Chapter 148: It Began by Chance
It had all started by chance. What began as coincidence naturally turned into inevitability, and by the finale, it had become an irreplaceable bond. His first solo overseas trip had yielded so much.
He'd learned how world-acclaimed shows operated, the performance culture and systems of the West End, and more. By watching dozens of productions live in the holy land of musicals and theater, he'd absorbed countless lessons. He'd shared the stage with global musical stars representing the West End in a rare experience. Though he was still just a nameless actor waiting for his chance to perform, he'd even collaborated with those who believed he'd soon shine as a rising star.
Oh, and one more thing! He'd even picked up singing as a new "special skill." Every moment in London had been a priceless chain of experiences, too valuable to rate. As he replayed those two months—when every day had felt like a mere minute—in his mind,
Vroom.
Woojin checked out of the hotel, loaded his luggage, and hit the road. He soaked in the morning sun pouring down on the wide highway, joyfully cruising scenic routes like the Blackwall Tunnel and Bayswater Road to savor his final day in London.
The next day, he returned the Mini Cooper he'd grown fond of during the trip to the rental office and entered Heathrow Airport (LHR). The place was packed today. It felt at least 1.5 times busier than when he'd first arrived in London.
"Phew, good thing I made it."
Woojin let out a sigh of relief. Lily, John, Michael, Anne, Peter, and several key staff he'd befriended quickly at the party—they'd all insisted on seeing him off at the airport. He'd barely talked them out of it, breaking a sweat. If they'd shown up at Heathrow, he might not have boarded his Incheon flight.
Ring ring.
He checked his bags and headed straight for the gate. Perfect timing—his hyung Jun-an called.
"Woojin-ah, you boarding now?"
"Yeah, hyung. Heading on!"
"Good! What time you landing?"
"3:30 p.m. tomorrow, Korean time, at Incheon."
"I'll be there to pick you up."
"Thanks, hyung. See you tomorrow."
"Hurry back—I miss you!"
Jun-an hyung's excited voice echoed through the phone. Guess hyung's been itching too. Woojin swallowed a laugh. Saying goodbye to the friendships blossoming in London was bittersweet. But on the flip side, it meant reuniting with the faces he'd missed.
The passion and hunger for acting that had burned endlessly while working as "us" with Anne and Peter—it was time to reignite it. Chatting away with Jun-an hyung, boarding time arrived in the blink of an eye. Woojin boarded the plane with a different kind of anticipation than his arrival.
Of course, this time there was no shoe-removal fiasco... Wait a sec.
For a split second, he imagined Baek Woo-hee cackling. Ah, I was in such a good mood. Come to think of it, he'd completely forgotten amid everything.
"Duhhhnurh bruhz, buhkuh..."
Top priority upon returning to Korea: make Baek Woo-hee pay for making him take off his shoes. His London trip had taught him the essence of "give and take." He'd repay her double. He'd brainstorm payback ideas over the 11-hour flight.
Grip.
His hand tightened unconsciously on the bag he'd bought for his sister. For a brief moment, he ground his teeth, tempted to sell it at some "onion market." Then,
"I'll show you to your seat."
"Ah, yes... thank you."
The flight attendant's gentle voice and smile snapped him back. There's no brother as kind as me... You better know you're lucky, Baek Woo-hee, he grumbled inwardly as he followed her to his seat.
Slide.
He set up his laptop and bedding, slipped on his headset, and reclined. Music flowed from the YouTube video on his laptop. The song was "Naughty," the main number from Matilda, Lily's first lead role after debuting as Fantine in Les Misérables.
Even if you’re little, you can do a lot.
You mustn’t let a little thing like ‘little’ stop you.
If you sit around and let them get on top of you,
You might as well be saying you think that it’s okay,
And that’s not right♪
The original Matilda cast DVD had been officially released back then, but now the premiere was freely available on YouTube as times changed. He could fully enjoy Lily's catchy tone plugging right into his ears. Her voice matched the song's vibe perfectly, and the video showed her debut partners Michael and John in their youthful days. Most of the Notre-Dame de Paris cast appeared unchanged. Their harmony had been top-tier back then—and still was. Talent like that doesn't fade.
Ah, this is good...
Listening to the familiar voices' harmony soothed his mind. Heh, guess I'm a full-fledged musical fan now. Hearing a song and suddenly thinking, If I just got the chance, I'd love to stand on that stage, said it all. Yeah. Like Anne and Peter dreamed, he dreamed of that day too...
Woojin gently closed his eyes. Sleep came drifting in.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we will be taking off shortly. Please confirm your seatbelts are fastened. Thank you."
Moments later, the announcement played as the plane took off. Woojin opened his heavy eyelids and gazed out the window. Before reaching altitude, London filled his view below the clouds. He silently took in the city's final panorama until white clouds veiled the miniature skyline.
"I'll be back. Goodbye."
He murmured softly and closed his eyes again. The song sweetly tapping his ears had shifted to,
Last time I saw you, we had just split in two.
You were looking at me, I was looking at you!
We'll meet again soon, my friends.
Ding.
The lights dimmed with the chime. Just before pulling the shade, London's sky caught his eye—clear and blue even on his departure day.
* * *
11 hours later, Incheon International Airport.
After immigration and baggage claim, he exited to see Jun-an waving from afar. Their two-month reunion was indescribably joyful.
"Woo! ...jin-ah."
"...!"
Jun-an nearly shouted Woojin's name loud enough to shake the hall but clamped his mouth shut. The West End after-party and busking videos had kept the buzz alive. A full yell would've drawn a mob instantly.
Jun-an patted his chest, glancing around furtively, then hustled Woojin out of the airport. Only in the car did he explode.
"You're finally here, my actor! I missed you!"
"Wha—huh? Whoa! Hyung, hold on, hold on!"
"Woojin-ahhh!"
Jun-an hugged him repeatedly, unleashing pent-up joy and longing.
"Guhk... urp!"
Jun-an was naturally bigger than Woojin. It felt like yesterday he'd miraculously dieted(?) by accidentally joining actor training during Justice and celebrated his sharp jawline. But where'd that go? Back to chubby in two months?
Woojin barely breathed in the aggressive embrace.
"Hyung... I was thrilled half to death, but seriously... I'm dying."
"Right? I nearly died waiting for you!"
"Ack!"
The hug dragged on. Subjectively over five minutes before Woojin escaped.
Ring ring.
"Ah, Woojin-ah, hold on..."
Jun-an took the call. Whoever it is, thank you for saving me...
"Yes, Team Leader. Picked up Woojin now. Yep, heading straight to the company."
Life saver: Kim Tae-gon, team leader. Jun-an hung up, grinning at Woojin.
"Woojin-ah, rest on the flight?"
"Yeah, slept like a rock."
"Okay, company first then? Everyone's waiting for you."
"I'm fine with that, but everyone's waiting?"
Woojin asked puzzled. Jun-an started the engine.
"Told you on the phone. Lily Header's SNS post blew up."
Right, he'd heard vaguely.
"Then your busking video dropped. Total chaos."
"Did I... cause trouble?"
"Big time! Massive scandal. You have no idea how the company flipped."
"Guess so? I saw friends posted it and didn't think much."
"Yeah, you never check the net. Look now."
Woojin checked the portal site. "Baek Woojin" still pulled "musical," "West End," "Lily Header," even "Baek Woojin overseas debut" in related searches.
Wow. 'Chaos' hits home.
"Wanna send you home to rest, but stuff piled up. Management team's waiting, CEO too."
Jun-an summarized softly. Details at the company.
"Super curious how you befriended world-class musical actors, but no spoilers—tell us all at once there!"
"Didn't I tell you before?"
"Summary only. I need the full version! Kahahat!"
Jun-an boomed with laughter. Work talk flooded in right after landing. Yet it thrilled him. Back from healing to the grind, smiles kept creeping up. Agency family, Jun-an hyung's high energy. Korea's scenery he'd missed.
I'm home.
"Uwa!"
Woojin stretched his arms.
"Hyung, scripts piled up for me?"
"Tons."
Woojin's eyes sparkled with appetite. He couldn't wait to hit the company and check them all.
"What... works are waiting for me this time?"
Curious about next scripts upon return? Classic Baek Woojin. Jun-an nodded instinctively, heart racing. And Woojin was most excited of all.