“Have you ever been in love?”

The audition director, who had closely examined the profile video, threw a question as sharp as his piercing gaze.

“Ah… no.”

Startled, So Yeon couldn’t hide her embarrassment as she stretched out the end of her words.

“Then have you ever had a crush… No, it seems like you haven’t even held hands with someone of the opposite sex. Am I right?”

Eom So Yeon was literally a lifelong single. She had never even had the slightest skinship with a man other than her father. Despite being a young director, his skill at seeing through people was like that of a wise old sage. He must be a fortune-teller, not a film director.

“…”

So Yeon’s face turned as red as a rose, feeling stripped bare, less than 5 minutes after entering this room for the audition.

Were his eyes tired? The director irritably took off his gold-rimmed glasses and pressed his temples with two fingers. Though his face was closer to that of a pretty boy than a man, the atmosphere he exuded was every bit as picky and harsh as the rumors said.

“College student?”

“Yes.”

As he asked with a sharp gaze no less piercing than a viper’s and a stiff tone, her large eyes that looked like they might burst into tears at any moment fell weakly downward. However, her luscious lips moving stubbornly and her delicate voice were not so. They were as determined as could be, as if trying to overcome this embarrassing moment no matter what.

“Third year, twenty-two years old.”

“Twenty-two… You’re young, so that could be understandable. But having experience definitely helps with acting. Especially for someone like Eom So Yeon who’s a bad actor, that kind of effort seems crucial.”

“…”

So Yeon quickly bit her lips that were about to open.

Though she had no dating experience, she was inwardly frustrated and upset that he was dismissing her entire acting ability based on that alone.

She had exercised every day without fail for basic fitness, and wrestled with all sorts of books for delicate psychological expression. Studying and practicing various characters from different works daily was a given. It would be no exaggeration to say that she spent all her time on acting except for sleeping hours.

Without even knowing me well…

If asked what efforts she had made to become a good actor, she could confidently tell him anything.

But So Yeon, who had no words for that one thing called ‘dating’, could only stare at her fidgeting fingertips.

“Your determination to become an actor. How far do you think that alone can take you? The actor needed for this film ‘Even Villains Cry’ is a woman who knows all the sweet and bitter tastes of life, even if young. Did you come knowing that? The concept you’re dressed up in is exactly that of a rebellious rich daughter. Instead of these revealing clothes and makeup, did you come knowing what kind of life you need to melt into?”

“…”

Of course I knew. I’ve been counting down the days waiting for this, and even today, how much care I put into preparing.

She had a lot to say. But So Yeon couldn’t bring herself to speak.

It wasn’t because she was intimidated from the start. It was because she knew herself that her acting skills weren’t perfect enough to boast about yet, separate from how hard she had worked. Because it was somewhat of a reckless challenge taken on with only enthusiasm, she couldn’t refute no matter what harsh words she heard.

“Just looking at you, you only look like a pampered princess. And we’re sick and tired of rookies like you who rush in just because there’s an audition.”

Director Yoon Ji Wan kept pecking away with scathing remarks, and So Yeon just listened quietly. Princess? For a moment she almost cried out, barely holding it in. While vowing to make him regret it later when she grew proudly.

“There’s no use talking any longer, it’ll just tire me out. If you understand, then get out!”

Having conducted auditions non-stop for nine hours, Director Yoon Ji Wan’s face showed clear signs of fatigue, and his angry voice cutting her off in one stroke held no consideration or possibility for Eom So Yeon whatsoever.

“Call in the next person.”

“Yes, Director.”

As the order was given, the assistant director signaled to the staff waiting outside the room, and soon another actor participating in the audition entered.

“…”

Mercilessly pushed out of the director’s sight, So Yeon had to leave without making a sound.

The unfiltered criticism and blatant humiliation, plus the tears welling up in her clear large eyes were a bonus.

So Yeon, thoroughly crushed at the movie audition site, walked aimlessly.

Ah… This is too hard…

Her slender ankles that walked on and on staggered as if about to break, and her shattered mental state made not only her sense of direction but even her accurate sense of time disappear far away. To the point where she was completely unaware of where in the middle of Gangnam this road she was treading on was, or that what had been daytime had now turned to night.

So Yeon’s thoughts were a complete mess, her solid outlook on life shattered overnight.

Her dream since childhood had been to be an actor.

Someone who conveys sincere emotions through acting.

Her parents in Canada said if she wanted to be recognized for her dream of acting, she should first go to the university most famous for its acting department. That’s why So Yeon had studied acting and academics like a madwoman to enter the so-called top S University.

Before becoming a college student, she had no time to look elsewhere due to preparing for admissions. After entering university, she never even got to leisurely stroll around that nice campus, let alone attend school festivals. She just focused solely on acting and what was needed for it, holding onto the dream of becoming a good actor.

The reason she was indifferent to things like group dates and MT was because she was quite satisfied with her life of moving forward slowly but steadily, one step at a time.

But today everything felt difficult, and So Yeon’s very soul staggered precariously at the wave of emptiness that washed over her like a tsunami.

School, acting practice, auditions…

These three things were all there was to her life. It might seem like a boring and worthless life to someone else, but for Eom So Yeon it was a fierce effort to achieve her one dream.

Who would live like this not knowing how to enjoy life? Who would pour everything into a hamster wheel not knowing how to deviate?

But someone’s harsh words had turned her into a princess who hadn’t experienced anything overnight, while simultaneously pouring cold water on the life she had lived passionately with constant effort.

So Yeon was very upset that even her bright future seemed to have been torn apart in an instant.

Don’t just hold back, do whatever you want. I’m letting you go just for today. There are no right answers in this unpredictable world.

Whether it was the voice of a devil or an angel or her inner voice, she didn’t know, but the whisper echoing in her heart was quite tempting. But the truth is, she was scared to let everything go.

So Yeon, who had been walking hesitantly, lifted her head as if she had made up her mind.

Yeah. I have nothing to lose anyway. I’m nothing right now. Like a blank canvas. Who knows? Maybe some good energy will come to me unexpectedly.

So Yeon was now entering the Elstella Hotel.

As if drawn by some unknown strong force.

She may have been dazzled by the gorgeous exterior and the blinding lights of the lobby befitting a luxury hotel.

In any case, the cold winter wind was blowing and her tired feet were complaining of dull pain. Thinking this was perfect timing, So Yeon moved her steps towards the elevator.

The lounge cocktail bar was located on the upper floor of the hotel. Entering there, So Yeon looked around.

Should I say it’s atmospheric, or beautiful? The first thing that caught her eye were the pretty lights softly illuminating here and there.

Though she came in thinking it wouldn’t be bad to soothe her troubled mind with a cocktail, So Yeon’s shoulders involuntarily narrowed. Even though there was no reason not to be confident since she had come to a place where only adults frequent, the unfamiliarity of it being her first time made her feel smaller than a mosquito.

Gulp.

Swallowing her dry saliva to dilute the unfamiliar pressure, So Yeon took somewhat awkward steps further inside.

Contrary to her worries, So Yeon’s presence shone as she entered the bar. As if to prove this fact, the eyes of several people glanced at her. The outfit she had dressed up in unlike her usual self for the audition matched perfectly with this fancy place. Plus, she was so naturally radiant that her beauty stood out wherever she went.

So Yeon, who sat down at a table for four in front of the window after going halfway around the oval indoor fountain, gently took off her cream-colored cashmere coat and hung it on the back of the chair.

The stolen glances increased noticeably due to her feminine silhouette being fully revealed over the tight coral mini dress. Perhaps conscious of their gazes, So Yeon quickly pulled down the slightly rolled-up hem of her skirt and deliberately crossed one leg covered in long boots seductively.

“What can I prepare for you?”

When the waiter approached and asked in a friendly tone, So Yeon blinked her large eyes slowly, recalling something. She had practiced a scene where the female lead drinks in the movie ‘Our Night’ before. Who knew she’d be using that now.

“I like Red Berry Punch, do you have that?”

Though her face was inevitably youthful even with heavy makeup, So Yeon acted as mature and skillful as possible.

“Of course.”

“Make the vodka stronger than the sparkling water. I want to get a bit drunk today.”

So Yeon even perfectly pulled off wrinkling her nose bridge as if putting on airs.

“Anything else you need…”

The waiter smiled. The young lady who looked more on the youthful side no matter how you looked at her trying to act sexy seemed cute.

“Oh, please bring some gambas too. It’s dinner time so I’m a bit hungry.”

“Yes. I’ll prepare that for you right away.”

So Yeon’s lips curled up prettily as she watched the waiter turn away with a polite gesture.

The final touch was cute as well, but she didn’t realize it at all. So Yeon leaned her elbows on the table and leisurely looked around the interior.

But this place was truly a different world, full of big stars and small stars. She didn’t notice at first, but looking closely, quite familiar celebrity faces caught her eye. From people who seemed vaguely familiar to jaw-dropping top stars, it was quite fun to see.

For a moment she wondered if she had come to a place she shouldn’t, but no one had stopped her from entering.

So, well.

So Yeon shifted her gaze to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the streets of Gangnam. Her eyes, filled with the city lights, were noticeably larger and lighter in color than the average person’s. Perhaps it was because of those clear and clean eyes that she seemed even more mysterious.

But suddenly her clear eyes trembled slightly. The sky that had been sluggish earlier was now snowing. The snowflakes, as large as cotton balls, looked even whiter in the light. It was the first heavy snow she had seen this year.

Wow, it’s beautiful…

So Yeon’s eyes curved into half-moons.

The cocktail and gambas she had ordered were now placed on the table.

The piano melody that matched the snowy night, and the relaxation brought by the tangy vodka with a hint of strawberry, seemed to instantly offset the bitter feelings she had tasted at the audition.

Just as the corners of So Yeon’s mouth were dancing, intoxicated by the wonderful atmosphere.

Knock knock.

“Did you wait long?”

Someone tapped the table twice and threw a low, smooth voice at So Yeon.

It was at that moment when she lifted her head, wondering what it was. So Yeon’s hair stood on end and her eyes widened, unable to make a sound.

“…!”

So, this man…!

Though it was just a quick scan, this man with a sophisticated scent and dazzling radiance was very tall, easily over 190 cm. So Yeon, with zero sense of reality, could hardly believe the man in front of her.

“I asked if you’ve been here long.”

The man sat down right next to So Yeon without permission and spoke nonchalantly again.

His red lips smiling, “Heh,” were too captivating. So Yeon, instantly entranced by his crazy charisma, could only open her mouth without properly questioning him.

“Ye-yes?”

“If I asked, you should answer.”

“N-not long… About 15 minutes I think… But why…”

Her trembling lips barely managed to spit out a mechanical answer to the man’s question. However, what he said next was even more incomprehensible language.

“That’s a relief. I rushed here wondering if someone might try to hit on you. You’re too pretty for your own good.”

“…?”

Pr-pretty… Me?

As So Yeon made a surprised expression, the man covered her face with his sturdy upper body.

Just enough so others couldn’t see.

Hidden by him, So Yeon ended up looking as if she was buried in the man’s arms.

Even considering the too-close distance, his chest was excessively wide like a vast ocean.

Thump thump thump thump thump…

So Yeon’s whole body was fluttering.

Because the man’s terribly strong scent was pressing down even on her heart.