A Top Actress in a Good Mood
My eyes flew wide open.
"Director Na Jun-hu?"
"Haha, what a surprise running into you here, Chief Manager Kwon. How have you been?"
At the director's question, I hid my dazed expression and asked back, "Yes, but what brings you to a place like this...?"
"I'm not here to receive an award. I'm attending as a presenter. The work award was embarrassingly taken by Thousand-Million Thieves last time."
Thousand-Million Thieves...? Was that the movie that drew ten million viewers, just like its title said?
Once I pieced it together, I let out a low breath.
Right. Director Na Jun-hu was a two-time ten-million director, wasn't he?
Sometimes he felt like the old man next door, so I forgot. The middle-aged man standing in front of me was the same Na Jun-hu who had made two films that each pulled in more than ten million viewers.
And then a strange sensation washed over me.
In this vast awards hall, was meeting Director Na Jun-hu really just coincidence?
Apparently the director felt the same way.
His voice dropped as he asked me, "Honestly, I was planning to reach out. But since we ended up meeting like this, maybe you and I really are meant to cross paths, Chief Manager Kwon?"
My heart thudded.
"Didn't I tell you at the meeting the other day? I'd finish the project and come pick up Actress Choi Go-eun."
A mischievous smile, like that of a five-year-old brat, crept across Na Jun-hu's mouth.
"I've finally finished the new script for Actress Choi Go-eun, Chief Manager Kwon."
The next film from the two-time ten-million director was complete.
And that next project had been written for my actress.
***
A faint shiver ran down my spine.
So the script is finished, Director.
What kind of script would Na Jun-hu's new work be?
He had made two ten-million-viewer films, so his image leaned heavily commercial, but if you looked at his filmography, Na Jun-hu had started from the bottom as a stubborn, single-minded director.
A master who had gone through short films, independent films, and commercial features in turn, building his own cinematic voice from the ground up.
Since it was a script written by him, the entertainment value was guaranteed.
But I can't exactly ask him to show me the script here.
Damn it.
I was dying of curiosity, but there was nothing I could do about the situation.
Swallowing my disappointment, I asked, "If this weren't the awards seats, I'd be begging to see the script, Director."
"Haha, I'm itching to talk about it too. Since we're already here, how about we sneak away for a bit?"
"A presenter shouldn't be sneaking off. Still, could you just... tell me the genre?"
At my question, Na Jun-hu nodded readily.
"Of course. The next project is...
romance."
At that completely unexpected genre, I blinked like an idiot before I could stop myself.
"So the next project is a rom-com?"
"Yes. To be a little more specific... a forbidden love kind of concept."
Forbidden love?
My head tilted slowly.
Just from the genre, I can't get any sense of what kind of scenario this is.
Maybe that was why my anticipation for Na Jun-hu's next work kept swelling.
I can't believe Na Jun-hu wrote a romance script.
What would his romantic screenplay feel like?
I proposed a meeting right away. "Should we lock in dinner after the ceremony, Director Na?"
"I'm available anytime."
"I'll coordinate my schedule and get back to you as soon as possible. And..."
I trailed off, then leaned in slightly and asked, "By the way, Director Na, how are the seats arranged for you?"
"We're seated separately with the presenters."
"Ah, then could I ask the staff to arrange it so you sit with Actor Kwon Hyun-bin?"
Na Jun-hu tilted his head.
"I don't mind, but is there a problem?"
"No, nothing like that. Actor Kwon is a bit shy, isn't he? I just thought he'd be more comfortable if you were with him."
There were deeper reasons if I went into it, but there was no need to explain them.
Luckily, Na Jun-hu didn't press for more and nodded easily.
"Mm, all right. It's just an awards ceremony anyway, so I'll chat with Actor Kwon."
"Then I'd appreciate that, Director."
"Haha, what are you saying? If you insist, then later make sure you tell Actress Choi Go-eun about my next project properly."
Na Jun-hu winked as he spoke.
"I really want to see romance acted by Actress Choi Go-eun, as a fan as much as a director. I'm curious too about what kind of result it'll become."
***
After the interview, Kwon Hyun-bin made his way to the awards hall.
Maybe because he was the only member of the 46KM Marathon production team invited to Baeksang?
The seats beside him, and even the rows in front and behind, were all empty.
As Kwon Hyun-bin sat down amid that vacant expanse, eyes poured in from all around. Some faces he knew. Others he didn't.
Exhaustion settled over him under those stares, and he silently prayed no one would talk to him.
Unfortunately, that wish did not come true.
Actors and influencers attending Baeksang began to crowd around him.
"Wow... it's good to see you, Actor Kwon."
"Do you remember me by any chance? We had drinks together at the after-party for the Montblanc fashion show."
"Oh my gosh! Actor Kwon Hyun-bin! I'm such a huge fan! Running into you here is amazing!"
An actor showing off a fleeting acquaintance. Another introducing himself as a fan.
A comedian acting absurdly close when this was their first meeting.
Through it all, Kwon Hyun-bin kept his expression under control and answered, "Yes, it's nice to meet you."
At his wilted reaction, the actors and comedians who had come up to him sensed the mood and quietly returned to their seats.
But one rookie actor failed to notice Kwon Hyun-bin's discomfort and cranked up his energy instead.
"Actor Kwon! I'm a huge fan, seriously!"
"..."
"I was really moved by 46KM Marathon, and all the works you've been in..."
The rookie's innocent voice rang out bright and sharp.
Kwon Hyun-bin's nerves, already taut from the flashes and cheers on the red carpet, grew even finer at the sound.
A line from the psychiatrist at the clinic drifted through his mind.
You're improving lately, but stress management is essential, Mr. Kwon Hyun-bin.
His lips twitched.
The words Could you please be quiet? circled in his mouth.
But seeing the rookie actor stare at him with shining, earnest eyes, completely without malice, he couldn't make the words come out.
In the end, just as he gave up on speaking and let out an inward sigh, a familiar voice came from behind him.
"Actor Kwon."
Kwon Hyun-bin startled and looked up.
"Director Na Jun-hu?"
"Haha, you look even better today. How have you been?"
Kwon Hyun-bin's face colored with surprise.
Why was Na Jun-hu, the two-time ten-million director, here?
In the meantime, the rookie actor who had been hovering around Kwon Hyun-bin also recognized Na Jun-hu and jumped, hurrying to greet him.
"D-Director Na Jun-hu!"
"Oh, was I interrupting a conversation?"
"N-no, sir!"
"Good. You're not a friend of Actor Kwon Hyun-bin, are you?"
"Ah, no, I was just... I'm a fan of Actor Kwon Hyun-bin..."
"A fan? How did a fan end up here?"
The rookie actor's eyes darted around in panic, and he bowed quickly.
"S-sorry for the trouble!"
The rookie fled in a hurry.
Watching him go, Na Jun-hu scratched his cheek with an awkward expression.
"...Who was that guy, Actor Kwon?"
Kwon Hyun-bin looked at the director for a moment, then let out a short laugh.
"I have no idea, Director."
"Huh? Weren't the two of you just talking?"
"It was a one-sided conversation from that side."
"Oh, really? Hah, I guess he's a rookie if we don't know him. That kind of energy is draining. Are kids these days always that high-strung?"
Na Jun-hu joked as he sat down beside Kwon Hyun-bin.
Watching that, Kwon Hyun-bin asked cautiously, "By the way, Director Na, was this your seat originally?"
"Ah, my seat? No. I was supposed to be with the presenters."
"...I thought Baeksang assigned the seats. Is it really all right to switch whenever you want?"
Na Jun-hu shrugged.
"Chief Manager Kwon said he trusted me and asked me to sit next to you, Actor Kwon."
Kwon Hyun-bin's eyes widened.
"...Chief Manager Kwon said that?"
"Yep. We were talking about the next project for a bit, and when we were parting, he asked me to sit by you."
A gentle smile touched the director's mouth.
"At first I wondered why he was worrying about it so much, but seeing your face, I guess Chief Manager Kwon was right? That pestering must have been pretty annoying?"
Kwon Hyun-bin's expression shifted oddly.
The corners of the director's mouth lifted in a sly grin as he watched him.
"You used to go on and on about not having any luck with managers, but this one seems to be doing a fine job."
"..."
"So? Do you like Chief Manager Kwon, Actor Kwon?"
Kwon Hyun-bin's lips moved slowly.
"Yes. I like him a lot."
"Oh? That much? Then is Chief Manager Kwon taking over as your manager from now on?"
"No, that's not it."
"Huh? Not that either?"
"Well, if it were up to me, I'd want to bring him over..."
Kwon Hyun-bin's expression grew serious as he trailed off.
"But it doesn't look easy. The other actors want him too."
Na Jun-hu's eyes widened.
...Look at this.
Was Kwon Hyun-bin really reacting this strongly to a manager he'd only known for a few days?
Then thunderous applause exploded through the hall.
Startled, Na Jun-hu turned his head and saw Lee Dong-hoon, the nation’s MC, walking out onto the Baeksang stage.
"Hello, everyone! I'm Lee Dong-hoon, and I'll be hosting tonight's Baeksang Arts Awards ceremony. Thank you to everyone who has joined us here today!"
The awards ceremony had finally begun.
Watching the scene, Na Jun-hu turned back toward Kwon Hyun-bin.
The Hallyu star, who had been sitting like a stone just moments ago, was now busily straightening his tie.
"Huh? Why are you suddenly fixing your tie, Actor Kwon?"
"I'm first."
"...You're first?"
Kwon Hyun-bin kept his eyes on the ceremony and answered, "Popularity awards are usually given first, aren't they?"
***
At the set of Black Bride.
After the afternoon shoot ended, Actor Seo Tae-jun collapsed into the waiting seat.
Manager Choi Cheol approached at once, as if he'd been waiting for the moment.
"Actor Seo, here's some water."
"Ah, thanks, Choi Cheol."
"And a towel, too."
Seo Tae-jun took the water and towel Choi Cheol handed over.
He had been so immersed in filming that even though it was autumn, sweat was pouring down his face like a sudden shower.
He let out a breath and groaned, "Ugh, this is so hard..."
"I'll bring you some red ginseng."
"Ah, it's fine. I already had some this morning."
After closing his eyes for a moment to collect himself, Seo Tae-jun suddenly asked, "But Choi Cheol, what has Chief Manager Kwon been up to lately?"
"Chief Manager Kwon, sir?"
"Yeah. He said he'd stop by the set to see me, but I haven't heard a word."
"Um... I don't know what Chief Manager Kwon's other schedule is, but I think he's at Baeksang today."
Seo Tae-jun's eyes went wide.
"Why would Chief Manager Kwon be at Baeksang?"
"Actor Kwon Hyun-bin was invited to Baeksang, so he went along."
"...Has my phone finished charging yet?"
"Yes, sir. It's fully charged."
Seo Tae-jun quickly opened the Baeksang live broadcast channel on the smartphone handed to him.
The moment the glamorous stage filled the screen, nation MC Lee Dong-hoon shouted, "[Actor Kwon Hyun-bin, who played Nam Cheol-woo in 46KM, congratulations!]"
Seo Tae-jun narrowed his gaze.
A man was walking up to the podium.
It was the Hallyu star Kwon Hyun-bin, whose visuals made even another man stop and stare in admiration.
Choi Cheol, leaning in with his head poking forward, muttered, "Oh, did Actor Kwon Hyun-bin win an award?"
"Shh."
"...?"
Seo Tae-jun leaned toward the phone.
Meanwhile, Kwon Hyun-bin, standing at the podium, began his acceptance speech.
["First, I'd like to dedicate this award to the 46KM Marathon production team. And I want to share this honor with the fans who have loved this work..."]
Kwon Hyun-bin trailed off and mentioned someone familiar.
Seo Tae-jun's brow twitched and furrowed.
["Lastly, I'd like to express my gratitude to Chief Manager Kwon. Thanks to Chief Manager Kwon..."]
As Seo Tae-jun glared at Kwon Hyun-bin, a dry laugh slipped out of him.
["I am able to stand here today. Once again, I want to thank my manager, Chief Manager Kwon."]
My manager, Chief Manager Kwon?
All at once, irritation surged through Seo Tae-jun, and he muttered, "Why does this guy keep calling Chief Manager Kwon his manager?"
Manager Choi Cheol asked cautiously, "Is that strange?"
"Of course it is! A chief manager is, what is it... right! It's an administrative position, an administrative position!"
"I-is it?"
"You're a manager yourself, and you don't even know that?"
Manager Choi Cheol, flustered by Seo Tae-jun's sudden hysteria, didn't know what to do.
Across from them, the stylist for the top-tier actress muttered, "Wow, Actor Kwon Hyun-bin really is at Baeksang."
Lee Ha-eun, the top actress staring at her phone, tilted her head slightly.
"When a female lion finds a male lion she likes, she draws his attention and seduces him through instinctive and distinctive behavior. By flicking her tail dramatically, making exaggerated gestures, or through her mane..."
It was Queen of the Plains, a lion documentary airing on National Geographic.
Lee Ha-eun, focused on her favorite show these days, answered slowly, "Seems like it."
"Goodness... so Actor Kwon Hyun-bin is managed by Chief Manager Kwon too. No wonder Chief Manager Kwon hasn't come to the set lately?"
Lee Ha-eun let out a short laugh.
"But he'll have to show up on Christmas Eve."
"Huh? What's happening then?"
"He has to go with me to the Eclat d'Or party."
The stylist's eyes widened a little.
"Oh, right! The Eclat d'Or launch party is on Christmas Eve, isn't it?"
"Yes. Hyeong-woo said he had 'work' that day, so I'm going with Chief Manager Kwon."
"I see... wow, I'm jealous! A party on Christmas Eve sounds so romantic, doesn't it?"
At the stylist's question, Lee Ha-eun hummed under her breath.
"Doesn't it? That's what I'm thinking too."
Seeing that, the stylist was startled and thought to herself, Why is Actress Lee Ha-eun in such a good mood lately?
No. Come to think of it, it wasn't just today. She had been in a good mood for a while now.
Is she that excited about the Eclat d'Or launch party?
Well, what kind of brand was Eclat d'Or?
It was a luxury brand that even Hollywood stars across the ocean lusted after.
Once someone became the ambassador for a brand like that, even Lee Ha-eun would have every reason to feel good.
Then Lee Ha-eun took her eyes off the phone screen and said, "By the way, teacher, is the dress for the Eclat d'Or launch party ready?"
"Ah, yes. I prepared a white-toned one with a boat neck design."
"What does it look like?"
"It's very elegant overall! You'll probably be surprised when you see it. At a glance, I thought it'd suit Actress Lee Ha-eun perfectly..."
The stylist was getting animated as she explained the dress, but Lee Ha-eun cut her off halfway through.
"Let's change it."
"...Pardon?"
"Not an elegant dress..."
Lee Ha-eun's red lips curved into a smile.
"Let's go with something flashy, with a bit of skin showing. It's the Eclat d'Or launch party in name too, so the dress can't be boring."