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After Han Se-ryeong’s departure, the drama filming continued.

As we approached the end of the mid-phase, things got really busy.

The heroine, Kang Ye-seo, realized that her friend’s disappearance was connected to Sera and became outraged.

Meanwhile, the male lead, Moon Chang-seok, who had been indecisive until now, changed his mindset.

Nam Kyung-min, who had to handle the critical behind-the-scenes work, found himself momentarily stuck in a succession battle.

Consequently, Sera, who was left alone, had to manage the crisis, leading to a lot of emotional acting that made things a bit tough.

“Just a moment. Ugh… I’ll do it again.”

Now, I could judge my own NGs without needing confirmation.

This time, I really messed up.

I should have been more assertive.

Given that Sera is a character filled with contradictions, acting her out was challenging.

Of course, other lead roles must be similarly difficult… But since I have little experience, my trial and error were starting to show.

“It’s okay! Let’s try again!”

“Su-hyun, relax a bit more!”

Still, I felt some relief because the director and staff had been reassuring due to my previous performances on set.

If the staff had looked at me tiredly every time I made an NG like the spine-chilling urban legends I’d heard about the set, I wouldn’t have been able to handle the pressure.

“Alright! This time looks good!”

“We’ll take a short break!”

After finishing another tough shooting day, I sat down to rest until the next set was ready.

If it were normal, I’d have gone to relax near my close actor friends, but this time, unfortunately, I was alone.

Han Se-ryeong had left.

Moon Chang-sik was busy, and Nam Han-kyung had no shooting today.

It was a bit sad that the only close actors were the three of us…

Well, at least I had Han Ye-eun, an acquaintance, but not someone I would sit with.

Even Park Kang-seok had stepped away to take a call from the agency, leaving me sitting all alone in a corner of the set.

“Are you resting well?”

Someone spoke to me.

“Huh? Oh, Writer-nim.”

I turned my head to see Ahn Ji-young, the writer, had come over next to me.

“Make yourself comfortable.”

It had been a while since I saw her; I was surprised she came given how busy she must be with the drama’s imminent release.

“Is acting going well?”

“Yes, it’s going well.”

“You sound confident, huh? Must be going really well then.”

As she sat next to me and spoke, I felt a bit uneasy.

After all, she was someone with a reputation equivalent to that of the director on set!

Even the nearby staff were subtly tensing up.

Unlike before, there was only a short time left until the drama aired.

A drama from the same team with the same writer.

In a way, it seemed to spark a competitive spirit among the staff that had intensified lately.

Given that they worked hard from dawn till night to create the drama, it would be frustrating if it were overshadowed by another show.

Nevertheless, thanks to the competition, the filming times were getting shorter, which was nice for me.

Of course, the best person here would be…

“Hehe.”

That would be Ahn Ji-young, happily watching her hardworking staff next to me.

She had two of her works running back-to-back, so it must be a good feeling for her.

“Looks like you’re in a good mood.”

“Of course! My work is coming out into the world. What about you, Su-hyun?”

“Me? Hmm… I’m looking forward to it too.”

Honestly, there were a few people in this filming site who felt as comfortable as the writer.

Notably, Na or Moon Chang-sik.

Both of us participated in the drama set to air and the one currently filming, so even if one does well, it feels good.

Ah, maybe Moon Chang-sik wouldn’t be so comfortable?

He looked busy before, but now he was hitting peak levels.

Variety shows, radio appearances, filming, and so forth.

Watching him rush around like a youthful superstar made me think that this was the true weight of a leading actor.

Especially since Moon Chang-sik was playing a villain in the early to mid-phase.

Perhaps it’s his name value bringing in many offers from various places.

When my drama’s airing date approaches, will I be in the same boat?

But I doubt I’ll reach Moon Chang-sik’s level.

I might have the luxury of not getting too many variety show offers.

“By the way, when your drama comes out, won’t you become famous immediately?”

“Me?”

“Yes, Lady Soo-yeon is charming, isn’t she?”

She is charming, but…

…That’s just my character.

“What’s with that face? You don’t think Lady Soo-yeon is charming?”

“…She is charming.”

Lady Soo-yeon, huh…

Honestly, she is a good character.

Come to think of it, I had sung a song themed around Lady Soo-yeon and Moon Chang-won; that would also be revealed soon.

It feels a bit nerve-wracking for everything I’ve worked on to come out at once.

As I sat there next to the writer, absentmindedly watching the staff, she suddenly asked, “What are you planning to do after this filming, Su-hyun?”

“After the filming?”

“Yes, now that you’ve signed with the agency, do you have any plans?”

“Uh… I probably won’t be doing much acting.”

“Huh?”

The writer looked at me in disbelief at my statement about not doing much acting.

“…Why? Once Lady Soo-yeon and Sera are out, the offers will pour in.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course! It’s my drama’s role.”

…Such confidence.

Well, considering Ahn Ji-young’s reputation, I guess it makes sense?

“Actually, I have other commitments.”

I figured that even if I worked through the agency, full-blown acting might be tough right now.

I have to prepare for the concert, after all.

My lesson plans were already laid out.

Since filming meant I delayed my practices, The Six managed everything for me.

For now, I just decided to buckle down on the dance and vocal lessons.

Given the concert concept I was envisioning, my current stamina and skills would likely fall short.

So, I thought I should give it my all.

I’ve even hinted at it to some guests already.

I’ll need to officially invite them later on.

“Other commitments? You mean broadcasting?”

“Yeah, I’m preparing something this time.”

Upon hearing I was in preparation, the writer looked at me cautiously for a moment and asked,

“Is broadcasting better than becoming a famous actor?”

“Uh? Well…”

It felt like such an abrupt question, but seeing her serious gaze, I took a moment to ponder my response.

Is it better…?

To be totally honest, I felt like no matter how much a VTuber works at it, they can’t compare to a famous actor.

“Honestly, acting is probably better.”

Rising early, getting in a car, and filming is fulfilling.

There’s satisfaction in working equally among famous actors.

Moreover, having my image and name cemented in a drama that will last forever is the biggest allure I see.

However…

“Still, broadcasting is better for now.”

Maybe it’s because I’ve been in broadcasting longer, but…

It feels like broadcasting is just… better.

And, huh? In the rapidly evolving Korean VTuber industry, isn’t it a bit early to step down from the throne?

Being a dragon’s body is great, but there are feelings only a serpent’s head can experience.

I should firmly park in the number one position, so the juniors will burn with competitive spirit.

When I summarized my thoughts and relayed them to the writer, she showed a slight admiration.

“A serpent’s head? You must be the best in that industry, Su-hyun.”

“Of course! I’m the undisputed number one.”

With the efforts I’ve put in…

Even my original songs would fill one hand.

Moreover, I’m preparing for a concert.

I feel sorry for the companies just starting to enter the VTuber scene.

As long as I’m in the industry, they won’t reach the celestial realm.

At that moment, while expressing my confidence in my main profession like Seo Eun-ha, the writer suddenly asked,

“…How old are you, Su-hyun?”

“I’m twenty-three now.”

“I knew that already, but you’re surprisingly young…”

“Right? I started early, after all.”

Well, at twenty-one, starting early is indeed fast.

Looking back, it seems like quitting university to focus on auditions was a good choice.

“Hmmm, twenty-three…”

The writer mulled over my age, starting to ponder something.

Seeing her focused expression, I thought it best not to interrupt and just sat quietly.

It wasn’t my first time seeing something like this.

There are similar folks around, like Moon Chang-sik or Hyeon-su.

I waited some moments, thinking she’d come up with some idea.

“Good. Su-hyun.”

The writer finally concluded her thoughts and spoke to me again.

“Yes, Writer-nim.”

“Would you like to be the main character someday?”

Her next words caught me off guard.

“Eh?”

“Not right now, but a bit later.”

“The main character?”

Seeing her respond in such a vague way, I looked at her incredulously. She stood up and said,

“A serpent’s head is fine, but a dragon’s head is even better, right?”

“Uh…”

“When you feel you’ve done enough in your main role, just tell me.”

“Writer-nim?”

“I’m off to write now. Don’t stress too much about it. I just said it on a whim.”

With that, she leisurely walked away, and I was left wondering what just happened.

“…”

Alone, I mulled over the writer’s words.

…Main character? Doesn’t seem like it’s for me.

I recalled a news article I read that morning.

[The lead role in Ahn Ji-young’s upcoming drama, ‘Chase’, is Lee Seok-hyun! The opposing villain is Moon Chang-sik! A duel of two stars!]

This uproarious article, published a short time before the drama’s airing, had my name as the main character, Kim Soo-hyun, scribbled in my imagination.

Main character Kim Soo-hyun…?

No way, no way… That can’t be right.

Main character? That’s asking too much.

Shaking my head, I also got up from my seat.

With just 14 days left until the drama airs.

Today was another peaceful day on the filming set.

 

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