Chapter 104: Short Drama (4)

Translator: Dreamscribe

When Kang Woojin first heard about the ‘kiss scene revision’ from Director Shin Dong-chun, he was deeply troubled.

‘What? No way.’

It wasn’t common for modifications to occur during the production of a work, but neither was it unheard of. It was quite ordinary. Yes, hadn’t it been the same during ‘Drug Dealer’ shooting? The plot often changed abruptly under the director’s or writer’s decision.

The problem was, Woojin was in a dilemma in this situation.

There were dozens of people at the reading, many of whom Woojin knew, including Director Shin. If he were to reveal his true feelings honestly here, all he had built up would collapse. Imagine him shouting, ‘I oppose the kiss scene revision!’

Kang Woojin’s carefully crafted image would shatter into pieces.

For a moment, Woojin recalled the works he had lined up for the future. None were romantic. They were all significant works, but nothing sweet or romantic. Of course, he might shoot a rom-com someday, but that was undecided. It wouldn’t matter to top actors like Ryu Jung-min or Jin Jae-joon.

‘Is my first kiss scene as an actor going to disappear just like that? Really?’

It was natural for Woojin, who still felt like an ordinary person at heart, to feel a faint sense of disappointment.

But fortunately.

“I’m thinking of a deeper scene.”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s response was positive. But, deeper?

‘Deeper than a kiss scene?’

The doors of imagination naturally swung open. It was merely instinct—male instinct. Woojin forcibly shut the doors of his imagination, pulling his rationality back. He decided not to overthink it. He then checked his expression.

He couldn’t afford to show any sign of being shaken.

He then looked at Hwalin across from him. Her expression was calm. What was she truly feeling? Though he couldn’t be sure, Kang Woojin was the only person in the room who knew her secret. Wouldn’t she, at least, have some expectations if she was a fan?

Anyway.

-Swish.

Woojin turned his head towards Director Shin Dong-chun, who sat at the head of the table. He steadied his voice. It was essential to give off an indifferent, cold vibe.

“Director, what exactly do you mean by a ‘deeper scene’?”

As Woojin spoke in a heavy tone, all eyes in the reading room that had been on Woojin shifted to Director Shin Dong-chun.

Soon.

“Ah- Episode 1, the first cut. The kiss scene between ‘Lee Bo-min’ and ‘Han In-ho.’ If you look at the emotional expressions of the two characters here, Lee Bo-min starts off bewildered, while Han In-ho has his eyes closed. In other words, Han In-ho initiated it, and Bo-min’s eyes are wide open in shock.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had opened the script for the first episode that was prepared on the desk, elaborated.

“The scene is meant to be shocking, supported by the mechanism of the kiss. But the kiss itself is lackluster. Honestly, it’s more like just touching lips.”

The director stroked his square jaw as he explained.

“In my view, this cut definitely needs more intensity. The writer’s intention in crafting this scene is to grasp the viewers’ attention right from the beginning. and to do that, using clarity works better than ambiguity. Being lukewarm could backfire, making the subsequent narrative feel vague, like a deflated balloon.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had been quite successful as a drama PD in the past and had recently made his debut as a film director but still had a keen sense for dramas.

“‘Male Friend’ unfolds from the present to the past and back to the present, ending in the future. Essentially, it’s like showing the end from the beginning, and as a director, I feel it’s better to go boldly and do it properly.”

Hearing the explanation, Kang Woojin nodded very solemnly and slowly, and internally gave Director Shin a thumbs-up.

‘Bravo, as expected from the talented director.’

Hwalin felt similarly. Although she maintained a stoic face, she discreetly swallowed her saliva.

‘So, bold and proper? Like, really intense? Oh my- crazy.’

Hwalin was stirred by her fan’s passion and instinct. However, Director Shin, who was quietly reading the subtle expressions of the two, misunderstood.

‘Is it… is it really not to their liking? They don’t seem that close yet. Well, it’s my ambition. Was it too much to revise the script suddenly during the reading?’

The other actors, observing the slightly peculiar situation, glanced at Woojin and Hwalin. Their thoughts were similar to Director Shin Dong-chun’s.

‘Both Kang Woojin and Hwalin seem uncomfortable.’

‘It’s sudden, so it’s understandable they’d feel burdened. But are they not on good terms?’

Many actors feel burdened by kiss scenes or exposure in works, and the more famous they are, the more sensitive they become. Especially ‘Male Friend’ was a work relying on the recognition and firepower of Kang Woojin and Hwalin. Therefore, Director Shin Dong-chun decided to be cautious.

‘I shouldn’t push them too hard.’

He chose to adjust.

“…But it’s okay to go with the original script. The thoughts of Woojin and Hwalin are the most important. It’s just my personal greed. It might be a bit too much to change it so suddenly for both of you.”

“Director.”

Kang Woojin spoke in a calm voice. Because he couldn’t ruin a good flow.

“I’m fine with it.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The work is what’s important.”

The eyes of the surrounding actors grew slightly larger, as did Director Shin Dong-chun. Then Hwalin sneakily glanced at the calm Woojin.

‘Woojin… he’s only thinking about the work. Ah, I’m embarrassed. I was the only one having unprofessional thoughts.’

Hwalin, having pulled herself together, reminded herself of a professional’s attitude. Fangirling was one thing, but Hwalin was the lead actress.

“Director, I don’t mind either. What’s more important is the success of the work, not any burden.”

“Oh- really?”

“Yes. It’s normal for scripts to be revised. Plus, it’s the first cut that raises the tension. I’ll do it.”

Kang Woojin and Hwalin, who quickly rallied together, impressed Director Shin Dong-chun. The surrounding actors marveled at the composure of the two lead actors.

‘Wow, they’re real pros.’

‘They’re both cool. Kang Woojin, even though he’s still a rookie, his attitude is just top-notch.’

Misunderstandings and assumptions ran rampant in the reading room. But strangely enough, everything proceeded without any issues. Director Shin took the lead.

“Good, haha. I should reciprocate Woojin and Hwalin’s passion. I’ll make a perfect first scene.”

Then Director Shin Dong-chun, took out the revised script he had prepared.

“First off, I’m thinking of intensifying the emotions of the first scene. From ‘Lee Bo-min’s’ confusion, we’ll go from shock to impulse, and the sensation of being drawn in.”

He continued the explanation.

“Han In-ho kisses Lee Bo-min. Lee Bo-min is startled by the shock. Originally, the scene ends here, but in the revised one, they separate after the shock. Then, Lee Bo-min rushes back impulsively. This is important here, Hwalin, you need to express that the barrier that had been between the two friends suddenly collapsing.”

“···’My feelings become clear. I didn’t realize, but I’ve been holding back. Now, I know for sure.’ Something like that?”

“Correct. The confused heart becomes clear, and an uncontrollable urge surfaces. It’s about crossing the line that was blocking between friends and lovers.”

Hwalin nodded slowly, showing understanding, and Director Shin Dong-chun summarized.

“After a light kiss, they separate, and Lee Bo-min lunges toward Han In-ho. Here, it changes to a deep kiss scene. One that’s deep enough for the audience to say, ‘Wow, that’s intense.’ And with Lee Bo-min’s narration.”

Indeed, the word ‘deep’ was fitting.

Afterward.

Kang Woojin was not in the reading room but had entered the completely dark void space. He had received the revised script of ‘Male Friend’ and needed to update it.

Also.

“I should at least try reading (experiencing) it once.”

Woojin thought, intending to experience the changed world, even if it was just one revised cut. His expression was somewhat serious. Now that the kiss scene situation was sorted out, it was time to think about the work. Well, the kiss scene itself would be brief, and work is work. There was no need to be emotional.

After all, it was just a ‘kiss scene’ that accompanied acting, not something grave like murder or death.

Anyway.

-Swish.

Kang Woojin stood in front of the white rectangles. The ‘Male Friend’s’ white rectangle had been seamlessly replaced. However.

“Oh?”

Woojin let out a soft exclamation as he discovered something. There was a change in the grades of the works different from yesterday.

-[4/Scenario(Title: Drug Dealer), Grade A]

-[5/Script(Title: Freezing Love), Grade B]

-[6/Script(Title: Male Friend), Grade A+]

Except for ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ the grades of all the works waiting had increased by one level. If only ‘Male Friend’ had gone up, it might have been due to the script revision. However, seeing a overall increase, the likelihood was.

‘Because of me?’

The likelihood was high it was due to Kang Woojin. With ‘Hanryang’ reaching the top spot on Netflix Japan, his popularity was skyrocketing.

“Well, basically, the works were at least average or even better, but now that it’s come to this, it feels good, doesn’t it?”

Woojin’s smile deepened, his passion notably increasing. With that, he lifted his index finger to select the white rectangle labeled ‘Male Friend.’

-[You have selected the script (Title: Male Friend Episode 1).]

-[Listing characters available for reading (experience).]

-[A: Han In-ho, B: An Beom-chul······]

He had already finished reading up to episode 4 of the script. The short drama ‘Male Friend’ was a work that intricately showcases the close relationship between two characters, Lee Bo-min and Han In-ho.

The setting was not that complicated.

Two families, close enough to be seen as a single family. A boy and a girl born into this dynamic naturally grow up as childhood friends, through elementary, middle, and high school, sharing the same spaces and moments, maintaining their friendship.

But then, cracks form.

It stems from the most trivial things. Just a difference in thought. It took less than ten seconds for the person who had been thought to be a friend for over 10 years to become unfamiliar. From here, the two characters’ reason and instincts are mobilized as they try, get hurt, heal, and grow.

The story intricately portrays various emotions in between.

Views of a friend, realistic depictions, and gradually blending fantasy. Situations and dialogues that stimulate the viewer’s emotions. In essence, ‘Male Friend’ was a rom-com that aptly mixed reality with fantasy.

[“Preparing ‘A: Han In-ho’ reading…”]

[“…Preparation complete. This is a highly completed script or scenario. 100% reading is possible. Starting the reading.”]

And so, Kang Woojin was sucked into the world of ‘Male Friend.’

His field of vision changed.

The world, once entirely dark, was suddenly filled with pink. Endless cherry blossom trees filled his view. The full onset of spring. The warm breeze caressed Kang Woojin’s cheeks.

-Saa.

It was warm and rich. That was the world of ‘Han In-ho’ at the moment.

If he closed his eyes and lay down, he would quickly fall into a nap due to the sense of security. Comfort. Empowered by a gentle mood, he felt like he could do anything. Soon, Han In-ho’s essence spread throughout Kang Woojin’s body. Every single cell transformed. All of Han In-ho’s emotions were transferred to Woojin.

Kang Woojin, who had been gauging the world, shifted his gaze. There were many people visible between the fluttering cherry blossom petals.

But in Woojin’s eyes, there was only one woman.

Lee Bo-min, standing just a couple of steps ahead, catching cherry blossom petals in her upturned palm, smiling with her eyes. She seemed to be having fun all by herself. But it didn’t feel bad. Sure, it was annoying at first. Cherry blossom viewing out of the blue?

However.

“……”

Being here now, it seemed like a rather good choice. No, he wasn’t sure. It was still bothersome, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave. Perhaps humans really are creatures of their environment? Kang Woojin decided he was intoxicated by the cherry blossoms that were in full bloom around him.

Then.

“Hey! Han In-ho!”

Lee Bo-min, who had been hopping around like a crazy woman, rushed over to him. Her hands were full of cherry blossom petals. She raised them as if to show him. Kang Woojin lets out a small sigh.

“What?”

“Ah! Smell the fragrance, the fragrance!”

“It doesn’t smell like anything.”

“Come closer! Like this!”

“Get lost, your breath stinks.”

“Do you want to die?”

Lee Bo-min wore a fierce expression. Woojin let out a small sigh. Then, he brought his nose closer to the cherry blossom petals in her hands. Of course, Bo-min did the same. They smelled good. But he was confused. He couldn’t tell if the scent was from the cherry blossoms or from her breath.

From there on.

“…”

For some reason, a sense of tension rose in Kang Woojin’s heart. The coziness cast over the world seemed to urge something within him. He was intoxicated by the scent. His instincts were swayed by his emotions. He was enchanted by the warmth. Why? He felt ticklish, as if he needed to do something. Overwhelmed by these feelings, Woojin moved.

– Swish.

He passed by the cherry blossom petals in front of his nose and reached for Bo-min’s lips. He realized it immediately.

“Ah.”

It was a mistake. What was amusing was Bo-min’s reaction that followed.

“…Crazy bastard.”

She cursed, then looked at Kang Woojin, or rather, Han In-ho, for a moment. A myriad of emotions swirled in her eyes. Then, she…

“Shit!”

She scattered the cherry blossom petals she held in her hands.

-Whoosh!

And she pounced on Kang Woojin.

How long had it been like that?

The cozy world turned into a vast grey and then gradually brightened. The background shifted to the past. A noisy clamor. It was noisy with the voices of children. Slowly, Kang Woojin opened his eyes.

He was sitting.

Familiar chairs and desks. And the wind coming in through the open window causing the curtains to flutter. The blackboard and the teacher’s desk visible in front of him. Students running around. In short, this place was a classroom.

Kang Woojin, in this pleasant space that anyone would wish to return to, was wearing a school uniform.

“Phew-”

Then Woojin, staring blankly ahead, casually lay down again.

His seat was at the very back.

He was tired. The noisy chaos was insanely loud, but perhaps because it was a familiar sound, Woojin closed his eyes without much concern. At that moment, someone tapped on his shoulder.

“Hey, Han In-ho. Your wife’s here.”

With a face covered in tiredness, Woojin turned his head. Lee Bo-min was gesturing at the back door of the classroom. Kang Woojin ignored her with a look of annoyance. But Bo-min, entered the classroom with a mocking smile and whispered in Woojin’s ear.

“Honey-”

“Are you nuts? Go away.”

“Honeyyy~”

“What is it now.”

Grabbing the back of Bo-min, Woojin moved into the hallway. How should he deal with this nuisance? Then, something caught Woojin’s eye – the strap of her bra was sticking out from her short-sleeved summer uniform.

Clumsily. Kang Woojin casually stepped closer to her, blocking the view of those around.

“Hey, your strap is down. Tone down with the flashing, will you.”

Regardless, Bo-min nonchalantly pulled up her strap and whispered.

“Hey, I got confessed to.”

For a moment, an uncomfortable feeling surged within Woojin, but he swallowed it down hard.

“……Who is it? That unlucky guy.”

It was the moment of the first crack between friends.