The next day.
The representative office of CT Entertainment.
Tap— Tap—
Thud—
Every time Yang Ha-rin tapped her phone with her fingertips, a vibration rang out. Her fingers moved ceaselessly, seemingly busy contacting someone, but the reality was a little different.
[ Gallery: Yang Ha-rin ]
[ Title: Yang Ha-rin’s Schedule Poster for This Month ]
[ Yang Ha-rin: High-Quality Yang Ha-rin Photo Shoot! ]
[ Yang Ha-rin: Yang Ha-rin Story Captures ]
An almost obsessive ego-surfing.
While many enjoy participating in communities, in Yang Ha-rin’s case, the attachment was deeper. Especially her compulsive habit of repeatedly checking her reputation online stood out.
[ Title: Yang Ha-rin ]
[ Writer: Yang Soo-nyeong ]
[ I was really looking forward to it, but I wonder why it fell through. Wasn’t Yang Ha-rin the one who broke her busy schedule to join the project? Why did it fail? ]
Yes, this was why she was reading such posts.
Each time she came across a derogatory comment, it left her extremely irritated, but the satisfaction, thrill, and self-esteem boost from positive ones kept her hooked. Ultimately, this cycle dulled her initially sharp mood.
“Ha-rin.”
At the representative’s words, Ha-rin snapped out of her reverie.
“I’m listening.”
“You’re answering only now. I’ve already called you three times.”
“… Three times?”
She had no idea.
Am I this concerned about this matter? Yang Ha-rin unknowingly frowned, quite hurt to her pride.
“We’ve recovered all the investment money, and articles have been released in various places. Don’t worry about it. You just need to focus on what’s ahead.”
“I saw the articles too.”
Yang Ha-rin finally looked away from her phone.
“But, Mr. President.”
Simultaneously, her heavy gaze was directed towards the representative.
“I still don’t want to rest. I’d like to do another project.”
“Really? We should look for something then. Frankly, Park Jun had his merits since he was someone we could control, but there are still quite a few good options out there.”
“Yes. Let’s do something. I don’t want any gaps, and if I win an award, it’ll be a great addition to my filmography.”
While answering thus, Yang Ha-rin thought of a particular man.
A magnificent piece of trash, Kim Sun-il.
His words and actions still left a profound impact on Yang Ha-rin. Perhaps this was the reason why she couldn’t sleep and obsessively went through online communities.
She was consoling herself by finding posts that praised her. Surely, they think I’m the best. Surely, they think I’m the best. I am the best…
“If I do better, they might acknowledge me… Perhaps even apologize.”
For that moment alone, her filmography had to become even more flawless. She absolutely had to win the rookie award.
Then…
Yang Ha-rin opened her mouth after having finished calculating.
“Mr. President.”
“Hmm?”
“What if Park Director doesn’t back out of this project? Like a cockroach, surviving, finding new investors, casting actors… Just the thought makes me uncomfortable.”
Having understood her intentions immediately, the representative smiled slyly.
“Alright. Shall I take care of it? I’ll mess with Park Director’s articles, darken the atmosphere around him, and ensure no one participates.”
“That’s only proper of you.”
Yang Ha-rin nodded.
[ Title: Yang Ha-rin ]
[ Writer: Yang Soo-nyeong ]
[ I was really looking forward to it, but I wonder why it fell through. Wasn’t Yang Ha-rin the one who broke her busy schedule to join the project? Why did it fail? ]
– I heard the problem lies with that director.
– Isn’t every project he takes lately failing?
– Honestly, it’s a waste for the actors.
While leaving comments herself—three of them, actually.
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, Park Jun sat alone in a café, on a call with someone.
“Sun-il, I’ve finally decided to hold on. Your words gave me the courage, telling me it’s not too late.”
The person on the other end was none other than Kim Sun-il, who had instilled courage in Park Jun.
“You’ve made a good decision. This was a movie too precious to let go.”
“Thank you.”
Park Jun smiled contentedly.
“However, now that the leash CT Entertainment had on us is gone, I feel lighter, but there’s still no actor or investment money, leaving me quite at a loss. My mind is quite conflicted.”
“Focus on that one thing. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Hey! How am I supposed to ask for more help from you? That wasn’t why I called. I just wanted to say thank you.”
“This isn’t burdensome for me. I’m merely someone who hates the most seeing a project I have feelings for get ruined.”
The call ended on a warm note.
However, the smile that had appeared on Park Jun’s face after the call didn’t last long. It was immediately after checking the latest articles that had just been published.
“What is… this?!”
The content was so shocking his hands trembled. But Park Jun had to hide that tremble. A familiar face had appeared beyond the café window.
Sua.
“…”
Park Jun unconsciously swallowed dryly.
‘She’s no ordinary person.’
Did a heavenly actor even exist?
The woman who carefully opened the café door and entered.
Her delicate face seemed like it could be hidden with a fist, her pitch-black eyes so mysterious they appeared to have no depth.
Her features seemed to be sculpted entirely with sharp edges. It was difficult, even impossible, to approach such a person, let alone talk to her.
“Sua, over here!”
The moment Sua sat down, Park Jun slid the coffee he’d already ordered in front of her, quite cautiously.
What should he start with?
“State your business.”
Sua’s cold voice cut him off quickly. If he added unnecessary words, there might be trouble, so Park Jun hastily opened his mouth.
“Sua, you mentioned liking the role of Wi Ji-hye, right?”
“Yes.”
“Could I ask you the detailed reasons for that?”
A moment of silence. Park Jun added a few words.
“I hope you’ll be honest. Just saying it’s a lead role you need to fill your filmography is fine, too.”
“Hmm…”
After hesitating momentarily, Sua said,
“To explain would take a while, but simply put, I wanted to participate in this project as Wi Ji-hye. That desire remains unchanged.”
“That desire… remains unchanged?”
Park Jun’s eyes widened.
“Do you know that CT Entertainment has pulled all the investments and stepped back? Do you also know about Yang Ha-rin’s departure?”
“Of course I know.”
“Even then… unchanged?”
“Yes. I want to do it.”
This… Park Jun swallowed his surprise.
The reason Park Jun had asked Sua was simple.
He was curious whether she had simply approached his work “Sword” for convenience or had genuinely been enthusiastic about it.
And now he had his answer.
It was absolutely not out of convenience. That was certain.
Park Jun smiled, moved, as a filmmaker who crafted films. This reality warmed his heart.
“…Thank you so much. It warms my heart.”
“Is this the end of your request?”
“Ah, originally, I would’ve asked you to take on the role of Wi Ji-hye. But the situation has become too bad now.”
With a weak smile, Park Jun took out his phone and handed it over.
[Repeated attempts lead to downfall of ‘Park Jun’]
[Looks like this work of Park Jun’s is also… The fall of an acclaimed director once]
[Park Jun’s next work, essentially impossible to recover]
All articles defaming him, or predicting an even worse future. This was why Park Jun had a troubled expression after ending the call with Kim Sun-il.
This was also the bitter reality for a falling director.
After saying this, Park Jun took something out of his bag.
A pile of things appeared on the desk.
They were all scripts.
“What is this?”
“These are other short film scripts I managed to gather before.”
“And you’re showing them to me because…?”
“I owe you thanks for seeing my work positively. But since my movie is essentially out of the picture, if you find a script you like, I’ll help you with that other audition.”
Upon hearing this, Sua skimmed through the scripts.
No, technically, she only pretended to take a careful look. What could she possibly understand? She was just checking the ratings…
But after looking through them, she found no script higher than “Sword”. Some were even marked as potential landmines, rated a 5.
“…”
The conclusion was simple. Just “Sword” and Wi Ji-hye were the best.
After pushing the scripts aside, Sua spoke.
“Hmm, I still want to do ‘Sword’, the role of Wi Ji-hye.”
“…What?”
Park Jun’s eyes widened again.
Shock. It was something he absolutely could not comprehend.
“These works are all better than mine in terms of conditions. The directors have strong reputations, and the funding is solid. And yet, you’re saying you’re interested in my movie? Still?”
“Yes.”
“Even when articles targeting me are pouring in?”
“Yes. Park Director, your work is the one I like the most.”
“…!”
Unbelievable response.
At the same moment, a memory flashed across Park Jun’s mind.
Kim Sun-il’s words.
– Occasionally, there are such actors. They don’t care about money or any form of self-interest and dive into the works they believe in.
He honestly thought of them as a mere fantasy.
Isn’t acting just another job for self-expression, recognition, and money?
But Park Jun thought he was staring at a fantasy at that moment.
Chasing after his own taste as an artist who prioritized artistry over popularity… and this Isu-a who similarly pursues her own taste… they certainly seemed alike.
Of course, it was actually a huge misunderstanding, but nonetheless, that was how Park Jun perceived it.
Something began to burn inside Park Jun’s heart.
That fire was called passion.
In the meantime, this silence was just awkward for Su-a. Her boss getting teary-eyed was somewhat startling.
“Why are you like this?”
“No, it’s nothing… I’m simply so thankful. Su-a, would you take up the lead role then, even if the movie is so lacking?”
“Yes, I will.”
“Thank you so much. Truly, thank you so much. Su-a, since I’ve already checked your acting skills during the interview… Wi Ji-hye’s performance doesn’t need a further check-up…”
“A.”
Su-a took out her phone first.
“I have something I recorded while practicing.”
“Ah, if it’s okay, could I see that?”
“Of course. Watch while I use the restroom.”
Recording while practicing, huh? Su-a’s dedication towards Wi Ji-hye was evident again. Park Jun watched the video with renewed emotion and…
“Damn it!”
He jumped to his feet in surprise.
“…Was this recorded while practicing in a room? You’re behaving as if there’s a virtual set somewhere?”
Su-a’s acting was extraordinary. She wasn’t focusing only on the character’s actions and lines. She appeared to have visualized the surrounding scenery vividly in her mind.
“Watching it, I actually draw conclusions on how to film this. How much research have you done? How deep does your affection go?”
Thus…
By the time Su-a returned after shaking off extra water on her washed hands…
“Su-a.”
“Yes?”
Park Jun said with a resolute expression.
“I’ll see this project through to the end.”
His eyes blazed like divine flames.
Almost like a soldier heading to war.
“Su-a, as long as you’re here, this project will work. I’ll take care of the rest, sell my internal organs if needed.”
“Why are you selling your organs….”
◈◈◈◈◈
High-end apartment.
Every aspect, from the tiles on the floor to the carefully arranged furniture, exuded sophistication. Seo Yeon-joo lay there, with a face mask on.
Just then, Kim Sun-il entered the space.
“You’re here.”
Without opening her eyes, Seo Yeon-joo muttered.
“Yep.”
“Why did you come? Go back, will you.”
“Go if you want.”
Were they living together? No way. Even if they were stranded on a deserted island together, they’d both be confident that they didn’t like each other.
This high-end apartment was merely the workspace of their agency. For them, a dream dwelling for others was just a workspace.
That’s how high the world of top actors was.
Suddenly, Seo Yeon-joo muttered.
“Kim Sun-il, I envy you.”
“You must have many reasons to envy me.”
Typical cocky answers. Seo Yeon-joo clicked her tongue.
“What? Just one envy, actually.”
“Hmm.”
“Isu-a. That monster working alongside you as the lead.”
“…Again with this?”
Lately, Seo Yeon-joo had been deeply immersed in Isu-a.
To be precise, she was captivated by Isu-a’s acting.
Even now, as Kim Sun-il observed her, it was the same.
Previously, whenever Seo Yeon-joo had free time, she would have talked about her next plans or schedules, but now she was constantly watching Isu-a’s acting videos. Severe case.
“You’re a lead actor in your own right as well. You’re co-starring with her anyway.”
“But it’s different to be side by side with her as rival leads, isn’t it! Huh, the mask almost slipped. Don’t make me scream like this!”
As Seo Yeon-joo adjusted her mask carefully, she said,
“Sharing the lead means a romantic thing. Competing fiercely while cooperating to match each other and also trying hard not to get overshadowed…”
“Competing?”
“When the filming ends, you’ll meet a beautiful ending. It sounds like it’s painted with rose-tinted glasses, doesn’t it?”
“…Maybe it’s because you’re addicted to romance novels?”
“Anyway, that’s what my acting world is like. It’s nice, right, when the rival lead is a meteoric star like Isu-a? It also serves as an opportunity for my growth.”
“Too childish.”
Still, while mumbling such words, Kim Sun-il deep down acknowledged Seo Yeon-joo. That was the reason they were in the same agency after all.
If Yang Ha-rin was a person who stepped over others, Seo Yeon-joo was someone who could hold hands and move forward. Someone who knew how to progress positively.
‘A moment.’
All of a sudden, a thought struck Kim Sun-il.
‘Assuming Isu-a takes the role of Wi Ji-hye in Park director’s short film… then there is one lead role left vacant because Yang Ha-rin is out.’
Just about then, it dawned on Kim Sun-il that Seo Yeon-joo was eager to co-star alongside a meteoric star like Isu-a. And Kim Sun-il’s mind began to whirl faster.
‘Even though it’s a challenging situation, the story might change a bit if Seo Yeon-joo joins as the lead alongside her. No, it could change entirely.’
Having thought it through, Kim Sun-il said just one thing.
“Seo Yeon-joo. Don’t leave this place.”
“Why not just?”
Thus, about thirty minutes later.
Kim Sun-il reappeared.
“Did you bring more cleaning stuff? You with your obsessive cleanliness.”
“It’s different today.”
As Kim Sun-il placed something by Seo Yeon-joo’s bedside, she fumbled it with her hand and realized it was a script.
“…Script? What’s this script for?”
“A script you know. Director Park’s movie.”
“Ah, the short film, right? I read the articles. It seems it was canceled in the end, right? It didn’t feel good.”
Seo Yeon-joo abruptly sat up, now clearly irritated.
“Ah, the more I think about it, isn’t it too much?”
“What’s too much?”
“The damaging articles, of course. It’s obvious Yang Ha-rin’s personality messed up the casting and everything, leading to its cancellation, yet why is Director Park being blamed? These people have no sense of morality.”
Kim Sun-il gave a brief nod.
“Read this script.”
“Huh? Why suddenly?”
“Read it. Otherwise, you do the cleaning today.”
“Ugh, you’re so mean.”
Seo Yeon-joo picked up the script.
.
.
.
.
.
After one hour, she put the script down.
“What, this script is better than I thought.”
“It’s been an hour already.”
“Eh? Really? I thought I read just ten minutes.”
Seo Yeon-joo blinked in surprise, and Kim Sun-il quickly revealed the main point he had kept hidden.
“Are you considering taking the lead role in this?”
“Hmm….”
BAM!
Seo Yeon-joo threw the script at Kim Sun-il’s forehead.
Thud…
The script slid down from Kim Sun-il’s emotionless face.
“Are you in your right mind? I’m so busy I’m dying, how can I do this?”
“Are you scared?”
“It’s not so much fear as it’s annoying. There’s no funding, no actors have been finalized, and from the moment it’s known that I’m joining, articles will pour in. It’s already started, and if the movie fails, they’ll say Seo Yeon-joo also lacks judgment…”
Seo Yeon-joo massaged her forehead, already feeling troubled.
“Ugh, I can already feel a headache at the thought. Even if I try to back out, news of my joining might leak, and the movie has already hit the headlines…”
“Seo Yeon-joo.”
“Stop calling me, I’m not doing it. I get that you like this project, but it’s already ruined. Let it go.”
Upon this, Kim Sun-il folded his arms silently and then tilted his head slightly.
“You said you envied me, right?”
“Huh?”
“Meaning, you wanted to act alongside Isu-a as rival leads, right?”
Kim Sun-il tapped the script lightly with his finger.
“Isu-a has already taken one role. All that’s left is for you.”
“…”
“…”
It was a long silence.
“Ah, nah, I still won’t do it.”
Then Seo Yeon-joo shook her head.
“Maybe if fate brought us together for a rival lead role, it would have been different. She’s a complete newcomer, and I’m somewhat experienced. This would make it seem like I’m chasing her, wouldn’t it affect how it looks?”
“Then I’ll take it back.”
As Kim Sun-il swiftly turned around,
Thud.
“…”
However, Seo Yeon-joo grabbed his ankle tightly.
“Can’t you just leave the script here?”
[Short film ‘Sword’]
▶ Experience Completed / Grade 1.5
.
.
.
[Short film ‘Sword’]
▶ Experience Completed / Grade 1
