Gulping, the cast swallowed their nervousness at Director Kim Kyuoh’s sharp remark. As the reading progressed, the faces of the idol actors taking the lead roles darkened.

The reading session for <Sing in High School>, which started immediately after the introductions, was unable to shake off its awkward atmosphere. It was understandable, as the actors were not used to such readings. The production staff watched the frozen leads with a sympathetic gaze.

“Um, just a moment.”

Director Kim Kyuoh raised his hand to pause the reading again, and everyone looked at him tensely. He continued with a stern expression.

“Let’s skip this scene and move to page 21, scene 10 from episode 2.”

Everyone quickly turned their pages.

[S#10 Classroom of Year 2, Class 1 at Star High (Day)

Hyobin shows Heena a flyer for the competition.

Hyobin: Let’s enter this.

Heena: Eeeh? (touches Hyobin’s forehead) Is my Hyobin sick?

Hyobin: No. Perfectly fine.

Harang leans in.

Harang: What’s this?

Heena: What? Go away!

Harang: ‘Superstar… High School?’

Hyobin: (pushing the flyer forward) How about it, tempting, right?

Harang: Do they pay us for this?

Heena: You’re already rich, why are you fussing about money?

Gihyeon: …Guys.

Seon Gihyeon stands up.

Gihyeon: Everyone’s studying here.

The kids awkwardly return to their seats.

Then, Taewoo, who had been dozing off at his desk, talks in his sleep and topples over his chair as he abruptly stands up.

Seon Gihyeon looks at Lee Taewoo with an exasperated expression.]

‘This scene is…’

It was the moment when they first learn about ‘Superstar High School’, the catalyst for them to start making music. It was also a scene that highlighted the characters’ personalities.

“Begin.”

Upon Director Kim Kyuoh’s cue, Byul, who was playing Hyobin, pulled out a piece of receipt from her pocket and showed it in front.

Byul, now ‘Hyobin’, sparkled her eyes and opened her mouth.

“Let’s enter this!”

The production staff nodded approvingly at Byul.

‘Not bad.’

Byul was an idol known for her puppy-like large eyes and cute cheeks, often ranked among the top three idols to incite ‘short hair fever’ due to her short hair suiting her exceptionally well.

‘Her voice is also perfect for acting.’

The lines of Heena and Harang followed smoothly. Compared to the initial stiffness, the acting had significantly improved.

‘A sigh of relief.’

Just as the production staff was about to lean back comfortably, Han Yooil spoke.

“…Guys.”

His voice was cool and composed.

Not awkward for a high school student, yet not too youthful.

It was the voice of Seon Gihyeon.

“…Everyone’s studying here.”

Seon Gihyeon’s gaze swept over the three of them.

His weary eyes were visible. And within them, a hint of irritation and frustration flickered.

“…”

Byul involuntarily swallowed her saliva.

It wasn’t just Byul. The other actors naturally became aware of Gihyeon’s mood.

“Good.”

Director Kim Kyuoh’s sharp eyes softened with satisfaction. He nodded and said,

“Let’s continue with this atmosphere.”

“Yes!”

“Okay!”

“Understood~”

The actors, each responding in their own way, focused on their scripts and began reading the lines of the next scene. All except for one.

The production staff member blankly stared at Han Yooil.

‘It’s like he’s in his own world.’

Han Yooil, delivering his lines, was the embodiment of Seon Gihyeon.

As the reading progressed, not just the production staff but others too found themselves watching Han Yooil, especially as he delivered his lines without glancing at the script.

‘He must have received the script at most two days ago… Did he memorize it already?’

When the break came, the staff began whispering among themselves.

The topic of conversation was the relatively unknown newcomer.

“He’s really good.”

“I know, right?”

“I heard he was great in the play he did recently.”

“That’s why JJ picked him up.”

“Exactly.”

“Yeah, the CEO there has a real eye for talent.”

While the staff were busy with their chatter, the lead actors exchanged unfinished greetings.

“It’s been a while, senior.”

“Me too.”

Byul and Hyena belonged to idol groups in their 2nd and 3rd year, respectively, while Black Sea was nearing its 5th debut anniversary.

With the utmost politeness, the idols exchanged greetings and sat with awkward smiles.

Then, Kim Harang’s gaze fell on Han Yooil. He grinned and spoke up.

“Do you still do part-time jobs?”

‘…!’

It was Ji Eunho who was surprised by Harang’s question. His usually half-closed eyes – which his fans adored for their ‘sexy’ look – widened. Ji Eunho, trying to hide his confusion, spoke.

“What are you talking about?”

But Kim Harang didn’t hesitate. He leaned in and asked again.

“Do you remember me?”

The playful tone in his voice caused Yooil to narrow his eyes.

‘It sounds familiar…’

Yooil felt a subtle presence in his mind and took a small sigh.

He didn’t want to talk to Brion, but there was no other way to be sure.

‘Have I met Kim Harang before?’

As if waiting, Brion immediately replied.

【About two months ago, you encountered each other at a convenience store and at the rooftop cafe of Wolmyeongdae.】

‘That person from back then?’

【Yes. I just compared the voice and eyes. There’s a 99.8% match.】

“How did you recognize me right away?”

To Yooil’s question, Kim Harang flashed a smile.

“I have a good eye for faces. And… you were memorable.”

With that, Kim Harang, his eyes twinkling, asked,

“Can I call you ‘hyung’?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Ji Eunho looked at them, unable to comprehend their sudden familiarity.

“What’s going on, Harang and Yooil know each other?”

Director Kim Kyuoh’s face was genuinely curious.

“Yooil’s debut wasn’t that long ago. Where did you two meet?”

“It’s more that… I was on the receiving end of some one-sided help from him.”

Director Kim Kyuoh’s curiosity remained unsated, but he chose not to pry further.

* * *

The reading session for <Sing in High School> ended after an hour. The cast members quickly dispersed, citing busy schedules.

“See you at the shoot, hyung!”

Yooil responded to Kim Harang’s energetic farewell and was the last to leave.

“Yooil! Great job today!”

Min Woojin showered him with praises and swiftly drove Yooil back home.

‘I need to work out and practice vocals this afternoon.’

Yooil had been training under Brion’s guidance every day. Even without Brion, there were routines he could follow, but he still needed the AI robot to plan and push him.

‘Can’t help it.’

Leaning back on the sofa, Yooil called out quietly,

“Brion.”

【…Yes, Yooil.】

“If you tell even the smallest lie from now on, I’ll find a way to detach you, whatever it takes.”

After a pause, Brion responded.

【…Thank you, Yooil. I will never disappoint you again.】

Brion continued in a slightly elevated tone.

【For your afternoon training, it would be best to rest now. I recommend drinking a cup of warm water followed by a protein-rich meal.】

…So enthusiastic.

As Yooil listened to Brion listing more recommendations, he seriously considered setting it to ‘Do Not Disturb mode’.

【…By the way, Yooil. Your schedule will become much busier in two weeks.】

‘Why?’

Yooil, who asked with a weary expression, tensed up at Brion’s following words.

【The new semester is starting. Tomorrow is the course registration period.】

‘…Ah.’

Yooil felt his fingertips grow slightly cold. He had been so focused on theater and auditions that he had momentarily forgotten.

【I will prepare your training schedule for the next two weeks and your schedule after the semester starts.】

‘…Okay.’

Right. I need to graduate.

Yooil took a deep breath and steeled his resolve.

‘Let’s work hard.’

* * *

That afternoon, as Han Yooil was leaving the gym near his agency, he turned at the sound of someone calling him.

“Actor Han Yooil…?”

The man appeared to be in his mid-30s. As Yooil looked puzzled by the unfamiliar face, the man continued with an embarrassed expression.

“Ah…! Sorry, I was just so glad to see you…”

The man, drenched in sweat in his workout clothes, wiped his hands with a towel before offering a handshake.

“Hello, I’m Woo Jiwook from Heyodd Studio.”

【Heyodd Studio. They mainly handle music video production.】

‘Music video?’

【Yes. Woo Jiwook in front of you is mainly responsible for directing.】

“I usually try not to bother celebrities in places like this… but I’ve been thinking about Yooil all day. And then you suddenly appear before me…!”

“…”

Sensing the awkward stares of those around him, Woo Jiwook quickly waved his hands in panic.

“No, no! I didn’t mean it like that! I just really wanted to work with you…!”

After checking his surroundings, he asked in a lowered voice,

“Do you have a moment to spare?”

“Sure, I’m available.”

After changing his clothes, Yooil stepped out to meet Woo Jiwook, who showed him something on his phone.

The phone screen displayed an illustration of four musicians standing before a misty lake and a dark moon.

“Do you know this band?”

Just as Han Yooil was about to shake his head, Min Woojin popped his head in, having come to take Yooil to his vocal training session.

“Ah, Black Moon! They’re a famous band!”

“Right! I personally really like them too~”

“I’m a huge fan of Black Moon!”

“Me too, but… who are you?”

Han Yooil quickly intervened.

“He’s my manager.”

Woo Jiwook apologized repeatedly to Min Woojin and resumed his explanation.

“Actually, I saw you, Actor Yooil, a few days ago…!”

“Really?”

“I was visiting the music director for post-recording of Director Yoo Jaeho’s film. That’s when I happened to see your performance… and it stuck with me.”

Woo Jiwook scratched his head as he continued.

“That was a month after I was assigned to direct a music video for Black Moon. The story and filming schedule were all set, but we hadn’t decided on the actor. It was a real dilemma. But picturing you in it…!”

He snapped his fingers, and a crisp sound echoed in the corridor.

“It was a perfect fit! So I thought, I have to contact you right away. And just as I decided, there you were, right in front of me!”

Every time Woo Jiwook made a snapping sound, Min Woojin flinched slightly, but he gave a small cough after making eye contact with Yooil.

Woo Jiwook then outlined the simple story of the music video.

The protagonist is ‘a man who dreams’.

Every night, the man dreams of enchanting dreams. Unable to bear the monochrome reality, he tries to hold onto his dreams but continually fails.

“We’ve gathered these images as references…”

Woo Jiwook started flipping through various images saved on his phone. Sparkling seas, the Milky Way, and images of a man walking through fog in pastel tones appeared one after another.

【It seems like it will be a fantastical yet experimental direction.】

Yooil nodded slightly at Brion’s comment.

‘This could be good.’

Above all, it seemed like it would be fun.