Chapter 69
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Vacation Ceremony Awards
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“Feels like you all just started here yesterday, but time sure flies.”
The students slumped their shoulders at the principal’s opening line, straight out of the textbook for boring speeches.
*Ah, here comes the dull stuff,* they thought, disappointed.
“But if I started like that, you’d all be squirming in boredom.”
The principal let out a hearty laugh.
“The truth is, I mean it. We’re already at graduation year, already at this grade, and the first semester’s already over. It’s a shame, really. Time flies when you get older.”
He continued in a casual, conversational tone.
“With that in mind, I’ll cut this short so you can make the most of your time. Cherish this irreplaceable season while it lasts. That’s all.”
The MC panicked at the principal’s words.
The teachers did too.
They knew his personality, so they’d half-expected something like this, but even so, this vacation ceremony speech was way too brief.
The kids, on the other hand, loved it.
The auditorium erupted in cheers from the students.
“Salute to the principal.”
The principal stood with his hands behind his back, smiling.
The students shouted a loud “Thank you!” in unison.
The MC hurriedly moved on.
“N-next up is the presentation of certificates by the principal. Called students, please come to the stage.”
Next was the fixed highlight of Cheongyeom Arts High’s vacation ceremony: awards for academic excellence.
They called all the top students from each major for the semester up front to receive their certificates.
Not just freshmen—all grades, first through third years.
“Third-year Musical Theater major, Chae Si-hyun. Third-year Directing major…”
The MC called the names starting from the third-years.
The unique part? They summoned everyone at once.
It was a long tradition to line up the top students on stage before handing out the awards.
And finally.
“Next, freshmen.”
My heart pounded without warning at the MC’s cue.
“First-year Musical Theater major, Lee Do-hyun.”
First-year. And the very first name called: Lee Do-hyun.
“Woo! Woo! Woo!”
With Woo-sik’s excited whoops, I headed to the stage.
On the way, I exchanged a quick nod with Yoon Jong-hoon.
He’d naturally snagged top spot in Directing, as expected.
From freshmen to third-years, we lined up in a row facing the principal.
Once aligned, the principal started from the front, beginning with third-year Chae Si-hyun.
“Third-year Musical Theater major, Chae Si-hyun, step forward.”
Chae Si-hyun from third-year Musical Theater.
She took one step forward, and the principal approached to hand her the certificate.
Musical Theater was first in line anyway, but with it being Chae Si-hyun, it felt even more significant.
Just like before my regression.
At Cheongyeom Arts High, Chae Si-hyun was a superstar—anyone who didn’t know her would be the odd one out.
Proving it, the moment her name was called, the crowd below roared like it was a stage encore.
From “You’re so pretty!” to “I’m your fan!”—every shout imaginable rang out.
Not just the underclassmen, but even her fellow third-years were cheering wildly.
Chae Si-hyun didn’t just have talent; she had that magic touch that made everyone adore her.
She always had.
Before my regression, whenever I bumped into her on campus by chance, she was surrounded by people.
Even after graduation, it was the same.
I’d see her on TV now and then, beaming amid crowds of fans.
The gift all great actors possess—she had it too.
I glanced her way.
Despite the massive cheers for her, her expression didn’t flicker; she was utterly unfazed, clearly used to it.
*Already a pro actress, huh.*
That’s when our eyes met—she’d turned her head.
*Oops.* I quickly snapped my gaze forward.
She didn’t bat an eye, staring straight ahead with a blank face.
To think I’d share a stage with Chae Si-hyun before graduation.
Thanks to her, the weight of this moment really hit home.
Before my regression, I’d never even considered what it’d feel like up here.
Never thought I’d make it.
It wasn’t as nerve-wracking as I’d imagined.
Sure, it felt good.
Unexpectedly taking first place, and racking up all these new experiences right from the first semester after regressing.
The third- and second-years finished, and finally, the principal smiled at me.
“First-year Musical Theater major, Lee Do-hyun, step forward.”
I took one step forward at the MC’s call.
I’d stood on big stages and small ones plenty of times, but this was a first.
“This student has diligently pursued academics, achieving outstanding results and serving as an example to others, thus selected as an academic excellence awardee for the first semester of 2015.”
The principal read the certificate himself.
“Accordingly, we present this scholarship and certificate to Lee Do-hyun.”
Another thing I’d never experienced.
The academic excellence scholarship.
That’s why I’d grinned without realizing it when I first saw it in the auditorium.
And first place meant full scholarship—pretty damn satisfying.
The money was nice, but picturing my parents’ proud faces made it even better.
Unlike my previous life, I could start spoiling them early. Lucky me.
I bowed my head and accepted the certificate from the principal.
“Thank you.”
He smiled silently, patted my shoulder, and moved on.
From below, thunderous applause erupted from the first-year Musical Theater kids.
“Woo!! Do-hyun, you rock!”
Mixed with Woo-sik’s piercing whistle.
***
The vacation ceremony wrapped up, and with the kids scattering fast, the classroom felt empty.
Four remained.
Lee Do-hyun, Kim Sun-woo, Song Ha-na, Lee Cheong-ha.
The four sitting there barely spoke.
Lee Cheong-ha found the vibe awkward and uncomfortable.
*Why am I in this group…?*
Even if it was by grades, Moon Woo-hyuk—ranked above her—was missing, which made her inclusion weird.
“Congrats on the certificate. And the scholarship.”
At least Do-hyun was there.
She sat next to him, offering congrats for his academic award.
“Thanks.”
“You gotta treat us, right?”
“…Let’s find an all-you-can-eat spot.”
I meant it.
Lee Cheong-ha burst into giggles at my words.
I still couldn’t forget it.
How she’d devoured food like magic that day.
And the bill? Shocking.
No matter how I crunched the numbers, it didn’t add up.
Just then, Ji-woong returned from stepping out after the ceremony and stood at the podium.
Everyone’s eyes turned to him—he was the one who’d asked them to stay.
“All of you, come up front. I’ve got something to say.”
The ones in the back gathered around the podium.
“The school foundation has decided to give the top two male and female first-year Musical Theater students a chance to perform in the tryout for their large-scale musical.”
Tryout?
First I’d heard of it.
Had this happened before regression?
If I’d heard, I probably brushed it off since it didn’t involve me.
Stunned by the unexpected opportunity.
“Heeek!”
Lee Cheong-ha yelped in shock too.
Song Ha-na and Kim Sun-woo, though? Cool as cucumbers.
Guess they’d already known—probably common knowledge between them.
Lee Cheong-ha looked flustered amid the quiet room.
I whispered to ease her embarrassment from overreacting.
“It’s fine. I was shocked too.”
She let out a relieved sigh.
Tryout.
Usually a sports term, but in musicals, it’s different.
A tryout is a preview performance before the main run, testing the concept with an audience.
Like a beta show: pros take the main production, but it gives chances to up-and-comers.
Since it was a Cheongyeom Foundation show, they were giving their high schoolers a shot.
“Participation’s optional. The show’s *Pyeongchang-dong 777*.”
That was Ji-woong’s concise rundown.
*Pyeongchang-dong 777*.
A musical centered on a young man in Pyeongchang-dong, the mecca of chaebols.
A long-time favorite—no need for more explanation; any Musical Theater kid knew it.
“But it’s not guaranteed—you’ll audition. Here’s the info.”
Ji-woong handed out sheets one by one.
Audition date, location, tryout performance date, eligible roles—all listed.
“Check it and let me know by tomorrow.”
The kids sat quietly, scanning the papers quickly.
I barely registered anything else.
Just one thing jumped out.
The Korean Art Hall.
The last stage I’d stood on before regression.
Where I’d auditioned for *Dream Broadway* and got cast.
I still remembered every detail—the scenery, the lights.
This *Pyeongchang-dong 777* tryout was there too.
I had no real vacation plans anyway.
After a decade-plus without breaks, having one felt weird.
I’d practice regardless, and an audition would keep me sharp.
No need to overthink.
“I’ll participate.”
I announced it without hesitation.
Everyone stared at my snap decision.
“You sure? No more thinking?”
“Yeah. I want in.”
Right after, Song Ha-na shot her hand up.
“Me too.”
“Th-then me too!”
Song Ha-na’s move prompted Lee Cheong-ha to jump in quick.
Something off.
Sparks flying between those two?
“Teacher, I’ll think a bit more.”
“Got it. So Song Ha-na and Lee Cheong-ha are confirmed?”
Of the four, only Kim Sun-woo held off.
Ji-woong nodded, double-checking with Song Ha-na and Lee Cheong-ha.
“Yeah.”
“Yes!”
Even their replies competed.
“Alright, I’ll send your portfolios over. Expect direct contact from the organizers via text.”
With that, Ji-woong wrapped up.
“No trouble over break, got it? Don’t cause a scene just to see me.”
Watching his half-scolding, half-worried nagging, a weird thought hit.
Almost sounded like *go ahead and cause trouble so we can meet*.
“Have a good break. You’re all dismissed.”
The kids chorused “Bye, teacher!” and filed out.
I lingered last, hesitating, and Ji-woong looked up curiously.
“Why’re you still here?”
“Teacher. I’ll call when I miss you.”
I said it dead serious, pouring in sincerity.
His brows furrowed instantly.
“Sounds like you’re planning trouble.”
I flashed a grin at his annoyed tone, bowed 90 degrees, and left the classroom.
The start of my first summer break in 16 years.