Preparation (4)
There is cause and effect in everything. Cause and effect means cause and result. When a fire breaks out, when an accident happens, when a person dies—there is always a reason. There is no such thing as a result without a reason.
A passage from some bestseller. It's true. There are no results without reasons in this world.
I'd reached this point after enduring a cursed life repeated endlessly by the gods. What if I'd already married Lee Ji-yeon by now? Forget manager work—I probably couldn't even step outside the house, too busy playing househusband. Then I never would have scouted Hyeon Ha-yeon or Baek Ga-eun, and someday, when those women regained their memories, I'd face something horrific.
Things had gone smoothly so far. I was with Hyeon Ha-yeon and Baek Ga-eun, inching toward breaking the curse in a relatively safe—if anxious—way. There is cause and effect in everything. Rejecting Lee Ji-yeon's proposal was the cause, and this situation beneath me was the result.
"Haa... Cho-in, are you... focusing?"
Her ragged breathing and the light taps on my cheek snapped me back to reality. Without a word, I bent at the waist, bringing my face closer. She caught on quick, sticking out her tongue long to greet me.
Lately, I've been practically living with Lee Ji-yeon, so my stuff keeps piling up at her place. She's a heavy sleeper, but these days she's been waking up bright and early to help me get ready for work. With her assistance, I could head out leisurely. Before leaving, she'd grab me for a quick kiss on the lips, and off I'd go. Burning the midnight oil, passing out, then getting seen off in the morning—that's my routine. If we'd married normally, would it have felt like this?
Her cycle's coming around again soon. I dodged it last time by luck, but this round, there's no escaping— it'll go exactly as she wants. I swore after signing that contract I'd treat her mechanically, but sure enough, I went over the limit. Every night, the excitement dominating my body turned to self-loathing, weighing me down. No visits from the goddess meant nightmares hit frequently. Last time, I dreamed of my headless body floating in a boat. The fear that dreams could turn real kept me tossing and turning, only for Lee Ji-yeon to wake and pull me into her arms. Each time she held me protectively, a sliver of happiness crept in.
Deep in thought about my predicament, I arrived at Baek Ga-eun's place without realizing. Today was her first audition. She was ready and waiting, dressed in a simple dress that fit the role. I greeted her as she slid into the passenger seat and handed over a small blanket.
"Hello, Oppa."
She took the blanket with a grateful, pleasant smile.
As I pulled onto the road, Baek Ga-eun ventured cautiously, "...You've been really busy lately?"
It was out of the blue. Eyes on the road, I gave a vague reply. "...A bit, yeah."
Glancing sideways, I saw her hesitating, like she wanted to say more.
"...Oppa, do you go home much?"
I flinched unnecessarily and fixed my gaze ahead. "...Yeah. Why?"
She continued in a worried tone. "...You seem to be wearing the same clothes all the time."
I checked what I had on without thinking. True, I'd been rotating the few outfits I'd left at Lee Ji-yeon's. Couldn't tell the truth, so I brushed it off. "...Guess I've just been sticking to the ones upstairs."
To change the subject, I brought up the audition. "...Did you sleep okay last night?"
"...A little. I was nervous, but managed to drift off."
Even Baek Ga-eun gets jitters, huh. Her rookie-like reaction was kinda cute.
At a red light, I told her, "Check the glove compartment—there's a snack in there. Eat it."
She leaned over, grabbed a chocolate, and said, "Thanks. Want one, Oppa?"
"Huh? Nah, I'm goo—"
Before I could decline, something touched my lips. She'd tapped them with the chocolate.
"Come on, eat up quick. Light's about to change."
I ate it in the end. The light turned green right on cue, letting me hide my embarrassment.
We arrived at the audition venue and headed to the waiting room per staff directions. Plenty of time before it started, but lots of participants already. Some gripped scripts alone, practicing; others had managers. Quick scan—no familiar faces.
Led Baek Ga-eun to a corner seat. Suddenly, prickling stares—I noticed everyone eyeing her. Her simple, role-appropriate look couldn't hide that striking white hair and cute face; no wonder she drew attention. But the girl who'd once graced stages acted unfazed.
I handed her warm water as she sat and whispered, "...Relax, okay...?"
She smiled brightly, taking it. "...Thanks."
As she sipped, I pulled out her script. Looking around, hers stood out pristine compared to the others'. She took the untouched stack without even opening it and turned to me. "...I'm a bit nervous."
She showed zero signs, which only ramped up my tension. She didn't know about my deal with Chief Choi. Baek Ga-eun aimed to claim the lead on her own merits. Her skills could carry it, so I didn't want to pull strings—but a little insurance wouldn't hurt.
Script on her lap, she fidgeted with her hands. Her pale knuckles suggested she was faking calm. I set down my bag and murmured, "...Want me to massage them?"
After a moment's thought, she quietly offered one hand. Even just that—I grabbed it, kneading away. It warmed gradually. Tension easing, she finally glanced at the script.
A staffer entered soon after, announcing the start. Murmurs filled the room as the first contestant was called. Baek Ga-eun was seventh. About five minutes each; some returned early. Lee Ji-yeon had turned pro with fame, skipping supporting roles, so this felt fresh.
Then a staffer shouted, "Lee Yun-ah, aspiring for Kim Ji-woo!"
Baek Ga-eun's role. Someone across the room jumped up—a brown bob, gentle face, vaguely familiar but nameless.
"Lee Yun-ah! Right here!"
She dashed off with a bold smile. Where do I know her from...? Trainee?)
"...Know her?"
Baek Ga-eun glanced up from her script.
"...Nah, just looks familiar."
She stared at me a while, then back to reading. Five minutes later, Lee Yun-ah returned grinning. Our eyes met; she startled, whipping her head away.
...Am I that scary-looking?
Next call: "Baek Ga-eun, aspiring for Kim Ji-woo!"
Her turn.
Baek Ga-eun returned after ten minutes, wearing an odd smile. "How'd it go?" I asked.
"Felt good."
She sat without elaborating. Basically a lock, but I prodded anyway—she dodged. Audition wrapped; staff announced passers.
"...Yoo Ji-hoo role: [name]..."
"...Seol Ji-tae role: [name]..."
"...Park Soo-ah role: Lee Yun-ah..."
Mixed reactions: joy, despair, anxiety. Heart pounding, I waited for Kim Ji-woo. Finally:
"Kim Ji-woo role: Baek Ga-eun..."
Deep sigh of relief. Knew it'd happen, but palms were sweaty. I turned to her. "...Congrats, Ga-eun."
She beamed. "Thanks."
Staff said they'd contact winners and left. We packed up and headed out, chatting about celebratory drinks en route to the car.