I’m an Unknown Actress, But Everyone Knows Me - Chapter 13

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 13

-You… want to grant my request, don’t you?

On the screen, a scene from 〈Freshman Welcome Party〉 played endlessly on repeat.

“Why did she change the lines?”

It was different from the lines Yeoreum had delivered that day. This was definitely the correct version, but something felt unsettling in the corner of his mind.

‘…I don’t understand the reason.’

[Another interpretation? Ad-lib? Or did she just forget?]

The letters written by Gyeoul’s fingertips began to fly around carelessly.

Scribble-.

Gyeoul drew a long line across the messy writing with his pen.

It was frustrating to re-analyze a movie he had already finished interpreting because of Han Yeoreum.

“I’m curious.”

Gyeoul had a habit of questioning and interpreting things to the end once his curiosity was piqued.

What Gyeoul was most curious about right now was Han Yeoreum. He couldn’t forget the reaction the moment Han Yeoreum finished her acting.

‘Definitely, everyone’s attention was on Han Yeoreum…’

Gyeoul wanted to see that performance again. He wanted to examine, analyze, and confirm it thoroughly.

‘…That way it won’t happen again.’

Though it was brief, he couldn’t forget the feeling of becoming a supporting character. At this rate, he might make the same mistake as a few years ago.

Gyeoul recalled the reason he had to leave the acting scene for a while years ago.

@Seonwoo Seonuk

Strangely soulless acting. Truly the result of obsessing over ‘textbook perfection.’

A bizarre drama that tastes like nothing despite being a well-prepared feast.

Retweets 1.1K Quote Tweets 112 Likes 200

For a famous critic’s post, it didn’t have much impact. Few people agreed with it.

Because Do Gyeoul’s performance at that time had been flawless.

‘But…’

It felt like he had been seen through. Gyeoul had always acted with only what was closest to the ‘correct answer’ after countless observations.

Judgment instead of empathy, analysis instead of understanding. That’s how Do Gyeoul had built himself up.

“I’m anxious.”

For years, he thought he had barely reached near perfection. But as soon as he decided to make a comeback, a variable appeared right before his eyes.

“…Let me analyze this a bit more.”

That’s why he needed Han Yeoreum. More precisely, he needed ‘Han Yeoreum’s acting.’

Above Gyeoul, who was smiling quietly, the status window glowed brightly.

* * *

A new semester really is a new semester, I guess.

“Yeo~reum~! Let’s have a drink~”

“We’ve had several gatherings among classmates… Han Yeoreum’s attendance rate is disappointing.”

My still-excited classmates grabbed my arms and shook them. The problem was joining the group chat right after getting into university and meeting every day.

‘Even though I’ve been escaping right after lectures end every day, they won’t give up.’

Well, I’m going to faithfully skip out in the future too.

‘I even have a good excuse now.’

Perfect. Should I have a little bragging session?

“No way. I have something I’m starting soon. Let’s drink later, later.”

At my refusal, my classmates made a fuss as if they were screaming.

“What is it? What is it?”

“A movie? Drama? Wow, that’s crazy…!”

“It’s nothing big, just a small web drama.”

Actually, it really is a big deal. I was so excited the night I signed the contract that I couldn’t sleep.

‘My first time taking on a lead role…!’

Everyone make more of a fuss.

Faced with the barrage of questions, I suppressed my rising smile and showed them my cell phone.

[Lead: Han Yeoreum]

The schedule sheet with my name proudly written as the lead.

“Even if it’s a web drama, you’re the lead? Wow, that’s great~ Han Yeoreum~!”

“Since you’re debuting first among us, should we call you senior from now on?”

I enjoyed my classmates’ praise while pretending to be modest.

‘Praise me a little more…’

That’s when it happened. I paused briefly at the soft scent of perfume that brushed past my nose.

‘…An expensive, nice fragrance. Where have I smelled this…’

This kind of scent isn’t common, where did I smell it before?

‘Isn’t this the scent from the first floor of a department store?’

It feels like the scent strips the staff handed out are moving around as they are. The description would probably read something like this:

「The bitter-sweetness of grapefruit that unfolds with sparkling freshness.

Combined with the warmth of Assam’s full-bodied malt scent enhanced with fruit notes.

The finish provides a sensual yet deep, woody note that lingers long.」

‘Reminds me of when I worked part-time at the perfume pop-up store. The hourly wage was pretty good.’

I was savoring this luxurious fragrance that’s hard to come by when—

“Yeoreum’s doing a web drama?”

My body trembled at the voice right next to my ear.

‘I’m screwed. It’s Myeong Jeha…!’

No wonder such a fragrance wouldn’t come from just anyone.

Every time I met Myeong Jeha at school, I desperately ran away to avoid talking to him, but I finally got caught.

‘This is why small departments are no good.’

“Jeha!”

“Myeong Jeha’s here?”

In an instant, everyone was paying attention to Myeong Jeha.

I couldn’t even think of turning my head and just froze in place.

‘Let’s smile for now…’

I might have a slight spasm, but I smiled anyway.

“Haha. Well then, I should go prepare for script! Reading! Now!”

I’m screwed. That sounded like I was reading from a textbook just now.

But my classmates, who were focused on the appearance of a real celebrity, seemed to not think much of it.

“Later! See you again! Classmates.”

And I tried to quickly run away using the Escape Skill I had mastered,

“When are you going to tell me that lie? I’ve been waiting.”

Myeong Jeha stuck close to my side with even faster steps.

I correct myself. Myeong Jeha was walking at his usual pace.

‘I’m the only one desperately trying to speed up.’

I desperately kept my head down and walked forward.

“What? Are you? Talking? About…?”

“Yeoreum.”

Myeong Jeha called my name in a calm voice. There was a strange sense of intimidation in that voice.

“Don’t do that. Replacing one lead in a small web drama is nothing.”

At those words, I had no choice but to stop walking.

Swoosh. For a moment, I felt like all the blood was draining from my body.

‘This crazy bastard…’

I know best how frequent casting changes are in this industry.

The number of projects I’ve been pushed out of like that isn’t enough to count on both hands.

“Now you’re finally making eye contact with me.”

Myeong Jeha, smiling brightly, looked like he was simply giving a friendly greeting to anyone watching. My fists naturally clenched.

“Yeoreum’s expression is scary.”

“If you mess with my casting, I won’t let it slide.”

“Tell me the web drama title and I’ll just let you go.”

I looked up at Myeong Jeha with distrustful eyes.

For someone acting like an extortionist, his face was excessively upright-looking.

But I won’t be fooled.

“Why should I trust you?”

“If you don’t want to, forget it.”

Myeong Jeha shrugged his shoulders and walked past me.

His attitude of readily leaving brought fear instead.

‘What, is he really going?’

Confidence that he could find out something like that anytime oozed from Myeong Jeha’s retreating figure.

‘What if he really changes the casting?’

Thinking about losing my Schedule Sheet and being kicked out of the Cast Group Chat made my legs move on their own.

That absolutely cannot happen.

“…You really won’t change the casting? If I just tell you?”

I hurriedly followed Myeong Jeha. He had gotten quite far away in just those few seconds.

“Well… my mind is kind of changing right now.”

Myeong Jeha didn’t show the courtesy of slowing down his pace.

I answered while walking almost at a run to keep up with Myeong Jeha’s wide strides.

“!!! There!!!”

It’s an embarrassing title to even say. Now that his mood seemed to improve a bit, Myeong Jeha matched his stride to mine. Having finally caught up to Myeong Jeha, I waited for an answer while panting.

Myeong Jeha made a thoughtful expression for a moment, then tilted his head and asked.

“Why are you… doing that?”

“What do you mean why.”

“You should know.”

Myeong Jeha seemed to have mentally concluded that I was a regressor. The nuance was asking why I chose that instead of better opportunities.

‘He’s speaking with the premise that I already know.’

I hesitated for a moment.

Depending on my answer, it might end up being an admission that I’m a regressor.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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