How much are they?”
“Two hundred for all four.”
At the time, 100,000 won could buy four pairs of pants and more than ten tops in the thrift alley near Woondae.
Compared to that, it wasn’t a trivial amount, but Yoomyeong showed no surprise.
“This T-shirt is the most expensive one, isn’t it?”
When he pointed to the purple patterned T-shirt, Minhee was surprised again. Most people wouldn’t expect a T-shirt to cost more than a jacket or pants.
‘What is this guy?’
His next words startled her even more.
“Pick out more clothes that you think would suit me.”
He emptied both his military savings account and the money his relatives had given him after his discharge.
He spent most of it on clothes and also got a haircut at the salon Minhee recommended.
‘Phew... This is the first time I’ve spent so much on shopping. Still, I think it was worth it.’
For an actor, appearance mattered.
Fashion required an initial investment. With a reliable guide, none of it would go to waste.
‘Besides, I’ve become friends with Jeon Minhee.’
Minhee was still at a stage where she worried about monthly rent.
This customer, who spent hundreds of thousands at once and had a natural sense for style, had completely won her over.
In addition to a few shirts and accessories from her personal collection that she gave him as extras...
— It’s really satisfying to dress you. I’ll take responsibility for your style from now on! If there’s anything you’re unsure about buying, ask me.
017.XXX.XXXX
Yoomyeong looked proudly at the newly saved number.
A considerable number of students had gathered in the large lecture hall.
“This next production is ‘Ambitious Dream’, right?”
“I heard Wonyoung is working really hard for the lead role.”
Amid the chatter, a man entered through the back door, and all eyes immediately turned toward him.
It was a face they didn’t recognize.
‘Who is that? A freshman?’
‘Wow, do we have someone like that here? Look at his style.’
‘Who is that? He’s my type...’
The first to break the silence was Seo Mun Sik, the planner of the play.
“Are you from the Engineering Department? Our club has reserved this room from six to ten.” freewebnσvel.cøm
“Hello, I’m Shin Yoomyeong. I was active in Changcheon during my first year before my military service, and I’ve just returned to school.”
“Shin Yoomyeong? Shin Yoomyeong...?”
Mun Sik was taken aback.
Searching his memory, he vaguely recalled a freshman like that three years ago.
He had always been quiet, doing only what he was told. Among the lively theater members, he barely stood out—almost as if he wasn’t there.
‘Can someone change this much in two years?’
A few seniors who remembered him were equally surprised. While it was true that people sometimes changed after military service, this was beyond that. He seemed like a completely different person.
Park Hansang, a third-year who couldn’t recall him at all, leaned forward and spoke.
“You’re a returnee? I don’t remember you. Anyway, what are you aiming for this time? The costume team?”
“No, I want to be an actor.”
“Really? There are so many aspiring actors this time. It’ll be hard for a newcomer to get a role.”
At Hansang’s blunt warning, Yoomyeong chuckled.
Then he said the one line he expected he would have to repeat many times that day.
“We’ll see how it goes, senior.”