I Became an Artist in a Romantic Comedy-Chapter 109

If I hurried, I wouldn’t be late for lunch.

Stretching, I stepped out of the classroom and spotted Choi Ye-Seo trembling.

“…What’s wrong with you?”

Flanking her on either side were two people glaring daggers at her. Of course, their glares weren’t aimed at me but at Choi Ye-Seo.

“N-Nothing! It’s fine.”

Her forced smile only made things more suspicious. Oh well. She says she’s fine, so whatever.

Shrugging, I followed Ha Soo-Yul, who was already walking ahead, with the other two trailing behind me.

Walking to the cafeteria, I naturally looked around at my surroundings.

Kids playing soccer on the field, students bustling with various things in their hands.

Even the teachers, who had already come out of the cafeteria ahead of time.

It was the same scenery as always—a youth that could be seen anywhere.

‘I didn’t even get to fully enjoy this youth, and now I’m already a senior…’

I felt a sense of unfairness, but what could I do? It’s just the karma of my past life catching up to me…

This wasn’t the first time I felt regret over the fleeting time.

But what could I do about it? I’m no magician. I can’t turn back time.

Lost in those pointless thoughts, we arrived at the cafeteria.

Ha Soo-Yul led the way, followed by me, Choi Ye-Seo, and Hong Ye-Hwa.

Normally, Ms. Lee Ah-Reum would be behind Hong Ye-Hwa, but unfortunately, she’d been dragged off on a business trip as someone’s slave.

She really should choose who she associates with more carefully.

Not that I was one to talk. I conveniently ignored the fact that I was the cause of it all.

With a tray full of food in hand, I grabbed a seat next to Lee Do-Yoon.

Seeing him already there before us was a rare sight, and I couldn’t help but ask,

“Did your class end early? Does the acting department always get out so quickly?”

Now that I thought about it, Choi Ye-Seo had come ahead of time, too. It seemed their classes had finished earlier than ours today.

At my question, Lee Do-Yoon smiled awkwardly.

“Our teacher had to leave early to attend a funeral, so we were dismissed early.”

“Oof.”

Landmine topic. I quickly changed the subject. You don’t talk about stuff like that while eating.

“When’s your next shoot?”

“Huh? Oh, next week? Around then, I think.”

“Still, come to school. At least show up for attendance before you leave.”

“Haha. I will.”

Our conversation was interrupted by the stares of three people—or four if I counted Baek Yoo-Seol—who were watching us intently.

“…What?”

I asked with a spoon in my mouth, and the three shook their heads.

“It’s just… seeing two people who are getting attention from the world like this, it’s a bit… hmm.”

Choi Ye-Seo trailed off as if unsure how to phrase it.

“Good thing reporters aren’t allowed on campus. That’s a lifesaver.”

Hong Ye-Hwa smiled faintly.

“…Hmm.”

Ha Soo-Yul and Baek Yoo-Seol just stared at us. Why were they looking at us like that?

Lee Do-Yoon and I exchanged glances before sighing.

“The life of a famous person.”

“Seriously.”

The four of them shook their heads as they watched us, like parents looking at their immature kids.

“But the fact that it’s true makes it even more annoying.”

“Oh, come on.”

“Ah! Seriously!”

In the end, I earned a flick to the forehead from Choi Ye-Seo. I had been too smug.

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***

Nothing much had changed just because I became a third-year student.

As Ms. Lee Ah-Reum had said back in my first year, there were simply more external activities to participate in.

There was also something similar to a college senior’s graduation project.

‘But… do I really need to do that?’

Crossing my arms with a sour expression, I drifted into thought.

Whack!

“Ow.”

Something hit the back of my head and dropped to the ground. It didn’t hurt much, so I just scratched the back of my head.

Looking down to see what had hit me…

“…A carrot?”

Weren’t we here for external activities—volunteering? Why was there a carrot here?

And not just any carrot, but a neatly chopped piece. Whoever sliced it sure did a good job.

As I stood there blankly, Ha Soo-Yul tapped my shoulder.

“What?”

“Can I kill them?”

With a chilling tone, Ha Soo-Yul pointed a finger at someone.

Three little kids were giggling as they watched me.

The carrot pieces in their hands made it clear who the culprits were.

“It’s fine. They’re just kids. And killing them is a bit much.”

Volunteering at an orphanage was nice and all, but it wasn’t without its difficulties.

“Ahhh! These little brats!”

“Hey! Don’t touch that!”

“W-What do I do?! S-Someone get the teacher! Please help!”

Other students who had also come for the volunteer activity were floundering about, unsure of how to handle the children. It was a scene of complete chaos.

Clang!

“Yikes.”

At this rate, they were going to wreck the entire yard.

The orphanage had a large yard filled with various play equipment—some of which could be dangerous if you weren’t careful.

“Ugh, I’m dizzy.”

“Good job.”

Choi Ye-Seo approached, drenched in sweat, so I handed her a bottle of water I’d prepared earlier.

“Whew! Pfffrrr.”

After taking a few sips, she poured the rest over her head. There was a lot I wanted to say, but I decided to let it go.

“Just go wash up inside.”

“It’s fine. It’s a hassle to wash up here, and since we’re staying in dorms, I’ll just go clean up later.”

Shaking her head, Choi Ye-Seo hoisted the completely wilted Hong Ye-Hwa onto her shoulder and waved her hand.

“I’ll go lay Ye-Hwa down while I’m at it!”

“Alright, see you later.”

“Bye-bye.”

Ha Soo-Yul and I waved them off as they walked away—well, one was more like being carried.

“Wow… the weather really isn’t playing around today.”

Even just sitting still in this humid heat made me sweat.

Back in the day, I couldn’t even sit like this without feeling faint.

Lately, I could feel that my health had been improving.

I wanted to take off my white short-sleeved shirt, but there were too many eyes around, so I refrained.

Instead, I grabbed the collar near my neck and fanned it lightly.

“Ugh. But it’s still bearable.”

“Yeah. Even you can handle this much, Ha-Eun.”

Ha Soo-Yul agreed and nodded lightly.

But if I could handle it, why was she panting so much?

If you didn’t look closely, you might not notice it, but her mouth was slightly open.

This was the same girl who barely breathed through her mouth even while exercising.

Did girls absorb more heat from the sun than guys? That couldn’t be it.

It seemed like Ha Soo-Yul just wasn’t good with the heat.

Except for the fact that she occasionally glanced at my neck, she seemed to be giving her all during the volunteer work.

“Don’t you need to go wash up? We’re almost done here.”

“Not really? I’ll just get sweaty again when I come back out anyway.”

Seeing her tilt her head, I just gave a nod. If she said so, then fine.

We sat there idly for a moment, zoning out, when—

Smack!

“Ow.”

Something heavier than before struck the back of my head.

Turning around, I once again saw the three giggling kids.

In my book, one time was understandable. But twice? Absolutely not.

Especially when it comes to kids, you need to correct their behavior quickly.

Of course, I wouldn’t do it myself.

“Go get them, Ha Soo-Yul. Crush them.”

Casually turning my head, I issued the order.

Her eyes, shining brighter and redder than the sun, disappeared instantly.

Before I knew it, she was sprinting toward them.

Three sharp screams echoed through the yard in succession.

***

“Thank you so much. We finished much earlier than usual, thanks to you all.”

The middle-aged woman, adjusting her glasses with a bright smile, was the director of the orphanage.

My group and the other students waved it off, saying it was no big deal.

We weren’t expecting any rewards; we were only here because the school told us to be.

Still, the staff were grateful enough to provide us with some snacks and a place to rest.

We’d be coming back to the orphanage for the next two days.

It was a three-day, two-night volunteer activity.

‘Still… this isn’t so bad. It’s better than I thought.’

But that thought didn’t last long.

“Um… would it be okay if the kids came in? They really want to play with you…”

“Ah, it’s no problem!”

One overly enthusiastic student practically shouted.

Everyone else groaned loudly in protest.

But it was too late.

The damage was already done, and it was far too much to take back.

.

.

.

.

“Why is your hair yellow, Unnie?”

“It’s dyed. Isn’t it pretty?”

“Hmm… my brother said something about this. Oh! Yellow Monkey!”

“Could you bring that brother of yours here for a second?”

Choi Ye-Seo, with a bright smile, gently placed her hand on the little girl’s shoulder.

The girl nodded and ran off, returning moments later with her brother.

Of all things he could’ve said, he had to say that…

I glanced away in pity. The boy, now dragged over by his sister, froze the moment he saw me.

Then his eyes shifted to Ha Soo-Yul beside me.

‘Wait… isn’t he one of those kids from earlier?’

He was one of the culprits who had thrown carrots at me.

I could see the color drain from his face in real time.

But there was nothing I could do to help him.

It was all karma, after all.

Teaching someone the truth of life at such a young age? It felt surprisingly satisfying.