Adios, My Lamentable Past
As if the crank-up had never happened, another two months slipped by. In that time, Woojin scouted new places to live and dove into ADR post-recording sessions for Red Petals. Far from resting, he kept a packed schedule that made the word "hiatus" feel like a joke.
With his backlog finally clearing up, a sense of leisure began to return. That's when thoughts started crowding his mind.
What should I pick for my next project?
It was only natural to ponder his follow-up work. And...
Before, I couldn't do a thing for Mom or my sister...
Gazing at his bank balance—still hefty even after subtracting the jeonse deposit and moving costs for the new place—tender thoughts of his family welled up.
Seoul-Incheon (ICN) ↔ Okinawa (OKA) Round-Trip Tickets for 2: Booking Confirmed.
His feelings toward his family had shifted. No longer just regret, they were now laced with pride. After all, he could now give anything to the two women he loved most in the world.
He'd booked flights for his mom and sister, who had never traveled abroad. Okinawa was close enough for his sister's week-long vacation limit—a bit disappointing, but his smile wouldn't fade.
With the move already packed, the room felt empty. Yet his beaming grin filled the void completely.
Come to think of it...
Woojin, smiling at the "Payment Complete" on his phone, turned his head. The crimson diary beside him drew his gaze like a magnet.
The grateful object that had granted him this pride and peace.
It's been over a year since I returned to the past.
Staring blankly at the diary, Woojin sank into thought. So much had happened. A stellar debut, instant recognition of his talent, securing a lead role. He'd planted himself as a top actor overnight. Starring in Ryu Chang-min's retirement masterpiece, with release imminent.
No more fretting over monthly rent or living expenses. He could pursue his passion without financial worry.
"What exactly is it?"
Woojin whispered to himself in a low voice.
Now that his overflowing thirst for acting from his nameless days had eased, one burning question filled his mind.
A mystery he'd buried in his regression-fueled acting frenzy.
【The Contractor may receive detailed information on this contract and system once progress reaches 50% or higher.】
Those "basic terms" from the white room on his first diary dive. That one clause had stuck out.
What are the 'detailed contract and system' specifics?
What secrets does this diary hold?
What if progress stalls?
What happens after 50%?
Is there a way to learn sooner?
Questions bred more questions, curiosity swelling. His mind grew tangled—
【Contractor Name: Baek Woojin】
The signature at the bottom of the first page caught his eye first. Yes, it all started here...
Whoa?!
Flipping slowly, Woojin's eyes widened. This should've been the analysis page on Kyu-bo hyung from Wanted.
【Current Mission Progress: 20%】
【Day 477 since contract activation.】
Hold on. Was this page always here?
He'd seen the progress before, but days since regression? Definitely new.
Why hadn't he noticed it before?
Expecting answers or hints from the diary, he only found more mystery, complicating things further.
"......"
Pondering, Woojin quietly picked up his pen. Like always...
Maybe writing something would trigger it. It always shone in crucial moments.
He swallowed dryly as the pen neared the page.
Clunk.
"Woojin-ah."
The front door opened, a sudden presence jolting him.
"......!"
Startled, Woojin slammed the diary shut and whipped his head toward the sound.
"What? Why so jumpy?"
Jun-an entered with a puzzled look.
"You scared me... When did you get here?"
"'Bout twenty minutes ago."
"You waited? You should've called."
"I did, but you didn't pick up, so I let myself in, dude."
Checking his phone, three missed calls. When did it even ring?
"Anyway, what's that you hid so fast?"
To Jun-an's question, Woojin hastily stashed the diary and mumbled.
"Oh, just my acting notes."
"Acting notes?"
"Yeah. Stuff from Wanted and Red Petals. Just reviewing."
"Whoa~ Revisiting finished projects? True Baek Woojin diligence king!"
"Nah. Sorry for making you wait anyway."
"Actor lost in acting thoughts? I'll let it slide."
Jun-an grinned cheerfully and continued.
"All set?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
Jun-an nodded and headed out first.
Phew, close call. Almost busted the diary.
"Hyung, wait."
About to get in the car, Woojin paused and turned back. An inexplicable pull.
Returning to the entrance, he opened the door for one last look at the empty one-room.
Fifteen years from his first arrival in Seoul chasing acting dreams. Plus one more since regression.
A long time in this Mangwon-dong haven. Staring at the scene, he whispered,
"Bittersweet."
The word captured his inexpressible emotion. His voice trailed off naturally, but no tears welled.
Unlike the thorny path before, he now walked silk—toward greater heights, a new beginning.
Scribble scribble.
He opened the diary and wrote carefully, letter by letter, like his wish for Kyu-bo hyung.
[2011. 05. 06 Moving to Cheongdam-dong.]
A message to his nameless self, who had been him, and another him.
Thud.
Closing the diary, Woojin's face lightened with relief. He turned and stepped away lightly.
His retreating figure seemed to say,
'Adios, mi lamentable pasado.'
Goodbye, my unfortunate past.
Flower Entertainment, one of Korea's top actor agencies, buzzed from morning. True to its reputation, the management team's office thrummed with meetings between planning and PR teams.
Multitasking tangled everything.
"JS Film's starting a new project."
"SBC's Mon-Tue drama My World began casting meetings yesterday."
"Park Soo-hyun's drama schedule changed today. B Team only."
With big stars, casting buzz and schedule tweaks flew nonstop.
"PR, delay Shin Da-hee's casting article to next week. Embargo."
"Got it."
"More reports?"
Team leader Kim Tae-gon's question drew deputy Lee Min-seong's quick reply.
"Casting offer from director Lee Tae-hoon."
"For who?"
"Actor Baek Woojin. Got the script last night."
"Okay. Let's see."
Checking his schedule, Kim Tae-gon said,
"We'll review and reply by next week."
"Understood."
"No more? Morning meeting adjourned. Dismissed!"
"Good work."
The room cleared crisply, leaving only Kim Tae-gon and Lee Min-seong.
"Min-seong-ah."
Kim Tae-gon glanced at his notes.
"That Woojin casting. What's the role they're offering?"
"Script's got six leads. He's the youngest."
"Genre?"
"Crime action. Macau backdrop, diamond heist from a casino?"
"Intriguing script, and Lee Tae-hoon directing? Solid option. Pass it to Woojin for discussion."
"Got it. And team leader."
"Yeah?"
"One more."
"What?"
Handing over a script from a binder, Lee Min-seong said,
"Someone dropped it at the lobby this morning. Wants Woojin as lead. Insisted we deliver."
"Really?"
Eyeing the cover, Kim Tae-gon asked,
"Ra Ho-chan? Unique name. First time hearing it."
"Checked: KAFA class of 15. Some assistant directing experience. Feature debut."
"What?"
Skimming quickly, Kim Tae-gon frowned.
"Dude, vibe and scale scream indie. Investment secured?"
Lee Min-seong shook his head.
"No. Just checked before meeting. Still scouting funds. If not, director's self-funding."
Kim Tae-gon snorted, closing the script.
"Tell them we're discussing next projects already."
"Pardon?"
"Pass. No thanks."
He continued,
"With Woojin's incoming scripts piling up, an unbacked indie from a newbie? Ridiculous."
Lee Min-seong nodded. Irrefutable.
Past work: a master's film, pre-release hype. Acclaimed acting, hot spotlight. This was a shabby mismatch.
"True."
"Just reviewing received scripts is tight. If you were Woojin, you'd take it?"
"Hell no!"
"Exactly. We filter it here. No need to bother Woojin."
Kim Tae-gon's tone was firm as they left the room.
"Where's Woojin now?"
"Packing for the move today. With Jun-an."
"Move? Right, today's the day."
"Five minutes away."
"Cool. Call and have him come if free."
"Now?"
"Hand off scripts quick. Gotta nail next project. See that?"
He pointed to his desk, scripts stacked to overflowing.
"You're right, team leader..."
Lee Min-seong agreed, calling Jun-an to relay.
"He can come now."
"Great. Man, so busy. Wish I had two bodies~"
"Smoke break?"
"Sure."
Lee Min-seong tossed the script onto his desk and followed Kim Tae-gon out.
The precariously perched script—
Thud—fell to the floor, pages fluttering.