Rookie but One-in-a-Million Actor - Chapter 21
"Ah, perfect! Cut!"
The photographer happily set down his camera. It was Enbin who had flawlessly pulled off five outfits in a row without a break. With his flight schedule looming, they couldn't afford any delays.
"Enbin, take a look."
The CEO, the photographer, and Enbin huddled together around the screen to check the shots. Moo-young and Jun-ho peeked over their shoulders.
"I like this one."
"The natural light really brings it to life."
"Should we tweak the editing here? It'd be a shame to scrap it."
The pros could spot the differences between A-cut and B-cut. To Moo-young and Jun-ho, every single one looked ready to drop right then and there.
Enbin fanned himself with his hand as he scrutinized the monitor closely.
"So we're good with these?"
"Yeah, let's go with them. Great work, everyone."
"You too!"
With all three in agreement, the staff gave a light round of applause. The manager hyung looked the happiest of all. While everyone packed up the gear, Enbin slipped into the changing room to swap clothes.
"CEO, all done?"
Jun-ho asked politely, addressing his older brother as "CEO" to keep things professional. He clenched his teeth into a grin, holding back a whoop of joy.
"It turned out insanely good. Crazy."
Enbin had nailed the vibe Bonturi was going for. As a designer and entrepreneur, nothing could satisfy him more.
"Help tidy up, then let's grab food. You hungry too, Moo-young?"
He threw his arms around his two friends' shoulders and gave them a playful shake. Like the excitement was bubbling over—let's go!
Drag.
Just then, Enbin emerged tugging at his shirt. It wasn't even that hot, but holding the reflector outside had heated him up.
"Moo-young, mind if I have one of these?"
He rummaged through the bag of drinks Moo-young had bought earlier.
"Uh, wait, that one's—"
Moo-young reached out but hesitated. Enbin cracked open the can.
And out burst the fizzy spray.
Psssh!
Enbin's white tee turned brown in an instant.
"Gah!"
"I was trying to warn you..."
"What the—did you drop it on the way?"
"Nah, when I checked to drink it, the bottom was already dented."
Moo-young pulled out some wet wipes and handed them over. Sticky was one thing, but the shirt was ruined.
Enbin shot his manager a helpless look.
"Hyung, this sponsored?"
"Yeah. Oh shit!"
"We're screwed."
The more they wiped, the more the stain spread. The manager stared blankly at the shirt, then checked his watch.
"Gotta head straight to the airport. Rush hour traffic otherwise—total gridlock."
But like this?
Both froze, brains stalled.
Moo-young, wiping Enbin's shirt, turned to Jun-ho.
"What if he wears one of the shoot outfits?"
"Yeah, I was gonna pack one up for the manager anyway."
"Bin, throw that on for now, and have the sponsor send a new one to the airport. Better to wait in the car than get stuck in traffic."
As long as he didn't step out, no pap shots. Pickup, change, exit—smooth.
"Good call."
"Sorry, hyung."
"Nah. I'll make a call. Grab the clothes and head out—we'll change en route. Car's ready."
Moo-young cracked a water bottle and poured it over Enbin's hands. Meanwhile, Jun-ho dashed off for the paper bag with the outfit. The CEO and staff glanced over curiously.
"Sorry. Should've tossed those drinks."
"My bad. Hey, what're you up to now?"
"Me? Help clean up, then grub."
Enbin nodded, dabbing at the dampness with tissue.
"Hit me up later. How'd the web drama wrap party go?"
"Will do. Safe travels. Thailand, right?"
"Yeah. And you should pick an agency soon. Acting's great, but gotta eat. Good projects don't just roll around on the ground—you know agencies snag 'em. Gotta ride the momentum now while offers are pouring in."
Like a mom nagging, but earnest. Auditions were key, sure, but agencies opened doors.
"Need a hookup? SN Label does actors too. New, but solid rep."
"Thanks. I'll think it over."
Jun-ho returned with the bag of clothes and towels. Enbin took it with a grin.
"Appreciate it."
"No prob. Great work today."
"Alright, heading out. You too!"
Enbin waved to the staff, shooting Moo-young a knowing look—text later. He climbed into the van amid their farewells.
Vroom.
"Hope he gets those clothes at the airport," Moo-young muttered. Jun-ho just shrugged.
Not his circus.
"Oh yeah, Jun-ho."
Jun-ho was coiling cables leisurely when Moo-young flashed a cheeky smile.
"Time for that grand jeté, right?"
"..."
He'd googled it—looked brutal. Jun-ho smiled quietly and backed away slow.
Mouth got him in trouble again.
"Grand jeté!"
"You nuts? Snap my neck?"
"You said you'd show me—"
The two chased each other around the café yard, horsing around. The staff and CEO watched, shaking their heads fondly—kids—and finished cleanup.
"Photographer, when's the edited version ready?"
"Cramming it in, about two weeks."
They poured everything into the launch, oblivious.
To Enbin ultimately not getting the sponsored clothes at the airport—and facing the press in Bonturi instead.
A few days later.
Moo-young arrived at a barbecue joint deep in an alley, hood up after getting lost a couple times. At the entrance, a familiar guy puffed a cigarette.
"Team leader!"
"Whoa, Moo-young!"
Already a few drinks in—face nicely flushed.
"Why so late?"
"Sorry. Assignments piled up."
"Haven't eaten yet, right?"
He stubbed out the cig quick and led Moo-young inside. Whole place reserved. Tables clustered with familiar faces only.
"Moo-young's here!"
"Yay—what took ya?"
"Enbin bailed, almost ate without ya!"
More Square Film staff than set crew. "Wrap party," they'd said... More like project success bash.
"C'mon, sit here."
First episode blew up, greenlit extras no sweat. Editing and upload left to the pros.
"CEO! Moo-young's here."
"Oh! Come on in."
Jo Mi-young, mid-bite of meat amid the racket, waved. Fitting right in. Moo-young and the team leader sat by her.
"Drink okay?"
"Sure, but lightly. Not great with booze."
"Huh? Liver's too healthy for that?"
She poured soju into his glass. But one guy nagged at Moo-young's nerves. The stranger next to her stared hard.
What?
First time seeing him. Something on his face? He rubbed his chin—nothing.
The guy whispered to Jo Mi-young.
"Pffft-hahaha!"
She burst out laughing. Team leader waved her off.
"You're scaring him, CEO."
"Sorry. Your sunbae here's totally thirsty for it. That YouTube comment—was you, right?"
"Real deal's way better."
The man chuckled and handed Moo-young a business card. "Sealing Actors" Manager Park Cheol-mun.
Moo-young tilted his head.
Sealing Actors?
Rang a bell. If even industry noob Moo-young knew it, solid rep.
Jo Mi-young raised her glass, explaining.
"Sorry, startled ya?"
"Nah. Business cards aren't shocking."
"Heard you haven't signed anywhere yet?"
Moo-young side-eyed the team leader. Spilled everything, huh? He scratched his head sheepishly.
"Midterms kept me swamped."
Other agencies just passed contacts. But Park Cheol-mun was Jo Mi-young's college sunbae. Persistent "hook him up" asks led to the invite.
And hey, better connected spots for future gigs. We can't keep him anyway.
Moo-young fiddled with the card, just smiling.
"First time getting one in person."
Online, just guesses who he was. No leaks for visits like this.
"Lucky me then?"
Park set down his chopsticks.
"Acting was impressive. Young, but depth like no other. Looks got potential too. We don't scout like this often, but couldn't pass ya up."
Moo-young grabbed his instead. Starved on assignments all day.
Not broke-starved. For real.
"Can match signing bonus pretty well."
"Bonus? How much?"
Moo-young perked up. Park winked conspiratorially.
"Not here, but top for rookies. Promise."
Jo Mi-young chimed in.
"Sealing's loaded. Big names: Park Ji-min, Roy, Hae-jun, and..."
Familiar stars. High profiles.
Oho.
Moo-young munched meat, impressed.
"Daryeong! That MBV miniseries lead? She's Sealing too."
"For real?"
MBV miniseries—Bora's drama.
"Academy pal got a supporting role."
"Who?"
"Kang Bora—"
Waaang.
As Moo-young opened wide for more meat—
Black smog curled at Park Cheol-mun's lips.
"Kang Bora? Don't know her. But your friend? Intriguing. I'll check her out."
Gulp.
Moo-young swallowed the whole chunk in shock. Laughter puffed out more smog. Like a demon exhaling through human skin.
Park Cheol-mun's face shrouded entirely in black smoke.