Chapter 1

Misunderstanding (1)

"I'm quitting."

In the narrow office, a rather tall man spoke with certainty.

"I've tidied up all the projects I was in charge of, so there shouldn't be any problems. I'll only go this far."

The man declared his resignation with a very calm demeanor. He had short hair and a striking appearance. His name was Kang Ujin. The boss, who resembled a fat toad, laughed in disbelief at the sight of him.

"Ha! You're quitting? You bastard! Is the design industry some kind of Chinese land? It's so damn small here. If you quit like this without thinking, do you think it'll be easy to find a new job? Huh?"

The boss spewed out a mix of annoyance and sarcasm. But Kang Ujin, standing there, didn't really respond.

'Whether you get a new job or not, it's none of your business now, you toad.'

Right now, all he wanted was to get home quickly. The company Kang Ujin was quitting was a common design firm with about 20 employees.

A very messed-up company, even among small and medium-sized enterprises.

Kang Ujin, who had been doing design work all his life from high school to university and up to now, had been at this damn company for four years. He was 27 years old.

'When I think about it, I only have really miserable memories.'

Though it was called a design company, due to the nature of small and medium-sized enterprises, there was an abundance of miscellaneous tasks besides design work. Moreover, overtime was frequent. So what? Overtime pay was a joke, and weekend work was common.

Annual leave? What's that, oh—boiled tea?

Kang Ujin had reached his limit. And today, Monday morning, as soon as he saw the toad boss, he burst out.

To hell with it, just say it.

Honestly, Kang Ujin had been writing his resignation letter for two years. Everyone probably goes through something similar. Anyway, the toad boss, who was glaring at Kang Ujin standing in front of him, waved his hand.

"Ha... I can't believe it. Hey, go ahead, get lost. There are plenty of people who can do what you do. Don't come back from tomorrow."

Kang Ujin responded as if he had been waiting for it.

"Yes, I understand. And please send me the overtime pay and severance pay I haven't received yet."

"Hey, you."

"I've already done the calculations. Boss, I don't want to make a big deal out of this. Goodbye."

Once he made up his mind, the words flowed smoothly. Kang Ujin, muttering to himself, gave the toad boss a casual nod and left the office. Soon, encouragement and praise poured in for Kang Ujin from the employees. They said things like "Well done" and "I'm envious." Among them, a close colleague of Kang Ujin's came over.

"I'm envious of your escape. But what are you going to do now?"

What are you going to do? Well, to be honest, he was worried. What will he eat and live on from now on? But for today, he put those worries aside and moved to his desk, giving a casual answer.

"To be honest, I don't want to do design anymore. I might go to a place I got a working visa for."

"Working visa? Where?"

"Australia."

A few dozen minutes later.

Kang Ujin was staring blankly at the monitor, chin in hand. With his resignation confirmed, a wave of demotivation washed over him.

Then.

-Swoosh.

Kang Ujin, with a tired face, picked up his phone. The phone screen displayed unread messages and the time.

-February 3, 2020

-10:22 AM

Only 30 minutes have passed? Time really doesn't fly. At that moment.

-Clunk!

The office door opened abruptly, and the toad, with a flushed face, shouted.

"Hey!! Kang Ujin!"

The shout was obviously directed at Kang Ujin.

"You just get lost! I can't even stand the sight of you!!"

At the same time, Kang Ujin inwardly rejoiced.

'Sweet, thanks.'

A week later, in Kang Ujin's studio apartment. Around noon.

Kang Ujin lived in Suji, Yongin. His studio, to put it simply, was surprisingly tidy, with clothes neatly hung on the walls. He usually kept things well-organized.

In the center of the studio.

"......"

A homeless-looking person was sprawled out, fast asleep. Of course, it was Kang Ujin. In stark contrast to the tidy studio, he looked like a homeless person. He was still wearing the padded jacket he had on when he left yesterday, and his styled hair was now a mess.

Moreover, every time he exhaled, a strong smell of alcohol filled the air. The result of a heavy drinking session with friends to celebrate his resignation last night.

After about an hour in this state.

"......Oh—damn."

The homeless-looking person, no, Kang Ujin, groaned and wriggled while still lying down.

"Ugh... My head is splitting."

Ujin, holding his head with both hands, looked around. Huh? Home? How did I get home?

"Yesterday, I remember up to the second round..."

After that, it was a blank. His memory had been erased. He tried to recall the fragmented events of last night, but to no avail. Maybe it's been a while since he drank this much? Kang Ujin let out a long sigh mixed with the smell of alcohol, giving up on remembering.

"Ah—whatever, I must have made it home somehow."

Ujin immediately opened a food delivery app. He had been craving cold noodles since he opened his eyes. Hangover, hangover first.

At that moment.

-Wooh, wooh.

The phone, with the delivery app open, started to vibrate. It was a call. The caller was one of Kang Ujin's close friends and also a member of last night's drinking party. His friend's name was Kim Daeyoung. Kang Ujin, lying on his side, put the phone to his ear.

"Hey—"

Kim Daeyoung laughed at Ujin's dying voice.

"Listen to your voice? You're almost dead? Hahaha, but you did make it home, didn't you?"

"Hey, how much did we drink last night? I feel like my insides are paralyzed."

"You don't remember?"

"Yeah, my memory is completely gone."

Hearing the answer, Kim Daeyoung immediately cursed.

"Idiot. You suddenly disappeared while drinking last night. For about 30 minutes. I almost called the police. What were you doing then?"

"Really? Do I remember? But why are you calling?"

"Ah—damn. So you don't remember talking to me last night? You agreed to go to an interview with me."

Interview? Kang Ujin scratched his chin, slowly. He had no memory of it.

"Suddenly, what interview? You're doing well at your company. Are you trying to switch jobs? Are you crazy? It's a mid-sized company, isn't it?"

"No, wait—this kid is serious. It's not a company interview, it's the 'Super Actor' preliminary audition!"

The 'Super Actor' Kim Daeyoung mentioned was a recently produced variety show. The broadcaster was SBC, a public channel. It was an audition variety show aimed at discovering hidden stars, and it had been heavily promoted for a month.

Whatever it is, Kang Ujin, tilting his head, asked the phone.

"'Super Actor'? Are you going to be on it? Are you completely changing your path to become an actor?"

Kim Daeyoung on the other end of the phone cursed again.

"No! Idiot! Oh, I'm so frustrated. I said yesterday...—ah—so I was just going to submit some documents and a video for fun, but I passed the first round."

"Oh—really?"

Kang Ujin's friend Kim Daeyoung was an acting enthusiast. He worked at a company on weekdays and attended a theater club on weekends. Of course, Kang Ujin knew this.

"Seems like they accept anyone. Judging by your passing."

"Shut up. Anyway, I have the first round audition and interview tomorrow morning. Even if it's not a formal shoot, I'm nervous, so I asked you to come with me."

"So, my answer yesterday was okay?"

Ah, what a crazy thing to do. Here, Kang Ujin immediately changed his mind.

"I was drunk, friend. I wasn't myself yesterday. Hey, and why should I go there? What am I supposed to do? Aren't you going to work tomorrow?"

"That's something I'll take care of. You just need to be there to give me some warmth. You can come with family or friends. Just wait outside when I'm having the interview."

"......I'm not feeling it today."

"Ah, damn! Hey! You're unemployed anyway! We can have pork belly and soju after it's over! I'll buy as much as you want!"

"Hmm—"

Kang Ujin, slightly pondering. At this moment, Kim Daeyoung added.

"One of the judges tomorrow is Hong Hye-yeon!!"

-Kang Ujin, who had suddenly stopped moving, his eyes sparkled.

"......What? Who?"

"Hong! Hye! Yeon! You might get to see Hong Hye-yeon."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. I'll stake my life on it."

Hong Hye-yeon. She was currently a top actress. The dream girl of all men. Hong Hye-yeon as a judge? Soon, Kim Daeyoung on the other end of the phone added.

"The 'Super Actor' has different judges for each episode. I heard one of them is a famous drama director, and Hong Hye-yeon is working with that director. It's just a one-time thing."

"How do you know that?"

"Idiot, just search the news. Anyway, since it's that, and we're friends, right? Hey, come with me."

At this point, Kang Ujin, who had just woken up, answered with a firm face.

"You should have mentioned the friendship earlier. So, friend. What time tomorrow?"

It was a crazy change of stance.

The next morning, February 12, Wednesday.

It was around 10:00 AM. The location was the Art Hall of SBC in Mok-dong. A five-story building with a branch-like feel, Kang Ujin and Kim Daeyoung, wearing padded jackets, entered. For reference, Kim Daeyoung was a large man, about 180 cm tall, similar to Ujin, but with a solid upper body.

Anyway.

"Wow, there are so many people."

Kang Ujin marveled. It was understandable. The lobby of the Art Hall was already packed. There were dozens of staff guiding people from the entrance, and participants were gathered. There must have been at least 200 people. But this was just the beginning.

Kim Daeyoung explained the reason.

"Only about 30% of the participants are here? I heard the 'Super Actor' first round auditions are divided by time."

"So, at least 600 people are here today?"

"Of course. Watch some TV."

"Whatever, it's not my problem."

Anyway, after completing the information verification process with the staff, Kang Ujin and Kim Daeyoung walked down the crowded hallway, following the signs and staff gestures. They entered a room labeled 'Waiting Room 1'.

-Creak.

Inside, the space was wide, with plastic chairs densely arranged, and more than half of them were occupied. Kang Ujin pointed to an empty chair with his index finger at this moment.

"Hey, let's sit there."

"Okay."

As soon as they took their seats, Kim Daeyoung, touching the number tag on his chest, took deep breaths.

"Phew—phew—Oh, man. I'm so nervous??"

Meanwhile, Kang Ujin, as if it were someone else's business, closed his padded jacket and crossed his legs.

"Hey, you've been in the theater club for a long time, right? It's been more than three years, hasn't it?"

"Right."

"But you're nervous? Your club does free performances and such, right?"

"Shit! Hey, are they the same level as this?"

"What's the difference? It's all acting. I don't know much, but you should try to feel it's the same level. Who knows? You might become a top actor through this show."

Soon, Kim Daeyoung started to imagine or fantasize.

"Shit... I just thought about it, and it gives me goosebumps."

As he was mumbling, Kim Daeyoung suddenly looked around at the dozens of participants and clutched his stomach.

"Ah—Hey, I need to go to the bathroom. And it's a bit wet."

"What a crazy guy. When does the interview or audition start?"

"I don't know, but I heard they call people when it's their turn."

"Then ask and go quickly. Don't have an accident while acting."

As if such a scene couldn't be tolerated, Kim Daeyoung jumped up and ran to a female staff member standing at the entrance of the waiting room. After a brief conversation, he immediately ran down the hallway.

Watching his friend, Kang Ujin muttered softly.

"What a shame."

He buried himself deeper into the plastic chair. About 10 minutes later, Kang Ujin, frowning, checked the time on his phone, as Kim Daeyoung's return was taking too long.

"What a crazy guy, why isn't he back?"

At that moment.

"Kim Daeyoung, Kim Junsu, Kim Taejeong!"

A male staff member at the front of the waiting room called out to the participants, who were packed in plastic chairs.

"Kim Daeyoung, Kim Junsu, Kim Taejeong!"

Is it in alphabetical order? His friend Kim Daeyoung's name was called first. Thanks to this, Kang Ujin was a bit flustered when other participants moved forward.

Soon.

"Excuse me."

Kang Ujin raised his hand to call the staff member.

"Sorry, I'm Kim Daeyoung's friend. He's in the bathroom... I'm sorry. I'll go and call him right away."

"Ah, the bathroom? Hmm, wait a moment. You're his friend, right?"

"Yes."

The male staff member spoke into the intercom around his neck. Interestingly, he smiled slightly after hearing a response, a mischievous smile typical of a variety show team, hinting at some ulterior motive.

The male staff member then answered Kang Ujin, who had approached.

"Would your friend like to go in first?"

"Huh?"

Is he crazy? Kang Ujin frowned.

"Me?"

"Yes. If your friend goes first, Kim Daeyoung will be disqualified. If he comes back soon, you can take a seat and wait for him. We'll guide Kim Daeyoung when he arrives."

Is it better to have someone in the seat rather than leave it empty? Well, not knowing much, Kang Ujin, thinking of his friend, let out a small sigh.

"Where should I go?"

A little later.

Kang Ujin arrived at the end of the hallway. Two other participants were sitting on temporary chairs in front of the door, and Kang Ujin was guided into the room.

Soon.

"Oh—"

Ujin, checking the inside, inwardly marveled. Unlike the previous waiting room, this place was nicely decorated. The front desk had the 'Super Actor' logo. On the left side of the desk were two large cameras, and small cameras were placed around the ceiling and elsewhere.

There were about a dozen staff members.

A short-haired woman in her late 30s approached Kang Ujin with a mischievous smile.

"Are you Kim Daeyoung's friend? Is that right?"

Soon, Kang Ujin, who had been looking around the room, nodded appropriately.

"Yes. I'll call my friend right away."

"Sure. Take this and sit in that chair over there."

The woman handed Kang Ujin a thin stack of paper and pointed to a chair placed in front of the desk.

"That's a side script. Today's task is impromptu acting, so you'll read the side script briefly and then perform. If you're bored while waiting for your friend, you can read it."

"Ah—okay."

"And the judges will be here soon."

At this point, Kang Ujin, quite confidently, asked.

"Hey, is Hong Hye-yeon one of the judges?"

The woman's smile deepened.

"Yes, she is. But no autographs or photos are allowed."

Wow, Kang Ujin's excitement exploded instantly. He even tried to hide his smile and sat in the lone chair.

Then.

-Swoosh.

While calling Kim Daeyoung, he looked down at the side script on his lap. It was an unconscious action. After all, this piece of paper had no real meaning to Ujin.

However.

"This guy, why isn't he answering... huh?"

Kang Ujin, who had been looking down at the script, paused.

"......What is this?"

To be precise, he was looking down at the empty space next to the script. Why? Because he saw something strange. What should he call it? A rectangular shape about the size of an A4 sheet, with black and gray swirling in a pattern. It was clearly unusual.

As a result.

"......"

Kang Ujin, as if entranced, slowly moved his index finger. He wanted to poke this strange thing. Then, Kang Ujin gently but firmly inserted his index finger into the center of the swirling rectangle.

The problem arose next.

"Ugh!"

Kang Ujin was sucked into that something.

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