“Nam…… Yeji?”
Choi Dowon’s eyes widened at the appearance of someone he hadn’t expected to encounter right now.
“How did you get here……..”
“The leader sent me. He said the kid’s ability is still unstable.”
Nam Yeji shrugged nonchalantly.
Leader, isn’t it still unstable? Is it okay to send just Choi Dowon and that kid out?
Worried, Yeji?
Worried? I’m just concerned it might affect people badly if those two die…….
If you’re that worried, go check on them. You’re strong enough not to be in danger outside.
…Seriously, Leader.
In reality, Nam Yeji had approached Baek Seongjae first because she wanted to go out, but she deliberately hid that.
There was no need to tell the truth.
And it was a bit embarrassing.
“The leader…….”
Choi Dowon took Nam Yeji’s words at face value. He nodded with a serious face.
*Well, even if he sent us out, he probably didn’t want us to actually die…….
Choi Dowon wasn’t a fool. He knew Baek Seongjae had been calling Song Seojun aside lately to teach him about special abilities.
Every night he got up and went to a corner, and Choi Dowon, sleeping right next to him, couldn’t have missed it even once.
“Anyway, let’s hurry back. Looks like you gathered a lot of resources.”
Nam Yeji nodded toward the bag Choi Dowon had slung in front, pointing with her weapon.
“Yeah, got it.”
Choi Dowon nodded obediently and hoisted Song Seojun on his back.
“Give me the bag.”
“That’s-“
“Don’t be stubborn. You’re carrying the kid and the load? What if we get attacked again?”
“……Okay.”
Choi Dowon nodded obediently to Nam Yeji’s logical words and handed her the bag.
Then the three silently headed toward the shelter, like on any scouting mission.
“Why?”
“Nam Yeji.”
“Thanks.”
“……What?”
Nam Yeji whipped her head around in surprise at Choi Dowon’s sudden thanks.
“For saving me when I was in danger, and for carrying the bag now. Thanks.”
“Even if the leader told you to, saving me isn’t something light. I’ll repay this someday.”
Nam Yeji rolled her eyes at Choi Dowon’s unexpectedly serious thanks, then whipped her head back.
“Yeah, whatever.”
Contrary to her curt words, the tips of Nam Yeji’s ears were red.
After the world became like this, thanks had long become ancient relics.
And to hear it from Choi Dowon of all people.
But somehow, it didn’t feel bad.
With that thought, Nam Yeji smiled slightly.
“Okay, cut!”
With Jo Jaesik’s refreshing words, today’s final scene came to an end.
“Okay, great! You all are the best!”
Jo Jaesik smiled broadly and lightly praised today’s actors. Even though he saw their acting every time, there was never any shortcoming.
Truly satisfying casting. Jo Jaesik thought that and nodded.
“Phew, this week’s filming is somehow over.”
“Yeah.”
“So now, just the villa trip tomorrow?”
At Lee Yoohee’s words, Myungwoo and Jeon Siho smiled brightly.
The three said with excited faces at the thought of going to Jo Seungha’s villa to play.
“Gotta grill a lot of meat. Can’t eat too much because of weight management, but one day of overeating should be fine.”
“Let’s play board games too. Last time at Siho-sunbae’s house, there were fun ones.”
“Group night drive sounds good too? Since it’s a villa, it’ll be in the countryside, good scenery, and stars visible in the sky.”
People around peeked at the three’s harmonious atmosphere but couldn’t approach them.
Because the three were too immersed in their own world, excited.
“The meeting place is near Siho’s house, right? Since it’s closest for everyone.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Looking forward to tomorrow.”
“Myungwoo, wanna sleep at Siho’s house tonight?”
“Huh?”
Myungwoo tilted his head at Lee Yoohee’s sudden suggestion. Lee Yoohee continued with a beaming smile.
“Anyway, we’re leaving from Siho’s house tomorrow, and you already have permission for overnight. Your mom would probably allow it if you say you’re with us. What do you think?”
“Uh…… I’d be grateful, but are you two okay? Don’t you need to date?”
At Myungwoo’s words, Lee Yoohee mischievously smiled and pressed his head.
“Ow!”
“Kid, why’s an eleven-year-old worrying about that? We handle our dates, so don’t worry.”
“Haha, that’s right, Myungwoo. Think comfortably. Wanna stay over?”
With Lee Yoohee and then the homeowner Jeon Siho saying that, there was no reason to refuse. Myungwoo nodded with an awkward face.
“I’d be thankful if you let me. I’ll contact my mom.”
“Great! No plans today anyway? Let’s drive a bit before going home!”
“Yoohee, you really.”
At Myungwoo’s agreement, Lee Yoohee exclaimed with an excited face. Jeon Siho watched her with a chuckle.
Myungwoo quickly got permission from No Yeonhee and smiled brightly.
“She allowed it. Let’s go.”
“Okay! Let’s go right away!”
“Yeah yeah, let’s go.”
Like that, the three quickly said goodbyes to others and left the set to enjoy a drive in Lee Yoohee’s car.
***
The next morning, in front of Jeon Siho’s house.
Over ten adults and three kids gathered in one place, bustling.
“Got all the luggage?”
“Yeah, but when did you rent this car?”
“I reserved it as soon as the schedule was set! It’s over ten people, not three or four.”
“Haha, good job.”
The lovey-dovey Jeon Siho and Lee Yoohee couple.
“Ah, too bad. Would’ve been nice if I could stay over too.”
“Haha, yeah. Let’s do that when you’re a bit older.”
“Come to think of it, Jung Inha is three years younger than me.”
The child actors from <Alley Childhood Friends>, Myungwoo, Jung Inha, Jo Seungha.
“Are we really going too?”
“Hey, why not. Our actors said it’s fine.”
“Wow, never thought I’d go to a villa with this combo in my life.”
Each one’s managers.
“Young master, where should I put this?”
“Young master, you must contact the chairman regularly.”
And Jo Seungha’s driver and the security personnel attached by Jo Beomgyu.
Since it wasn’t a number that could fit in regular cars, Lee Yoohee had rented a large van in advance.
Actors and managers in the van, followed by Jo Seungha’s driver and security.
“Alright, let’s depart!”
“Haha, Yoohee’s totally excited.”
“She has reason to be. Driving this distance, and the scenery will be great.”
“I wanna drive too…….”
“You’re still ten years away.”
“……”
The actors chattered noisily as they departed for Jo Seungha’s villa.
“In a way, it’s overtime, but it doesn’t feel like overtime at all.”
“Just like going on a trip. Our actors aren’t hard to handle either.”
“That’s true. Myungwoo’s unusually mature for a kid.”
“Inha’s the same. Meeting Myungwoo really changed her.”
“Seungha’s even more…… Ahem.”
“Ah, hyung, why say that embarrassingly.”
By now, Jung Inha and Jo Seungha had progressed to the point where such talk didn’t bother them. It was tremendous growth compared to the previously prideful Jung Inha and arrogant Jo Seungha.
“Just proud, that’s all. Really, what if you hadn’t met Myungwoo? Inha, your acting was good, but word was starting to spread that you were a bit prickly.”
“Really? I had no idea…….”
“It wasn’t full-blown, more like hush-hush among those in the know. But it didn’t spread outside, and since you’ve changed, it’s all gone now, so no worries.”
“Good that it sorted out.”
“Haha, somehow it feels like you’re praising me a lot.”
Myungwoo showed an embarrassed smile at the overt praise. He was used to acting compliments, but not this kind.
“Praising? It’s the truth! Really, if not for Myungwoo, our Inha would be, ugh…….”
“Wait, unnie, why sigh?!”
“I was so worried, this much is fine, right?”
“Ugh…….”
Jung Inha pouted at her manager’s words. The people watching burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, yeah, Inha’s really changed a lot.”
“Not just personality, her acting improved too, right?”
“For real. Maybe because of the stimulant right next to her?”
“Is the stimulant me?”
“Oh, Myungwoo, you know, why ask?”
“Haha…….”
In his past life, Myungwoo hadn’t experienced such pure, overt flattery much.
In his past life, others always took the spotlight, and he was always supporting. In acting and in daily life.
But now, the atmosphere naturally formed around Myungwoo. Even without him intending it.
It felt unfamiliar yet tickled his heart pleasantly.
*When I become a real top actor later……..
Will I feel this constantly? A life where everyone sees me as the lead.*
It was a life he couldn’t even imagine yet, but somehow, Myungwoo looked forward to it.
I need to work harder. Always, continuously.
First, successfully finish this <The World Turned Upside Down in an Instant>.
With that thought, Myungwoo smiled brightly.
“Not much traffic for a weekend?”
“Yeah. Lucky us?”
“Wow, the scenery is really nice.”
“Haha, Yoohee’s totally excited.”
“Of course! Getting to drive plenty and enjoy the views!”
“Haha. Almost there already. Seungha, this is it, right?”
“Ah, yes, that’s right. Turn here like this…….”
They kept chattering and laughing the whole way.
Before long, the group arrived at Jo Seungha’s villa.
Upon arrival, they got out of the vehicles and stretched their stiff bodies.
“Ugh~ Refreshing!”
“Haha, Siho, you sound like an old man.”
“What? Haha, to Myungwoo, Inha, and Seungha, I’m already uncle age, aren’t I?”
“Haha, don’t say that. You’re still in your prime.”
“Heh heh, you’ll do well in social life~?”
“Haha, what can’t Myungwoo do?”
“Yeah. Great at acting, gets along with people, fixed the kids’ personalities, handsome. Got it all?”
A bundle of praises flew again from one comment. Myungwoo accepted Jeon Siho and Lee Yoohee’s words with an awkward expression.
Haha, this is…….
But it didn’t feel bad. Myungwoo scratched his head but smiled brightly.
“Alright, unpack first!”
“Let’s play!”
“Should we walk first? Sun hasn’t set yet, so we should go now!”
“Yeah. It’s countryside, not much lighting, so better go early if going out.”
“Ooh, as expected from villa owner Seungha!”
“I’m not the owner…….”
Everyone chattered noisily as they entered the villa.
Myungwoo watched them from behind with a bright smile.
Good thing I came.
He already felt happy.
“Let’s go together!”
Myungwoo followed them without hiding his excited mood.