– Zeno can actually sing.
– Our numbers are increasing each day. Now, we’re at 200,000.
– He also has 1.2 million followers. Now, we need another project.
– Zeno must be picking his new drama or movie now.
“Since when did you learn how to sing like that?” Eli couldn’t help but ask as the episode ended.
Doha and Minji also turned to him with curious eyes. It seemed he was reawakened because Zeno never had such a voice!
[Fame Meter: 6%]
[TALENTS:
Acting: A
Modeling: B
Singing: B]
[Penalty quests:
1. Attend a variety show: accomplished
2. Come to good terms with Eli]
“It just happened,” Zeno sighed, leaning against the couch.
“You’re really good,” Minji said.
“Take it as a compliment, Zeno,” Doha said, patting his back. “Minji is great at singing.”
“Hmm,” Zeno hummed, glancing at the girl with red cheeks.
“So, tell us,” Doha said, turning to Zeno with wide eyes. “Did you choose the digital record with Philip Hwang? That would be epic!”
Minji nodded excitedly.
Zeno shook his head. “No, I chose the money.”
“What?” the two of them exclaimed. “You passed up on the chance?” Minji asked.
Zeno nodded with a small smile. Philip reacted the same. It seemed he also wanted to record a song with Zeno.
However, Zeno still chose the money.
Nothing was going to stray him far from his goal!
Meanwhile, Eli stood from the couch. “Well, I have to get ready for work now.”
Minji frowned, glancing at Eli. “You haven’t been reading much for the past few days.”
Zeno glanced at Eli, and his face showed his disappointment just for a moment. Meanwhile, Doha added to Minji’s observation.
“And you’re taking way too many shifts at the convenience store,” he continued. “Are you still able to rest and study? Isn’t your midterms coming up?”
Eli pursed his lips and ran his fingers through his hair. “It’s alright,” he said. “I’m not going to take the midterms.”
Minji frowned. “Why? Has it been canceled?”
“Lucky,” Doha chimed. “I wished that happened all the time.”
Eli smirked a bit, then he shook his head. “I wished that happened, too. But, no. I’m taking a break from school.”
Zeno raised his head to observe Eli fully. It seemed he was finally going to reveal it.
As expected, the other two didn’t take it lightly. They immediately stood from the couch and gazed at Eli with wide eyes.
Zeno stayed seated as he watched their conversation pan out.
“You’re taking a break?” Minji exclaimed. “But why? It was going so well.”
Doha nodded. “You are probably one of the most hardworking students I know! It would be a waste to stop now.”
Zeno couldn’t argue with Doha’s statement. Despite Eli not being a genius like him, he was still the smartest out of his other friends.
It seemed that being a doctor was his dream, so he worked hard toward it.
However, that alone wasn’t enough to keep a dream. The world was cruel. It doesn’t give you what you want, no matter how hard you try.
And when you think everything is going well, reality will slap you in the face, saying that it wouldn’t be that easy.
“Eli,” Minji sighed, sounding serious. “Tell us what’s really happening.”
Eli clicked his tongue. “It’s just that. I need to stop studying medicine.”
“Did your dad not give you any money for your tuition again?”
“It’s not that,” Eli quickly denied. “I’m not smart enough for the scholarship. I’m not rich enough to pay for the full tuition.”
“I’m still in my first year, but I already have these sorts of problems. It’s better to cut it off right now.”
“We can help,” Minji said, but Eli was insistent.
“I don’t need it,” he said. “I’m fine like this. Don’t make it into such a big deal.”
“But it is a big deal,” Doha exclaimed. “You’ve wanted to become a doctor since we were young. That’s your dream!”
“And your dream is to become a gym owner. Minji’s dream is to become a composer, and Zeno wants to become ordinary,” Eli deadpanned, rendering the three of them silent.
In fact, it felt like they were SILENCED instead.
“Eli,” Minji whispered, causing his expression to soften.
Then, he let out a deep breath. “Alright, I’m sorry,” Eli said. “I’m just saying… it’s hard for us to reach our dreams at this level.”
“Besides, there’s nothing I can do. I have to pay 17,000,000 won by tomorrow if I want to take the exams on Monday. I can’t do that, and I’m not taking a loan for it.”
“Just… let it go,” he whispered. “And let’s not talk about it again.”
Doha and Minji didn’t know what to say. Meanwhile, Zeno finally stood from the couch.
“What school are you studying in again?” Zeno asked.
Eli frowned at his sudden question.
“Y University,” he answered, confused.
“Oho,” Zeno exclaimed. “That’s a good school. The tuition is expensive.”
“Yeah, but Eli got in,” Doha muttered. “It would be a waste if he didn’t take it.”
Eli clicked his tongue. “Anyway, like I said, let’s not talk about it anymore.”
“But you’re still going to school, right?” Zeno asked, knowing that Eli still went to his university despite dismissing the topic.
Eli frowned. “I’m just finishing up on the last days. I won’t take the midterm exam.”
“I see,” Zeno said. “But isn’t that counterproductive? Why would you attend the classes when you’ve already made up your mind that you’re not going to continue at all?”
Eli sighed. “What do you know?”
Zeno crossed his arms in front of his chest. “It seems to me that you want to continue studying.”
“I don’t,” Eli quickly said. “I’ll get over it soon, so don’t worry.”
“I’m heading out now,” he said, leaving no room for argument.
With that, he left Doha’s unit and went to his own.
Meanwhile, Zeno was already searching for the university’s address on his phone.
“Hmm,” he hummed. “It’s not far from here. The deadline is tomorrow, huh?”
“What are you muttering to yourself?” Minji asked, still upset about the situation.
“Nothing,” Zeno said, placing his phone back in his pocket. “I’ll be out tomorrow morning, so you don’t have to prepare breakfast for me.”
Doha frowned. “Where are you going this time?”
Zeno didn’t respond and merely smiled. “Have a good night.”
He was going to Eli’s school, of course.