"Sorry about that, first off."
Ha Moo-young let the words slip out easily. It wasn't something he'd planned or even known about beforehand, but his mere existence had shaken up Ki Yu-chan's life, after all.
"This is me apologizing as your friend."
If it had been anyone else, he would've just shrugged it off. But Yu-chan was a friend. One who'd helped him out a ton back at the acting academy, no less.
"But there's no need to compare your life to mine. Everyone has their own path."
"Ouch, that kinda hurts. You telling me to just accept reality?"
"No. I mean it literally—everyone has their own life. You see me riding high without a care in the world, right? I'm jealous of you too. You've got a home, a family. And tons of friends."
"...What're you talking about?"
Ki Yu-chan tilted his head at Moo-young's words. Having a home and family? That was just normal.
"I'm an orphan."
"...!"
"Lost both my parents young. Grew up with my stepdad, but he was out of his mind—got beat every day. Nearly died on my 19th birthday, but he kicked the bucket instead from hypothermia. That's how I survived."
It was shocking. He never would've guessed. Moo-young always seemed so bright and easygoing, like the golden child showered with love at home. Moo-young figured that's what fueled his endless string of successes.
"I had no idea."
"Never told anyone. You're only the second friend who knows."
The first, of course, was Im Jun-ho.
"But why tell me now?"
Honestly, before college winter break, they'd seen each other daily. But since graduation? This was basically their first real catch-up. Did he really need to bare his soul like this?
"Because just because you're struggling now doesn't mean you will forever."
Of course, Moo-young had abilities others didn't—like the fortune-bringing flower pollen that bloomed whenever he followed his hunches. But even that came from his ability to see the black smog, from having witnessed it.
"So if you quit acting because you hate it or find something you love more, I'll cheer you on. But if it's just because it's hard, or you can't handle comparing yourself to others... I'll grab you and pull you back. That's what I think my role is here."
"Ha Moo-young."
"I'm really grateful to you. Remember? When I first sent in that video submission for the web drama, you helped me out. Taught me how to angle for the camera. Everything I've got now traces back to that."
Ki Yu-chan bit his lip at Moo-young's earnest confession and thanks. He felt so ashamed. He'd been too eaten up by jealousy to even text back, yet here was his friend thanking him.
"Don't think that just because it's tough today, it'll be tough tomorrow. If it's too hard on you, I won't contact you anymore. We can just cheer each other on from afar."
Closeness wasn't about seeing each other every day. Holding someone in your heart was friendship enough.
"Sorry, Moo-young."
Maybe his words had gotten through. Ki Yu-chan felt his nose tingle. In the stuffy heat of the small theater, his tears finally melted free.
"Hey, hey, no crying."
"Truth is, it was just an excuse. Pathetic jealousy. I hate myself for it."
"It's fine. Normal human emotion."
"...Hearing you say that makes it a lot easier. Thanks."
Moo-young patted his back.
"Everyone's got their own timeline, Yu-chan. Don't torture yourself. And it doesn't mean others can't succeed either."
"You sound less like a twenty-something and more like a centenarian."
"Told you—I died and came back. This is my second life. Heh. Haha."
They burst into light laughter at the easy joke.
Moo-young eyed the script in Ki Yu-chan's hand and asked casually.
"So, you doing that this summer? Shakespeare?"
"Nah, this is just personal practice. We'll pick the play and roles soon. It's total survival mode here—no seniority, just skill. Even rookies can snag leads if they've got it."
That was one reason Hado Theater was famous. Roles went to those who fought tooth and nail for them. Merit-based casting bred stars and built the troupe's legacy.
"Getting in at all is impressive, though."
"...It's not just skill. They look for desperation too."
After his free performance, Ki Yu-chan had bowed 90 degrees nonstop, begging the director. No need for pay—just let him clean if he had to. Last chance, he'd thought... And the director had seen it.
"Yeah? When's the play selection?"
"Next week or so."
If he couldn't land a lead or solid supporting role then, his final shot at acting would fizzle out as an extra. Moo-young's pep talk had shaken that resolve a bit, but for now...
"Then let's practice together."
"Practice? With me? What about your shoots?"
"I've got time off for a bit. Wrapped my movie parts, drama was a minor role—done. Vacation vibes."
Bzzz.
Moo-young checked his buzzing phone mid-sentence. Han Da-kyeong.
Han Da-kyeong[Don't let him find out I lied.]Along with Bu-yong's number and a plea. Of course. Actor here. Plus, with the movie release, any promo would tip Bu-yong off anyway. Better tie it up first.
"If you're cool with it, let's do it like old times."
"...If you're cool with it."
After a brief hesitation, Ki Yu-chan agreed. Moo-young grinned wide, thrilled.
He'd grown up so alone. High school friend? Just Jun-ho. Academy pals? Bora and Yu-chan. Losing this connection hurt.
"Awesome! Special training starts now!"
"Kinda already living like that."
"You really sleep here? In the theater?"
"Green room out back."
They swapped missed stories and updates—the backlog from a semester was a mountain. It flowed nonstop till sunset.
* * *
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇"So you're heading to the theater every day for a while?"
"Yeah. Why're you commuting from here, though?"
"Mapo. Only 30 minutes to Dongdaemun. Takes an hour from my place."
Bright morning. Jun-ho, who'd snuck in overnight unnoticed in the huge apartment, was munching bread in the kitchen.
"Yawn!"
"Tell the landlord?"
"Nah. Got his number yesterday—gonna text today. What should I say?"
Moo-young fiddled with his phone across from him, drafting and deleting dozens of times.
Jun-ho thought he was just hyping the place. Moo-young? Prepping to drop the ghost bomb.
'That'll get more cash. Too blunt? Incentive. Yeah, good.'
"Lemme write your script, bro. List your creds first. Shot Plague with director Jin Kyung-moon, bit parts in dramas. Nobody knows you yet, but you'll smash Hallyu someday—ultra-superstar—"
"Shut up and eat, idiot."
"Why? That's how celebs pitch sponsorships to us."
True, if rough. Current status, future dreams, wrap-up. Done.
'Media promo's a non-starter. Wrong kind of flex. Could drag Da-kyeong into it too. Might even get kicked out.'
Ugh, no. Moo-young locked in, typing piously. Each keystroke worth 200 million!
Ha Moo-youngHello, Landlord. Ha Moo-young here—the guy who checked out the officetel with our CEO last time. Been thinking about that ghost troubling you.Shaman intro? Or out himself? He pondered, awaiting reply.
Ding!
"It's here!"
"No work?"
"30 minutes. All good. Whatcha send?"
LandlordAh! Handsome friend or ugly one?"Ugly? As if! That ratty Hawaiian shirt you're wearing!"
Jun-ho, peeking, yelled indignantly. Moo-young shoved his cheek, replying fast.
Ha Moo-youngHandsome friend.LandlordAh. What's up?Ha Moo-youngDon't think weird of me, but my family sees ghosts. You've been feeling weird vibes at work. If you want, I can intro an exorcist.Phone rang instantly. Jun-ho crammed bread, chugged milk. Moo-young waved him off.
"Yes, Landlord."
-Whoa, small world. Didn't know real ghost-seers existed.
"My uncle's the expert. Religious qualms make him picky, but I can intro if you're interested."
Director Jeong O-seok in hanbok flashed in his mind. Others could do it, but no one's acting matched his.
-Price? Let's meet. If you can really banish it, I'll empty my bank. Neighbors' places skyrocket daily—ours? Stuck at 2.6 billion!
Others started with higher digits. Moo-young treaded carefully.
"Even if it's pricey? Uncle's the real deal. Pay after results."
-Obviously! How much? 300-400 mil?
...!
Cha-ching! Rich folks played different. Eyes wide at the high quote—plenty.
"Around there? Gotta confirm details. Assuming you're in, I'll check with uncle and set a date soon."
-Yes! Good news, please!
"Oh, keep it from our CEO. Gotta keep my day job."
Ghost-seer rumors? Trouble. Moo-young sealed Bu-yong's lips tight. He buzzed with excitement, promising.
-Sure! I'm tight-lipped! Haha!
Didn't seem it, but had to trust. Moo-young hung up, surveying the peaceful apartment. Minus the ghost dangling from the ceiling—perfect.
"Can you go outside?"
He sipped milk, asking.
"Heading to Hado Theater. Practicing with a friend—if you're bored alone, come?"
Director's class popped up: "imaginary counterpart" for solo lines—assume a scene partner, drive the play.
"Hmm."
Moo-young smiled at her.
"Wanna do a three-way stage?"
He and Yu-chan practice; she fulfills her theater dream. snag: Tiger Thorn Tree script. Original play—no net info.
"Or find the script there. You haunted the place daily. Recite lines with us. Sound good?"
The ghost plopped to the floor wordlessly. No words, but fortune pollen bloomed everywhere—yes.
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Read 117 more chapters ahead on NovelDex!
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