Chapter 0 – Prologue

I’d lived a life untouched by the entertainment industry.

More accurately, a life detached from any form of creative fiction.

Character Immersion Syndrome.

A condition where I’d become excessively absorbed by characters in dramas, movies, anime—any form of media, really. Reality would fade, and I’d be lost in the fictional world. Because of this, I couldn’t enjoy even blockbuster movies, let alone anything related to the entertainment industry itself.

That was my life.

“You want me to be a stand-in?”

That is, until my friend, fresh from a car accident, asked me for a favor.

“Junho, I’m so sorry. Sniffle! I got into a car accident, and I’m pretty much bedridden for a while. You’re the only one I could ask.”

“Dude! How can I possibly act? You know better than anyone what I’m like!”

Park Taehyuk. The only person who reached out to me during my hellish school days. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I owe my current, somewhat normal life to him. Still!

“I’m not actually playing the role, am I?”

Special Immersion Syndrome. The nightmare that made me lose myself in characters, crippling my ability to function in everyday life. Just thinking about the hell I went through made me shudder.

“Is there any way you could do this for me? I finally landed this role…” His voice was pleading. “Please, I’m begging you, as a friend.”

“Ha…”

I sighed, my voice laced with irritation.

“Look, get some rest. Let’s talk later. Whether it’s a bit part or whatever, I’ll take care of it for you. Just relax.”

“Really?! Thank you, thank you! You’re the best!”

“Cut the crap. Just buy me dinner later. Text me the details—where to go, what I need to do. Wait, have you even cleared this with the production team?”

“Of course! I already showed them your picture, and the director gave the okay right away!”

“So you’re telling me you already arranged everything without even asking me first?”

“Uh, um…”

Taehyuk stammered on the other end.

“Make it beef. I’m picking the place.”

“O-okay. But go easy on me… My wallet’s a bit thin right now.”

“Premium beef, naturally. Better make a reservation for your wallet in the ICU.”

“Ugh! Thanks, you jerk.”

Click.

I hung up. A message arrived almost immediately. He must have been really desperate.

I slowly read the message, my face draining of color. I quickly washed up and rushed out of my studio apartment, cursing Taehyuk under my breath.

That damned Park Taehyuk! If he was going to ask me for this kind of favor, he could have at least given me more than a day’s notice!

Fueled by a burning desire to throttle him, I sprinted down the street. I’d definitely get my revenge on Taehyuk after this was over.