[Robin (wannabeidol)]: Any idea when they'll send the audition results?
[Haneul (sky410)]: Considering how many people auditioned, maybe next week?
Haneul was exchanging KakaoTalk messages with Robin as he walked towards the classroom. The two of them exchanged KakaoTalk IDs after their audition three days ago. They had been exchanging messages with each other since then.
After the audition, Haneul's mother invited Robin to have dinner at their house upon learning that Robin was staying in a hotel. She even offered for Robin to stay with them while they waited for the audition results.
It was clear that Haneul's mother really liked Robin. Part of the reason might have been that Robin, like Haneul, was an Omega, and there was a chance they could both participate in the survival program together. His mother probably wanted him to have a close Omega friend there. However, the main reason was simply that she genuinely liked Robin.
Haneul thought that Robin would agree, considering how outgoing he was. But surprisingly, Robin respectfully refused, looking embarrassed and saying that he couldn't possibly impose on them. He even declined the dinner invitation, joking that he might get tempted to agree if he tasted Haneul's mother's home-cooked meal.
Given his very extroverted nature, it was surprising to see a shy side to him.
[Robin (wannabeidol)]: Hopefully, the both of us would receive good news soon. T^T
[Haneul (sky410)]: Don't worry. I have a good feeling that we will soon receive one.
[Robin (wannabeidol)]: In your 'good feeling' I trust.
Haneul chuckled when he read that. Was this what it felt like to have a friend? It's a bit embarrassing to admit this, but in his original world, he had an abysmal social life.
Before the accident happened, because of his personality, it was hard for him to get close to other people. It was probably a good thing that he went to school where his parents were teaching, so he never experienced any bullying. But it also made it harder for him to make friends.
To his classmates, he was just a good model student, someone they could ask for help regarding school matters. And that was basically it. He had never been one to be invited to eat tteokbokki or to go to a PC bang to play games. He was just that dependable classmate.
Then the accident happened, and he basically had no time to make friends. His relationships only extended to acquaintances. And even barely at that.
A bitter smile crossed Haneul's lips. Really, what a lonely life he had lived. He had never truly realized it at the time because he was always tired from working. But now, with a much wider perspective on his previous life, he could clearly see the things he had lacked.
That's why he promised to make up for everything in this life. He would never again live a life filled with regrets.
[Robin (wannabeidol)]: Are we still meeting up later?
[Haneul (sky410)]: Yes. ^^
After replying once more to Robin, Haneul put his phone back in his bag and continued walking. As he climbed the stairs to the third-year floor, he happened to overhear a conversation between two female students walking a few steps ahead.
Not because of any other reason, but just because he suddenly heard his name being mentioned. And the two also happened to be his classmates, so he recognized them.
"Doesn't Kang Haneul look great these days? I mean, he's always been handsome, but after he returned from that one-week sick leave, he suddenly became... I don't know how to explain it... more charming, I guess?" one of the two said. "Do you think he had plastic surgery?"
Haneul almost missed his steps because of that last part. Although he had already expected that some people might think that way, especially considering how different the general atmosphere around him was before and after he went back in time, hearing it directly was still a bit unsettling.
Thankfully, the subtle change Yeomra made to his face was so minuscule that it was almost negligible, to the point where people would hardly take issue with it.
Even though Korea was known as a country of plastic surgery, many people still degraded others who had gone under the knife, especially celebrities. Natural beauty was preferred more, which he found kind of hypocritical. After all, the same people who criticized plastic surgery often praised the flawless looks of their favorite idols and actors, not realizing—or perhaps ignoring—the fact that many of those 'natural' beauties had also undergone subtle enhancements.
Hanuel just shook his head while thinking of how to pass by the two without disturbing their conversation. But then the other girl responded to the first one.
"How could he have had plastic surgery when he was only absent for a week? If he did, there's no way his surgical wounds would have healed that fast. I think it's just because he manifested."
"Then you think the rumors are true? That he manifested into an Omega?"
"What else could have explained his change?"
Haneul raised his brow. Most people would probably react the same way as the second girl and just attribute his change to manifestation. Which was fine by him. At least that wouldn't create any stupid issues.
He quickened his pace and, as he approached the two, he casually glanced in their direction as if noticing them for the first time. Then, with a natural smile, he greeted them.
"Good morning."