Chapter 95: Becoming the Older Brother of a Top Star

At first, the actors exchanged greetings with laughter, creating a warm atmosphere. However, once the script reading began, everyone's expressions changed.

Director Kim Ki-han could feel the suffocating tension in the air.

'As expected, they have a lot of experience.'

The auras they exuded were all formidable.

Especially the middle-aged actors cast this time were all proven for their acting skills, making it even more so.

Moreover, there were a total of three new actors in this production.

Two of them had minor roles, and Jung Yun-seong was the only new lead actor.

Naturally, this situation would be burdensome for him.

"What did you just say!"

The stern voice of Choi Su-yong, who played the king, echoed throughout the meeting room.

"I clearly gave you an order. How dare you defy my command!"

True to his role as the best actor to play the king, the volume and authority in his voice were immense.

The script readings that followed from the other actors were also so immersive that it felt like an actual shoot.

'So far, so good.'

If this were during filming, these scenes would have passed without a single NG.

However, the problem was,

'It's Yun-seong's turn next.'

Unfortunately, it was Yun-seong's turn right after those intense performances.

How cruel.

It was a situation where comparison was inevitable, no matter how hard one tried to avoid it.

Everyone quietly focused on Yun-seong.

Then, Yun-seong, who had been looking at the script, slowly opened his mouth.

"I cannot call my elder brother 'elder brother,' nor can I call my father 'father.'"

The character Koo-chan, who appears in the story, was an illegitimate son of a noble family during the Joseon era, treated with disdain. Despite his intelligence and good looks, he was not recognized due to his status.

However, his exceptional talent allowed him to enter Sungkyunkwan, and his envious brothers began to oppress him.

"Even if the world is unjust and stands against me, I will not let my resolve be broken."

"......"

Yun-seong's lines were met with a moment of silence.

This line was supposed to be delivered in a very serious and sad atmosphere, as described in the script. It required a highly challenging performance, blending the anger stemming from the injustice of his status and the realistic calmness of having to suppress that anger.

And Yun-seong's performance just now—

'What? Why is he so good?'

It was so shocking and fresh that it made the veteran actors, who had been half-asleep, sit up and take notice. The poignant and boiling emotions in his delivery were truly moving.

Even his voice, which quivered but never broke, showed a determination not to cry, making it flawlessly perfect.

"Ah, I'm sorry. It was my turn next, right? I got so absorbed that I missed my cue. I'm sorry."

The actor who was supposed to deliver the next line even apologized.

Then, exclamations of amazement erupted from all around, as if a dam had burst.

"Haha, I understand. I was also so absorbed that I lost track of time."

A script reading is a more sensitive occasion than one might think.

It's not a place where mistakes are easily overlooked.

As the filming date approaches and actors start to act, they become more sensitive.

This sensitivity often makes them more aggressive and sometimes leads them to say hurtful things to their juniors.

However, no one blames them for it.

Everyone becomes anxious and sensitive as the filming date approaches.

So, even if a newcomer makes a mistake, they are often harshly criticized.

"Isn't he a newcomer? Why is he so good?"

"Oh, if he performs like this, what will we eat? He'll steal the show all by himself. Haha."

The atmosphere was completely different here.

It was the first time a script reading proceeded in such a bright and cheerful mood.

'Can one person really change things this much?'

Just by being there, he could bring smiles and lift the mood.

That's what Jung Yun-seong was, wasn't it?

'Bringing him in was a good decision.'

Director Kim Ki-han realized this once again.

Casting Jung Yun-seong in this drama was a stroke of genius.

* * *

"......"

As expected.

I sighed at the stack of Pocky sticks on my desk.

November 11th.

A day when, regardless of gender, people give each other Pocky.

In my previous life, I received Pocky far more often than I didn't, but since I've been in Jung Yun-seong's body, this day has been a real ordeal.

Pocky sticks are piled up as if they could collapse at the slightest touch, and my locker is overflowing with letters and Pocky.

'How do they stack them like this?'

I stared at the Pocky tower, which looked like it would crumble if I touched it wrong.

"Yun-seong! Here, take this Pocky."

"Ah, thanks."

"Take mine too!"

"I had nowhere to put them, so I was waiting for you. Here!"

The Pocky came with a pretty pink letter.

"Me too, please."

It wasn't just girls who gave me Pocky.

Some boys did too.

"......"

Why do they run away with shy faces after giving me Pocky?

"Thanks, everyone."

I had prepared a large envelope in advance, knowing this would happen.

After three years in this body, I'm used to it.

I put all the Pocky sticks into the large envelope.

"I can't read the letters right now, but I'll read them all at home."

"Okay~!"

"Really, you have to read them?!"

Just as I was collecting the gifts, the teacher came in.

"Hmm."

The teacher looked at me and chuckled.

"Right, today is a busy day for Yun-seong, isn't it? I forgot. But, you guys, aren't you going to give me any?"

"Give you what?!"

"Right."

"Tsk. You guys have no respect!"

But the teacher soon cheered up when he saw the Pocky sticks in his desk drawer.

"Got me again."

In this warm atmosphere, the teacher said,

"Okay, I'm sure everyone knows. What's coming up next year? The International Chopin Competition. I think everyone knows it's one of the world's top competitions. Is there anyone interested in participating?"

Several students raised their hands.

Being in Jeonho Arts High School means everyone is talented.

Even though it's a composition department, their piano skills are top-notch, so they wouldn't want to miss this opportunity.

"Um, that's great. Many of you are participating. But......"

The teacher scanned the room and fixed his gaze on me.

"Yun-seong, what about you?"

"Me?"

"Aren't you going to participate?"

"I'm still thinking about it."

"Is that so?"

Then, I heard whispers from behind me.

"If Jung Yun-seong participates, it's practically over, right?"

"Ugh, I just hope I don't end up in the same group as Yun-seong."

"But isn't it strange that Yun-seong isn't participating?"

"Maybe it's because of his schedule?"

I haven't made up my mind yet.

If I participate in the Chopin Competition, there will be many things to consider, and it will affect my performance schedule with Yuna. There's also no guarantee that I'll win, so I have to think carefully about whether it's the right decision.

"Still, why don't you give it a try? It will be a good experience for you. I tell the composition students to try such competitions because creativity often comes from diverse experiences."

He wasn't wrong.

When I went to Germany for filming, the experiences I had there naturally translated into my music.

If I pass the domestic round of the Chopin Competition and advance to the finals, the experiences I gain from performing abroad will be invaluable.

"Anyway, if you're still hesitant like Yun-seong, I encourage you to give it a try. Got it?"

"Got it~."

"Let's start the class."

I listened to the class, lost in thought.

As a result, I couldn't focus on the lesson.

Especially with the college entrance exam next year, I need to seriously consider which university to aim for.

Before I knew it, the school day was over.

"Ugh."

I left for home with the envelope of Pocky.

"Yun-seong, do you need help?"

"I can carry it!"

"I can carry it too! I'm strong!"

The girls approached, offering to help.

This was something I never experienced in my previous life.

I always had to carry things for others, but no one ever offered to carry things for me.

"No, it's okay."

It wasn't heavy, but the volume made it difficult to carry.

But I've been exercising for moments like this.

"Huh? There's someone else carrying a big envelope just like you."

"Hmm?"

While carrying the large envelope of Pocky, I heard someone speak and looked up.

I saw another student carrying a large envelope, almost hidden by its size. I recognized the student by the swaying hair.

"Hey, Yun-seong, where are you going?"

"Running is dangerous!"

I ran over to her.

"Look, there's another goblin carrying treasure besides me."

"Hey? Ah! Oppa~!"

Yuna greeted me with a bright smile.

She wanted to jump, but the Pocky prevented her.

"Ask someone for help. Why are you carrying all this by yourself?"

"Ugh, it's a bit embarrassing to ask for help......"

"Here, I'll carry it. Give it to me."

"No, you have to carry yours too."

"Just give it to me."

I took the bag from Yuna and carried both envelopes.

One on my shoulder, the other in my arm.

It was manageable.

"Maybe I should skip school on such special days in the future."

"Remember last White Day? The candies melted on your desk."

"Ah-."

Being a star has its destiny.

I heard that stars of our age often struggle with the influx of gifts on special days.

Yuna and I are no different.

But we don't mind.

It means people care and love us.

It's something I never dreamed of in my previous life.

"I'm already happy thinking about eating all the Pocky later."

"Don't eat too much. You'll get cavities."

"Will I get fat too?"

"You don't gain weight no matter what you eat."

The idea that someone could eat without gaining weight was amazing.

I gain weight easily, even with a little food.

I was incredibly envious of that.

"Ah! Right. I heard that many students from our school are participating. Did you know?"

"Hmm? No."

"They're accepting applications from today. So, I secretly applied too~."

"......?"

Hearing that, I dropped the Pocky envelopes.

"You applied?"

"Yep! I just want to see how the first round goes. It'll be fun, right?"

I frowned at Yuna's innocent face.

I've been guiding her to avoid creating a dark past!

Yuna, please, just not hip-hop!