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The drama already has its release schedule set and the trailer is out…

“Hmm, it might change, but it’s going to be released on OTT within a few months. The trailer will be out next week.”

“That’s faster than I expected?”

It’s much quicker than I thought, which was around next year.

“Oh, originally it was supposed to be released early next year, but it got moved up for some reason.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s a bit sudden, but it won’t hurt to release it early.”

Hmm… a few months later then…

“Does that mean it overlaps with this drama?”

Unlike the OTT dramas, I heard that this one is for terrestrial broadcasting, so the schedule is pretty tight.

I’ve heard that the first half will air before the filming wraps up, even before the last episode is finished.

I asked because it seemed like it could overlap.

“There are people with overlapping roles in dramas by the same writer, so as long as it’s not something major, simultaneous airing probably won’t happen.”

“I see.”

“But it could release right after one ends as well.”

So, it won’t overlap? That’s a relief.

If they did overlap, interest might get split, after all.

Since I’m participating, I really hope the drama does well.

“Then let me know when the trailer comes out. Oh, I’ll be heading out now.”

“Okay, see you later.”

After my conversation with Moon Chang-sik, I headed back to Nam Han-kyung.

“What were you two talking about?”

“They said the trailer for the drama we filmed before is going to be out soon.”

“Oh, when?”

“Sometime next week.”

“When was that filmed?”

“Last year…”

Engaging in conversation about the drama we shot before, I made my way to the next filming location and changed costumes at the nearby costume room.

The background is similar, but the date is different, so I need to change my outfit and style too.

Once again changing into new luxury attire and stepping outside, I can already see Nam Han-kyung waiting.

Given the scene, my outfit gives off a similar vibe overall.

“You look good.”

“I know.”

“Really? No compliments for me?”

“It’s alright.”

After exchanging compliments out of politeness, we headed to the carefully set-up filming location.

Upon arriving at the set, the director, sitting in his designated spot, glanced at us and smiled softly.

“Wow, with you two together, it’s quite the picture.”

“Is it?”

Then he made a camera gesture with his hands while looking at us, appearing somewhat pleased.

“It’s even more picturesque than I imagined. Reality truly surpasses imagination.”

“Hahaha…”

“I’m not just saying that. You’ll see once we start filming later.”

“Oh yes.”

Though he praises us extravagantly, I can’t help but think it’s just him making friendly remarks.

More than that… I’m feeling a bit nervous.

This is my first scene with Nam Han-kyung, after all.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Responding, we entered the filming area, and on the opposite side, I spotted two people waiting.

It was none other than Moon Chang-sik and Han Ye-eun.

In the context of the roles, they are Mun Chang-seok and Kang Ye-seo.

Seeing the actors who will be introduced right after my scene with Nam Kyung-min made my heart race even faster.

Both Nam Han-kyung next to me and those two are formidable actors, and here I am, caught in between…

I steadied my heart, hoping not to get squished in the fight between whales.

***

In a quiet park during a weekday lunch.

In this strangely empty park, two couples met.

Moon Chang-seok and Kang Ye-seo, who were getting to know each other while taking a walk.

And Nam Kyung-min and Sera, already engaged through familial arrangements, having a showy date.

In this situation, which might be a coincidence or deliberate, it was Sera who spoke first.

“Wow, seriously low class…”

Her first words upon meeting were incredibly rude.

The reason she spoke such an inappropriate remark, one that would make their company shareholders boil with rage, was simply that she found those two unappealing.

Furthermore, while Moon Chang-seok is from a wealthy family, Kang Ye-seo next to him is not.

So she felt the need to take a jab specifically at Kang Ye-seo.

Well, the disparity between their families is like the sky and the ground.

Sera is part of a conglomerate family at a similar level to Moon Chang-seok.

Meanwhile, Nam Kyung-min is even a few rungs higher.

And while Kang Ye-seo is recognized in the legal field as a lawyer… that isn’t something Sera cares about.

Impressive? Their family lawyer is even more impressive.

No matter how smart someone is, Sera is a member of a family that employs such intelligent people.

So it’d be normal for her to keep her head down and shut her mouth when she makes a fuss like this…

“What did you say? Low class… Hah, okay then, how impressive are you?”

Kang Ye-seo, instead of lowering her gaze, stood up fiercely as if she found it absurd.

And Sera found that attitude incredibly unacceptable.

“What did you say?”

“You studied abroad with your family’s money, got your job thanks to your family’s connections, and even found your boyfriend through family introductions… besides your family, what else do you have?”

Exactly, that attitude of yours is so infuriatingly arrogant.

And those words, which even she cannot refute, are incredibly true.

Trembling in anger, Sera pretended not to care.

Even though she started it, that’s not something she wants to acknowledge.

If she valued such things, she wouldn’t have grown up hearing she was ill-mannered.

Sera’s lips tightened in fury as she cast a glare at Nam Kyung-min.

It was annoying to see him standing by quietly.

Even with the engagement brought about by their families, wouldn’t it hurt to take a side?

But given her vile nature, there’s no way she’d help…

“That’s a harsh thing to say.”

…or so I thought.

However, when Nam Kyung-min spoke a word, Sera briefly turned her head to look up at him.

“Be responsible for your words, Kang Ye-seo.”

…What’s going on with that guy?

Did he eat something wrong?

“Ugh…”

Kang Ye-seo, who had been fierce towards Sera, was left speechless by Nam Kyung-min’s words.

“Why exclude family? Isn’t family also a capability?”

The presence of a person, the very stature he has built up…

It pressed down on this place like a weight.

Except for one person.

“Hey…”

That would be Moon Chang-seok.

“Isn’t the atmosphere a bit tense?”

He said this with a bright smile, while Nam Kyung-min said nothing in reply.

Even though Sera and Nam Kyung-min’s family status was formidable, they are still in a competition among siblings.

But the main character Moon Chang-seok had already finished competing and secured his position as heir, so even Nam Kyung-min couldn’t be careless with him.

“We’re classmates, aren’t we?”

At that remark, Sera glared daggers at Kang Ye-seo.

Yes, they were classmates.

Until Kang Ye-seo’s family went bankrupt, she was doing well.

Back then, they were somewhat close, after all.

“Hah, seriously.”

Sera assessed the mood and turned her back with a huff.

It was an incredibly rude act done by someone who started the fight and then turned away, making one wonder about her upbringing, yet Nam Kyung-min said nothing and also turned away.

“Well, this is only a bit annoying.”

Then, he purposefully added a remark before striding ahead.

“Man… Sera hasn’t changed at all.”

Moon Chang-seok said that, but Sera ignored it, quickening her pace, and Nam Kyung-min briefly glanced back before following her out of the park.

Thus ended the encounter.

On their way back, Sera said to Nam Kyung-min, “I don’t like that person, you know… ah.”

As soon as she finished speaking.

Nam Kyung-min’s expression shifted to one of realization, and a voice sounded from a spot where no one had been before in the park.

“Cut! Let’s do it again!”

At those words, Sera.

No, Soo-hyun clenched her eyes shut.

“Ugh.”

It was an NG.

**

“Alright! We’ll go with this take!”

Finally, the filming wrapped up.

“Hah…”

I exhaled heavily and sat down.

…This shoot had been somewhat exhausting.

After all, it featured the most lines for Sera…

Goodness, how much do I have to deal with later for this teasing?

Being the designated character responsible for the dramatic tension means a hefty dialogue load.

Moreover, since this was the first shoot with all four leads, the staff and other actors were gathered to witness it, making the pressure intense.

“Are you alright?”

At that moment, someone unexpected approached me while I was sitting alone.

“Ah, yes… Han Ye-eun.”

It was Han Ye-eun.

The person who had just frowned at me while playing Kang Ye-seo, now wore a gentle smile as she spoke.

“Kim Soo-hyun, you did really well. Here, take this.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Expressing her gratitude and handing me a drink, I accepted it gratefully.

When did she buy this? Oh, perhaps someone else bought it beforehand?

Like her manager or something.

It had gotten a bit warm as the season changed, and I was feeling hot wearing this designer outfit unsuitable for the weather, so her thoughtfulness was really appreciated.

“Alright then, good luck! I’ll be off now.”

“Ah… thank you.”

Her sudden visit to just hand me a drink and cheer me up felt quite unexpected… but it really lifted my spirits.

No wonder she is the leading lady.

Sipping the drink, I found myself thinking about Sera.

Why couldn’t she speak back to a person like that?

Honestly, she’s quite a frustrating character.

One hard to understand.

Someone who seems like they might act out irrationally.

So she must be a villain.

It would indeed be quite trying if the main character acted that way.

Well… these days, the trend is for villains to be clever and meticulous… but that’s Nam Kyung-min’s role.

Sera is the uncontrollable, impulsive, emotional villainess.

“Did you two talk about anything?”

At that moment, Moon Chang-sik approached from one side.

“Nothing special. She just gave me a drink and cheered me on.”

“Hmm, really?”

Upon hearing that I was given a drink and encouragement, Moon Chang-sik glanced slyly at Han Ye-eun’s back.

“What’s with that look?”

“Oh, nothing. More importantly, your acting has improved.”

“Oh, really? I NG’d though…”

“That’s bound to happen when shooting. I’ve NG’d several times too.”

…Moon Chang-sik NG’d?

I can’t imagine that, but it could happen, I guess.

“When was the last time you NG’d?”

“Uh, last month?”

“Oh, really?”

What could that be, last month was clear of anything to film.

“What were you filming?”

“Doing a commercial. They made me dance.”

“Ah.”

I briefly imagined Moon Chang-sik dancing to an advertisement song.

…That sounds pretty funny.

“When that commercial airs, send me the link.”

“No way. Look it up yourself.”

“Ah, feeling shy?”

“Not at all.”

“Seems like you are…”

While I was chatting like that, one of Moon Chang-sik’s managers appeared from one side.

“Hey Chang-sik, I brought this.”

“Ah, thanks.”

Handing him two takeout coffees, he took one for himself.

“Why just one? Should’ve brought two… oh.”

At that, the manager looked puzzled, then noticing the drink in my hand, took the remaining coffee for himself.

…Was he going to save it for me? This situation feels a little off.

“Then I’ll just drink this, right?”

“Didn’t you buy a separate one for yourself?”

“Drinking two is better.”

“Come on.”

Seeing those two, it feels they’ve got a good relationship.

It definitely gives off a vibe of having worked together for a long time.

“Oh right.”

As I watched them, I finally replied.

“Is there something you want to discuss?”

“I… about the agency, is it still valid?”

I mulled it over, but seeing them like this made me feel really envious.

And how long do I plan on relying on my colleagues and using public transport to get to filming locations?

I’d prefer to have a manager, even if just for a short while.

“The agency?”

At the mention of the agency, Moon Chang-sik’s eyes lit up in a way that was unlike him.

Seeing that made me a bit uneasy.

…I hope I didn’t ask something stupid?

 

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