Chapter 33: Duality (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 33: Duality (1)
It was morning, on the walk up to Myunghwa High School.
I passed through the main gate at a sluggish pace, blinking my sleep-heavy eyes.
“...”
The chatter of other students drifted over from all directions.
“Did you watch Black World yesterday?”
“Oh, you too? I checked it out because everyone said it was blowing up, and it’s totally my style.”
— “Ah, I wonder when the next episode is coming out...”
I spotted a Mini-Me trudging along, shoulders slumped.
Is it really that good?
Between the Mini-Mes and the people around me, it seemed like everyone was talking about Black World.
That was the project Shin A-young’s father filmed, right?
I hadn't seen it myself, but from what I heard, it was even more popular than expected. With this much buzz, it was more than just a hit—it was looking like the kind of blockbuster that only comes around once a year.
...Wait, if that’s the case.
I quickened my pace toward the classroom. A sense of unease had begun to settle in.
“...”
Ah.
— Swarm.
A crowd of kids had already gathered around Shin A-young. They stood in a line like a human wall. It looked impossible to even reach my seat.
“No, I’m telling you, it ended right there!”
“Seriously, how am I supposed to wait until next week?”
The voices were loud and boisterous. The topic, of course, was the drama.
“A-young, have you met the actors in person? I heard the cast is really close.”
At that question, Shin A-young shook her head.
“No, I haven’t met them either.”
She responded to each person with a subtle, polite smile.
Yes, that was the usual Shin A-young. Lately, in the counseling office, she had shown a more relaxed side where her "acting" slipped a bit, but fundamentally, acting was her daily life.
“Hmm...”
I watched the scene from a distance. The population density in that small space was no joke. At the same time, I couldn't hear the Mini-Mes' voices properly.
“...”
Right now, the sound was faint because of the distance, but I knew my head would start throbbing the moment I got any closer.
Besides, it would be over soon anyway—
— Ding-dong-dang-dong.
The bell rang for the start of class. The students naturally dispersed at the sound.
“...”
I took the opportunity to quickly slip into my seat.
“You’re popular from the early morning, I see.”
“...Tell me about it.”
Shin A-young replied in a tone thick with exhaustion.
— “Sigh... I seriously want to go home early...”
Her Mini-Me had a sharp, edgy look on its face.
“...”
I fell silent for a moment as I watched it. I hadn't seen that side of her lately because she’d been mellow, likely having nothing to be stressed about. It felt like it had been a while.
*
Fourth period ended.
Students began trickling out of the classroom in a hurry. Most were heading to the cafeteria, while others made a break for the school snack shop.
Shin A-young tidied her books with a few brisk taps before standing up. Her friends would be waiting for her in the hallway.
“A-young!”
A voice she didn't recognize made her slow her pace. It was a name she had already heard called dozens of times today alone.
Turning around slowly, she saw a girl who had been in her class last year. The girl walked up with a friendly stride and stuck close to her side.
“Black World is so good.”
This was another expected topic.
“Really? I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Shin A-young put on an innocent smile. What she had slightly overlooked was that her polite reaction only encouraged the girl to pour out more words.
“I’ve been totally hooked since the first episode. Your father’s acting is seriously amazing.”
Shin A-young nodded. Once the conversation started, it kept flowing.
“He’s a villain, but he’s so charismatic. Wow...” The girl gave two thumbs up. “I think I’ve become a total fan.”
“...”
“...So, about that...”
Here comes the main point.
The girl subtly held out a Chocomong she had been clutching in one hand.
“Could you get me just one autograph? Please? I’m begging you.”
“...”
Hmm.
How many times had this happened today? From morning until now, she’d had almost no rest except during class time. To each of them, they were just one person asking a favor, but did they have any idea she had to deal with dozens of them?
This had happened last year too, but it had quieted down recently... It seemed the drama had triggered it all over again.
...Sigh.
Shin A-young swallowed a sigh. She felt her internal fatigue continuing to pile up, but she couldn't exactly get angry.
“...I’m sorry. He’s been so busy lately that he barely even comes home. I don't think he’ll have the time.”
The answer came out like a scripted macro. Shin A-young skillfully rejected the request, just as she always had. Of course, she handed the Chocomong back to the girl as well.
“Ah... I guess so, right?”
The girl scratched the back of her neck, looking embarrassed. Was that all she wanted? She hesitated with an awkward expression for a moment before turning away.
“W-well, have a good lunch.”
“Yeah, you too.”
Shin A-young gave a small wave. She didn't forget to keep her smile until the very end.
“...”
Only after confirming the girl had completely disappeared from sight did she...
Whew.
She let out a long breath. Shin A-young turned back toward the three people who had been waiting for her in silence.
“Did you wait long?”
“Yep.”
“...”
As she stood there, slightly flustered by Ji Nuri’s blunt answer, Nuri gave her a playful nudge on the shoulder, saying it was a joke.
“Anyway, what’s for lunch today?”
At Lee Seung-ho’s casual question, Shin A-young answered.
“Gochujang Pork Bulgogi.”
“...Spicy pork again?”
“Yeah.”
She let out a soft laugh at the sight of Lee Seung-ho’s tired expression. As expected, this was where she felt most comfortable.
*
“Oh my, look who it is!”
As soon as they entered the cafeteria, the server's face lit up. It happened the moment she spotted Shin A-young.
“Oh, hello...?”
Shin A-young bowed her head slightly in greeting. Even then, she was conscious of the line behind her. There were many people waiting.
“Could you tell your father I’m really enjoying the drama lately?”
The woman kept talking with a beaming smile. It seemed she had been watching the drama as well.
“Thank you. I’ll be sure to tell him.”
Shin A-young nodded with a bright smile.
So please, just serve the food quickly.
She cast a subtle glance behind her, hoping the woman would take the hint.
“Oh, this isn't the time for chatting.”
Had she finally realized? The woman began moving busily again.
Plop—
She scooped up a generous portion of meat with her ladle.
“Here, eat up!”
“Ah.”
Shin A-young stepped back slightly. Even so, it was far too much.
“You can really just give me a little. I’m on a diet right now.”
She couldn't eat that much anyway. She tended to get tired of meat quickly. With this amount, two-thirds of it would end up as leftovers.
“Oh, stop it! What diet?” The cafeteria lady gripped Shin A-young’s tray. “You’re already skin and bones. You need to eat a lot when you’re growing. We made plenty today, so don't worry about the amount.”
Splat—
The red sauce was poured onto the tray.
“...Thank you.”
Looking at the mountain of meat piled high enough to overflow, she gave her usual eye-smile. It was a natural, practiced smile.
“...”
Shin A-young trudged away. The worry of how she would finish it all filled her mind.
“...”
...No, there was no need to feel frustrated. It wasn't out of bad intentions; the woman was just trying to look out for her. She should take it as a kind gesture.
Yes, let’s think positively.
Shin A-young kept repeating that to herself internally. However, a subtle murmur still lingered somewhere deep in her chest.
“...”
As Shin A-young scanned the area for a seat...
“Over here, over here.”
Lee Sol, who was already seated, tapped the spot next to her. Lee Seung-ho and Ji Nuri were sitting nearby as well. It was always the same group. It was also the one place where she could eat in relative peace.
Shin A-young naturally moved toward them.
“...”
She sat down and picked up her chopsticks. She took a bite of the meat. The spicy flavor spread through her mouth. The taste wasn't bad. In fact, it was delicious.
She ate the meat, then the rice. She continued her meal in silence.
After a while...
“...”
The rice was already gone, but the tray was still full of meat. Her stomach already felt bloated. As expected, the portion size was the problem.
“...Sip.”
Shin A-young forced herself to swallow another bite of meat.
“...”
Ugh.
She felt nauseous. The spicy flavor helped a bit, but the specific, cloying feeling of the meat remained. Yet, she couldn't leave it behind.
“...”
Rumors might spread that the celebrity’s daughter left her food, or that she was ungrateful. One might call it ridiculous criticism, but there were people in the world like that—people who looked for any reason to tear someone down. It was something she had already experienced back in middle school.
“...”
Shin A-young felt gazes on her that were heavier than usual. Most people were just eating, but there were one or two people mixed in who were stealing glances in her direction.
...Hmm.
Those stares felt increasingly burdensome.
“...”
I guess I have no choice.
Just as she was about to pick up her chopsticks again, determined to force it down...
“Hey.”
Shin A-young looked up at the voice. Lee Seung-ho was pointing at the meat with his chopsticks.
“...If you’re not going to eat that, can this one have it?”
“...?”
...The phrasing was a bit strange. Shin A-young blinked. He didn't say "I," he said "this one."
When she turned her gaze to see what he meant...
“...”
There, she saw Ji Nuri, who was secretly eyeing the meat. Nuri cleared her throat and maintained a calm expression.
“...I mean, if you’re giving it away, I guess I could eat it.”
Ji Nuri spoke like that, but she looked expectant inwardly.
This was an opportunity. Shin A-young pushed her tray to the side. Some went to Ji Nuri, and the small amount remaining was split between Lee Sol and Lee Seung-ho.
The mountain of meat vanished completely.
“...”
Shin A-young looked back at him. ...Did he help her on purpose?
“...”
Well, she didn't know. For some reason, she couldn't read his expression. Lee Seung-ho was simply focusing on his meal again with his usual face.
Whatever the case, a feeling of gratitude welled up.
“...”
Now that the immediate problem was solved, the feeling of being stuffed began to subside.
“Whew...”
Shin A-young exhaled slowly. She felt like her head was clearing up. Her vision seemed to open up wide.
“...”
Right. Let’s just endure a little longer. In the end, this was just a temporary buzz caused by the drama.
It would quiet down before long.