* * * *

“I don’t think I made it.”

Daemyung heard those words in the morning and started sighing endlessly, without knowing what to do. He didn’t expect Maru to pass easily. After all, many capable people should have attended the audition. Maru said that as well. However, seeing Maru declare that, Daemyung felt like there was no hope. He was sure that something happened during the audition. It was very likely that Maru had made a big mistake.

‘So even someone like Maru makes mistakes.’

Maru was usually flawless, but he was the same age as the others after all. Daemyung thought that Maru became nervous at a critical moment which cost him the audition. Well, it wasn’t exactly surprising since he would be competing against many others who take professional lessons. Daemyung wondered how he should console him.

He peeked behind him. Since maths was over, Maru was sleeping at his desk. Today, though, that calm side of him made him look pitiful instead. Perhaps he was pushing himself so that others would not worry about him. It was more than likely for Maru to do so. After all, he wordlessly endured the insults of many people from the acting club a year ago.

‘When else would he need consolation if not now? We’re friends.’

He was always on the receiving side. For today, he wanted to be of Maru’s help. Maru’s body shook for a moment before...