Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: On-Set Rehearsal
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In the end, I couldn't clear things up with that Kang Hana.
To be precise, I went outside and found where she was, but she was in the middle of filming, so I couldn't approach her.
More than that... she really is the lead actress, huh.
The timid girl from earlier was gone, replaced by a completely bold and spirited performance.
Watching her act on set, I could see why she's such a hot topic.
Younger than Moon Chang-sik, a rookie actress with killer looks and solid acting skills—she's been all the rage.
Yeah, she's pretty at first glance, and her acting's on point.
Right now, she's shooting a scene with Moon Chang-sik, and she's absolutely shining.
Fine, they look good together, so don't jump to silly conclusions.
I closed my eyes, thinking back to those articles I'd just seen.
[Actress Kang Hana names fellow actor and senior Moon Chang-sik as her role model.]
[Are the two just friends? Or maybe something more?]
[Rumors of romance? Moon Chang-sik's side: "We're just friends."]
Even a quick search turned up stuff like that, and with her reaction earlier...
That actress Kang Hana probably has at least a crush on Moon Chang-sik.
So, I need to clear up the misunderstanding... It's disrespectful to him, and it doesn't sit right with me either.
With that in mind, I stood nearby with my arms crossed, waiting to sort it out quickly, but it was drawing a lot of attention.
"...Who's that?"
"Ah, the director mentioned someone this time..."
"But wow..."
"Is that an idol?"
Most of the looks were ones of admiration or envy for my appearance, but every now and then, I'd catch some sharp, stinging glares.
Mainly from the other actresses, especially those in minor, ambiguous roles. Their stares made me a bit uncomfortable.
They probably think I'm some parachute hire who got the gig purely on looks.
Which, honestly, isn't entirely wrong.
Well, I'd half-expected something like this from the start.
At least it's just a few.
Most people were giving me friendly looks.
Anyway, watching the set up close like this, the energy was on another level.
So this is how the acting you see on TV comes to life.
There were NG takes more often than I'd thought, but the vibe was cheerful overall.
Everyone laughing it off like, "No worries."
In that kind of atmosphere, I figured I'd be able to act comfortably too.
Just as I was thinking that, filming wrapped up.
Then, from afar, the two actors who'd just finished spotted me and reacted differently.
Kang Hana flinched like she'd been caught, while Moon Chang-sik looked surprised to see me.
"What brings you out here?"
"Uh, well..."
I hesitated a bit as I started to speak to Kang Hana, who was standing next to Moon Chang-sik now that he'd come over.
With her right there, was it rude to suddenly say, "Hey, I'm not involved with Moon Chang-sik at all—we're just friends, so no misunderstandings"?
And it's not like I'm certain she even has the wrong idea.
Better to bring it up carefully when it's just the two of us...
For now, I gave an awkward smile.
"Haha, the director told me to get a feel for the atmosphere."
"You know he doesn't listen to reason."
"Not this time."
"Oh? So, what do you think of the vibe?"
Hm... Chatting like this with her standing right there feels off, but I answered anyway.
"Seems good."
"Right? It's early in filming, so everyone's pretty hyped."
Yeah, it did. The set was brand new, everything clean and shiny.
Like that excited feeling after moving into a fresh place.
"Anyway, it's break time now—head back inside. You'll be shooting soon; I'll watch your last rehearsal."
"Sure, thanks."
No idea. I should just focus on my own stuff for now.
She's probably not fully convinced anyway, right?
And if I don't show up after today, the misunderstanding should fade naturally.
Just as I turned to head back to the waiting tent...
"Um, uh..."
Kang Hana, who'd been fidgeting next to Moon Chang-sik, finally spoke up.
"Could I watch your rehearsal too...?"
Her lips were pressed tight, like she'd mustered all her courage.
How could I turn down a face like that?
Plus, more eyes on my acting—especially from someone already proven in the public eye—would only help me.
"Sure, it'd be an honor."
"R-Really?!"
She hadn't expected me to agree so easily.
Kang Hana broke into a radiant smile.
That beautiful grin almost made me smile back...
"No. Don't you have another scene coming up? You should practice more..."
Moon Chang-sik's casual remark darkened her expression again.
Does this guy have zero tact...?
I couldn't let him disappoint the girl (who's actually older than me).
Pinch.
I quickly pinched his side.
"Like the director said—ow..."
He winced—uncharacteristically—and cut himself off. I jumped in right away.
"It'll just take a sec—could you watch and give pointers? Please?"
Kang Hana looked up at me with sparkling eyes, like she'd been rescued.
"Yes! Of course!"
That should clear up some of the misunderstanding, right?
Anyway, the three of us headed back to the tent where I'd been waiting.
"Alright, shall we give it a go?"
As soon as we entered, Moon Chang-sik pulled up a chair and sat, ready for me to perform.
He'd probably play the counterpart.
But with Kang Hana watching... it's intimidating. Nah, way more people will see it soon enough.
"I'll, uh... stand over here."
Kang Hana took a spot off to the side once we were in, watching intently. Was she really up for critiquing?
She looked kinda like a camera, which was funny, but I held back the laugh, overlaid my image as usual, and dove in.
This is a recording studio... Moon Chang-sik in front of me is a rude producer...
Singing in a non-soundproof tent would pull too much aggro, so skip that—straight into immersion for my assigned role.
"Alright, starting now."
In that small tent, I immersed myself in my character and ran through the lines I'd memorized and practiced.
"...How was it?"
Right after, I gauged their reactions.
Moon Chang-sik first...
"Good. Solid. You could stand in front of a camera right now, no problem."
He smiled in satisfaction and clapped.
Kang Hana...
"Uh... y-yeah, you were great..."
She seemed a bit shocked that I was better than expected.
Their reactions filled me with utter satisfaction.
Yeah, no major flaws in their eyes?
Good enough.
At least I won't be NG-ing nonstop and killing the mood like I'd feared.
Feeling a bit relieved, I flopped into an empty chair.
"You must've practiced a ton. The awkwardness is way down."
As I sat, Moon Chang-sik—who'd been my scene partner—stood and handed me a paper cup.
"Haha, that obvious? Glad to hear it."
"Yeah, big improvement."
"Right! You were just like Han Hye-jin."
Whoa... even Kang Hana praising me like that.
Han Hye-jin is the name of the role I'm playing.
Bit part, but it has a name—maybe it gets mentioned on TV later.
I was sipping the water from the cup, feeling at ease, when Moon Chang-sik stood up.
"Alright, one more time?"
"Already?"
"No time to waste. I'll point out the spots that still felt off."
Sigh, fine... I hadn't expected it to wrap that quick anyway.
More feedback from them wouldn't hurt.
I got up without complaint and ran it again.
Man, repeating the same scene is tiring.
Like a video on loop.
But each time, the issues got fixed, and their feedback nailed blind spots I hadn't noticed.
"Your walk's too humble for a top star, no?"
"Huh?"
"You could go more bold."
"Ah, got it."
Kang Hana, with all her experience in female roles, gave detailed pointers Moon Chang-sik missed—super helpful.
The feedback-heavy practice session went right up to shooting time. Pushing down the surging tension, I headed to the set.
"Just do it like in practice. You nailed it."
Kang Hana came over as I arrived, her earlier awkwardness gone, cheering me on.
"...Thanks."
Whoa, this is humbling—actual encouragement.
Anyway, I took a deep breath, watched the scene before mine, and finally, it was my turn.
"Alright, Suhyun, step in."
I moved forward to the set—better prepared than the broadcasting station one—and it hit me: I'm actually about to film.
I scanned the surrounding cameras and lights.
This is where I have to do it?
Wait, why are there so many cameras? It's just a simple scene.
No worries, though.
Yeah, practiced plenty, got the nod of approval...
I cleared my throat, controlled my mindset.
I'm a star... Arrogant, sky-high self-esteem celeb Han Hye-jin...
This is a recording studio right now.
I'm here collaborating with a washed-up producer.
Mindset locked in, I opened my eyes.
No more Kim Suhyun or Miro stood there.
Just the haughty star, Han Hye-jin.