Chapter 44
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Team Formation Showdown
-----------------------------------------------------------------
With Yoon Jong-hoon's fiery finale, the introductions of the six directors pulled from the directing department came to an end.
As the introductions for the comprehensive evaluation directors wrapped up, lunchtime hit right away, and everyone headed to the cafeteria.
The real team assignments for the comprehensive evaluation would happen after lunch, gathering in the auditorium.
They'd probably form teams there and hold the first group meeting too.
"Wow. No matter how I think about it, that confidence. Incredible."
Woo-sik spent the entire lunch talking about Yoon Jong-hoon, sticking out his tongue in amazement.
It didn't stop even on the way to the auditorium after lunch.
He brought up Yoon Jong-hoon again, saying seriously,
"That guy was seriously unlucky. In the most impressive way."
Woo-sik, my ears are gonna blister.
It was in front of students from other departments in our grade and teachers too.
Must've been a huge shock that he said that in front of everyone.
"Do-hyun, you gonna team up with him?"
After grumbling for a while, Woo-sik suddenly stopped and asked.
"If it were you, would you?"
I asked out of genuine curiosity.
No matter how unlucky he was, Yoon Jong-hoon was still Yoon Jong-hoon.
Plus, this was the most important comprehensive evaluation of the semester—would Woo-sik really kick away this chance just because the guy was unlucky?
"If it were me, I'd do it. After like sixteen full prostrations first."
I doubted my own ears for a second.
Who says something like that so seriously?
Seeing my awkward expression, Woo-sik looked away and added,
"Just, you always make unexpected choices."
"Who knows. Might not live up to your expectations this time."
"What? You're really gonna do it with him?"
Woo-sik whipped his head toward me.
What was with that betrayed look?
You just said you'd do it too. Even with prostrations.
I shrugged and kept walking.
"You, you...! Lee Do-hyun! Wait up!"
And so, Woo-sik and I arrived at the auditorium, taking turns leading and following.
Unlike the small or medium theaters, it was a vast space with a wide wooden floor.
More like an indoor gym than an auditorium, really.
It felt similar to the acting or dance practice rooms.
Though those were narrower, of course.
"Oh. He's already here. That unlucky bastard."
Woo-sik spotted Yoon Jong-hoon even before I did.
Looking over, Yoon Jong-hoon was gathered with the directing kids, talking about something.
He glanced our way briefly, then turned his head.
We gathered with the musical theater kids, waiting for the teacher.
A moment later, right on time as lunch ended, Han Hyo-jin arrived at the auditorium and headed straight to the stage.
"Did everyone eat well?"
"Yes."
The kids answered in unison.
Han Hyo-jin roughly counted the crowd and clapped.
"No need to drag this out. Freely form your teams for the comprehensive evaluation starting now. Directors, cast your actors, divide into teams, and submit the roster."
The hall buzzed at the immediate start.
"Begin!"
At Han Hyo-jin's signal, the auditorium sprang into action.
They must've thought about what shows they wanted during lunch.
The school probably gathered them in fourth period on purpose to give time to think.
The musical theater kids hesitated, glancing around, then started to move.
But someone beat them to it—
"Hey, hey. Unlucky bastard incoming."
Yoon Jong-hoon.
Ah, Woo-sik, my back stings.
He must've bolted like a Yoon Jong-hoon radar, warning me in a flash.
Right after Han Hyo-jin's "begin," he was striding toward the musical theater group.
Naturally, all eyes turned to Yoon Jong-hoon.
Woo-sik knew it wasn't aimed at him but still held his head high, waiting stiffly.
Yoon Jong-hoon ignored Woo-sik completely and stopped in front of me.
"Hey, Lee Do-hyun. Good to see you."
"Yeah, you too."
I shook the hand he offered without a second thought.
No need for much talk.
Instead of asking if I wanted to team up, Yoon Jong-hoon said with confident assurance,
"Looking forward to working with you."
I got his confirmation-kill line loud and clear.
I'd thought it over during lunch and decided already.
"Same here. The show's fun. Got me hooked once you explained it."
Yoon Jong-hoon grinned at my response, like he knew no long talk was needed.
"Honored. But where's Song Ha-na?"
He looked around for Song Ha-na.
"Over there."
I nodded toward one spot.
Song Ha-na was standing a bit away, watching our handshake.
And right beside her, as always, was Moon Woo-hyuk.
Song Ha-na stared at me and Yoon Jong-hoon alternately with an unusually intense gaze, lost in thought.
What was she thinking to make that scary face?
Moon Woo-hyuk glared down at her, clearly displeased.
"Hey, you're really gonna do it...?"
Moon Woo-hyuk started to say something, but Song Ha-na ignored him and stepped forward decisively.
'The director's Yoon Jong-hoon, top of the line. The show's solid too.'
Once she started moving, Song Ha-na headed straight to us without hesitation.
'It's not like he's doing this show because he wants to work with Lee Do-hyun. Right, Song Ha-na?'
Yoon Jong-hoon as director was impressive, no doubt.
The show was good, no flaws anywhere.
As much as she hated to admit it, working with Do-hyun wasn't bad.
Just not what she wanted.
Repeating that she didn't want to work with Lee Do-hyun, Song Ha-na didn't stop.
Her determined steps took her right in front of Do-hyun and Yoon Jong-hoon.
"Ha. Seriously."
Behind her stood Moon Woo-hyuk, full of dissatisfaction and frustration.
"What's eating you now?"
"Why Lee Do-hyun again? Why? That damn Lee Do-hyun, Lee Do-hyun. Song Ha-na's going with him again."
Moon Woo-hyuk raked his hair irritably at Kim Sun-woo's words.
Someone like Moon Woo-hyuk could team with any director or show he wanted besides Yoon Jong-hoon.
It just bugged him that much.
"Why don't you make some other friends?"
Kim Sun-woo, who'd been watching quietly, gave sincere advice.
"How long you gonna chase Song Ha-na? You're not a kid."
Classic Kim Sun-woo.
Smiling while landing a gut punch.
"What?"
Moon Woo-hyuk scowled at him.
Kim Sun-woo sighed deeply at the fierce glare.
Fair enough—without Song Ha-na, he'd get too exhausted himself.
"If you hate it that much, why not step up more aggressively?"
At Kim Sun-woo's words, Moon Woo-hyuk's face went blank for a second.
Then he smirked and headed toward Song Ha-na.
Even hurrying his steps like he might be too late.
Kim Sun-woo just shook his head at the sight.
***
Song Ha-na, approaching Yoon Jong-hoon, greeted him.
"Song Ha-na."
Just the name, nothing else.
Her prim expression said, *You know the rest, right?*
Yoon Jong-hoon, being in the same department, didn't mind her attitude at all.
He smiled and greeted back.
"I'm Yoon Jong-hoon. Thanks for joining my team."
"Your team?"
Song Ha-na raised one eyebrow sharply, and Yoon Jong-hoon threw up both hands.
"Ah, sorry, sorry. Our team."
Yoon Jong-hoon had heard the rumors about Song Ha-na and figured she'd be no pushover.
"Anyway, let's head over there. We should talk among ourselves first."
No other roles were set yet.
But with Do-hyun and Song Ha-na already cast, it felt solid.
He'd snatched the top talents from musical theater.
He could take it easy from here.
Yoon Jong-hoon led the way to an empty corner of the auditorium.
On the way, Song Ha-na glanced at Do-hyun.
"You're lucky, huh?"
What? Lucky to be picked by Yoon Jong-hoon?
"You get to share the stage with me."
"......"
Talk about narcissism.
Even with thirty-three years of life experience, I had no comeback.
It seemed genuine, so I couldn't even argue.
She'd only get it if someone threw the same line at her.
After some self-pep-talk, I finally spoke.
"Congrats to you too. You get to share the stage with me."
I tried to say it boldly, wondering if it'd land.
Song Ha-na looked flustered for a sec, then laughed.
It was shocking.
What? She likes hearing that too?
Then, a shadow fell over Song Ha-na from behind.
"That won't work."
Song Ha-na spun around in surprise.
"Moon Woo-hyuk?"
He'd snuck up without a sound.
"Hey. Director Yoon Jong-hoon."
Moon Woo-hyuk called out to Yoon Jong-hoon up ahead.
Yoon Jong-hoon stopped and turned, pointing at himself questioningly.
"Me?"
"Your show's male lead. I'll take it."
What was this sudden twist?
They'd announced Lee Do-hyun as the male lead on the medium theater stage.
And he was right there with them.
"You want the male lead role?"
"Yeah."
Yoon Jong-hoon eyed Moon Woo-hyuk with interest, scanning him top to bottom.
*Actor Moon Kang-hyun's son.*
Yoon Jong-hoon slowly walked back to Do-hyun and Moon Woo-hyuk.
"Didn't hear it in the medium theater?"
Standing before Moon Woo-hyuk, Yoon Jong-hoon asked.
Moon Woo-hyuk flinched but soon puffed up confidently.
"I did."
"Then what? You wanna compete with Lee Do-hyun?"
"I'll do it if you want."
Song Ha-na wondered what had gotten into Moon Woo-hyuk.
She poked his side and whispered,
"What are you doing?"
"......"
"Hey...!"
Song Ha-na bristled at him ignoring her.
Yoon Jong-hoon gestured to her that it was fine.
He stroked his chin with a troubled, serious look.
"Hmm... But I've only ever pictured Lee Do-hyun as the male lead."
Yoon Jong-hoon said it to provoke Moon Woo-hyuk on purpose.
Moon Woo-hyuk stepped threateningly closer, using his full height for intimidation.
"You gotta see the length to know."
Yoon Jong-hoon raised both hands calmingly.
"Whoa. Yours looks way longer."
I could almost hear Moon Woo-hyuk crack.
Ignoring the blazing glare,
Yoon Jong-hoon had ditched the serious face from moments ago.
He smirked meaningfully and looked my way.
"You cool with that?"
The question sparked a flurry of thoughts.
I'd always wondered why Yoon Jong-hoon wanted me over Kim Sun-woo so badly for the lead.
His expression showed he was enjoying this situation a lot.
Like he was eager to see something.
And his gaze toward me held a strange expectation.
Saying no here would look bad.
The answer was obvious anyway.
Might as well deliver it coolly.
"Don't care. Let's see what he's got."