章 26: Angering Roh Ji

The next morning unfolded routinely for Joon-won. After waking up and getting ready, he headed to the store for his shift. Eum Kyung, true to his word, handed him a copy of his book. "Here it is. Take your time," he said, looking hopeful. "I really need some honest feedback."

Joon-won nodded. "I'll give it a read and let you know what I think by the end of the week." He saw the relief and anticipation in Eum Kyung's eyes. Eum Kyung was grappling with writer's block, and feedback might help him break through it.

Once Eum Kyung left, Gah Soo joined for her shift. During the lulls, Joon-won delved into the book, quickly identifying why it hadn't made a significant impact. The story was painfully predictable, lacking any unique twist or compelling hook. Even after just a few pages, he could guess the ending. Such narratives, be they in books or films, often failed to engage audiences.

Unable to stomach the monotony, he closed the book and stored it in his bag, heading to the university shortly after. On his way, he texted Jung-hwa to check if his part was coming up soon. Her prompt reply confirmed it was imminent, so he quickened his pace to make it to class in time.

Entering the classroom, he was immediately greeted by Roh Ji's scathing voice. "Oh, you're finally here, Mr. Superstar. Did you expect the entire practice to halt just for you? If you don't want to act, give up your role to someone else."

Joon-won met her gaze with a deadpan expression. "Am I not here now? Or do you want to waste more time yelling at people?"

His calm retort caught Roh Ji off guard. Her anger flared, ready to explode, but Hyeong Myung intervened, his ever-present fake smile plastered on his face. "Roh Ji, calm down. He's here now, and we've only just finished the last part." His soothing tone and the hand he placed on her shoulder made her expression soften, though her eyes still shot daggers at Joon-won.

Ignoring her glare, Joon-won made his way to his seat. He found Jung-hwa watching the scene with her mouth agape. He tapped her chin lightly. "You planning to catch flies for lunch?"

She snapped her mouth shut and turned to him. "You went up against Roh Ji? Why? You used to apologize to anyone from that group, even if it wasn't your fault."

Joon-won shrugged. "I just told the truth. Don't worry about it. How's your acting today?"

Relieved to shift topics, she nodded. "It's better. I'm adjusting well now."

Their conversation was cut short when a production crew member approached, asking Joon-won to come to the front for his scene. Jung-hwa wished him luck, though she knew he probably didn't need it.

As Joon-won approached the front, he could hear Roh Ji giving more unnecessary orders. Her presence was like a storm cloud over the classroom, her criticism harsh and often unwarranted. "Oh, look who decided to grace us with his presence," she sneered. "Go ahead and do your part with that tiny role you have."

Joon-won mentally sighed at her attempt to insult him. It wasn't even clever. He shook his head slightly and took his place for the scene.

The scene began with the two leads walking away hand in hand, laughing. Joon-won's character, watching them, was supposed to seethe with jealousy and anger. He clenched his fists, his expression darkening as he delivered his lines.

"Wait, what are they doing together? Happily talking, holding hands, like they're on a date. Why him? He's nothing. Just because he's famous?" His voice dripped with bitterness, his eyes flashing with resentment.

The room quieted, taken by the intensity of his performance. He continued, his voice simmering with controlled rage. "Should I go and break them apart? Beat him up? No, not here, not like this. This is betrayal. She gave hope and then snatched it away. Ah! I know what I can do." A sinister smile crept across his face, completing the scene.

The shift from anger to cunning was seamless, his face going blank as he finished. He turned to leave, but Roh Ji's voice stopped him. "Where are you going? You should stay and listen to my review of that terrible excuse for acting."

Joon-won's patience, tested beyond its limits, snapped. He looked over his shoulder, his voice icy. "Why should I care about your approval? The real judges are the evaluators at the end of this week. Don't sit on your high horse too long. The higher you are, the harder you fall." He walked back to his seat, leaving a fuming Roh Ji behind.

Her face turned crimson, rage contorting her features. No one had ever spoken to her like that. If looks could kill, Joon-won would have dropped dead on the spot. She opened her mouth to retaliate, but Hyeong Myung's calming presence intervened again. "Don't let it get to you, Roh Ji. It won't do any good to get upset over someone like him. Focus on the practice."

His words, meant to soothe, only partly succeeded. She simmered with anger but refrained from lashing out further. As for Joon-won, he paid no mind to her or Hyeong Myung. Their petty politics were beneath him. He had spoken out not to provoke but because her incessant criticism had become intolerable.