After Kim Sun-il entered the waiting room tent.
About five staff members immediately began to whisper amongst themselves.
“Mr. Sun-il is going in? Ms. Sua’s inside, right?”
“Hmm… Is there something going on between them?”
“No way. If you looked at his expression, it was pretty serious. Besides, do you really think Ms. Sua’s like that? I mean, even Mr. Sun-il has a temper, but they’ve done so many projects together and not once has there been a dating rumor.”
“…Then it’s not that. Are they about to argue?”
“….”
There was a moment of silence.
…A staring match between Sua and Sun-il?
The staff members all paled. Honestly, they didn’t think either of them was someone they could control.
If they were to have a big fight, the entire filming schedule might fall apart.
“Ah, that’s unlikely!”
At that moment, one of the staff members confidently spoke up.
“Both Ms. Sua and Mr. Sun-il are completely professionals. If they were the type to let emotions interfere with their work, they wouldn’t have been able to create such amazing scenes in the first place. I think there’s another reason.”
“Another reason?”
“Maybe, something like them discussing and agreeing on the next ad-lib scene?”
“A…!”
Only then did everyone seem to relax, understanding the situation. Along with this, there was collective admiration directed at Sua and Sun-il.
“They’re both so passionate. Prioritizing their work while filming, and then researching the next scene once the cameras are off….”
“That’s why their scenes are excellent, which is why they’re professionals.”
“Pro. That’s a good description. Ms. Sua is a rookie, yet the word feels out of place. She really feels like a seasoned pro.”
The conversation carried on for quite some time after that.
Well, that was their take on the situation at least.
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, inside the waiting room tent.
‘…What am I supposed to do with you blocking the entrance like that?’
Sua’s thought as she looked up at Kim Sun-il was brief.
She wanted to go back to her dormitory and rest, but with Sun-il standing tall and blocking the entrance conspicuously, there was no way she could pass.
Exactly at that moment, Kim Sun-il nodded.
“Figures, you were probably thinking something similar.”
“Hmm?”
“Research is better handled on-site, anyway.”
“Um….”
Sua almost instinctively let out an “acknowledged.”
It was as if her submissive nature surfaced automatically. However, there came a moment where life felt too exhausting. Sua’s exhaustion was peaking just then.
Too tired to respond, Sua shook her head.
“Too exhausted personally—I was about to call it a night.”
“There’s no need to guard so vigilantly. Kim Yu-han and Lee Kang-cheol are rivals, but they’re also partners. Besides, with your skill level, there’s no need to over-protect your position.”
“…”
“Let’s try to live more comfortably from now on.”
“Uh….”
“And.”
Kim Sun-il then offered Sua a can of coffee.
He lightly cleaned his hand with sanitizer afterward, which reminded Sua—he had obsessive cleanliness tendencies.
“Lee Sua, there’s something I’d like to ask.”
“Ask?”
Internally, Sua tensed up.
First, he started a conversation and offered her a can of coffee.
This wasn’t like Kim Sun-il. Naturally, Sua concluded he must have had an ulterior motive.
However.
What followed was a question so unexpected that Sua couldn’t help but tilt her head.
“Do I look unhappy while I perform?”
“Hmm?”
What kind of question was this?
It was completely unexpected, but after a moment of contemplation, Sua nodded. It was true—Kim Sun-il hadn’t appeared to be particularly happy.
“…If it’s accurate in anyone’s eyes, it’d be yours. So, your statement wasn’t entirely baseless, I guess.”
“What?”
“Nothing.”
This left Sua’s brow furrowed.
Why wouldn’t he explain after raising her curiosity!
But soon, it became irrelevant. Too exhausted to care.
“Rather. One more question, Sua.”
“Um?”
“How can I broaden my acting spectrum?”
Kim Sun-il asked seriously.
“I’ve been confined to specific roles for a long period. But I’ve observed how you seem to move freely between characters like Ms. Wi Ji-hye and Kim Yu-han. I’m curious about your secret. I would really like to understand if possible.”
“Hmm…?”
Actually, this was a difficult question for Sua to answer. She was an exception due to her special training and growth, not someone who had built their acting from the ground up.
As Sua’s silence grew, Kim Sun-il seemed to realize his explanation wasn’t enough and added a few more words.
“What you try with the script, your improvisations—they’re quite remarkable. It’s obvious you put a lot of effort into research. I’m curious about the mindset you bring that allows you to chart your course.”
“I….”
After a brief moment of thought, Sua spoke.
“I believe in becoming one with the role.”
“Hmm, I pride myself on excelling at that. I only think about becoming that character, carefully considering the actions they must take.”
“No, no, that’s not it.”
Sua instinctively shook her head. This wasn’t a calculated move; it was pure instinct.
“You said you focused on what the character ‘must’ do?”
“Yes.”
“I never thought about that. Instead, I contemplated what the character would ‘want’ to do. Then it felt natural for things to surface that way.”
And the moment those words slipped out…
“Ah.”
Sua was startled inside. In pondering Kim Sun-il’s question, she had inadvertently revealed her unspoken thoughts. The fatigue might have played a role.
Sua tried to cover up the slip.
“Nah, it’s whatever. That’s how I do it. Don’t mind it.”
But it was too late.
Kim Sun-il already appeared deep in thought.
“…”
A cold sweat trickled down Sua’s back.
She questioned herself: Should someone whose only reliance is special training be giving an acting lesson to someone who performs so earnestly?
“Forget it, hear one ear and let it out the other. That’s all I said.”
And so Sua hurried to disengage.
“…What’s not a ‘must’ but a ‘want’.”
Kim Sun-il slowly nodded. So slowly.
“Understood. Thank you.”
What exactly he understood, and what he was thankful for, was a mystery to Sua.
◈◈◈◈◈
Late at night.
The members of Special Mobile Unit 808 had rented several rooms at a hotel near the film studio, and the majority, exhausted, were already sound asleep. However, some were still awake.
Among them were writer Lee Geum-sook and Producer Choi Hee-won.
The two were drinking canned beer with some dried snacks nearby. They couldn’t get drunk too much, as they had to work the next day.
Technically, it would have been better not to drink at all, but today was the kind of day that called for it. A very satisfying day.
Producer Choi Hee-won spoke up first.
“Thinking about it, there wasn’t a single big NG today. None of that completely blocking progress for an entire day.”
“Even Ms. Sua had no NGs?”
“Yes, some scenes needed re-shoots, but that wasn’t Ms. Sua’s fault. She was impeccable.”
“Fantastic. Truly impressive….”
With that, writer Lee Geum-sook drained her beer and said,
“Sua! My Kim Yu-han! I love you so much!”
…
Meanwhile, representative Kim I-seo visited Sua’s room.
“…?”
Kim I-seo tilted her head slightly when she noticed Sua was in her pajamas.
Actually, the pajamas weren’t an issue. People wear them to bed—it’s common. But what stood out was the design.
Right, the patterns.
Sua’s pajamas had tiny, cute Arctic Fox characters scattered evenly all over—an image perhaps of a princess from the north who collected the fox heads as memorabilia after hunting them?
…It would fit if the face was painted, wouldn’t it? Truly.
“What brings you here?”
“Ah.”
Only after Sua spoke did Kim I-seo snap out of her thoughts.
Let’s start with the main topic.
“Sua, you did perfectly on the first day. Wherever I went today, I was given envious looks. There’s a reason for that—we belong to Mystic.”
“Agreed.”
“Rest well today, and I look forward to tomorrow.”
“Good comparison.”
Sua dismissed the compliment without realizing her own “power move.” She wasn’t thinking much, only: The president seems lively. She must be praising me, right? Sure, sure.
And then, suddenly.
“President.”
“Yes, Sua. I’m listening.”
“What do you think of these pajamas?”
“Oh, pajamas? Pajamas…?”
Kim I-seo paused to consider.
After a bit, she gave what she believed was the best reply and left.
“…”
After Kim I-seo left, Sua’s expression turned serious.
…
Kim Sun-il’s room.
Here, another visitor was present—interestingly, it was Seo Yeon-joo, who was now sprawled out while munching on potato chips.
“Why are you eating here?”
“Because I don’t want to dirty my room. I hate it.”
“My room?”
“You clean it anyway.”
Kim Sun-il contemplated throwing Seo Yeon-joo out the window but decided against it. It would make the street filthy.
So instead, he sighed deeply and opened his script.
Seo Yeon-joo covertly became interested.
“What are you doing this late at night?”
“I have some things to think about.”
Kim Sun-il replied briefly. Seo Yeon-joo’s attention soon returned to the TV that was on. A little later, Kim Sun-il spoke again.
“Seo Yeon-joo.”
“What?”
“Why do you do what you do?”
“Hmm? Why this sudden question?”
“No, do you live thinking about what you want to do, or only what you must do?”
“What’s gotten into you?”
As Seo Yeon-joo stared at him as if he’d asked an absurd question, Kim Sun-il continued resolutely, his expression solemn.
“Sun-il, why are you suddenly asking this?”
“I’m curious whether you’re living thinking about what you want, or if you’re focusing only on what must be done.”
“Ah… probably half-and-half?”
“Hmm, half-and-half, that is.”
That was a thought-provoking answer for Kim Sun-il.
What thoughts guide each person and how they approach their endeavors.
They were all different.
He himself had lived only thinking about what he had to do, Seo Yeon-joo was a mix of both, and Sua seemed to live only considering what she wanted.
Kim Sun-il felt he was gradually reaching a certain truth.
“…Thinking about what you want.”
He repeated that short phrase endlessly in his mind.
◈◈◈◈◈
The next day.
With the staff busy setting up equipment on the site, the filming location of the Special Mobile Unit 808 was, as always, set to heat up.
Producer Choi Hee-won also arrived on the scene with renewed determination but—
“Huh?!”
He soon widened his eyes.
Yet another unexpected visitor had shown up.
“Director Ko Tae-min?”
Then Ko Tae-min laughed.
“Here I am again. The work is just so captivating.”
“No, it’s an honor to have you here. But are you sure? You’re incredibly busy with your new work….”
“Even so. There’s something I really want to ask.”
“Ask away. I’ll do my best to answer. Or would you like to observe again today? There are a few scenes with Park Do-hee filming later, which could be useful.”
But Choi Hee-won soon tilted his head when he realized Ko Tae-min wasn’t looking specifically for Park Do-hee.
“Ah, not Do-hee, is it something else?”
“That’s right.”
Ko Tae-min nodded.
“Park Do-hee also acted well, and it surprised me how much her skills had grown since the last time I saw her. But I’ve become curious about someone else.”
“A different person, you say…?”
“Yes. The actor playing Kim Yu-han. I’m interested in them.”
“I expected as much.”
Producer Choi Hee-won let out a laugh.
“Actually, I was waiting to see when you’d ask.”
“Honestly, how could you not tell me about such a phenomenon? It’s rude of you to hide such things! Could you at least give a heads up next time? Where in the world did this person come from? Our casting staff seemed clueless too.”
“Ah, well, it’s not much different for me either. Do you know the show ‘This is How I Became an Actor’?”
“Of course! It’s the survival audition to discover new actors.”
“That’s right. The person showed up there.”
“Do tell more!”
Director Ko Tae-min’s eyes widened even further.
“Actually, I don’t know much either. I’ve just seen them a bit longer than most in the industry, but their identity is still somewhat….”
“That’s enough. Even just your observations will help.”
“Hmm… alright then…”
With his arms crossed, Producer Choi Hee-won began to speak.
“Firstly, acting was a hobby that grew into something else, and they’ve learned a lot from other fields as well. The most surprising part is that they learned all of it on their own…”
“…!”
As the story unfolded, Director Ko Tae-min’s eyes grew wider and wider, almost popping out and rolling on the floor.
People tend to embellish when they spread stories, and if it’s one they love, they’ll add compliments. Choi Hee-won was no exception. He cared deeply for Sua.
Choi Hee-won shared all his impressions and his perceived strengths about Sua with Director Ko Tae-min.
“How could this be…”
One sentence from Director Ko Tae-min.
Of course, Sua had no idea any of this was happening.
◈◈◈◈◈
Meanwhile, when Sua arrived at the set, she was amazed at the odd sight she saw.
Whoosh—Whoosh—
Seo Yeon-joo and Kim I-seo were busy throwing something into a large sack. On closer inspection, all of them had something in common.
Each item they were holding was a pile of paper.
Sua asked, peeking curiously.
“What is all this?”
“Oh, don’t worry about it, Sua.”
Kim I-seo replied while tossing another pile into the sack.
Seo Yeon-joo, using her long arms, was efficiently flinging items into the sack while Kim I-seo, being smaller, struggled to toss each item in one by one. She had the feel of a petite person.
Kim I-seo added a few words:
“Don’t take it personally. It’s not like I’m hiding anything from you, it’s just that none of it’s important. We’re throwing this all away. We’ll handle the hard work.”
“…Director, why say ‘we’? Isn’t it something you can delegate to your staff later? Or even handle on your own?”
Amid this conversation, Seo Yeon-joo complained, but there was no chance of it happening. Kim I-seo shook her head and looked at Seo Yeon-joo.
“All this belongs to you! Be responsible.”
All these piles of paper belonged to Seo Yeon-joo?
Sua became even more curious and asked further.
“What are all these?”
“Scripts.”
Seo Yeon-joo said while flinging one of the items.
“I’ve been saving all the scripts that were proposed to me. Back in the day, there was this feeling of satisfaction seeing them piled up—it boosted my self-esteem?”
“Ah.”
Sua thought she understood the sentiment.
It must be like collecting friend requests in a game until you reach 99+. The feeling of knowing that many people were looking for you is thrilling, fulfilling your need for recognition.
“Why are you throwing them away now?”
“They’re taking too much space. And as a rookie, it was fun to collect and show off each script, but now I don’t get much excitement from it.”
“Hmm, there are quite a lot. Were all these scripts bad?”
“Some were genuinely poor, some wouldn’t align with my schedule, and some had varied content—singing roles, playing the violin, etc. Oh? Isn’t it weird? Looking back, it seems like I got a lot of scripts related to music. Why do these things keep coming to me?”
This time, Kim I-seo answered.
“It’s because of your image, Yeon-joo. You seem like someone who would beautifully perform on stage, like a nightingale.”
Sua thought about it for a long time.
“…”
After much contemplation—
“Please give these scripts to me instead of throwing them away.”
“…?”
At the same time, both looked at Sua with surprise.
Breaking the silence first was Seo Yeon-joo.
“These are incredibly old, you know? Even if you like them now, there’s no way you could participate in any of these projects. Right, Director?”
“That’s correct. Moreover, these aren’t even limited to Korean scripts. Yeon-joo’s face is especially popular in China, so some scripts are in Chinese, some in Japanese… It’s a mishmash.”
It was like useless trash, so no need to care.
But Sua’s eyes sparkled nonetheless.
“That’s fine. Please give them to me.”
Not trash.
To Sua, all of this appeared as treasure.
