I Want to Be a VTuber-Chapter 269: Social Life (3)

The class president, Gildahyeon, observed closely.

Having interacted more frequently with Seoyeon recently, she had become somewhat adept at reading the subtle emotions in Seoyeon’s otherwise expressionless face.

"It seems like Seoyeon feels uncomfortable about meeting with the classmates."

Though their conversations had increased and they felt a bit closer, Gildahyeon was aware that there was still a lingering awkwardness between them.

"Other than me, she still doesn’t initiate conversations with anyone."

Moreover, without Jiyeon from the neighboring class, Seoyeon seemed even more uneasy in such situations.

"Of course, given her position, it must be hard for her to decline others outright."

Being an actress, it would be difficult for Seoyeon to completely separate her professional demeanor from her personal life.

Although Gildahyeon had asked for a favor in return for helping with her exams, she didn’t want to pressure Seoyeon into doing something she disliked.

While it didn’t seem like Seoyeon was strongly against the idea, Gildahyeon felt uneasy about pushing forward without checking.

When she brought it up to the class, the students had mixed reactions:

"If we invite the other class too, I’m fine with it."

"Wouldn’t that make it too big? Maybe we should ask the teacher for advice."

"Yeah, and we could even use this as an excuse to get the teacher to buy us something."

Following their suggestions, Gildahyeon approached the homeroom teacher.

"That sounds like a great idea! But wouldn’t it be a bit awkward with just two classes? Why not make it a school-wide event instead? How about we talk to the grade supervisor together?"

When they brought the idea to the grade supervisor, it snowballed even further.

"Hmm, if we’re making it a school event, why not include students from other grades as well? With Yeonhwa High gaining fame as an arts school recently, this could highlight the school’s unique traits. Let’s discuss this with the vice-principal!"

"What?"

Things were escalating faster than Gildahyeon had anticipated.

What had started as a small class party was turning into a massive school-wide event.

"Ah, it’s because it’s a private school."

Yeonhwa High’s chairman could greenlight almost anything. Once this realization hit, Gildahyeon scrambled to explain herself, though it felt like it was too late.

"Actually, we were just planning something small for our class..."

"I see. Well, since you’ve come this far, why not see how other students feel about it?"

Fortunately, the teachers at Yeonhwa High were fairly flexible, so when Gildahyeon conveyed the message to the students again, the reactions were overwhelmingly positive.

"Whoa, that’s awesome!"

"Why wouldn’t we do it? Of course we should!"

"If the school’s giving us the auditorium for free and helping out, it’s a win!"

Meanwhile, Gildahyeon felt a cold sweat running down her back.

"Am I really going to have to handle all of this...?"

As class president and the one who started this, she had no choice. Eventually, she had to relay the changes to Seoyeon.

Though Seoyeon initially seemed apprehensive about the party, the expanded scale and Jiyeon’s involvement reassured her.

"A school-wide party?"

"Yeah, that’s how it turned out."

Seeing Gildahyeon’s hesitant expression, Seoyeon actually felt relieved.

With a larger crowd, it would be easier to avoid being the center of attention. And Jiyeon would be there, too.

"Alright, I’m in."

She readily agreed and headed to Jiyeon to share the news.

"A school party? I have a shoot that day."

"......"

The response froze Seoyeon in place.

While Jiyeon wouldn’t miss the party entirely, she would arrive late.

Though somewhat relieved, Seoyeon was still anxious about enduring several hours on her own. After some thought, she hurriedly approached Gildahyeon again.

"Gildahyeon."

"Hmm? What is it, Seoyeon?"

"I, uh... would it be okay to invite a celebrity?"

"......?"

"Not an actor, but maybe an idol group?"

"???"

"Ah, is that not allowed?"

As Seoyeon anxiously gauged her reaction, Gildahyeon could only close her eyes and sigh.

She couldn’t bring herself to reject Seoyeon’s timid request.

Thus, the originally modest class party snowballed into an event of unprecedented scale.

****

When Seoyeon mentioned the party to her manager, Park Eunha, the response was mixed.

"High schools do parties like that now?"

"I wouldn’t know."

"Well, it’s your first time, so I guess that makes sense."

Eunha deliberated briefly before speaking again.

"By the way, award season is coming up."

"Yes."

"There’s the film awards and the KMB Acting Awards."

Since Seoyeon didn’t have a regular spot on any variety shows, she wouldn’t be attending the entertainment awards.

Even so, the two ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ events left plenty to consider.

Given Seoyeon’s age, extravagant dresses weren’t appropriate. Something refined and elegant would be better.

"So, will you need a special dress for the school party?"

"They said to wear party attire, but..."

"I see."

Should she commission three dresses at once?

Frankly, Eunha couldn’t gauge the scale of the high school party Seoyeon described.

"There won’t be any celebrities attending, right?"

"Actually... there might."

Seoyeon herself had invited Summer Girls’ Cha Nahee, who had gladly agreed.

It was a perfect opportunity for Seoyeon to discuss some things with her.

"Really? In that case, I might need to prepare another dress. Though I won’t go overboard..."

Eunha’s words left Seoyeon unsure whether to stop her or let her proceed.

After all, Seoyeon hadn’t decided what to wear either.

"Anyway, focus on Mine for now. Just leave the rest to me."

"Alright."

"Good luck today!"

With Eunha’s encouragement, Seoyeon stepped out of the van.

The atmosphere around the Mine set was always sharp and chilly.

She hadn’t been able to participate fully in the script readings.

"Why did it have to overlap with finals?"

It was unavoidable, given her status as a high school student. Still, the other actors might not see it that way.

The set for Mine was entirely indoors, designed to accommodate heavy use of CGI.

"The cast lineup is well-balanced."

While Arthur Diaz’s presence drew attention, the rest of the cast wasn’t particularly expensive.

GH seemed to believe Arthur alone could draw enough attention.

Surprisingly, veteran actors filled supporting roles, serving as the "glue" of the cast.

"They’ve allocated resources wisely."

Despite being in the industry for ten years, Seoyeon’s hiatuses made her experience somewhat superficial.

Narumi Sora, on the other hand, was a true rookie. A cast heavy with veteran actors might have shifted focus away from her.

"It’s an ambitious drama in many ways."

As GH’s first foray into OTT dramas, it incorporated supernatural action—uncommon for Korean productions.

"You’re early, Seoyeon."

The first to greet her was Kim Hongbaek, the stunt coordinator.

"Remember, it’s action acting. It’s not just about showing off your athleticism, no matter how impressive you are."

"Understood."

"Good."

Though his tone was stern, Kim Hongbaek’s expression softened as he watched Seoyeon head toward the set.

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Among the Cheonghong Action School stunt crew, whispers spread.

"Director Kim really likes Ju Seoyeon, huh?"

"Of course. There’s no one else like her."

"I’ve never seen anyone snap a punching bag chain before."

"Honestly, is she even human?"

"Wait, are we actually doing action scenes with her?"

"......."

The stunt actors exchanged glances and then turned their attention to Arthur Diaz, his bodyguards, and the stuntman accompanying him.

"Maybe they’ll take care of it."

"......Hmm."

Regardless, tension was thick in the air. The numerous incidents at the Cheonghong Action School recently were enough to justify their unease.

Rumors circulated:

A punching bag’s chain snapping completely after a certain actor’s visit.

An engine block shattering during a car stunt.

Such strange tales—whether fact or fiction—had become so common that the stunt performers at the Cheonghong Action School barely reacted when someone went flying during training.

Amid these wary glances, actors for the drama gradually gathered on set.

The cast of Mine, including Arthur Diaz, Seoyeon, and several veteran actors who often played supporting roles in films and dramas, were assembling.

"You made it today."

Arthur Diaz addressed Seoyeon, who was quietly seated and seemingly indifferent.

"For a moment, I thought you might drop out of the drama altogether."

"I had exams."

"Exams?"

Arthur suddenly remembered that Seoyeon was a high school student.

Having only seen her in polished, professional appearances, it hadn’t really sunk in.

"Come to think of it, is she wearing a school uniform right now?"

It seemed she had come straight to the set after school.

"Anyway, we’ll need to rehearse a bit today, so I hope you’re prepared."

"Understood."

Seoyeon replied calmly, her demeanor composed.

Her nonchalant attitude made Arthur frown slightly.

There was a relaxed air about her that Arthur found irritating.

Her apparent lack of interest in him reminded him of someone.

It was rare for any woman to treat Arthur with such indifference, and that unfamiliarity was gradually turning into annoyance.

Just then, Seoyeon’s gaze shifted to the man quietly standing behind Arthur.

"And who’s the gentleman behind you?"

"Him? Oh, that’s Oliver."

Seoyeon’s eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Oliver, who was about the same height as Arthur.

He didn’t look like an actor—his face bore severe burn scars.

"His physique is much more refined."

Was this the personal stuntman Arthur had brought along?

His build and proportions were strikingly similar to Arthur’s.

While Arthur himself was in excellent shape, Oliver’s muscles seemed built for function rather than appearance.

"Oliver is, in my opinion, the best stuntman in America."

"......."

"......Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Oh, nothing. I just didn’t expect you to be so upfront about it."

Seoyeon had wondered if Arthur might be exploiting Oliver, but it didn’t seem to be the case.

As she looked at Oliver with interest, his shoulders visibly puffed up with pride.

"Well, he’s a friend."

"Hmm."

"Anyway, Oliver isn’t just strong. For instance..."

Arthur scanned the surroundings before picking up a metal rod from a nearby box.

It was unclear if it was a prop or just decorative, but Arthur handed it to Oliver.

"He’s strong enough to bend something like this with ease."

Oliver sighed as Arthur gestured at him.

He wasn’t particularly eager to show off his strength in such a setting.

"He just wants to see the girl’s surprised reaction—like a teenage boy."

Thinking that, Oliver grabbed the thin metal rod and bent it with some effort.

The surrounding crew gasped in astonishment.

Arthur shrugged, clearly pleased, while Seoyeon’s eyes widened slightly.

"See?"

"That’s impressive strength."

"Indeed. But Oliver’s real specialty isn’t his strength..."

Just as Arthur continued, Oliver quietly called out:

"Arthur."

Arthur turned his head to see Director Han Yegun arriving on set.

The director’s attire was unassuming: a leather jacket, jeans, and an unshaven face.

Despite his casual appearance, his sharp eyes fixed on Arthur and Seoyeon.

Arthur cleared his throat and turned back to Seoyeon.

"Anyway, we’ll be rehearsing shortly. I look forward to seeing how well you perform after your absence."

With that, he casually shoved the bent metal rod into a nearby box and walked away.

Oliver hesitated briefly, glancing at Seoyeon, before following Arthur.

Seoyeon, however, stood silently, her eyes fixed on the box containing the bent rod.

"......."

Oliver felt a pang of discomfort.

It seemed unnecessary to show off his strength to a young woman like that.

The bent metal rod also bothered him.

Whether it was a prop or simply meant for safety storage, leaving it in that state seemed careless.

"Arthur, I’ll be right back."

"What? Why?"

"I’m concerned about that prop I just damaged."

"All that fuss over a metal rod? Suit yourself."

Arthur waved dismissively, and Oliver took it as permission.

When Oliver returned to where Seoyeon had been, he saw her peeking around before approaching the box.

She grabbed the bent rod and began carefully straightening it, using her fingers to smooth out the creased areas until it was perfectly restored.

Watching this, Oliver quietly returned to Arthur.

"Arthur."

"Back already? That was quick."

"That girl might actually be an Esper."

"What nonsense are you spouting now?"

Arthur frowned, irritated by his friend’s serious tone.