‘This world is seriously messed up.’ 

He thought, glancing around at the eager faces that seemed way too invested in what was supposed to be a school play. 

‘Since when does a school play get you recommendation letters to any university you want? What’s next, a Tony Award?’ 

He rubbed the back of his neck, keeping his expression blank even though his thoughts were anything but.

‘Ah, whatever, I’m just the hired scriptwriter here. Not like I’m fighting for those letters. Not like I’d want to.’

Arzen ran his fingers through his curly brown hair, giving his head a slight shake, as if trying to make sense of it all was too much effort. He leaned forward, his eyes darting between the scattered notes, sketches, and scribbles.

“What theme are we going with this year?” 

Arzen asked, his tone casual, as if he wasn’t about to get dragged into a grandiose project that seemed way too serious for a high school play.

Yuna turned, her smile wide and her hands gesturing enthusiastically as she spoke. She moved with a slight bounce, pacing in front of the table as if guiding an unseen audience through her grand vision.

“We’re going with classic Grimm Brothers’ tales. But we’re going darker, more complex. None of that fairy tale fluff.” 

Yuna paced back and forth, her movements fluid and expressive as she painted a vivid scene with her words. 

“We’re going to blend several Grimm tales into one. Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Snow White—crossing paths, challenging each other’s stories. The witch isn’t just evil—she’s driven by circumstances. The wolf has reasons. Snow White’s stepmother? More than jealousy.”

Arzen’s eyes followed her gestures, his head nodding slightly in time with her pacing. 

Arzen found the idea of mixing multiple Grimm Brothers' tales into one story exciting. It would be challenging to build the story as Yuna imagined, but he looked forward to it. The complexity of showing characters in shades of gray appealed to his creative side.

In this new world, Arzen had been unsure of his path. But this play gave him a focus and a challenge he wanted to take on. The idea of creating a story that blurred the lines between good and bad, right and wrong, felt exciting to him.

With the theme set, they discussed details. Anna adjusted her glasses and spread out her budgeting notes on the table. Lia pulled out sketches of elaborate costumes and props. Arne leaned back, tossing his pen onto the table with a flick of his wrist, his eyes glinting with amusement as he said. 

“This is gonna be one hell of a play.” 

Renzel, arms crossed, nodded as he talked about stage management plans to ensure smooth transitions. Noine scribbled notes on his clipboard, outlining strategies to attract a large audience.

As the meeting wrapped up, Arzen gathered his things and prepared to leave. Just as he was about to exit the room, Yuna called out to him.

"Arzen, wait a moment." 

Yuna’s voice cut through the settling noise just as Arzen reached the door. She stepped forward, holding out a sleek laptop with a purposeful grip.

“Take this.”

Arzen hesitated, his fingers brushing the laptop's edge. 

"I can’t accept this."

Yuna stepped closer and placed the laptop firmly in his hands. 

Arzen looked down at the laptop, then back at Yuna. 

"But..."

"No buts!" 

Yuna shook her head and crossed her arms. 

"I am only doing this to make things efficient. This is not a special privilege or anything; we only have limited time."

Arzen shrugged, his lips twitching into a reluctant smile as he tucked the laptop under his arm.

"Alright, thanks."

Yuna gave a warm smile and then walked back inside the room. Arzen, gripping the laptop, headed for the hallway with a slight smile.

‘In this world where I transmigrated without any system or advantage, it's fine to be a little shameless sometimes, right?’

Arzen returned to the dormitory. His mind buzzed with ideas, and he eagerly spent all his time writing the script and outlining the story. The intricate task of weaving together multiple Grimm Brothers’ tales into a single narrative fascinated him. He worked late into the night, fueled by a passion he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Over the next few days, Arzen continued to focus on his writing, rarely taking breaks. He refined his drafts and adjusted the storyline, making sure each character had a unique voice.

Arzen frequently visited the drama club to meet with Yuna, discussing the story's details and direction. Yuna's feedback was invaluable, helping him refine the script and ensure it aligned with her vision.

However, not everyone in the drama club was supportive. Some members mocked Arzen, whispering behind his back or making snide comments. These hostile individuals often brushed past him with unnecessary force when Yuna wasn't around, silently showing their disdain. Fortunately, there were also those like Renzel and Lia who sincerely accepted him and treated him well.

Days went by with Arzen fully immersed in scriptwriting. He maintained his schedule, arriving at class just before the bell rang and avoiding interactions with Raizel and Carsel by acting like a wall. After school, he headed to the drama club to discuss the script with Yuna before returning to the dorm to continue working. This routine persisted until the last day before Golden Week.

The absence of a phone became increasingly frustrating. Even though he had a laptop now, phones were more convenient for quick communication.

Golden Week was just around the corner, meaning Arzen would be spending time at Hanjun's place. He glanced at his desk, scattered with papers and drafts of his script, and rubbed his forehead as he knew he sometimes needed to discuss the script with Yuna.

Arzen tapped his pen against the table, eyes drifting to the side as he mulled over how he’d manage without a phone for a whole week. A poke on his cheek snapped him back.

Arzen swatted the hand away, not bothering to look up.

"I'm busy."

Hanjun leaned against the desk, his grin wide as he watched Arzen’s half-hearted brush-off. He clutched his chest in mock agony, staggering back like a soap opera star mid-scene.

"Yeah, yeah, our Zenzen has grown up and is working very hard. He wouldn’t eat dinner with his number one ultimate best friend anymore. I’m so sad."

Hanjun rolled his eyes, dramatically wiping fake tears from his cheek with the back of his hand, fully aware of how ridiculous he looked and loving every second of it.

Elden, lounging casually in the doorway, joined in on the act. He draped his arm over his eyes with the flair of a Shakespearean tragedy, leaning against the doorframe like it was his stage.

"What can we do? Our Zenzen has new friends now and won't even look at us anymore. Hu hu hu!"

Elden’s voice wobbled with exaggerated despair, his free arm flailing about as he swayed like a weeping willow in the wind.

Arzen sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as he leaned back. Spending time with Hanjun and Elden had once felt like walking on eggshells, every moment awkward, his movements stiff and rehearsed. He’d constantly second-guess his words, wondering if this world’s Arzen would say the same. His fingers drummed lightly on his lap, remembering the anxiety that used to coil in his chest every time they spoke.

But now, his body felt looser, the tightness gone from his jaw. Without realizing it, he had started acting naturally around them, responding without overthinking, the pressure easing without him even noticing. He glanced at his relaxed hands and frowned slightly, the thought sending a chill through him. The realization that he was getting used to this world made his fingers twitch, his gaze dropping to his scripts, where he poured his focus to avoid those unsettling thoughts.

Still, moments like these—Hanjun’s exaggerated pouts and Elden’s theatrical cries—always stirred something conflicted in him, a mix he couldn’t quite untangle.

There was something bittersweet about it—a mix of warmth and discomfort, like a jacket that didn’t quite fit but was still the best option against the cold. He leaned forward, his movements relaxed, and spoke without hesitation.

"Sorry. I've just been really busy. Want to grab dinner together?"

"But you already ate. What’s the fun of making you watch us eat?"

Hanjun crossed his arms, playing up his role to the fullest. His exaggerated pout and furrowed brow were all part of the act, his mind already working out how to stretch this performance a bit longer. He glanced at Arzen, taking in his tired posture with a smirk hidden beneath his pout. Hanjun enjoyed moments like this—teasing Arzen was a sport in itself. He knew exactly how to get under his friend’s skin just enough to keep it fun. He pretended to ponder, tapping his chin dramatically.

Elden leaned further into his role, letting out another wail as he leaned back in his chair, flinging his sleeve dramatically over his face. 

"I can’t! I’m going back home today and leaving soon. I’m so sad that Zenzen doesn’t even remember my schedule anymore. Hu hu hu!" He peeked through his arm, eyes glinting with mischief as he watched for Arzen’s reaction.

Arzen leaned back, his lips twitching at their antics. He rubbed his forehead, half amused, half exasperated, as he watched them continue their over-the-top act.

"Okay, let's grab dinner after school starts again?"

Hanjun’s act vanished instantly, his grin snapping back into place as he straightened up. He pointed at Arzen with mock severity, eyes twinkling with barely contained laughter. 

"It's a date. You better not forget this time, Zenzen."

Elden wiped his eyes with his sleeve one last time, his voice returning to normal as he stood upright, his posture easy and relaxed. 

“We'll hold you to it. Don't go back on your word."

Elden dropped his act just as quickly, settling back into his usual easygoing posture. He nudged Hanjun playfully, sharing the satisfaction of having successfully lightened the mood. 

Arzen turned back to his laptop, his fingers hovering over the keys, searching for where he’d left off. Hanjun moved swiftly, shutting the laptop with a firm thud. Hanjun’s expression shifted, and he studied Arzen with a mix of playfulness and concern, his usual teasing demeanor replaced by something slightly more serious. He ran a hand through his hair, his mind flicking to the inevitable scolding he’d get from his parents if Arzen showed up looking half-dead.

"Take a rest. Stop working. You look more like a panda than a real panda."

Hanjun squinted at the small mirror on Arzen’s desk, tilting it slightly until the reflection of Arzen’s face stared back: pale, with dark circles so prominent they could double as panda eyes. Hanjun frowned, clicking his tongue like a disappointed parent.

"If my parents see you looking this exhausted, they'll blame me for not taking care of you."

Hanjun shoved the mirror closer, making sure Arzen couldn’t ignore the evidence of his exhaustion.

Arzen rubbed his eyes, the exhaustion sinking in as his reflection mocked him. Elden stepped in, clapping a reassuring hand on Arzen’s shoulder, his usual playful smirk slightly softened. Elden’s thoughts were less dramatic but just as determined; he wasn’t about to let Arzen work himself into a stupor on his watch. He gave Arzen’s shoulder a light squeeze, hinting at the support beneath all the teasing.

“Come on, Zenzen. Let’s get you to a dreamland!”

Before Arzen could protest, Hanjun and Elden sprang into action, grabbing his arms with a surprising amount of coordination. Hanjun yanked him up with a grin, Elden locking onto the other arm like they were wrangling a stubborn goat. Arzen tried to resist, feet dragging across the floor as they pulled him toward the bunk bed, but his complaints were drowned out by their sheer determination.

“Up you go!” 

Hanjun shouted, his voice half-command, half-laughter. The scene was less about force and more about their collective refusal to take no for an answer. Elden gave a dramatic flourish, gesturing toward the bunk as if unveiling a luxury hotel suite.

Arzen barely had time to open his mouth before he was hoisted up the ladder, legs awkwardly guided by Elden’s persistent hands. 

“Hey, I’m not a—” 

He struggled to get the words out, but Hanjun’s grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Less whining, more climbing!” 

Elden countered, his tone dripping with playful authority. He gave Arzen a final push, nudging him onto the top bunk like an insistent older brother putting a reluctant sibling to bed.

Arzen landed with a soft thud, sprawled out on the mattress as he tried to wriggle into a sitting position. 

“Guys, seriously, I’ve got—”

“Absolutely nothing to do except sleep.” 

Hanjun cut in, crossing his arms with a self-satisfied smirk. 

 “Get cozy, you’re on mandatory nap duty.”

Elden chuckled, leaning against the ladder with a look that screamed victory. 

“Face it, Zenzen. You lost this battle.”

Arzen propped himself on one elbow, still trying to hold on to his last shred of defiance. He glared weakly at them, but Hanjun and Elden remained unfazed, arms crossed, watching him like two proud captains who’d just won a battle.

Arzen’s eyelids fluttered as he tried to keep his focus, vision blurring under the steady, relentless stares of his friends. He turned on his side, hoping to escape their watchful eyes, but every time he peeked, there they were—still staring, like two guard dogs ensuring he didn’t escape his nap sentence.

Minutes dragged on, Hanjun tapping a rhythm on the bedpost, Elden humming a light tune as if conducting a personal lullaby. Arzen’s resistance melted gradually, his limbs sinking into the comfort of the mattress as he struggled to stay awake.

“This is ridiculous. Who even naps at this time…”

Arzen mumbled, his words trailing off as the softness of the bed and the rhythm of his friends’ idle sounds lulled him closer to sleep.

Elden glanced around the room, spotting his packed bag near the door, a subtle reminder that his own schedule was ticking. He sighed, more playful than serious, and gave the bunk one last pat. 

“Anyway, I’ve got to head home soon. Gonna miss our Zenzen’s nightly snoring concert.” 

He exaggerated the sadness in his voice, but his eyes showed a genuine fondness for their shared, albeit chaotic, moments. 

Arzen’s eyelids drooped further, his attempts to resist sleep dwindling as he finally let his head sink into the pillow. Elden shouldered his bag, giving the top bunk one last glance.

“See you after Golden Week. Try not to miss me too much.”

Arzen’s arm flopped as he tried to wave them off, but the movement was weak, sleep overtaking him despite his best efforts. Hanjun and Elden exchanged triumphant looks, both reveling in their small victory.

“Man, he really put up a fight.” 

Hanjun chuckled, nudging Elden as they made their way to the door. 

“He’s gonna be so mad when he wakes up.”

Elden shrugged, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips. 

“Totally worth it.”

The door clicked shut, leaving Arzen peacefully sprawled on his bunk, finally succumbing to the sleep he couldn’t fight any longer.