“A visible chatter. Yui. It’s been over six years since you joined the assassination school, yet you’re still pathetic.”
“Ugh… Shut up, Nameless. Next time, I’ll definitely kill you.”
A blurry image. It was a memory of my past life.
An event from my sixth year at the assassination school. By then, I had gained some recognition and held a significant position.
By the sixth year, all the peers who had joined the assassination school with me, except one, had either died or left the school.
That one person was Yui.
She always targeted me, perhaps because she felt inferior to me, even though her skills were lacking compared to mine.
“I’m leaving this place soon, Yui. You should stop wasting your time and find a place to settle.”
“…What? What are you talking about?”
“I have nothing more to learn here. I plan to form my team and move into the shadows. It means I no longer have the time to waste on these trivial games.”
At some point, even when Yui attacked me, I didn’t put much effort into killing her and just deflected her appropriately.
Normally, I would have cleaned up anyone who dared target me.
But back then, I was busy forming my team and preparing to graduate from the assassination school.
Perhaps that’s why I didn’t bother with Yui, or maybe I didn’t want to kill the last remaining peer.
Of course, Yui didn’t care about that and seemed desperate to kill me.
She must have felt a lot of inferiority towards me, always ahead of her.
…of… L…
“Ugh…”
As my memory continued, my mind slowly reversed back to reality.
It seemed it was just a dream.
I woke up, stretching from an uncomfortable position.
“Siyeon! It’s lunchtime. Let’s go quickly.”
It seemed class had ended at some point.
I must have dozed off during the boring morning class, and lunchtime had crept up on me.
Normally, it’s unthinkable for someone like me, Nameless, to sleep anywhere carelessly.
Moreover, I only woke up because Jiyoung shook me.
But that doesn’t mean my senses have dulled.
I’ve just adapted to this world, I suppose. Jiyoung’s touch carried no hostility, so I didn’t overreact.
Even if it were an ambush while I was asleep, I could wake up immediately and subdue the attacker.
“Yeah. Let’s go.”
Of course, such things rarely happen in this world.
Realizing that, I began to act more like the people of this world.
Sleeping in crowded places like classrooms. Eating meals prepared by strangers in the cafeteria.
Things I couldn’t have dreamed of in my past life, where assassinations and poisonings were constant threats.
Maybe the dream I just had was my instincts reminding me not to forget those memories.
Certainly, I’ve been too complacent lately.
“Hey! Kim Siyeon! Hurry up! Today’s lunch is supposed to be good.”
I let Jiyoung lead me by the hand to where Chaeyoung was waiting in the hallway.
For some reason, we walked to the cafeteria arm in arm.
Girls our age seemed to enjoy linking arms or holding hands for no apparent reason.
“So? When does filming start?”
Chaeyoung asked about <The Heirs>.
As a fellow aspiring actress, she was naturally interested.
“Soon. It’s set to air in the fourth quarter this year. The final script reading is tomorrow.”
“Really? Then the writer, staff, and all the actors will be there?”
“Seems like it. They’re also filming a making-of video.”
Tomorrow was the day of the final script reading.
After that, full-scale filming would begin, followed by a production presentation and then the broadcast.
Now that I think about it, I’ll see Yuna again at the final reading.
Yuna, who still seemed to dislike me, always acted bothersome when we met. She still seemed to hold a grudge against me.
Perhaps because of the dream I just had, I felt Yuna and the Yui from the assassination school resembled each other in some way.
Looking closely now, their appearances and behaviors were quite similar.
What ever happened to Yui in the end? I can’t quite remember.
Yui wasn’t part of my team, so our connection must have ended with the assassination school.
It wasn’t particularly important anyway.
The King of Romantic Comedies, Writer Kang Eungsook.
She was seated in the script reading room.
“Hello, Writer. It’s been so long!”
Yuna, who arrived first, approached Kang Eungsook and greeted her.
Kang Eungsook smiled and returned the greeting.
Yuna had appeared in one of Kang Eungsook’s previous works, so they were acquainted.
“Yuna, it seems we’re destined to meet again like this.”
“Indeed. Will you call me for your next project too?”
“If there’s a suitable role, of course, anytime.”
Though her role was still minor, Yuna wanted to catch Kang Eungsook’s eye at all costs.
She had aimed for the role of Uriel this time but was frustrated after losing it to a middle schooler.
Even during the last script reading, Yuna and Siyeon clashed a few times.
“By the way, Writer, about that kid who got cast as Uriel, you know, the middle schooler.”
“Oh, yes. Her name was Siyeon, right? I heard she’s very talented.”
“Exactly! She’s so good at acting. It’s amazing, almost like natural talent.”
“Really? I’m looking forward to seeing her today.”
Kang Eungsook valued skill but placed even greater emphasis on character.
She had a bit of an old-school mentality, disliking actors with poor manners, no matter how talented they were.
Yuna planned to use that to teach Siyeon a lesson.
It was better to correct her early to ensure a proper career as an actress.
“Still, could it be because she’s going through puberty? She’s a bit…”
“Why? Did something happen?”
“Well, I tried to advise her about something, but…”
Yuna cleverly twisted the story about her interaction with Siyeon.
She made it seem as if she were the victim.
“Of course, she’s still young, so I understand she might have pride, but…”
“Still, acting that way towards a senior is a bit much. Even if she’s a kid. Is she really like that?”
“Yes, well, kind of. Of course, she treats other actors well, but she seems to have a problem with me specifically…”
“Ah, kids can be rebellious at that age… I’ll need to see for myself today.”
Kang Eungsook’s brow furrowed slightly.
Yuna inwardly cheered, feeling her plan was working perfectly.
Now, no matter how good Siyeon’s acting was, Kang Eungsook would view her unfavorably.
Scripts often get revised several times during filming.
And Kang Eungsook is known to sometimes change the story significantly.
If all went well today, Siyeon’s role might get reduced, while Yuna’s might expand.
Soon, the staff and actors began to fill their seats.
“Alright, let’s begin the final script reading.”
The official reading began, and the cameras started rolling.
The actors put more effort into their performances than during usual readings.
They channeled intense emotions, even throwing their scripts during heated scenes as if it were the actual shoot.
Final script readings often served a promotional purpose.
They were filmed for behind-the-scenes content, showcasing the passionate performances of the cast to build anticipation for the drama.
The reading concluded smoothly.
‘The acting is good. But as Yuna said, she does come off a bit cold.’
Kang Eungsook had been observing Siyeon throughout the reading.
She wanted to confirm what Yuna had mentioned about Siyeon’s personality.
During the reading, Siyeon didn’t show any particularly negative traits.
Her acting was stable. However, when she wasn’t acting, her demeanor did seem somewhat aloof.
Interestingly, Siyeon didn’t try to outshine herself just because the making-of film was being recorded.
In fact, she held back, performing far below her best.
‘The senior actors should be the focus in the making-of. There’s no need to overdo it.’
Siyeon had no intention of standing out excessively among the seasoned actors.
While showcasing talent was important, earning the trust of seniors was just as vital.
Having clawed her way up from the bottom of a brutal assassin society in her past life, Siyeon knew precisely how to position herself as a junior.
Of course, there was one exception to this strategy.
A woman who had always refused to accept camaraderie.
“Good work, everyone~”
“Thank you for your hard work! See you all on set~ Great job, everyone.”
As the reading ended in a lively and friendly atmosphere, people exchanged farewells.
In the midst of it all, Siyeon sat quietly with a slightly dazed expression.
“Siyeon, are you feeling unwell today? You were great as always, but you seemed a little less spirited.”
“Ah, Senior Sihwa. No, I’m fine.”
“Really? Let me know if anything’s wrong.”
“Siyeon, did you overwork yourself practicing?”
The male and female leads, Lee Minwoo and Park Sihwa, approached Siyeon to check on her.
Having interacted frequently during prior readings, they had grown close to Siyeon.
They couldn’t help but notice that her acting today lacked its usual vigor.
“I’m fine. I’ll give 100% on set!”
Siyeon said, clenching her fists energetically, which made the other actors chuckle at how cute she looked.
Among them, only Yuna watched from a slight distance, observing the scene.
And slowly, Kang Eungsook began approaching the actors.
‘…Now’s my chance.’
Noticing this, Yuna smiled and approached Siyeon.
She intended to act concerned for Siyeon, just like the other actors.
Normally, Siyeon would respond curtly to Yuna’s attempts to interact with her.
Whenever they were alone, Siyeon always displayed a hint of hostility towards Yuna.
If she did so again now, unknowingly, Kang Eungsook would mark her unfavorably.
Hiding her sinister grin, Yuna closed the distance between them.
In her hand was a half-filled tumbler of water, brought along to hydrate during the reading.
As the gap between Yuna and Siyeon narrowed, their eyes met briefly.
A chill ran down Yuna’s spine.
The icy sensation made Yuna’s entire body break out in goosebumps.
That chilling aura only dissipated when Siyeon lowered her gaze.
Though unsettled, Yuna pressed on and approached Siyeon.
Kang Eungsook was also nearby, making it a perfect moment Yuna couldn’t afford to miss.
Smiling falsely, Yuna reached Siyeon and began to speak.
“Siyeon, are you feeling alright today? You seem—”
SPLASH!
The tumbler in Yuna’s hand suddenly tilted, spilling water all over Siyeon.
“Gah—pfft—what the—!”
Drenched, Siyeon flailed and sputtered, unable to hide her embarrassment.
“Siyeon! Are you okay?”
The nearby actors were startled and scrambled to find tissues.
Though they couldn’t understand the situation, Yuna had to apologize immediately.
The scene made it seem as if Yuna had intentionally poured water on Siyeon.
“A-are you okay? Why did this… I-it was an accident, Siyeon. My hand slipped,” Yuna stammered, hastily apologizing under the focused stares of everyone.
Even Yuna was flustered. She had been holding the tumbler properly—or so she thought—when it suddenly moved on its own.
“…What’s going on?”
The surrounding staff also began to focus on the commotion. At that moment, Kang Eungsook, the writer, arrived and asked,
“What happened?”
“S-suddenly, the senior poured water on me…”
“Oh no! It’s not like that! My hand slipped… Do you really think I’d deliberately pour water on you? It was an accident! Are you okay?” Yuna insisted, panicking.
Water mixed with tears streamed down Siyeon’s face. Though they were both clear, everyone could tell that Siyeon was crying.
The eyes of the 14-year-old girl were bright red and swollen.
“What’s wrong?”
“Is she crying? She seemed off today. Did something happen?”
“She’s usually so strong… Why now?”
“It looks like Yuna spilled water on her.”
The staff whispered among themselves as the making-film cameras continued to roll. Even the camera director was too shocked to stop filming.
“Oh, it’s nothing, Writer Kang. I accidentally slipped—”
“H-heuh… Hwaaaahhhhhh!”
Suddenly, Siyeon burst into loud sobs, drawing everyone’s attention.
The murmurs grew louder.
“I-I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… Hwaaahhh!”
“What’s wrong, Siyeon? What happened?”
“Yes, why are you suddenly crying?”
The kind-hearted Park Sihwa and Kang Haon hurried to wipe away Siyeon’s tears. Siyeon, in between sobs, tried to stifle her cries and spoke.
“Yu-Yuna sunbaenim kept telling me to do better… but I wasn’t good enough…”
“W-what? When did I—?”
“She said… because I was so young, I’d be a burden… that I couldn’t keep up… and that… h-had she gotten the role of Uriel, she’d have done much better… H-heuh…”
“…What?”
Writer Kang Eungsook’s expression darkened ominously.
“I-I told her I couldn’t… but… but I… I wasn’t good enough… Sunbaenim should’ve been Uriel… instead…”
Yuna, shocked, waved her hands frantically.
“No, no, Writer Kang! That’s not what happened!”
Yuna had said something similar before. Back then, however, Siyeon had pushed back just as hard.
In reality, their previous clashes had not painted Siyeon as the sole victim. But now, the situation looked entirely different.
To everyone, it seemed like a senior actor had mistreated a 14-year-old middle school actress out of jealousy, simply because the younger girl had taken the role she wanted.
On top of that, Siyeon had always been courteous, hardworking, and incredibly talented, earning favor with most of the cast and crew.
“Yuna, is that what you’ve been doing?”
“No, Writer Kang! It’s not like that…!”
The eyes directed at Yuna quickly turned to ones of contempt.
Yuna’s face turned pale as a sheet.
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