Mo Yang, Friend?

The term "Star Batch" was just a fancy way of saying "Class for the Rich," as Kim Joon-won understood from his memories. It was a class filled with wealthy students who enjoyed the best facilities and teachers. Most of them used connections to land roles in movies, making the batch appear elite.

The Star Batch also boasted top-notch teachers, veterans who shared their experiences and acting insights. While the regular classes had at best B-list actors as instructors, the Star Batch had several A-listers. This disparity motivated students in the normal classes to work hard for a coveted spot in the Star Batch.

"Of course, I want to get into that batch!" Jung-hwa said eagerly. "The teachers are better, and the exposure we get there is fantastic. Don't tell me you don't want to switch to the Star Batch."

Joon-won shrugged. "I'm not stressing over it. If I get in, great. If not, it's not the end of the world. My role is pretty small, so my chances aren't high. I'm keeping my expectations realistic."

Her enthusiasm waned at his words, and they continued walking in awkward silence. To lighten the mood, he added, "Don't worry about me. My skills aren't sharp enough for a big role. Just focus on getting into that Star Batch you're aiming for."

Jung-hwa nodded, her determination flickering back.

They reached the campus entrance, where they parted ways. She headed towards her friends, while Joon-won made his way to the back of the classroom. Taking his usual seat by the window, he gazed outside, lost in thought. The view of the bustling campus entrance was a scene he'd barely noticed before.

A tap on his shoulder snapped him back. Turning, he saw a boy with tousled brown hair sitting beside him, eyes glued to his phone. This was Mo Yang, someone the original Joon-won had considered his closest friend at the university.

"Bro, did you party without me last night? You should've called me," Mo Yang said, barely looking up from his screen.

Recalling memories of Mo Yang, Joon-won couldn't help but roll his eyes. "No, I'm just tired. That's all," he replied, keeping the conversation short.

Mo Yang had been a major influence in the original Joon-won's downward spiral. His constant invitations to parties had led Joon-won astray, pulling him further from his goals.

"Hey, want to hit a party tonight? Just got a text—there'll be girls from other departments. We might get lucky," Mo Yang said with a chuckle, waving his phone.

Joon-won took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. "It's exam week, man. The play at the end of the week is crucial, and you want to party? You're lucky to have a non-acting role, but I at least have a minor part. I need to focus and earn some points." His frustration showed; Mo Yang's carefree attitude grated on him. Unlike Joon-won, who had a role to prepare for, Mo Yang was just part of the production crew and never took it seriously, preferring to party instead.

In the past, Joon-won would have eagerly agreed, but Zen Su was different. This drama was his first step toward seizing the opportunities that lay ahead, especially during the summer break after the exams.

"Alright, chill out. No need to get mad. I just thought you might need a break. I'll let you know about any parties after the exams. You'll be free then, right?" Mo Yang said smoothly, trying to show concern.

But Joon-won wasn't buying it. He noticed the teacher entering the classroom and said, "Whatever you say. Be quiet now, the teacher's here." He turned his attention to the middle-aged man at the front, eager to focus on his studies.