Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor

Chapter 15

Second Week of March

*Beep, beep, beep—*

As soon as the morning sunlight poured through the window, Ha Mooyoung’s phone alarm started blaring.

Rubbing his eyes, he barely managed to sit up.

Beside him, Junho was sprawled out, belly up, still fast asleep.

“Im Junho. Get up.”

“Ugh…”

Mooyoung shook his shoulder, but there was no response.

It had already been three days since they wrapped up the shoot with Enbin. Over the weekend, they had completed additional filming at Junho’s house. Now, it was time to leave the set behind and head to the classroom.

“I’m leaving first, okay? Don’t blame me if you’re late to work.”

“Ughh…”

With no other choice, Mooyoung got dressed and left Junho’s room. The house had its own bathrooms in each room and a long hallway leading to the rest of the spacious home.

‘With such a nice house, why does he want to move out?’

*Growl.*

The smell of meat filled the air throughout the large house.

When he entered the kitchen, Junho’s parents greeted him warmly.

“You’re up, Mooyoung?”

“Good morning, sir. Good morning, ma’am.”

“You’re starting classes today, right?”

It was a picture straight out of a storybook—a family gathered around a table for breakfast. Junho’s father set down his newspaper and asked kindly.

“Yes, orientation is over, so now I actually have to attend.”

This was the period when students could drop or adjust their courses. If not for that, he might’ve lost attendance points right from the start.

“You’ve timed things well. Imagine if you had a shoot during exams.”

“Exactly. If it weren’t for just that one episode, I would’ve been in trouble.”

“So, no more filming for now?”

“Yes, I’m completely done.”

“Since you’re at Seoyeon University, you’ll have to work hard. Isn’t it a place filled with top students? You haven’t started any part-time jobs yet, have you?”

“I’ve posted an ad for tutoring, but I haven’t gotten any calls. I think it’s because I’m just a first-year with no experience.”

“I’ll ask around with my friends.”

“Hehe, thank you so much.”

There’s a saying that comfort comes from both a full wallet and a full stomach.

Junho’s parents, generous and kind-hearted, truly embodied that wisdom. Seeing them always reminded Mooyoung of what real family felt like.

“Make sure you eat well before your first class.”

The table was set with a feast—including beef.

Mooyoung had bought it with the 300,000 won he earned from his first gig.

He had many people to thank, but especially Junho.

“I told you, you didn’t have to eat it without me.”

“Oh, don’t be silly. Meat tastes better when it’s shared.”

Junho’s family had always treated him like one of their own. Even when they were just high school students, they shared everything—food, shelter, and support.

It was thanks to Junho’s parents, who had helped from behind the scenes, that any of it was possible.

“Since you’re moving into the dorms today, come by anytime. If you ever want a home-cooked meal, I’ll make it for you,” Junho’s mom offered.

As they talked about various things—Enbin’s real-life persona, the filming environment, and upcoming plans—Mooyoung ate a hearty spoonful of rice with meat and kimchi.

“Enbin is still filming because it’s an omnibus series. They said they’ll produce more depending on the response, but nothing’s confirmed yet.”

“The first episode goes up when…?”

“Probably this Friday.”

“Good. I’ll give it a like. Haha. Imagine—having a celebrity friend! How fascinating.”

“That’s just for show. We haven’t been in touch since.”

Well, it’s only natural. Celebrities are always busy.

In truth, they had exchanged a few messages on social media. But as time passed, the replies became more sporadic, and their conversation eventually died out.

Mooyoung grinned as he scraped the last bit of food from his bowl.

“We’ll probably cross paths again. Oh, right. There’s a wrap party after everything’s done, so I guess I’ll see him there.”

“A wrap party with celebrities? Mooyoung, you’re turning into quite the star.”

“Oh, no, no. You’re exaggerating. Plus, Enbin doesn’t really feel like a celebrity. Honestly, he’s a lot like Junho.”

“… What’s that? Talking about me behind my back?”

Junho, scratching his belly lazily, came into the kitchen. Mooyoung just nodded.

“Definitely not cut out for high society.”

“Yawn~! If you’ve eaten, let’s head out. I’ll give you a ride.”

“Aren’t you going to eat?”

“I’ll be downstairs. Hurry up.”

With that, Junho grabbed an apple from the table and left. His mother let out a deep sigh, worry written all over her face.

“He’s on some kind of diet now. It’s been a while since he’s had a proper meal at home.”

“Diet? Junho?”

“I didn’t know either, but apparently clothing companies use the youngest staff as fitting models. It’s to save on labor costs. His cousin also lost a lot of weight after working there.”

Junho, who used to pile meat on Bora’s plate, was now on a diet? Mooyoung shook his head as he grabbed his coat.

“Sir, ma’am, thank you for everything.”

“Take care on your way.”

“Come back anytime, Mooyoung.”

“Yes, I will. See you later.”

With a quick bow, he dashed out the door.

Junho was sitting in the driver’s seat, gnawing on his apple, looking like a zombie.

*Thunk!*

As soon as Mooyoung got into the passenger seat, the car started. You could tell from the sluggish handling that Junho was exhausted.

Very slow driving.

“You doing okay?”

“No. I’m losing it. I hate this diet. Why do people even do this?”

“Then just stop. You’re fine as you are.”

“I want to, but the company is going all in this season. They’re going to use celebrity models for the portal site ads. That means I had to start measuring for fittings immediately.”

“You’re going to model for that?”

“Not just me. The whole staff is on a chicken breast diet. The clothes are designed to be pretty slim.”

He looked tired, but he seemed to enjoy the job. After all, he hadn’t mentioned quitting.

“Who’s the celebrity model?”

“A guy named JB. He’s a rookie who’s getting popular on variety shows.”

No idea who that is.

Junho glanced at Mooyoung and muttered under his breath.

“Count yourself lucky that you don’t gain weight. I’m sure even Bora’s suffering through this ordeal. Ahh, shared pain—it’s destiny. Destiny, I tell you.”

“Our Bora? You’ve lost your mind. She’d pass out.”

“Honestly, I don’t get the hype around celebrity models. I don’t know if they’re worth the trouble. I’d rather have you or Bora do it.”

Mooyoung shot him a sharp look.

Celebrity models or whatever—they didn’t matter to him.

“How much does it pay?”

“It depends on the level, but don’t get your hopes up. I already gave my opinion, and they shot it down. I’m pretty much at the bottom rung over there.”

*Tsk.* That’s a shame.

Modeling, huh? Since you’re in front of the camera, is it like acting?

No, it’s probably different, right?

Mooyoung snatched the apple out of Junho’s hand and took a bite.

“I’ll give you a discount as a friend. Just let me know anytime.”

It sounded like it could be fun to try at least once.

Junho chuckled and switched lanes.

Soon, Seoyeon University’s entrance came into view in the distance.

“Yeah, yeah. Thanks so much. If you’re interested, you could try applying for something like a university model gig.”

“That exists?”

“You’re the student—you tell me. How would I know? Do you want to go to the dorm or your class?”

“Hmm. Let’s see… the classroom.”

It was a tricky time.

He hadn’t visited his dorm since the semester began, so ideally, he would’ve gone there first… but it didn’t seem possible today.

Looking around, Mooyoung asked Junho for a favor.

“Could you drop me off around here?”

“Okay. Good luck.”

“You too, with your extreme weight loss.”

*Vroom!*

Junho rolled down his window and waved playfully as he drove off.

Whether it’s the entertainment or fashion industry, jobs where you’re constantly being watched sure seem tough.

*Let’s see, is this the right place? Hanbom Hall, Room 501?*

It was a required course for first-year majors, “Foundations of Global Culture.” That meant most of the people gathered here were likely his classmates.

With a slight nervousness, Mooyoung opened the back door of the lecture hall.

*Click.*

“Do you want to check out that new café near the back gate after class?”

“So, we took the shot, and tears just started flowing from my eyes!”

“Hahaha! No way!”

The room was lively, full of chatter. Except for the absence of school uniforms, it didn’t feel all that different from high school. Awkwardly, Mooyoung scanned the room for an empty seat.

*Everyone seems pretty close already.*

It had only been a week since the semester started, but with orientation, the entrance ceremony, and even course orientations out of the way, there had been plenty of time for anyone determined to make friends to do so.

“Is this seat taken?”

That is, if they didn’t skip all those events like Mooyoung had.

One of the guys who had been deep in conversation turned around at his question.

“Uh…”

It was clear that he’d never seen Mooyoung before.

Not as a classmate and certainly never someone this striking.

When the guy trailed off, Mooyoung awkwardly smiled and apologized.

“Sorry. It looks like the seat’s taken.”

“Oh, no. It’s not.”

“Ah, thank you.”

The group that had been chatting with the guy also fell silent and glanced at Mooyoung.

The awkwardness in the air slowly spread, causing the once noisy classroom to quiet down.

“…?”

Mooyoung, who had been staring straight ahead, sensed something was off. He turned his head left and right.

*What… what’s going on?*

A few people were staring openly, while others were sneaking side glances. Confusion flickered in Mooyoung’s eyes.

*Why? Why is everyone suddenly quiet?*

*Could it be… this is college ostracism? What’s it called again? Ah, right. Being an outcast?*

His mind raced with wild thoughts. No way—just because I missed orientation and the entrance ceremony, they’re making me an outcast?

He stiffened, hoping the class would start soon. Just then, the guy next to him cautiously spoke up.

“Are you a senior by any chance?”

Although it was a first-year course, upperclassmen could also take it. If you had spent your freshman year as a slacker, it was entirely possible to be retaking courses now.

“No, I just enrolled this year—”

“So, you’re a classmate? Why haven’t I seen you before? Were you not at orientation or the entrance ceremony? What’s your name? Actually, how old are you?”

“Hey, I’m the class rep, and this guy here is the deputy. I repeated a year, so we might be the same age.”

“You’re not using a dialect, so are you from Seoul?”

That comment seemed to signal the class to burst into conversation again. Most of the chatter was now focused on Mooyoung, with people either gossiping about him or greeting him.

The girls who had come to university with dreams of a romantic college life were inwardly cheering.

*Thank you!*

It turns out those dreamy, youthful dramas aren’t all fantasy after all!

He looked like someone straight out of a college magazine.

The girls were glued to the sight of him as they mentally marked down the date for the freshman welcome party.

*Click.*

“Good morning! Wow, it’s noisier than usual today.”

Just then, the professor entered the room, greeting them enthusiastically.

Among the students sitting around, there was one person who stood out the most. The professor immediately sensed that the cause of the commotion was him.

“You know the orientation period is over, right? From today, attendance will count toward your grade. Let’s take roll. Kim Garang!”

***

“—And that’s it for today.”

“Thank you!”

“Don’t forget to do the assignment.”

After a two-and-a-half-hour lecture, Mooyoung felt drained.

After getting used to one-hour classes, this longer one had really taken it out of him.

He rubbed his tired eyes as he rested his head on the desk.

“Mooyoung, do you have another class now?”

“No, I’m done.”

It was the class rep and his group, the ones who had sat near him.

As they packed up their bags, they smiled as if an opportunity had presented itself.

“Then let’s have lunch together.”

“You haven’t tried the cafeteria food yet, have you? It’s really good.”

“Oh, and since your dorm is nearby, you can head back after we eat.”

Thanks to them, he found himself naturally mingling with his classmates. Mooyoung nodded gratefully.

“Sounds good.”

He turned his phone back on after having it off throughout the lecture.

He was about to slip it back into his pocket without a second thought, but then—

*Bzzzt! Bzzzt! Bzzzt! Bzzzt!*

His phone started buzzing like crazy with missed call alerts and messages.

Mooyoung paused, puzzled, as he looked at the screen.

*…What the…? 18 missed calls from Enbin? Seven missed calls from unknown numbers? And four from the team leader?*

He quickly called back the last number, the team leader’s.

The call was answered after just a couple of rings.

“Mooyoung! Are you busy?”

“I was in class. Is something wrong?”

“Enbin and his agency have been trying to reach you. They ended up calling me about it. Call them back right away.”

Stepping away from the group, Mooyoung gripped his phone tightly. The shaky tone of the team leader’s voice hinted that something was seriously wrong.

“And… the episode that was supposed to be uploaded this Friday? It’s probably going to be delayed. Maybe indefinitely.”

“What? Why?”

“It’s not our problem… it’s Enbin. He’s likely suspending all his activities. Something about a leaked video…”