Battle of Wits
"Hyung. Read the room."
Yi Hi-jun scowled at his manager, whispering harshly. Why the hell did you bring up that Louis role being set in stone, you idiot?
"Why? It's true, isn't it?"
"Didn't you see the director and writer freak out when he showed up? And no contract's signed yet, so screw 'true.' Just shut up. Got it?"
Especially when Ha Moo-young had said he wanted the Louis role. No one said a word, but he could feel it instinctively. That sharp intake of breath, like everyone was stunned. They'd all been impressed, no doubt.
I don't know why, but whatever. There must be a reason. Fuck. Doesn't matter.
Tap, tap. Yi Hi-jun drummed his fingers on the table, mentally calculating his next move. How could he navigate this awkward mess?
"Whoa, really?"
"Yeah, yeah. Totally real."
Moo-young and Yu-na were giggling like old friends, playfully bantering over something hilarious. The kid was even leaning right into his side.
Screeech.
A moment later, the door opened, and three people entered. The producer signaled to Moo-young and Kyung-min.
"Got anything after this?"
"No, we're good."
"Then wait in the lounge until the meeting wraps."
"Yes, sir!"
Quick on the uptake, Go Kyung-min bowed deeply. Whatever this was about, it was a green light for sure.
"Oppa, you leaving?"
"Yeah. See you next time."
"Nooo, I don't want you to gooo~"
As Moo-young stood, Yu-na clung to him like a koala, pouting dramatically. Her manager-mom knocked on the window from outside the conference room.
Behave. She mouthed firmly.
Under the warning glare, the kid plopped back into her seat with a pout.
"It was an honor meeting you. Take care."
Moo-young gave a polite bow to Hi-jun and his manager too.
With the unexpected guests gone, the director cleared his throat and gauged Hi-jun's expression.
"Where were we?"
"Ah, yes. We'd analyzed up to scene 94."
The subtle battle of wits began. Both sides wanted to swap the Louis role, but who would seize control depended on the maneuvering. For Yi Hi-jun especially, landing the Jin role was crucial.
Otherwise, I'll have to play it off like I turned it down myself.
Losing Louis with nothing in return? What a humiliating joke—especially to a rookie with just one web drama under his belt! If talks stalled, he'd have to spin it as his own rejection.
Meanwhile, the director recalled the sidebar chat from the next room.
—A reading? But director, with Yi Hi-jun here? You're thinking Louis for him, right?
—Just tell them to wait till the meeting ends. And writer, things are getting messy here.
—Huh? Oh, right...
—I agreed to the image casting, so I won't push it. But cooperate from now on. Having actors here while we talk behind their backs...
How to broach it? He chewed his pen, biding his time. He was the only one who could mediate this.
At least it's not a done deal.
No signature on the contract yet, and this was the first meeting. Meeting Moo-young here felt like divine intervention.
"So, Hi-jun. I suggested you for Louis, but reading the script, is there another role that grabbed you?"
"Another role?"
He'd lobbed the grenade! Everyone in the room thought the same—except blank-faced Yu-na watching the adults.
"We image-cast you for Louis, but maybe you want something else. Our side and the actor's perspective differ a bit, right?"
"Well..."
Say Jin? Don't say it? As Hi-jun hesitated, Yu-na piped up with innocent cheer.
"Uncle Hi-jun is perfect for Jin."
"Jin? Why Jin?"
"Just... his eyes are scary."
She'd sensed he didn't like her. The producer chuckled.
"Nah, Hi-jun's eyes?"
They were soft and gentle enough for the Louis image-cast. Publicly, he was the poster boy for diligent, kind, sincere—always playing those roles.
"Actually, what makes me happy about Yu-na's comment is I've been typecast in similar parts forever. I crave something intense and fresh, but chances are rare. Reading the script, Jin felt really appealing."
Hi-jun beamed at Yu-na.
Smart little cookie.
"Thanks. If you think I'd suit Jin, that makes oppa super happy."
"I didn't say oppa."
"...Huh?"
"You're uncle. Uncle."
Crack. Hi-jun barely kept his smile as he ignored her. Kids and I just don't mix.
The director studied his face closely and nodded.
"Now that you mention it, there's this subtle mix of good and evil. Don't take it wrong—it's a compliment. Hidden charm that shines in the role."
"Of course. I love playing villains too."
"So, I can take it you prefer Jin over Louis?"
"I'd love Jin, but working with you, director, Louis would thrill me too."
Every word stacked carefully, tensely. The watching managers and staff held their breath.
From the quiet eddy, Yu-na's murmur floated again.
"I want that oppa for Louis."
"Yeah? Why?"
This time, the director jumped at it. Child actor or not, she had sway—and she was the lead.
Yu-na pondered, then dropped a baffler.
"He smells like chocolate."
* * *
Unlike the calmly seated Moo-young, Go Kyung-min paced the office frantically.
"Hyung, sit down."
"I can't. Why am I so nervous? Telling us to stay means a reading or test, right? But why for a bit part? Oh man, Moo-young-ah, my brain keeps going to happy places."
Inner circle roles or not, a couple were still open? Maybe for Moo-young? Heh heh. Kyung-min covered his ear-to-ear grin.
Click.
"Ha Moo-young?"
"Ah, director."
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
About two hours, packed with Yi Hi-jun negotiations. To minimize fallout, he'd danced around words till his head throbbed. Rubbing it, he greeted them.
"No worries. We dropped in unannounced."
"You said you wanted to work together, right? Let's do a reading and camera test."
"...!"
Listening Kyung-min jolted in shock. Moo-young, with only web drama auditions, might not grasp it, but camera tests meant business.
"Got the script?"
"Yes."
Why all the video feedback at acting academy? Eyes and lens catch different nuances. A test meant they saw potential—and intent to use him.
Reading's one thing, but camera...
Not for just anyone! No need, too much hassle. Kyung-min's shaky hands pulled the worn script from his bag.
The director noticed.
"You've been studying hard."
"Yes. The work's amazing. Full character breakdowns done. I can nail anything you want."
"Oh? For real? Huge cast too."
As the director sat, Mongnett staff set up camera and tripod. Soon, writer A-ok and the producer joined.
"Whoa, what's with the wrist?"
Shaking out tension, Moo-young caught the producer's eye on his bandaged wrist.
"Johnny."
Louis and Johnny wandered tied wrist-to-wrist with bandages. Partly to stay together in chaos, but to hide the kid's burn scars too.
Great posture.
Not planned, but good was good. Moo-young's smile drew a hearty laugh from the director. A-ok, seeing vivid Louis, brimmed with emotion.
"Let's see it."
"Sure. Which line?"
"Page 74, scene 103."
Moo-young flipped pages, pausing with a serious? look. Arms crossed, the director nodded.
"It's Louis... right?"
"You said you wanted it. Camera ready?"
"Yes."
"No time to waste. Ready."
Sudden cue—Moo-young snapped to focus.
"Action—"
His relaxed gaze drifted into space. His already subdued aura sank deeper. Kyung-min hugged his bag against the wall, heart pounding.
"Johnny. Johnny."
A man trapped in death gas after his grandma's passing. Only Johnny mattered now. The kid who'd pulled him from life's edge.
—Oppa Louis. Aren't I making things so hard for you?
"Don't say that."
—Because of me... this happened. If I weren't here... I'm dead weight. Sorry.
"Without you, I wouldn't be here. And Johnny? Know this? Sometimes the heavy burdens are what let us endure. You hold me tight—I'm so grateful."
Exhausted yet thankful. The line's end blurred with choked sobs. Perfect. The director's heart raced following the stage directions.
He'd thought just image-fit... Where'd this kid come from?
Acting on point. Like his envisioned Louis leaped out, speaking. Spot-on direction without guidance.
Thorough script analysis, probably. Or shared vision. Either way, talent was talent.
Moo-young tilted his head, smiling at imagined Johnny words.
"Now? Right here?"
—Yeah. Me first?
Like a puppet doll Pinocchio, I like you so. When you meet the blue-haired angel, take me too.
Matching Johnny's lead-in, Louis softly sang.
"Visit our dad's dreams tonight. Can't you put in a good word for me?"
From the cracked door, Yu-na peeked. Moo-young locked eyes, singing on. His pleasant tenor filled the quiet office. Yu-na fidgeted, foot-tapping, mesmerized.
"Come here."
Louis—Moo-young—reached out. Yu-na beamed, scampering over. She nestled in, finishing together. Their gaze warm, affectionate.
"When you meet the blue-haired angel, take me too!"
Watching the monitor, the director tsked and raised his hand. Dozens of projects under his belt, but a heaven-sent perfect fit? First time.
"No can do."
Couldn't write him off. The work wanted Moo-young; Yu-na wanted him.
"Talk to the Yi Hi-jun side. Settle with the Jin casting hold and decide. We need him for Louis. No, it has to be him."
Before the producer replied, he shouted, eyes glued to the screen's Moo-young and Yu-na.
"Ha Moo-young!"
"Yes?"
"Clear your summer schedule."
Blank stare from Moo-young. Kyung-min whooped and bowed frantically.
"Thank you! Thank you!"
The director grinned in awe.
"Summer. Louis. See you then."