Am I Shaking Right Now?
“Areum! You’re here!”
A booming voice sliced through the pre-dawn air. I froze in place, staring blankly up at the man in front of me. Black long parka, massive build, and... a buzzcut.
...What the hell? Did I get the location wrong? This is the broadcasting station parking lot. So why is there a guy standing here who looks like he’s about to bury someone? Does he have a grudge against Actor O Seokgyun or something?
As a whirlwind of thoughts raced through my head, the man took off his sunglasses and grinned brightly.
“It’s me. O Seokgyun. Didn’t recognize me, huh?”
“......”
No, you look even scarier when you smile.
I nearly blurted out the unfiltered thought in my head from the shock.
“Wh-what’s with the hair... I mean, you cut it nice and clean?”
“Oh, this?” O Seokgyun ran a hand over his curly sideburns. “I just got cast in a new movie role. I’m playing the gang’s enforcer, and the director wanted a strong impression. So I buzzed it yesterday.”
“Ah... I see. It’s... really intense.”
“You think so? Haha! Good to hear. Coming from you, Areum, it gives me confidence.”
His shy smile was... surprisingly fitting. In a different way.
Just then, Manager Kim Seokho and PD Yu Minji approached from afar, loaded down with gear.
“Areum! Actor! You’re early!”
Manager Kim’s cheerful voice eased the tension a bit. Yu PD flinched at O Seokgyun’s head for a second, then greeted him calmly.
“Whoa, Actor. New style? The charisma is no joke.”
“Haha, thanks. I was worried it might mess up the shoot.”
“Not at all! It really defines your character—in a good way.”
Yu PD leaned in and whispered to me. “Areum, don’t be too tense. He looks scary because of the hair, but you know, right? He’s a total softie inside.”
“...I know, but the visual impact is huge.”
“Hehe, you’ll get used to it. Anyway, about today’s shoot.”
Yu PD’s expression turned serious. “Don’t overthink it—just camp like you always do, naturally. That’s where your charm comes from.”
“Got it. I’ll try.”
“Oh, and we’re not just using fixed cameras this time. Manager Kim will follow with a handheld for that variety show vibe.”
“Follow me around?”
“Yeah. Like close-up coverage when you’re pitching the tent or cooking. Might feel a bit intrusive, but...”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve gotta handle it. Camping’s my expertise.”
Right. I’m a full-time creator contracted with the MCN now. Time to tough this out.
“Alright, let’s load up and head out?”
Manager Kim popped the trunk. We stowed our gear and climbed into the large van provided by the MCN. Manager Kim in the driver’s seat, Yu PD shotgun. Me and Actor O Seokgyun side by side in the back.
As the doors shut, sealing us in this enclosed space alone, his intimidating presence doubled.
The van pulled out smoothly. At the same time, the red lights on the in-car fixed cameras flicked on. Filming started from the drive.
Silence.
The car was wrapped in heavy quiet. Only the tires scraping asphalt and the occasional heavy breath from O Seokgyun.
...I can’t breathe.
If this keeps up, it’s bad. Gotta say something.
Gathering courage for footage—and to break the awkwardness—I spoke up.
“Um... Actor?”
“Yes! Go ahead!”
He snapped to attention like a raw recruit. Whoa, too loud!
“Ahem. What’s the one thing you wanna try most at camp? You mentioned a camping fantasy, right?”
O Seokgyun stared into space. Then his eyes softened thoughtfully.
...You’re not doing this on purpose, are you?
“A bonfire... Just sitting by it, staring.”
“Fire gazing, right?”
“Yes. Watching the flames, it feels like all my past mistakes... no, complicated thoughts just burn away.”
...You almost said “mistakes,” didn’t you? The words are pure, but paired with that look, it hits different. Like a mob boss monologue about quitting the life.
“I-I see. Have you pitched a tent before?”
“Yes. Practiced unfolding it a few times in the living room from YouTube videos.”
“In the living room? Kinda reminds me of that old Camp Gallery post ‘Ninja Camping’...”
O Seokgyun scratched the back of his head sheepishly. “Yeah. Got nagged by the wife a bit. Haha.”
I pictured it: A huge buzzcut guy crouched in the middle of the living room, tent spread out. Wife smacking his back, scolding.
...Kinda cute?
“Still, the practice will pay off. Field’s different, but knowing the structure makes a world of difference.”
“Really? Glad to hear. Didn’t want to be a burden.”
Chatting eased things. He wasn’t a bad guy—rough speech, but thoughtful underneath.
Just... hmm. No. He’s the total opposite of his looks. Super wholesome. I heard he’s a devoted family man.
No way someone like that is scary just because of his face.
But every time he glanced awkwardly out the window, it felt like a movie scene—checking for cops...
In that mix of tension and warmth, the van sped toward Gangwon-do.
Hours later, we arrived. The quiet, private forest campground where I first met Im Nana. Weekday, as expected—no one else around.
The forest’s silence enveloped us.
O Seokgyun stepped out and took a deep breath. “Hoo...”
His chest rose and fell hugely. He slowly looked up at the dense trees, sunlight filtering through, distant ridges.
His eyes glistened.
“...Beautiful.”
Low, resonant voice. Like a man who lost everything—or finished his revenge—arriving at his final rest.
...No, damn it. Not that scene!
Get out of my head, villain O Seokgyun!!!
I shook my head as Manager Kim captured it perfectly on camera. Yu PD nodded, satisfied.
Yeah, that’s no acting. Genuine emotion. No more rude fantasies. Ever.
“The air... it’s different. Nothing like Seoul’s smog.”
“Right? Deep in the mountains, it hits harder.”
I chimed in carefully, not to ruin the mood.
He gazed at the scenery wordlessly for a while. His lonely silhouette made even me solemn.
Sorry... for the weird thoughts...
Finally, he turned to me. “Areum. Thanks for sharing this place.”
“N-no, glad you like it.”
“Alright, shall we start? What do I do first?”
He rolled up his sleeves eagerly. Veins bulged on his forearms.
“Unload first, then site setup. I’ll guide you step by step.”
We started pulling gear from the trunk. O Seokgyun was strong—lifted my heavy equipment box one-handed, no sweat.
“Where does this go?”
“Oh, flat spot over there.”
“Got it!”
No wasted movement. Total ace.
Gear sorted, time for tents.
“Actor, know the most important part of pitching a tent?”
“Hm... Making it sturdy?”
“That too, but first, pick a good spot. Flat ground, clear rocks and sticks. Otherwise, your back hurts all night.”
“Aha, got it.”
“Pegs go in at 45 degrees opposite the tent, slanted. Consider wind direction too.”
He listened intently, dead serious. “Noted! 45 degrees! Wind direction!”
Perfect echo.
Thanks to his home practice, it went smoother than expected. He reversed a pole once, drove a peg too deep—but great for a newbie.
“Done!”
He beamed at the solid tent like a kid.
“Good job. Now mine...”
“I’ll help!”
With his aid, my tent was up in no time. Two tents side by side—satisfying.
But not done yet. I pulled two more bags from the pile.
Yu PD looked puzzled. “Areum? What’s that? Tents are up.”
“Oh, this?”
I grinned, holding them up. “For you two.”
“Huh...?”
Yesterday after the pre-meeting, I’d casually asked Manager Kim.
‘Where’s the crew sleeping?’
‘Oh, we’ll crash in the car. That’s how shoots go. Haha.’
Ridiculous. Camping YouTuber crew sleeping in the car? My team? More than that, they were missing out on real camping.
So I’d snuck these in. My spare tent and sleeping bags.
“Car sleeping? How do you manage that discomfort? You’ve got to shoot tomorrow.”
“But still...”
“Quick setup. I’ll help—crash comfortably tonight. Winter bags, super warm.”
I shoved the bags at the hesitant pair.
“You’re camping—tent’s the rule. Right?”
...Huh? Yu PD? Why are your eyes welling up...?
Not the reaction I expected. Thought it’d be ‘Ugh, can’t argue with you’ or ‘You really love camping! Haha!’
“Areum... I’ve seen guests feed staff, but beds? First time...”
“So touching... for real.”
Manager Kim bowed, choked up. O Seokgyun smiled warmly. “She’s right. We’re all grinding—sleep well at least. I’ll help.”
Hmm... yeah? I’m pretty considerate...
Didn’t expect tears, but mission accomplished—they’re tent-bound.
Heh heh... Now you’re slaves to camping too.
Once you taste it, no more car-camping. Wind and birds in a tent under the stars. Irresistible romance.
I’d ease them into the swamp of camping. My master plan.
“Homes built. Time for the content?”
“Yes! Just tell me!”
O Seokgyun pumped with energy.
“First corner: Camping Trivia Quiz!”
I pulled out my prepared cue sheet. No full script, but quizzes for smooth flow. Too early for food anyway—kills time, teaches newbie O Seokgyun, adds fun. Win-win-win.
Q1. How do you dig deep and firm into the ground?
Q2. How do you tie a rope securely so it doesn't come undone?
Q3. What precautions for walking around the campsite at night?
...Huh?
These are my own wholesome camping questions. Trench digging on slopes, tarp knots, night manners/safety.
So why the chill down my spine?
Just nerves...?
Shaking off unease, I started.
“First question! When pitching tents or digging trenches, how do you dig deep and firm?”
O Seokgyun’s face turned serious. Arms crossed, deep frown, sharp eyes.
“Hm... Hold the shovel vertical... put your weight in, dig deep at once...”
“And... tamp the dirt by stomping firm, no traces...”
...Who’re you burying?
“Y-yes! Correct!”
“Oh, right? Haha, good.”
“N-next! Tarp ropes slipping is disaster. How to tie secure?”
He pondered gravely, miming a knot in the air. Rough hands. Intense gaze. Every motion heavy.
“Twist the knot... like this... cinch once more... won’t come loose.”
...Who’re you hanging?
“Y-yes... r-right! Knots must be tight. Haha...”
The vibe was getting weird. I saw Yu PD and Manager Kim behind the camera, stifling laughs.
This is funny?! I’m terrified!
“L-last one! Nighttime campsite precautions?”
Safety: Watch strings, quiet during manners hour, no glaring lanterns toward tents.
O Seokgyun looked up slowly. Voice dropped lower.
“At night... it’s dark...”
He scanned around. “Kill sounds... quiet steps...”
“......”
“...Keep light from leaking.”
Perfect answer... technically.
...What’re you sneaking for? Assassination? Backstab?
Wholesome questions, but feels like a crime plot.
Mistaking my silence for wrong, he asked anxiously. “Areum? Wrong?”
Seemed like a hallucination: Wrong answer? You’re done.
I gripped the cue sheet with trembling hands. Forced a bright, shaky shout.
“C-correct... correct...!”
Caw-!
A crow cried from the woods.
...What perfect sound effect?