Chapter 1: The Audition and the Approaching Storm

As the evil spirit began to grow in size, three figures suddenly appeared and surrounded me.

Meanwhile, the silhouette of another evil spirit, visible only as a wisp of black smoke, had already expanded to over two meters tall.

Then, what I assumed was its head twitched, and a human face emerged. A distorted human face on a body made of pitch-black smoke—it was a grotesque form. 

The three figures encircling me drew their swords and lined up in a row, facing the monstrous entity.

I squeezed between them and took my place. Before I knew it, a silver sword with a red hilt was in my hand. 

The silver blade, aimed at the grotesque figure, gleamed under the night sky. 

★★★

On stage, bathed in blue and purple lights, I sang the final part of the song I was promoting. 

This was the last pre-recording for my solo debut’s final music show appearance. 

Maybe that’s why I put more energy into the final move than usual. As a result, the short jacket I had draped over my shoulders flew backward. 

The fan chants from the audience faltered at the end—because one of my shoulders was now completely exposed. 

The fans cheered, but I felt uneasy. 

I had to hold my ending pose, but I subtly tugged my jacket back into place, all while keeping a bright smile. 

After what felt like forever, the director finally gave the cut signal. 

Hearing the playful tone in the director’s voice, I bowed to the staff. 

I waved to the still-cheering fans before stepping offstage. 

Normally, my manager would be waiting in the dressing room, but today he was right by the stage exit.

He handed me a paper towel to dab my sweat as we headed back. 

Because I sweat so much, I’d worn a sleeveless top under my jacket to stay cool—big mistake.

Whenever I try something new, things like this always happen. No use regretting it now. If it really looked like a tattoo, they’d probably edit it out. 

The hallway to the dressing room was crowded with other artists and staff. My manager glanced around before whispering excitedly: 

My outburst drew stares. My manager quickly pushed me into the dressing room. 

Though I debuted as an idol, I’ve also been acting since I was twenty, three years into my career.

Starting with web dramas, I’ve since taken on supporting and even lead roles in short and mid-length dramas.

I don’t have enough experience yet to carry a full-length series, so landing a role in a famous franchise like Professor would be a huge opportunity. 

Especially since Professor is produced by a network known for its film channel and streams worldwide via OTT.

Plus, it’s a detective mystery—my favorite genre. 

Though pre-recording was over, there was still time before the live broadcast—too short to book another schedule.

Normally, I’d use this time to sign albums or take Polaroids for fan events, then nap… but those could wait. 

This was a Professor interview. No way I’d miss it. 

I wanted to at least see the fans who’d been waiting since dawn. 

A villain role in a project I’ve always wanted to do—I was already excited. 

★★★

In a small production office meeting room, my manager and I sat across from two gaunt middle-aged men. They listened to my introduction but didn’t introduce themselves. 

One of them flipped through my profile. 

My manager had said it was practically confirmed—did they not even know about my acting experience? 

They fired off questions without waiting for answers until my manager cut in. 

He handed them cups from the tray. One of them, who’d been yawning, took a sip and asked: 

It seemed they didn’t want an actor for the villain role—just an idol with a big following. 

But in our sixth year since debut, my group still lacked the global recognition of top K-pop acts. We were somewhat known in Asia, but not enough for popularity-based casting. 

At first, I took “good-looking” as a compliment. But by my second project, it sounded like code for “can’t act.” There were times I considered quitting acting altogether. 

Now, I try to take even that as a kind of asset. 

That’s literally what offense sounds like. 

They made the offer first—why drag me here just to nitpick? If it’s really “practically confirmed,” this feels like some kind of power play.

Six Years in the Industry – This Wasn’t My First Rodeo

After six years in this business, situations like this weren’t unfamiliar to me.

When I debuted as an idol, the power struggles were with seniors and fellow rookies.

Once I started acting, I had to deal with the territorial attitudes of co-stars and staff.

Now with some experience under my belt, I could usually brush most of it off – but the two men in front of me were likely the director or investors.

Ignoring them wasn’t an option.

In cases like this, the only approach was to face it directly – humble but confident.

“I know there are many actors more talented and better looking than me. But I’ll do my best to bring something unique to this role.”

“At least you’ve got spirit.”

So it was a test after all.

“Your eyes are uneven.”

“Yes, this eyelid swells up sometimes.”

“If we adjust the lighting, it could create an interesting effect.”

Their tone had noticeably changed. Beside me, I heard my manager exhale quietly in relief.

I should make sure he doesn’t submit another resignation letter later.

The two men exchanged glances, then nodded.

“This role was originally meant for a rookie actor, so don’t stress too much. We met several others but the cinematographer rejected them for not having the right presence. Since he chose you, he’ll make it work.”

“Thank you. I’ll do my best!”

“Good. Study the script and prepare well.”

As the cinematographer patted my shoulder, the director called out,

“You’re an idol, so I’m sure you manage yourself well, right? No scandals, no dropping out midway. I’ve got trauma from that.”

Ah, right. A supporting actor in his last project had been cut due to a DUI.

“Don’t worry, that won’t happen.”

★★★

The moment our car left the interview building, my manager started grumbling.

“Every time, I’m reminded how brutal this industry is. Just watching from the sidelines, I feel like I’m bouncing between heaven and hell – how do you handle being in the middle of it?”

“That’s just workplace politics anywhere.”

“You’re twenty-three. Shouldn’t you be dating and having fun at this age?”

“Most guys my age are in the military. All my friends have enlisted.”

This wasn’t even that difficult. Today’s interview was practically a formality.

Getting web drama roles required some level of fame as an idol to begin with. Auditions were tough, but worse was the backlash after casting – “They ruined a perfectly good role with an idol.”

But once the show aired, the fans’ love made all the struggle worthwhile.

I checked my watch as my manager kept complaining. How to cheer him up?

It was 2:30 PM – we had over an hour before we needed to be back.

“Hyung, we’ve got time. Want to go to that ssambap place you like before heading back?”

“Nah. Heard they’ve been rude to fans lately.”

“They said that on fan cafes?”

“Saw it on an anonymous forum. Fans wouldn’t say it where you could see.”

“Let’s just get burgers then.”

“Then I’ll take a bulgogi burger to go.”

“Skipping lunch again? Teacher Oh’s worried your clothes will start slipping off.”

“Just until today’s last broadcast.”

I hated feeling sluggish before performances, so I often skipped meals. These days, my outfits were looser than when we first tailored them. Hence the jacket slipping earlier.

As we parked, my manager turned back, frowning.

“Why’s it so hot today? Want me to turn on the AC?”

I shook my head as he tossed his jacket onto the passenger seat.

“I’ll just take off my jacket.”

Sunlight streamed through the windshield, harsh and bright.

Without the jacket, the scar on my shoulder was visible – jagged red lines like careless knife strokes. I’d never worn sleeveless outfits during promotions because of it.

I wonder if Professor has any scenes where my shoulder shows. Hopefully not.

“Ugh, it’s boiling.”

My manager wiped sweat from his forehead as he got back in with our food.

“That bad?”

“The shop was sweltering. Shouldn’t it be cooler by now, almost October?”

As our van left the parking lot, I cracked the window slightly, watching the trees blur past.

“There aren’t many cars today.”

The roads were unusually empty for the area near the broadcasting station.

“Maybe there’s an event?”

We were approaching an intersection when my manager muttered,

“Why’s this light taking forever?”

Then –

VRROOOOM!

A deafening roar came from outside. I looked up just as a massive truck veered across the center line, speeding straight toward us.

For a second, it felt like something out of a web novel – regression, possession, reincarnation tropes incoming.

But then my manager shouted.

“What the-?!”

He yanked the wheel and slammed the accelerator, but our van had already stopped for the light. The truck, momentum unchecked, plowed into us.

CRASH!

Metal screeched. Glass shattered. The world spun in slow motion.

Huh? I feel like I’ve seen this scene before…

BOOM.