‘Voice Actor Academy.’

It was a place that Seoyeon had once attended together with Jiyeon. Of course, Seoyeon had dropped out halfway through to learn other things, but she had spent a considerable amount of time there.

The same was true for Jiyeon; although she didn't go there as often anymore, she would occasionally visit.

‘The Wizard.’

Fortunately, after that broadcast, there had been no further appearances of the wizard on Ramiel's stream. However, Ramiel did mention the wizard from time to time, which still made Seoyeon uneasy.

‘Who could it be?’

If it’s someone from the Voice Actor Academy, is it someone I know? And judging by Ramiel’s behavior at the time, it didn’t seem like just a casual acquaintance…

With that spark of curiosity in her heart.

“Hello. My name is Han Dayoung.”

And it wasn’t hard to meet the person in question. The first thought that crossed Seoyeon’s mind was:

‘She’s tall.’

She was at least a head taller than me. And in other aspects as well.

‘Not as tall as my mom, though.’

But still very tall. She looked to be at least three or four years older than us, meaning she was likely a university student.

‘An idol who also studied vocal music?’

I stopped my idle staring and quickly searched my memory. There was no relevant information.

This meant that the woman in front of me, Han Dayoung, hadn’t been active in the entertainment industry. It seemed she had only worked as a VTuber. However, no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t recall anything from the VTuber world. If it wasn’t related to the entertainment industry, it just didn’t come to mind easily.

“You can speak casually if you want,” she said. “Oh, really?” “……”

Although she said it was okay to speak casually, I didn’t expect her to drop formalities immediately. In any case, Han Dayoung stuck close to Lee Jiyeon, gently patting her head.

“Jiyeon’s such a troublesome personality. I thought she was lying when she said you two have been friends since childhood.”

Han Dayoung said this while winking at me. Was she showing off?

“Oh, unnie,” Jiyeon said, giving Dayoung a sullen look. It was a refreshing sight.

It felt a bit odd to say this, but Jiyeon usually took care of me. Because of that, seeing her being treated like a child was something I hadn’t witnessed since she was little.

“Shall we go inside and talk? You said you came for the song, right?” “Yes.” “Alright, I hope I can be of help.”

With a bright smile, she really gave off the vibe of a mature, older sister. Now that I looked closer, she had a very gentle and pleasant demeanor.

As we entered the academy, we had a brief conversation.

First, it was confirmed that Han Dayoung had indeed helped Jiyeon start her VTuber activities. However, Jiyeon didn’t mention being Ramiel or Dayoung being the wizard.

“Jiyeon’s been busy lately, asking me for help with various things.” “Well, I did get a lot of help from unnie,” Jiyeon said, glancing at me. Her expression was one of rare timidity, as if she was feeling embarrassed…

“Oh my, Jiyeon, are you embarrassed?” “No, I’m not!” “Oh, really.”

As she said that, Dayoung hugged Jiyeon tightly. The sight was very endearing. Jiyeon didn’t seem to mind it either.

Then followed a conversation only the two of them understood. It seemed to be about preparations for VTubing, but I didn’t care about that. I wasn’t particularly interested in hearing the details about Ramiel’s red pill.

However…

“……”

How should I put it? I felt a strange emotion.

‘She’s my friend.’

Recently, I had become closer to the class president, but still, Jiyeon was the only one I could confidently call my friend. Yet here she was, talking about things that only she and Dayoung knew.

“……”

My mouth twitched involuntarily. It was a feeling I had experienced before.

When Ramiel was in the wizard’s arms.

“Come on, unnie, stop it.”

Yes, that was the moment when my heart burned with anger. My hands trembled slightly.

Jealousy!

It was an emotion unfamiliar to me, something I had only used in my performance as Cha Seo-ah. And now, with the new role I was challenging myself with, Jo Ha-rin, I suppose she would feel the same emotion.

‘So, this is what that feels like.’

No, Jo Ha-rin probably felt it even more intensely. According to the character's background, Jo Ha-rin had an unrequited love for the male protagonist, Kim Si-hwan. I could imagine the feelings she would have had watching Kim Si-hwan and Song So-ha’s sweet moments.

Annoyance.

Seoyeon had never really understood what it meant to be annoyed, but now she did.

“Ju Seoyeon.” “…What?”

When I replied curtly, Jiyeon tilted her head in confusion before suddenly laughing.

“How are you going to handle the song?”

She asked, sitting down next to me. I felt my face flush as Dayoung looked at us with an amused expression. My face must have shown all the emotions I was feeling. I covered my face with both hands.

‘I hate unfamiliar emotions.’

When you're not used to something, it's hard to control. It's like when you get too excited and start bouncing off the walls.

“I… I have to do it.” “You have to?” “Well, I have to pass the audition first.”

Anyway, to get back on topic, learning the song was important, but I had to pass the audition first. Dream Future was a drama about an idol audition. Naturally, I needed to have the qualities of an idol, including singing ability.

‘Which is why I can’t predict the outcome of the audition.’

For the record, I had sung at the audition. I still remember the judges’ subtle expressions.

‘I might… I might not make it.’

That sense of impending failure made me wonder if I should even bother learning to sing. Honestly, I came here today more to meet the wizard in person than to actually learn how to sing.

‘……’

What I realized was that Ramiel and the wizard were closer than I had anticipated. Not as close as Ramiel and I, but they had known each other for at least five years.

It seems Jiyeon had helped me during my idol days too. Thinking about that made my stomach churn again, but seeing Jiyeon smiling brightly next to me made my insides churn in a different way.

“Well then,” Dayoung spoke up.

“Why don’t you try singing a bit?” “Huh? Right now?”

There was a recording studio right next to the voice actor academy, so it wouldn’t be difficult, but…

“Yes, I need to know how much you can sing to help you properly.” “But the audition…” “It’s fine.”

She smiled brightly.

“I’m sure you’ll pass. Jiyeon has praised your acting skills to no end, after all.” “Unnie!”

At her words, Jiyeon shouted, and I felt embarrassed as well.

‘…But what about other things?’

When I shot Jiyeon a sharp look, she averted her gaze. It was the same expression I often made when Jiyeon gave me that look.

And then, after singing briefly in the recording studio…

“…Ah.”

Dayoung’s expression became very complicated. It was the same expression the audition judges had shown me not long ago.

The audition for Dream Future was progressing smoothly in many ways. To begin with, far more idols and actors than expected had applied, and many had prepared thoroughly.

It was a rare genre, a ‘youth romance.’ Perhaps the rarity of the genre had led to the perception that it was a drama being heavily promoted by KMB.

“So, who do you think should play the role of Song So-ha?”

When casting director Shin Yoon asked this, the meeting room, which had been buzzing with lively debate, fell silent. It wasn’t because there was no suitable candidate.

Rather…

“Personally, I think Ju Seoyeon would be a good choice.”

It was the director of photography, Kim Pil-seok, who said this. Since his opinion carried significant weight, a few people nodded in agreement.

“But isn’t her singing a bit lacking for the lead role…” “Well, there are still a few months left, so with vocal training, she might improve.” “That’s uncertain, isn’t it?”

Seoyeon had auditioned for both the roles of Jo Ha-rin and Song So-ha. She auditioned for Jo Ha-rin because she wanted to, and Song So-ha at the request of the judges.

Her acting…

“It’s incredible.” “Yes, this was my first time seeing her act, but now I understand why Jungwoo praised her so much.”

At those words, Park Jungwoo shrugged his shoulders. There was nothing to criticize about her acting.

‘She’s improved.’

She seemed to have gained more emotional depth compared to when she was performing in variety shows or theater. Above all, there was a sense that she was acting effortlessly.

Without any method acting, achieving that level of performance indicated that Seoyeon’s acting skills had significantly developed.

“In terms of balance, Cha Na-hee is the right choice, isn’t she?”

One of the production staff said this, unsure if it was appropriate to call her an actress since she was primarily an idol. Cha Na-hee’s acting was far inferior to Seoyeon’s, but her singing was miles ahead. Based on this alone, Cha Na-hee was a clear winner for the role of Song So-ha.

“But Ju Seoyeon clearly prefers the role of Jo Ha-rin. I think that’s the best fit.” “However…” “It would be a shame.”

As the heated discussion continued, Jungwoo chose to remain silent. If he spoke, it might be seen as biased since they were acquaintances.

‘Her singing is definitely lacking.’

Seoyeon was aware of this herself. It was clear she had put effort into learning to sing, and it wasn’t that she was terrible.

But for the story, where the character who wins the audition is supposed to be Song So-ha, her singing wasn’t up to that level. The main issue was that her singing lacked emotional depth, making it feel less impressive.

‘But…’

Jungwoo recalled the audition.

Seoyeon’s acting.

And everything she had prepared for this audition.

One week ago, at the audition.

「I’ll do it! I want to do it!」

With a lively wave of her hand, the girl ran around the audition room. She was like a puppy, specifically a retriever, that’s the exact impression she gave.

‘Can a person’s atmosphere change this much?’

The judges each had similar thoughts. Before the audition started, she had seemed so cold. But once the acting began, she was overflowing with liveliness.

But Jungwoo noticed.

‘Deserted Island.’

She’s using the emotions she felt on that deserted island.

He recognized it immediately. Back then, Seoyeon had roamed the jungle with that exact same energy.

Along with the lively acting of Jo Ha-rin:

「Why… why not me…?」

Her voice was sorrowful, but the jealousy in it was unmistakable. She had taken some of the emotions she used for Cha Seo-ah in The Chaser and applied them to Jo Ha-rin’s performance.

The judges all nodded in agreement. It was different from any acting they had seen at the audition so far.

‘There really is a big difference between idols and actors.’

‘The gap is significant.’

When you only watch one person’s performance, you don’t notice, but when you compare them back-to-back, the difference is stark.

“Ah, Seoyeon, have you memorized the lines for the role of Song So-ha as well? If it’s okay, we’d like to see it.” “The role of Song So-ha?”

Seoyeon nodded casually. She had memorized the entire script, of course.

And when she performed as Song So-ha…

‘Wow, both are really good.’

It was better than any of the idols or actors who had auditioned for the role of Song So-ha so far.

“Then, could we hear you sing one last time? You know, this drama revolves around an idol audition, so singing is essential.” “Of course, I’m ready.”

Seoyeon responded with confidence. The judges let out a brief sound of admiration, but it didn’t last long.

“…Ahem.” “Ah, thank you for your efforts, Seoyeon.”

The atmosphere became tense. She wasn’t terrible at singing, but she wasn’t great either. There was a vague feeling of unease. Her acting was excellent, but her singing left much to be desired.

“Seoyeon.”

At that moment, Park Jungwoo, who had been silent, spoke up. All eyes turned to him.

Was he going to point something out? Given his history, the judges expected it.

‘Or maybe he’s going to defend her because they’re acquaintances.’

If that were the case, it would be problematic…

Everyone waited for Jungwoo’s next words with those thoughts in mind.

“You can dance, right?” “Huh?”

His tone was filled with confidence.

‘She wouldn’t audition focusing only on her weaknesses.’

She must know that her singing isn’t her strong suit. …Though she seemed oddly confident about it, I’m sure…

“As an idol, singing isn’t everything. You need to be able to dance too. Can you show us?”

Dance.

Everyone looked at Jungwoo in surprise. An actor dancing? It wasn’t common to hear of actors who could sing well, let alone dance.

“Yes.”

Seoyeon nodded at Jungwoo’s suggestion.

“I can do it.”

Her eyes glinted red. Jungwoo nodded at her and signaled to the staff.

The same song they had heard several times at the audition began to play. Seoyeon entrusted herself to the rhythm, calmly closing her eyes.

One, two.

It was as if she was counting the beat.

Then slowly, her eyes opened.

And with the music, she began to dance.