Chapter 29
Chapter 29
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Even as a Villain, I Want to Debut
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Passing through a narrow alleyway, I entered the villa neighborhood where Won Ji-an lived.
My first impression of Won Ji-an's place was how neat it was. From the moment I stepped inside, I could tell the house was well-organized and spotless.
I'd half-expected it. It just seemed like something Won Ji-an would do.
"Uh, come on in. Just take off your shoes here."
I kicked off my shoes haphazardly and followed Won Ji-an inside.
"Sit wherever."
"Ah, okay."
I sat awkwardly on the sofa.
Truth be told, it felt strange. This was my first time visiting a friend's house—someone I could actually call a friend.
With nowhere else to look, I just turned my head aimlessly when Won Ji-an plopped down right next to me. Silence quickly filled the room, doubling the awkwardness.
"Nervous, right?"
Won Ji-an's voice broke the quiet.
"...About what?"
"Today's the broadcast day!"
Ah, that's what he meant.
"Wow, it feels like the first episode aired just yesterday, but time flies. Right?"
"Yeah."
I nodded.
Honestly, after the debut episode, the past week had felt unreal.
Still, I figured I could watch today's episode more relaxed than last week's.
My performance had already aired in the first episode, so I probably wouldn't have much screen time this time. No need to worry about how I'd come across on TV.
'What I need to worry about right now is this.'
One was already complete.
The remaining one was Won Ji-an's real name...
'How am I supposed to find out his real name?'
I'd thought coming here would uncover some clue to his real identity...
But it didn't look easy. Especially since it was someone else's house, making it even more daunting.
"Hey, want something to drink?"
Won Ji-an stood up awkwardly while I was lost in thought.
"Huh? What do you have?"
"Wait a sec."
Won Ji-an headed to the kitchen and opened the fridge. The moment the door swung open, something covered the entire back wall.
Pear juice cartons.
"...You really like pear juice, huh?"
Won Ji-an squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head vigorously.
"No!"
His unexpected response tilted my head in confusion.
"Then what's all that?"
"Well... I heard pear juice is good for throat care, so I ordered some, but I messed up and way too much came. So... heh heh."
He's such a scatterbrain.
Mental note: add that to the list.
"Mind if I have one?"
"Yeah! Of course."
I crouched in front of the fridge to grab a carton, feeling Won Ji-an's sparkling gaze from the side.
"If it's good, take a bunch. It's great for throat care, apparently."
"...Sure."
I endured the intense stare and pulled out one carton.
Won Ji-an probably saw me as his savior from this mountain of pear juice.
'I thought I'd find a clue to his real name, but all I've got so far is his excessive pear juice stash.'
I sat back on the sofa, scanning the interior to memorize the layout.
For now, I'd search for clues when the opportunity arose. If none came, I'd have to create one myself.
One hour before the broadcast.
We decided to order delivery so we could eat while watching.
"What should we get?"
"Pizza?"
"Sounds good."
Pizza was definitely the easiest delivery food to eat and clean up.
"What kind do you like?"
"Me? I love Hawaiian pizza!"
New info unlocked.
Hawaiian pizza: added to Won Ji-an's favorites.
"What about you, Won-woo?"
"Hm, never really tried it."
"Huh? Never?"
I nodded.
Truth be told, I hadn't eaten much pizza at all, Hawaiian or otherwise.
Maybe once or twice in school when the homeroom teacher ordered for the class. Otherwise, no spare cash for delivery.
"Then you probably missed all the online drama about it lately."
"Drama?"
"Yeah, tons of debate. Like, Hawaiian pizza isn't real pizza... You haven't heard?"
There was controversy like that?
Whatever. Hawaiian, whatever—whoever eats the most wins, right?
I hit order with those thoughts, and the app notified that the shop accepted, now preparing.
Staring blankly at the completed order screen, I muttered.
"Oh, forgot the cola."
Won Ji-an sighed at my words.
"Agh... Really? What now?"
Lie, of course.
I'm not dumb enough to forget drinks when ordering pizza.
This was a calculated move. A lame ploy to get Won Ji-an out of the house for a bit by "forgetting" the drinks.
"I could go get some... but I don't know where the convenience store is around here."
I pulled my dumbest face.
"The streets are confusing."
I scratched my neck, gazing at him with maximum helpless-puppy eyes.
I'm no directionless fool, and apps show routes anyway. But right now, I needed to play the idiot.
"I'll go!"
Predictable.
I knew Won Ji-an would say that.
"Thanks."
"No problem. The store's super close. Can't make a guest run errands anyway. Just wait a bit."
Won Ji-an grabbed a hoodie and prepped to head out.
Normally, I'd insist as the one who messed up, but today I had to be selfish. It was the only way to clear this damn quest.
'Round trip to the nearest store: 10 minutes total. Add shopping and checkout...'
Plenty of time. A bit tight, but doable.
The place wasn't big, so searching shouldn't take long.
"Be back soon!"
"Yeah. Drive safe."
The door clicked shut behind him. I bolted up from the sofa.
'Sorry, homeowner...'
You shouldn't rummage through someone else's house, especially without permission. But survival was on the line.
'Living room and one bedroom, looks like.'
I moved fast. Had to finish before he returned.
Started with the living room drawers.
"Hmm..."
Batteries, screwdriver—useless junk.
'No clues here.'
I memorized positions, restored everything, closed the drawer.
Checked every drawer. Nothing.
'Try the bedroom.'
Stepped into Won Ji-an's room: bed, computer desk.
Drawers built into the desk—smaller than living room ones, thankfully. Checked watch, then eased one open.
Scraaaape.
'Nothing here.'
Scraaaape.
'Nothing...'
No clues anywhere.
Time ticking, no progress—frustrating.
'Pretty sure I've checked everywhere...'
Then I spotted under the bed.
'Maybe there?'
On a hunch, I lay flat and peered underneath. A leather-covered notebook.
Hadn't opened it, but I knew instantly: that was the clue.
I yanked it out and flipped it open.
'...Music notes, looks like.'
Filled with songwriting inspirations and ideas.
Didn't know he had talent there. Creative type—news to me.
'Might as well read it.'
No creepy hobby of snooping diaries, but no choice.
Tiny details snowball like butterfly effects here.
Again, my life's at stake—no room for courtesy. Only way to find the real name.
'Sorry, Won Ji-an.'
I opened the notebook.
Flipping pages, a slipped paper fell out.
'What's this?'
Took seconds to see: sheet music. Won Ji-an's original composition, probably.
I read the handwritten lyrics.
'Wait...'
Something off.
Familiar lyrics. Heard them before?
Where?
Pondering the eerie familiarity—
'Ah.'
It hit me.
A memory flashed: music room, someone singing...
'Won Ji-an was that kid?'
Song origin clicked—his identity too.
Ironically, Won Ji-an was someone from my past life.
'...Dan I-kyung. The kid in my class.'
Not great with names, but hers stuck—unique.
No friends, always alone. Like me, yet different.
'Any connection...'
Memory surfaced.
'I was sick yesterday and missed school—can I see your notes?'
She'd asked me for notes and got shut down.
That sparked floods of memories.
Early semester, she'd approached: want to be friends?
What'd I say?
—Why would I?
...Vaguely recall telling her to buzz off.
Cafeteria chat too.
—Why eat alone?
—Huh?
—Eat together. It's lonely alone.
—That's your opinion. I like eating alone. Don't sit without asking.
Something like that.
Images resurfaced: me wordlessly moving seats, her eating sadly alone.
'Was I that much of a jerk?'
Why was I like that?
Regret's pointless now.
'Aah...'
Knowing Won Ji-an's true self darkened my mind.
Maybe guilt—I rushed to close the notebook.
"...Won-woo."
A voice shattered the silence. My brain froze.
Slowly turning, there stood Won Ji-an at the door.
"What are you doing?"
Chills ran down my spine.