Time quickly flew by, and by the end of May, Tonight by Supernova was gradually spreading through South Korea.

In the midst of this, the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival was ramping up its promotional efforts.

『The Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival opens mid-June! Who will be the star of this year’s awards?』 『A dazzling jury lineup! Will they find the talent they’re looking for?』

To ensure the festival’s success, articles highlighted the number of submissions and the fierce competition, hinting that with so many great films, it’d be a shame to miss it. But public attention was drawn elsewhere.

ㄴI just checked the website—Kim Dong-hoo’s name is really on the list. ㄴIt’s for real! Not a joke; it’s posted on the official Mise-en-scène site. ㄴWow, he just finished High Dream, and now he’s doing this? His career path is insane. ㄴHe’s probably just got an "artistic complex." Why are people idolizing him like this at just 15? ㄴGet a life and worry about yourself, will ya?

Indeed, the buzz was about Kim Dong-hoo’s participation in the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.

At a time when he was garnering so much attention, news of his appearance at a short film festival spread rapidly.

“Hey, Seong-deok! You shot a film with Kim Dong-hoo?!” “Uh, um... yeah, yeah, that’s right.”

Thanks to this, director Lee Seong-deok of The Hero was overwhelmed by all the attention. Of course, he was grateful that a short film was receiving this level of interest, but...

‘I feel like I’m going to pass out from the pressure.’

As a typical type A personality, Seong-deok found the sudden attention rather burdensome.

‘Still, it’s all thanks to Kim Dong-hoo’s influence.’

Having become a complete devotee of Kim Dong-hoo, he graciously accepted the attention and answered everyone’s questions one by one.

“So, how did you manage it? I mean, how did you even get connected with him?” “Luck, I guess. His agency reached out to us first…” “Oh, really? Do you think you could set up a connection for me someday too?” “Huh?”

In the middle of the conversation, someone caught his attention. It was a college senior he hadn’t seen in years, someone two years older. He couldn’t recall the name, but the impression wasn’t a good one.

“Hey, if you’re making short films, can’t you give me a shot too? You know, I could use a boost. You got here on that pretty face, right? Maybe I could ride that wave too...” “Senior, don’t cross the line.” “What? What did you just say?”

The previously friendly atmosphere suddenly shattered, but Seong-deok continued undeterred.

“I said, don’t cross the line. Are you really so petty that you’re jealous of a kid? Get a grip.”

“Hey, hey, say that again! You punk!”

There’s always ugly jealousy around. Usually, he’d let it slide, but...

‘I can tolerate insults about me, but not about Kim Dong-hoo.’

With fury rising to his throat, Seong-deok unleashed a verbal barrage.

“At your age, shouldn’t you worry about getting a real film under your belt instead of lingering around the school because you couldn’t graduate—twice?”

Would you like me to repeat that?

The shock of someone who was previously stammering suddenly speaking with such sharpness was evident. He had dropped a bomb and immediately walked away.

Thump, thump, thump!

His heart was racing, and his hands and feet were trembling. How long had it been since he’d said something like that?

He couldn’t remember, but one thing was certain.

‘I’ll protect Kim Dong-hoo!’

He’d said everything he needed to say.

+++++

Meanwhile, at the same time...

“You want a day off?” “Yes, can’t I?” “No, you can’t. I understand wanting a break, but things are too busy.”

The producer reminded Ryu Jae-rin that she was the leader and center of the group, and that her attitude would influence the other members.

Jae-rin’s shoulders slumped at the firm response. She had expected it, but hearing it still brought her mood down.

“Remember, I’m already letting you off lightly. I’m only doing this because I believe you’ll perform even better.”

Jae-rin flinched at the producer’s continued words.

‘He knew about the phone.’

She thought she’d hidden it well. Could it have been noticeable?

‘Without it, I can’t keep in touch with Dong-hoo.’

A few texts here and there weren’t enough; she really wanted to attend the Mise-en-scène Festival. As she slouched, the producer glanced down at her, a hint of fondness in his eyes.

“By the way, didn’t Brilliant School Uniforms have an event coming up...?” “What? What about it?” “Well, if you do well, you might get permission to go out.”

He left, mentioning that she’d need to pass the end-of-month assessment to match the event schedule.

‘Even if you tell teenagers not to date, it won’t sink in.’

The best lessons were often those learned on one’s own.

At the same time, another girl in a similar situation as Jae-rin was hearing a different message.

“Really? Mom, are you serious?” “Of course, why would I lie about this?” “You’re going to be a judge at the Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” “Because I knew you’d react like this.” “Ugh, Mom!”

That was Kim Soo-jin’s situation.

“I didn’t mention it because the genres I’ll be judging are different.” “You still should have told me! Now I have the perfect excuse to go!” “You could go without me.” “That would make it too obvious that I’m going just to see Dong-hoo.”

Her mom laughed softly at Soo-jin’s blushing face. It was cute that she felt shy about it.

‘Our daughter doesn’t understand love well since she’s only ever been someone’s first love.’

Or maybe she understood it better than anyone else. Since she was five, her affection for Kim Dong-hoo had been unwavering. Her love could only be described as passionate.

Then...

“Oh? Dong-hoo’s going to be at the Mise-en-scène Festival? I should go see my son-in-law, snap a few photos together, huh?”

Her dad, Kim Gi-cheol, butted into the conversation, completely oblivious.

“Don’t put pressure on Dong-hoo, Dad. Just don’t go.” “...”

With those cold words, her dad fell silent, seemingly struck by the rejection.

+++++

Finally, the first day of the Mise-en-scène Film Festival arrived.

Dozens of reporters were gathered with their cameras, eager to capture famous figures at the photo wall. While they had come to snap various celebrities...

‘It’s all about Kim Dong-hoo.’ ‘Kim Dong-hoo’s appearance at the Mise-en-scène Festival.’ ‘When will he appear? Will he be the last?’

Their main target was Kim Dong-hoo. With his attendance confirmed, the priority was to write an article centered around him to boost views.

Click, click, click!

As they took pictures and recorded interviews, a voice caught everyone’s attention.

“Hello, pleased to meet you. I’m Kim Dong-hoo.” “Oh, h-hello, I’m Lee, Lee Seong-deok, director of The Hero.”

The crowd they had been waiting for had arrived—Kim Dong-hoo stood in front of the photo wall.

‘How does he make a school uniform look like a suit?’ ‘It’s fitting for him to show up in a youthful look, but I bet it’s all part of the strategy.’ ‘He’s a Brilliant Uniform model, but he pulls it off amazingly.’

Flashes burst as Kim Dong-hoo introduced himself in a school uniform, perfect for his age. Then came the interview.

“What made you decide to participate in a short film?” “Director Lee Seong-deok’s script was outstanding, and I really wanted to be a part of it.” “So, should we take that to mean you’re confident about winning an award?” “Well, to support that interpretation, I’d definitely encourage you all to watch The Hero!”

Hahaha.

The mood lightened as Kim Dong-hoo’s trademark witty style took over the photo wall.

“Now, a question for Director Lee Seong-deok. How would you summarize The Hero?”

Gulp.

The sound of a gulp was audible even over the camera clicks.

How nervous was he? The tension was palpable as Director Lee struggled to answer.

“Well, uh, it’s about, um, a hero—a hero we’ve all dreamed of becoming at least once.” “A hero we’ve dreamed of?” “Yes, yes... a hero who vanquishes villains, the kind who embodies justice. I wanted to portray a hero from before the age of social restrictions.”

His words grew more confident as he went on. Watching Kim Dong-hoo for forty minutes in the lead role of a film was something the reporters couldn’t miss.

+++++

“Ahh, I’m late, I’m so late!”

Kim Soo-jin hurried toward the theater, checking her appearance in a pocket mirror as she went. She had turned off her alarm to get a full night’s sleep, but that backfired.

‘If I’d known, I would have gone with Mom!’

She had planned to surprise him by going separately, but the oversleeping ruined everything.

If they had gone together, she could have at least chatted with him beforehand.

‘I’ll just watch the movie first.’

The theater was packed on opening day, and the screening room for The Hero was full.

‘But there’s an empty seat over there.’

She quickly grabbed the seat and took a deep breath, focusing on the screen. And at that moment...

The lights dimmed.

Bzzzt.

A brief bit of noise, followed by a black-and-white image.

What appeared first was...

‘Oh my god, did they film him that close?’

It was an extreme close-up of Kim Dong-hoo’s face. And then came his voice:

“I wanted to be a hero. The kind who kills villains mercilessly and emerges victorious in the end.”

Kim Dong-hoo’s narration gave life to the monochrome screen.

Kim Soo-jin and the rest of the audience thought:

‘That’s supposed to be a hero?’

A delinquent, maybe.

But to beat a delinquent to a pulp, grab him by the collar, and sneer down at him?

Could you really call that a hero?

Drip, drip.

Blood dripped from his knuckles, hitting the ground.

“Why are you running?”

The “hero” tilted his head, as if genuinely confused.

‘...Terrifying.’

The audience felt chills and couldn’t tear their eyes away from the screen.

It was as if the figure on screen demanded, Watch me.

There wasn’t a single person in that theater who could refuse that command.