Rebirth: King to Superstar

Joon-won couldn't help but shake his head at the girl, who was too open. She indirectly implied that she was leeching off him. He sighed and just shrugged, as he didn't mind that much when he didn't have that much power for people to actively leech off at that moment. 

"Don't be that shameless, at least to the outside world carry yourself with dignity. You are an aspiring actor, if you continue to be like this, people won't even look at you." And Joon-won switched to his usual lecturing mode. Jung-hwa, who was happy that she finally got a ticket to one of the most prestigious drama houses in the world, felt like cold water was poured on her, instantly removing the happiness she felt. 

She turned towards Joon-won and grumbled, "Don't complaint like an amazing old man again, if you continue you like this, you won't find a proper friend in your entire life, much less a girlfriend." Jabbing back at him. Joon-won, who couldn't care less about girlfriends and stuff, just shrugged. 

"How was your audition yesterday? I didn't have time to call you because I wasn't at home most of the time and was busy with my own role. Did you get a role in the drama was it a bust? He remembered that Jung-hwa's drama house also had auditions for the drama they will perform next week and she told him about it the last time they met. 

Jung-hwa flipped her hair and said with her hands on her waist, "Of course I got a role. I auditioned for 3 roles and managed to land one of them. It's the chatty neighbor character that comes in as a comedic touch in the drama." 

Joon-won nodded as he remembered which role she was talking about. He read her script and knew the role had a few appearances to add some comedic element to the story. It was a type of character that had a lot of dialogues and a chatty personality. He felt like it was perfect for someone like her who liked to talk a lot.

So he nodded and said, "That's not a bad role for your first drama. It also fits your personality well enough to give you some advantage. How much did you analyze the role? This is your first drama, so try to make an impact, even if it's a small one, it's ok." 

Jung-hwa nodded and said while shaking her head, "Yeah, yeah, don't treat me like I'm a child. I analyzed the character the whole week and got a good grasp of it. I should be ok with this role. I have enough time to prepare too as the drama is next week. Don't worry too much about it." dismissing him. 

Joon-won just nodded and Jung-hwa asked, "So, how was your practice today?" She was more curious about how Roses drama houses worked than anything. 

Joon-won shrugged and said, "What do you want me to say? It was ok, not that bad. The boss is very strict when it comes to performances and will shout at you if you don't get it right. So it's a pretty intense place."

Jung-hwa lost her enthusiasm when she heard the practice routines were common even in a place like Roses. She thought they had special practice methods or something cool befitting how great the drama house was. 

"Alright, I need to go home now. Don't be late tomorrow morning. There will be a huge line for late tickets and people who want to get in. If you are late, you might miss the start of the drama." he said while checking the time. Jung-hwa nodded, and both of them went their separate ways. 

As Joon-won was walking back to the apartment, he felt his phone ring and took it out to see it was from Hea-Jung. He began to contemplate whether he should pick up the call or not, he could just play it off as if he was busy practicing for the drama. Finding a good excuse, he was about to keep the vibrating phone back inside his pocket but stopped when he saw a message from her.

[Joon-won, I know you are going back home or probably already at home. I have eyes and ears everywhere. So don't you dare try to ignore the call.] Making him feel chills run down his spine. 

He stopped and looked around to notice if anyone was observing his actions. But he didn't find anyone looking at him, as it was the same empty street with only a few people. He always used to go back home. 

Joon-won shook his head and just answered the call. Both of them didn't speak, both waiting for the other to talk first. It was Joon-won who relented and asked first, "How did you do it?" It really creeped him out, the thought of someone knowing what he is doing all the time.

"Hahaha, you should hear yourself. I never thought I'd get the chance to hear this side of you. Looked like the message really freaked you out. Where are you? At home?" He heard a boastful voice from the other side. 

"No, I'm not there yet, but very near. Now tell me how you know? Don't tell me you hired someone to keep an eye on me at all times? That's crossing a very dangerous line." He answered back and threatened her. 

"Are you watching a lot of films or something? There is no way I'm spending cash just to have someone follow my junior, that's just dumb. This was a very simple trick. I know someone at the drama house and asked them if the practice was over. After I got a reply that it was over and most of the actors were already gone, So I called you. Depending on the time it generally takes a bus or cab to get to our university, I knew you were probably still near the university and were still going home."