Chapter 77: Cutesy Scene

‘Hmm, good. The art style is similar.’

Two men and women with a pure and innocent vibe.

Muyoung and Song-a stood facing each other and looked at the camera.

A very satisfying visual!

It would look a little different with band styling, but the image the original gives off was good.

‘Especially Ha Muyoung.’

On the outside, Doha is tough, strict, and arrogant, but deep down, he’s a fourth-dimensional klutz with a silly streak. How could he fit so well, as if he were wearing his own clothes?

“Would you two like to try the lines together?”

“Ah! Yes!”

While Song-a was nervous and cleared her throat, Muyoung skimmed the script once again and put it down.

Should she do that too? As Song-a hesitated, looking unsure, Muyoung lightly wiggled his ten fingers.

“Maybe it’s because I’m a guitarist, but I do use my fingers a lot.”

“I guess so. In this scene, Song-a needs to support you, but it’s mostly focused on Doha, so don’t worry too much.”

“I understand.”

When it was Song-a’s turn, there would be another camera test just for her. At the director’s encouragement, she took a short breath to calm herself. She tried to quickly understand the script…….

‘Oh my. That’s a bit much.’

It was a scene that would be a bit awkward to do with someone she had just met.

It was a scene where Doha and Miran were being cutesy and confirming their love for each other. Song-a glanced at Muyoung.

“But, writer-nim, is there any specific instruction for this part where it says ‘move your hands’?”

Unlike Song-a, who was nervous, Muyoung focused only on analyzing the script, as if he were someone who had a very clear line between acting and reality.

[#41. Park bench]

[After a street performance, Doha and Miran sit facing each other. Miran treats Doha’s injured finger. Doha watches her and moves his fingers.]

At his question, the writer looked troubled and shrugged her shoulders.

“To be honest, I’m still thinking about it. I had an idea, but when I wrote it down, it didn’t feel right.”

Even if you imagine it while writing the script, it’s the actor’s job to bring it to life.

She had struggled with it, but couldn’t figure out how to execute it.

“It’s an important part.”

It was the first time the two confirmed their feelings for each other. That’s why she was being extra cautious and putting it off. But now that the actor had been cast, she wanted to get his help.

“Then I’ll try several versions.”

Muyoung loosened his fingers and neck lightly and smiled. The image of Doha and Miran’s date was vivid in his mind.

The writer smiled, wishing him luck.

“The camera is set up.”

“Shall we begin?”

“Yes. Ready—action.”

Muyoung held out his hand to Song-a. Her fingertips hesitated shyly. Her face was also flushed like a persimmon, but her expression was haughty and nonchalant.

‘Wow. That’s amazing.’

Romin, who had been watching silently, was amazed. Had she been thinking something naughty? How could a person’s face turn so red in an instant?

“Blow on it.”

“Blow on it? I’m not a kid.”

Song-a was overwhelmed, trying to read the script and hold his fingers at the same time. Muyoung, who watched her busyness without losing focus, reminded Romin of watching a play.

“Do it quickly~”

At Muyoung’s whining, Romin covered his mouth.

Oh my! In the world! Romin had experienced all kinds of flirting from his teammates while working as an idol. But was it just Romin? Pyo Lai and Seo Jeongmun were the same.

‘Oh my goodness.’

‘Her aegyo is so natural. Is this how she acts when she’s actually dating?’

Her way of speaking was so full of aegyo that even professionals were impressed. Song-a’s voice trembled sweetly as she delivered her lines.

“Wait. Ugh, ugh! Hoo-!”

But she calmly delivered the next line.

She was proud of herself, thinking she had done a decent job, but the moment her eyes met Muyoung’s—

Thump!

It felt like her heart was sinking. That passionate gaze! Anyone could see it was a look of longing for love. As her mind went blank, she could only open her mouth.

“……!”

Muyoung grabbed Song-a’s white wrist with his hand. Then he naturally twisted his hand and gripped it. Like a guitar. Song-a was surprised and tightened her grip, causing her veins to bulge.

“Hmm. Hmm hmm hmm. Hmm.”

Muyoung smiled bashfully and began to tickle it gently. Slowly, as if plucking guitar strings. When he added humming, it sounded like he was really playing.

‘Playing a lover like an instrument?’

What a heavenly romantic guitarist!

The director smiled with interest and looked at the writer. She seemed to be completely captivated and amazed by the unexpected motion.

“You see.”

And he confessed.

“Sometimes, when I listen to your songs, I feel like I’m the only one left in the world. Everything is white and sparkling, and I’m too weak to hold a guitar string.”

A meeting between the vocalist and guitarist of Meryl Kellin.

Song-a swallowed hard and continued her lines.

“What do you mean?”

Muyoung then gently grasped Song-a’s wrist. And a smile that was both haughty and adorable. As if to say, how could you not love me?

“I like you so much. I like you so much, so please keep singing by my side.”

“Kkeuat—! Joota!”

The manager, who had been holding his breath waiting for Muyoung’s clinching line, couldn’t hold back and shouted. At the same time, protests erupted.

“Ah, Manager-nim!”

“How could you come in at that moment? It was going so well.”

“I couldn’t help myself, sorry! I’m sorry!”

The manager held up his hands in apology. But it didn’t matter. The scene was almost over. Muyoung smiled and let go of Song-a’s wrist.

“It’s okay. How was it? I tried my own interpretation of ‘hand movement.’”

How was it?

The manager had strongly supported Guryong during the casting stage. The disagreement had not narrowed and had remained parallel. But in the end, he was disqualified when they found out he had tattoos. And he had made that manager say something like that.

“Wow. That was insane.”

All the writer had imagined was Miran just touching Doha’s finger to treat it. At most, she’d play with his hair.

“I didn’t expect that at all.”

She’d use this, the writer decided. The scene she had just witnessed had inspired her, and her mind was ablaze with ideas. Muyoung, who noticed this, smiled.

“Then I’m glad.”

“But during the audition, you said you’d never been in a relationship. Is that really true? It looks so natural.”

Maybe he was the type who only enjoyed flirting and not dating? He’d had a drinking session with Daryeong not long ago, though there had been some noise about it. At those words, Song-a and Pyo Lai turned to look at Muyoung in surprise.

“No way.”

A handsome man, and in the entertainment industry? To put it mildly, she’d never seen it happen once. At their reaction, Muyoung scratched his nose awkwardly.

“It’s probably true.”

“……Wow.”

He’s crazy. Then where did that acting just now come from? Shouldn’t there be some foundation for that to build on?

In the chaotic atmosphere, Director Lee Yujin clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention.

“Okay. Let’s take a short break and then continue.”

Muyoung had been the only one doing anything, and yet everyone was so exhausted. This must be what it means to have a commanding presence that consumes people.

“Oh, by the way, Romin. Have you heard?”

“What about?”

He stopped as he was about to take a drink.

“The OST work is starting.”

“Ah, yes. I’m coordinating schedules with Ciwon hyung.”

For a typical drama, OST work wouldn’t need to start this quickly. They add it in during editing. But in You are a Star, I am a Star, the songs the actors sing in the show become the OST.

“They said two songs are almost finished, right?”

A few songs had been prepared from the planning stage. Some of the dialogue had to be revised to fit the lyrics.

“Huh? Then I’ll record too?”

Muyoung, who had been listening quietly in the middle, raised his hand. Yujin and Romin looked at him as if to say, ‘You’re asking the obvious.’

“Wow. This is my first time recording.”

“……I figured as much. Hyung, you’re going to have to mess with the machine a lot.”

Romin muttered, knowing Muyoung’s terrible singing skills. There were five of them, so they’d each take one song to sing. They were all idols, so there wasn’t much to worry about—

“Hee hee. Wow. I’m excited.”

That guy over there. Muyoung, who was giggling to himself, was a concern.

After a short break, camera tests for the other roles continued.

“Get ready? Ready, action!”

Despite being former idols and first-time actors, they were all quite good. Muyoung observed and took notes on each person’s acting style.

‘What are you writing so much for?’

Romin mouthed silently and poked his head out. There, written in detail, were the individual acting habits of each person.

‘I’ll just write it down first.’

Habits weren’t a good thing when it came to acting. Every time you took on a new role, you had to portray it anew and perfectly, like drawing on a blank canvas…….

‘Habits create consistency. It’s problematic if the character is different but the expression method is the same.’

Song-a had a habit of flipping her hair, Pyo Lai had a slightly long pause between lines, and Seo Sangmun seemed to have a runny nose, sniffling constantly, and so on.

‘I’ll give it to them if they’re okay with it.’

Whether it was coaching or meddling was up to the recipient to decide. As long as they weren’t offended, he was willing to help in any way he could.

“Heeeong—”

Romin, moved, bumped his head against his shoulder. How could a person be so kind? He seemed so good no matter how you looked at him. Now he understood why Enbin followed Muyoung so much.

“Okay. Good job!”

The camera tests were almost over, and the managers waiting outside came in. Was it over? It seemed like it was just beginning.

“We’ll start shooting the posters next week. The casting confirmation article will be released this week. I think we’ll release it through Goguk Ilbo first. Does anyone have a problem with that?”

“It’s fine.”

“Good. The album work needs to come first, so we’ll do it whenever there’s time. Who’s available now?”

“Oh, I have fan meetings scheduled for next week.”

“I’m going to China to film the Hell Camp variety show.”

“Hmm. The year-end concert is coming up soon.”

They were checking their schedules and confirming future plans. Everyone was busy, so they each chipped in and pushed back the time. Only Muyoung sat there blankly. When he said nothing, everyone’s gaze turned to him.

“Umm—I’m unemployed.”

Hee hee. Muyoung raised his hand and said. It was true.

“Then Ha Muyoung will start the album work first. The production company will contact you separately about this. The composition is currently divided between two people…….”

One of them was Ciwon from Zero Term. Muyoung said he didn’t care who it was and just nodded.

“Let me know when it’s decided.”

“The album order will be Muyoung, then Song-a, Seo Jeongmun, Romin, Pyo Lai. Is that right?”

Everyone nodded in satisfaction. The meeting continued after that. There were more small details to prepare and check than he had thought.

“I think I should go now.”

“Oh. Shall we stop here? I’ll send the rest through the managers separately.”

“I’ll create a group chat for the actors separately!”

“Oh. Good.”

After almost an hour, everyone got up from their seats for their next schedules. Muyoung also looked at Ko Gyeongmin and shrugged his shoulders.

“What are you so happy about?”

“I’m starting a new project, how can I not be happy? I’m so happy!”

Muyoung couldn’t contain his inner excitement. But, weirdly……

“Why aren’t you getting up, hyung?”

“We’re going to stay here a little longer to do something.”

“What is it?”

Everyone left, but Muyoung was left alone in the meeting room. Romin waved from outside the door as if to say they’d see each other later.

“The contract.”

At that moment, the production manager brought over a file of documents and placed it in front of him. The camera test was over, and now that the schedule had been adjusted, it was basically confirmed.

“Now you’re really the lead in our drama.”

At that moment, a piece of information flashed through Muyoung’s mind.

In dramas…… unlike movies, the appearance fee is paid per episode, right?