Director Park Jun’s studio.
From a pitch-black van, Kim I-seo and Sua got out amicably.
They had come for the test screening of the short film “Sword,” but their outfits were quite contrasting. While Kim I-seo was dressed to impress, Sua looked like she’d thrown on whatever was at hand.
“Straightening up for occasions like this, huh? Mr. Representative, you’re amazing…”
“Sua, did you intentionally go for a decadent vibe? Sensational.”
Indeed, their thoughts were entirely at odds with each other. Nevertheless…
Ku-kunk-kunk….
Currently, Sua’s heart was beating pretty fast.
Reason? There’s only one!
“Ahhh, I’m nervous. It’s me on screen.”
Seeing her finished image that contained every detail of herself was for Sua both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience.
Suddenly, she placed her palm on her chest.
“Hey, heart, stop being wild. Like an Arctic fox.”
Ku-kunk-kunk-! Ku-kunk-kunk-!
“…?”
Sua quickly changed her plan.
“Well, even Arctic foxes get nervous sometimes as they live. It’s okay…”
While she was thinking this, Kim I-seo opened the door and the heads of those waiting inside immediately turned toward Sua and Kim I-seo. They were the actors who had been part of ‘Sword.’
“Sua, you’ve come!”
“Sua, haven’t seen you since the wrap party, right?”
“Come inside quickly. Uh, huh…?”
But their welcoming did not last long.
“Hu-hu-huh?”
Soon, their amusement was replaced by surprise.
It was as if everyone had frozen in place as if time had stopped, their eyes meticulously scanning Sua’s appearance. Their eyes were nearly popping out of their heads.
Kim I-seo nodded.
“Well, those who worked on the filming of ‘Sword’ must be seeing this look of Sua’s for the first time. It’s natural they’d be amazed.”
Everyone stood there with mouths agape, muttering amongst themselves.
“S-Sua! What is this look?”
“When did you change into this?”
“Madness. How could you even think of doing this?”
After a moment’s thought, Sua…
“…”.
Quietly tilted her chin up.
Self-assured. Everyone was looking at her with sparkling eyes, and this situation wasn’t unpleasant at all, was it?
“It happened accidentally. They say it really suits me.”
“That’s true! It definitely suits you!”
“We agree.”
It was a grand celebration of the recognition Sua received.
“Sua, you really look beautiful. Graceful and beautiful…”
“We agree.”
Sua closed her eyes gently and nodded her head.
“Like a wolf! The character’s essence has become more clear, and it’s good!”
“…Who are you?”
As this warm atmosphere continued, Kim I-seo sensed something peculiar. The innate perception she possessed.
‘Perhaps…’
A light bulb going off in her head.
‘Sua doesn’t like the word ‘wolf’ much?’
There was truth to this when she revisited the past. When Kim I-seo had compared Sua’s night dress at the hotel to a wolf, the mood around them had quickly grown icy.
Kim I-seo soon reached a tremendous hypothesis.
‘…Could it be she wanted to be an Arctic fox?’
Kim I-seo suppressed a feeling of regret within her.
A hero mingling with humans cannot remain ordinary, just as a swan among chickens cannot hide its presence, or a jewel amidst dirt cannot lose its shine. Sua’s nature…
Director Park Jun arrived as Kim I-seo shook her head.
“Oh my, I’m a bit late! I’m sorry. I re-checked the edit just in case. It’s all set now.”
Park Jun then warmly greeted everyone, but the respect he showed to Sua and Kim I-seo was exceptionally formal.
It was akin to treating a benefactor.
“Representative, Miss Sua! You’ve come!”
Practically bowing at right angles.
“Thanks to Ms. Kim I-seo and Sua, we’ve reached this point! We’re even having a test screening today! Thank you!”
“That’s too much praise.”
“Overdoing it? It’s all true!”
Sua understood it was deserved.
The discarded script she had discovered, and the production fees which were almost entirely shouldered by Kim I-seo. There was no reason not to feel grateful.
Park Jun then introduced the editing team staff.
“They stayed up all night with me, working hard.”
Naturally, applause erupted. The editors’ current haggard faces were enough to illustrate how much effort they had expended.
“And Miss Sua.”
Park Jun then approached Sua.
“How’s the filming for Special Mobile Unit 808 going? This must not be easy work, yet your complexion is better than ever? I was going to tell you to take care of your health, but I guess it’s unnecessary now.”
Ah, because she’s diligently managing her image.
Still, she secretly enjoyed the compliment that she was pretty. Hehe, Sua.
“I’m fine. Director, take good rest.”
“My looks are no concern to you. Even with a face ruined by sleep deprivation, if the editing is done well, I’m alright. Anyway, let’s begin now. It’s time to show it to you, Miss Sua.”
Park Jun then turned off all the lights, and everyone took their seats, spaced out in chairs.
Shortly after, in the darkened room, the screen alone shone brightly.
Sua quietly swallowed.
‘…How will it be? My appearance?’
Whoo-oo-oo-
The story of ‘Sword’ began with the sound of a desolate wind passing through, and branches swaying to and fro.
Subsequently, Sua gripped her knees tightly.
As Wi Ji-hye’s face appeared on the screen.
‘Ah, that’s me! Am I prettier than I expected? No, more embarrassingly cheesy. It’s both embarrassing and strange. What kind of feelings are these!’
It was akin to wanting to pat the shoulder of the friend sitting next to you, a feeling of embarrassment when something is shared directly? Sua’s face flushed as she experienced a peculiar mix of emotions.
Amidst these swirling emotions…
“The forest is a sensitive child. You have a mischievous disposition.”
With Wi Ji-hye’s first line, the test screening began.
—
Exactly 30 minutes later…
“Miss Sua, how was it…?”
Park Jun’s trembling voice left Sua momentarily without an answer.
It wasn’t that she didn’t like it. In fact, ‘Sword’ was highly satisfying to Sua. But she was overwhelmed by her feelings and had trouble finding the right words.
For Sua, the characters in the script had no distinct faces.
Not that they were completely absent like mannequins.
Instead, the characters in the special features world had appropriate faces attached depending on the situation. For instance, the character trying to kill Sua during her first immersion appeared with the face of a chef.
Thus, when Sua initially experienced the script, Wi Ji-hye’s face was simply that of Wi Ji-hye. It was never Sua’s face. Then, the face she just witnessed on the screen…
‘This face. There’s no one else’s face but my own.’
To paint a character with her own face.
To have a complete work that contained her true self.
And the fact that the staff had gathered to see that work…
‘…This was truly moving.’
“…It’s good.”
Sua encapsulated her genuine feelings in those brief words.
Simultaneously, the little Arctic fox harbored a dream.
Even though now she’s only in a small studio, with just staff gathered, and she’s merely a newcomer…
‘Some day.’
She wants to showcase herself before a crowd like a tidal wave.
—
On the other hand.
While Special Mobile Unit 808 was crazily moving towards completion, it wasn’t just the filming site that was busy.
The internet was bustling too.
But this time, the reason was a bit different.
[ tvS Drama ‘Special Mobile Unit 808’ – Who will hunt them down? KBM, MBQ, SBT readying their ace cards.]
Unlike before, when the mere fact that Special Mobile Unit 808 was being produced set off excitement, the now-pouring articles focused on the ‘competition’.
tvS, KBM, MBQ, SBT.
It was a formidable four-corner battle. A chaotic situation worthy of discussion.
[ MBQ’s Choi Si-young Writer said, “Leading role? We have no reason to hide. From casting to story, it will be perfect. Flawless.”]
[ tvS’s Kim Sun-il with Seo Yeon-ju versus MBQ with Park Gi-woo and Sin Hye-su – will they take this year’s Best Actor and Actress Awards?]
Among the four networks, not a single one seemed cautious about their PR, a clear sign of their overflowing confidence.
In the end, who will grasp victory?
This fundamental and stimulating theme was sufficient to stew people, and it seemed journalists were intentionally adding fuel to the fire as well. Hence, the firepower within the communities is intensifying day by day.
[Title: Why is Lee Geum-sook Shit]
[Admit the good writing. But no romance ever. At this point, I think it’s not just avoiding it – I think it’s impossible. You’re probably desperate to see Seo Yeon-ju and Kim Sun-il together, huh? Promise you. There will be no romance.]
[Title: Why the Special Task Force Gets Trashed]
(An image of a frog shrugging with a question mark.)
[There’s so much hype but what exactly has been confirmed? Isn’t Kim Yu-han still Schrödinger’s cat? Isn’t this newsworthy yet you’re just spamming galleries and being assholes.]
[Title: Yang Ha-rin Surpasses Seo Yeon-ju Soon?]
[Yang Ha-rin will surpass Seo Yeon-ju soon.]
– ?
– Really?
– What?!
[Title: Kim Yu-han Is Actually This]
[He’s definitely an actor who caused controversy and is now self-reflecting. 100% sure. No, 101% sure. Just lay low and don’t reveal yourself until you can comeback smoothly with some acting under your belt.]
[Title: I Figured Out Who Kim Yu-han Is haha]
[A picture of the VTuber Shikarin with deer antlers]
[Turn on Shikarin’s stream, let’s go!]
– Haven’t beaten the VTubers yet?
– Die in your gallery.
– This is really what you’re viewing?
– Damn, that’s annoying.
[Title: Kim Yu-han is Actually a Fox.]
[She must be an Arctic fox.]
– ?
– Your tone really changed.
– Are you new to this gallery?
– Schizophrenia much?
– (Mod) This persistent poster has been banned for 30 days.
In any case, it was absolute chaos.
—
The afternoon, on the filming set of Special Mobile Unit 808.
“Everyone, get ready! Shooting starts in three hours!”
Today was just as frantic.
The staff were running around like crazy, and the actors were striving to immerse themselves in their roles. Despite the commotion, their paths never crossed—after all, they were pros.
And Sua?
What was Sua doing, you ask?
“Umm…”
Sua was sitting around leisurely, not even in makeup for Kim Yu-han, adopting the demeanor of a fisherman waiting for time to pass.
Why is she so relaxed, you ask?
‘Because I have no shooting today!’
As a result of rushing the filming of the Kim Yu-han role, she’s had a bit of downtime. So today, she just came to observe.
She was drumming her fingers on the armrest of her chair as if she were sitting on a throne.
With the gaze of a young fox watching others toil.
“Everyone should get some rest while you can. Hehehe…”
Poor little foxes, Sua pities you. Sua is proud.
“…?”
Sua then casually wiped the goosebumps off her arms.
“…What am I thinking? I’m just a newcomer, what am I even dreaming about?”
Just as she was contemplating, Kim I-seo approached.
“Sua. There you are. Your posture really suits you.”
“I agree.”
“If I interrupted your rest, I’m sorry. I have some good news and some bad news. Which would you like to hear first?”
“Great metaphor.”
“Ah?”
Sua unintentionally swung out her line, then noticed her slip.
“Ah, I’ll hear the good news first.”
“Remember when I mentioned a big fish last time? Do you recall?”
“Yes.”
“Apparently, that big fish was quite moved by you, Sua. It’s reacting. The fact that it’s visiting the set again today is proof.”
“Ah.”
Sua nodded, then changed the angle of her view.
She began to tilt her head in puzzlement. Something felt off.
“Representative.”
“Yes. Sua.”
“Then why is it here today? I have no scenes today.”
At this, Kim I-seo shook her head gently.
“It seems there’s a scene of Sua’s today. Let’s head over for makeup.”
“…What?”
Without realizing it, Sua’s eyebrows twitched.
What was this betrayal? An Arctic fox’s wild nature awakened deep within her heart. Claws at the ready, Sua said,
“Representative… wasn’t I supposed to just observe the set today?”
…Her voice was timid.
There was nothing she could do. After all, Sua was still a young fox.
An Arctic fox pushes her cubs off cliffs.
It’s only after the young foxes survive countless trials and tribulations that they truly embody the Arctic fox. And currently, Sua hadn’t weathered enough trials yet. So it was understandable to be timid now, but someday…
Not only was there no foundation for this thought, it was completely ridiculous and would get her a good scolding if spoken aloud. Amidst such typically Sua-like musings, Kim I-seo spoke.
“Endure it. Today’s scene is a climax, you see.”
In saying this, Kim I-seo was actually observing Sua extremely carefully. Of course, from Sua’s perspective, it might have been a timid voice, but from the listener’s side, it felt like a cutting sting.
“…Then, shouldn’t you have informed me earlier?”
“Information will be given to Sua just before the scene. This is the writer’s intention. He feels expressing the true climax this way is the best.”
At the same time, Kim I-seo handed over a paper envelope.
Naturally, inside was a thin script.
“Exhale.”
Sua sighed deeply within her heart.
“I wanted to look around a bit today, especially the sound team.”
Sua was currently cultivating the “Musician” attribute.
Naturally, interest in the sound crew would arise. That’s why she came to the set today. She had planned to check it out today.
“Sigh, it seems tough.”
Though the script could be sufficiently experienced through a special trial, the time for makeup was the real issue. Minimum, it would take at least two hours.
“Maybe, just maybe, I can find some time?”
If the stars aligned, perhaps half an hour to an hour might be possible.
“Come on, Sua. Let’s go to makeup.”
“…”
Sua sneakily stuck out her lips.
What a fox muzzle. Sua pouting…
—
Two hours later.
One hour remains until the climax shooting begins.
Corner of the set, an impromptu table cluttered with computers and wires stood there. This space, reminiscent of where terrorists might operate, was now the sound team’s workshop.
Currently, about five members were engaged in heated debates.
“The background music here—Isn’t it a bit cliche? Suddenly, it feels like an old-school horror movie. Let’s remove it.”
“If we mess with Cindy’s parts this way, it’s not right.”
“I don’t understand. We are dealing with sound after all. Aren’t we supposed to avoid being overly ambitious? The music presence right now is too strong.”
All the while, a slender director was carefully observing them.
None other than Ko Tae-min.
Having obtained preliminary consent, he was checking out the sound team’s work. Since he was currently brainstorming a movie with music as its theme, their work might provide him some creative sparks.
Anyway, the sound team staff continued their debates.
“Let’s pick one from these three. Let’s sample listen.”
“The three samples are trash.”
“Hey, if you’re gonna call them trash, specify how they could improve.”
Then came an unfamiliar voice.
“The beats seem off. It’s too fast.”
The sound team staff didn’t turn around.
“The situation is tense, I get that, but the background music doesn’t HAVE to be fast. Just layering beats like a calm heartbeat could suffice. There’s no need to pursue auditory excitement here.”
The unfamiliar voice smoothly explained. Thus, they kept their focus on the mouse rather than turning their heads.
“Ah, let’s try this slower version?”
“Yes. And the sound there is overly cluttered. Just get rid of it, no hesitation. There, there.”
A while later…
A sample was played according to the instructions.
“Wow…”
The entire sound team gasped. This was pretty good.
“…”
After some time, sensing an odd atmosphere, they tilted their heads in confusion.
“!”
And abruptly stood up, spinning around.
Upon reflection, they hadn’t paid attention to who the advisor was. Now they were curious about the identity of the stranger.
There was clearly no one on the sound team with that kind of voice.
Soon, Director Ko Tae-min turned around as well. And…
“…”
All of them lost their words.
The advisor turned out to be Kim Yu-han.
More precisely, it was Lee Sua.
─♩♪♬
Sua was simply listening to the sample. Leaning her head on her hand, she listened intently for a while.
After confirming the gazes directed at her,
“…”.
She subtly tilted her nose upward.
