Chapter 109: Cherry Blossoms (2)

Translator: Dreamscribe

Director Shin Dong-chun, with his square jaw pressed against the monitor, gave a small laugh at the script supervisor’s question.

“It’s because of Woojin and Hwalin’s quality performances.”

A warm and fuzzy feeling quickly spread among the staff.

“It feels refreshing, doesn’t it? With sound effects, filters, and enhancing the visual appeal, it’s going to be really refreshing.”

“The actors’ visuals perfectly match the drama, amplifying the romantic comedy vibe. It’s really great.”

Despite being just the first scene and the first take, the staff were already deeply immersed in the ‘Male Friend’ world. This brought a satisfied smile to Director Shin Dong-chun’s face.

‘If the on-site is this immersed, I imagine how the audience will react.’

The essence of ‘Male Friend’ was indeed the fluttering moments, but writer Choi Na-na had another trick up her sleeve. It was to evoke the emotions and memories unique to school days, relatable to anyone who has lived or is living through them.

A story that either resonates with the present or draws out nostalgia.

Director Shin Dong-chun’s direction of ‘Male Friend’ would be warmly comforting, with a touch of fantasy.

“Cut!! Good, let’s move on to the next scene!”

He gave the instructions across the auditorium. The makeup team rushed towards Kang Woojin and Hwalin, and for some reason, over 80 extras started to move in unison. Soon, only Kang Woojin and Hwalin were left in the auditorium.

It was all part of the direction.

While all the other students had disappeared in the shot, they were all there in the script. This was a directing choice designed to focus the audience’s attention on the expressions and thoughts of Han In-ho and Lee Bo-min, focusing the viewer’s attention amidst the sea of students.

Soon after,

“Han In-ho is ready!”

“Lee Bo-min is ready too!”

Upon receiving the sign that makeup adjustments were complete, Director Shin again raised his megaphone.

“Alright- Action!”

The camera first zoomed in on Kang Woojin. His eyes were slightly reddened, probably because of the yawn he had just done. He looks like he might fall asleep at any moment, casual, and stoic. That’s when Kang Woojin casually brushed his hair back with a sense of boredom.

-Swoosh.

Kang Woojin was already perfectly portraying ‘Han In-ho.’

Then Han In-ho blinked several times. Although the auditorium was quiet now, the principal’s speech was clearly ringing in his ears. It’s a time when everything is strange yet also filled with possibilities. Han In-ho was thrust into this moment.

Yet, Han In-ho seems utterly uninterested in the entrance ceremony.

When is this bald-headed principal going to finish? Han In-ho slightly tilted his head, his eyes appearing lifeless, devoid of any thoughts, which was clearly captured by the camera.

At that moment,

-Swish.

The pupils of Han In-ho, who had been stupidly staring at the principal, moved. He saw Lee Bo-min standing diagonally across on the wall. The camera follows Han In-ho’s gaze. However, Han In-ho’s gaze quickly returns to the front.

“…..What’s she doing?”

The interest that had died revives because of Lee Bo-min. He was curious. In this auditorium, the only thing that sparked Han In-ho’s curiosity was Lee Bo-min. So, he sneaks another peek.

“Is she composing again or scribbling something?”

Ignore her. It’ll be fun to see her get caught and scolded. Han In-ho’s eyes once again face forward. But they waver slightly. Should I look? No, stop. But maybe just a quick glance? Several thoughts swam in his eyes.

Unaware, an awkward emotion he had yet to recognize was stirring in Han In-ho.

Eventually.

-Swish.

Han In-ho’s gaze settled back on Lee Bo-min. But then,

“Ah.”

This time, Lee Bo-min was also looking at Han In-ho. Their eyes met. The camera alternates between the two, capturing this peculiar exchange of glances for about five seconds. Han In-ho, puzzled by this unfamiliar feeling, hides an emotion he hasn’t even realized himself.

And then.

“Eat this.”

He flipped his middle finger at Lee Bo-min. F**k off? Are you crazy? Lee Bo-min, taken aback, sticks out her tongue in response. Their silent war isn’t long, and Lee Bo-min, pretending to be peeved, quickly turned her head back to the front.

Han In-ho, who had been watching her indifferently, muttered,

“She’s sulking again.”

A small smile spread across his face, which was usually stoic. It was so slight and faint that no one would notice, but it was filled with genuine amusement and sincerity.

Of course, Han In-ho thought,

“Let her be, she’ll get over it on her own.”

still didn’t fully understanding his own feelings. Such clumsiness was abundant in Han In-ho. But it formed a strange stimulus for the viewer, making their hearts flutter.

As evidence, the supporting actors watching the current scene were in an uproar.

“Kang Woojin… He’s so damn cute.”

“Right? That brief smile was a killer.”

“Doesn’t he have a mixture of tsundere younger guy and older guy qualities? Ah, it driving me crazy.”

“If a younger guy like that was intently staring at me, I’d totally fall for him.”

Most of them were women.

The next day, late in the morning, in Anyang.

In a vast park in Anyang, the ‘Male Friend’ filming crew who had successfully completed their first shoot the day before had set up. Their chosen spot was within the park, in a place known as ‘Cherry Blossom Lane.’ Cherry trees lined up on both sides of the straight path.

Cherry Blossom Lane was chosen after searching many famous cherry blossom spots in the country.

The reason for the selection was simple. It was the most similar to the image described in the script. Anyway, the appearance of the filming crew in the park attracted onlookers.

“Oh my, looks like they’re filming something here!”

“What is it? A drama? A movie?”

“Can you see any celebrities?”

However, controlling the onlookers started quite a distance from the filming zone, so the inside wasn’t easily visible. Then why was the ‘Male Friend’ team filming outdoors instead of at a high school? The reason was simple.

It was to shoot the first scene of the ‘Male Friend’ script.

In other words, not the past, but the present. The scene where Han In-ho and Lee Bo-min confirm their feelings for each other for the first time.

And to amplify those realized feelings, a kiss scene.

Overall, it was a very important scene. Or perhaps, a scene that could determine the success or failure of ‘Male Friend.’

“Cherry blossom petals are ready!”

“Where?! Hey, no! Bring a few more boxes! Let’s not do things twice during the shoot!”

“Got it!”

“Is that our staff back there??!”

“Looks like they’re just spectators, sir!”

“Why?? Are you going to keep letting them watch? Tell them to move away, they’re in the shot!”

The dozens of staff members working on the preparation were passionately engaged in their tasks. Naturally, Director Shin Dong-chun was no exception.

“Alright, let’s test the wind machines! Turn on both of them!”

Director Shin Dong-chun was currently checking the set wind machines. They were devices that would scatter cherry blossom petals beautifully.

“Can we turn it up a bit more? Okay, that’s good! Let’s try scattering some cherry blossom petals for rehearsal!”

Soon, cherry blossom petals were scattered for rehearsal. However, all the petals prepared in the boxes were fake. It couldn’t be helped. After all, it was mid-July, the middle of summer, so real cherry blossoms were out of the question. But the season for ‘Male Friend’ was spring, and the production team had to recreate a similar scene.

“How does it look, Director?”

“Um- It seems okay. Let’s shoot once and see how it looks.”

“Should we attach some cherry blossom petals to the trees in the back as well??”

“If we do, we’ll have to work on the entire background, right? Then we won’t be able to start filming until night. Cleaning up is another issue. Well, we’ll have to rely on CG for the background as much as possible.”

“Understood!”

Fortunately, the budget provided by Netflix was quite generous. Therefore, they could afford to spend a lot of money on special effects, so it wasn’t a problem.

While the production team was diligently working on the background,

“……”

Kang Woojin was sitting silently under the shade of a tree in the filming zone. He, with an indifferent expression, was looking down at the script with his legs crossed. He was dressed for the hot summer, suitable for the spring, in a white shirt and light blue jeans. His hair was also neatly styled. He seemed extremely calm and relaxed.

Some passing staff members couldn’t help but admire.

“Wasn’t this Woojin’s first romantic comedy? He’s incredibly composed.”

“I heard from the director that Woojin is usually like that. He doesn’t really get excited about anything.”

“But still… there’s a kiss scene coming up, right? And it’s been modified to be quite intense.”

“True, he is very calm. I would be so nervous, I couldn’t sit still for even a second.”

But that wasn’t the case.

‘No, wait a minute.’

In reality, Kang Woojin was desperately maintaining his composed facade.

‘I’m dying here, I’m really freaking out.’

His heart was pounding as if it would burst, and he was feeling queasy. Because that day, this moment, had finally arrived. Putting aside the success of the work, it was the ‘male friend’ chosen solely for the refreshing kiss scene, he now faced the reality of filming it with top star and top-tier girl group member Hwalin.

The shooting of the kiss scene with her was imminent.

‘Is this real? Are we doing this? Wow, it feels so surreal.’

Kang Woojin, expressionless, felt as if he were wandering in a dream, even while keeping a stoic expression. However, everything around him was steadily moving towards the kiss scene. Cameras being set, lights being installed, wind machines being tested, cherry blossom petals piled up, sound equipment being tested, and onlookers gathering in the distance.

How could he even begin to explain this feeling?

‘I’m going crazy.’

Woojin’s fingertips quivered slightly. Would Ryu Jung-min or Hong Hye Yeon be calm in this situation? He didn’t know. No, just a few months ago, he would only see her on TV, or she would only exist in his imagination, and now a kiss scene with a female celebrity? He knew what he was getting into, but deep down, Woojin had hoped this day would never come.

‘I really made it, totally.’

However, it was just acting. Nevertheless, this moment would remain a significant part of Kang Woojin’s life. It was then.

-Thump.

Someone tapped the seated Kang Woojin on the shoulder. Startled, Woojin turned his head to find Choi Sung-gun, with his hair tied back, standing there. Behind him, Kang Woojin’s team could be seen, including the burly Kim Dae-young. They came to support him today as well.

Then Choi Sung-gun, with a wide smile, said to Woojin,

“Well, I came to ask how you’re feeling, but looking at your face, it seems you’re not very thrilled, right?”

Not at all, I feel like I’m about to have a heart attack. However, unable to express his honest feelings, Woojin simply replied solemnly.

“It’s just acting.”

“Haha, right, it’s acting. Anyway, we’re going for the shoot in 10 minutes.”

“Yes, CEO.”

After speaking, Choi Sung-gun walked away. Han Ye-jung and Jang Su-hwan followed as well. However, Kim Dae-young, glancing around, quietly stood next to Woo-jin and whispered,

“Hey, Woojin.”

He whispered softly, his tone heavy with sincerity.

“I’m so damn jealous.”

Pretending to read the script, Woojin replied.

“Shut up. My heart feels like it’s going to burst.”

“I’m jealous. Incredibly jealous.”

Seemingly hit by a sudden realization, Kim Dae-young let out a long sigh towards Woojin.

-Swish.

He discreetly handed over something along with a bottle of water. It was a small container of mouthwash.

“I went to buy snacks and saw this, thought it might be useful. Do a good gargle before going in.”

“······Okay.”

Kim Dae-young, who again said he was ‘jealous,’ also walked away. Woojin silently opened the mouthwash and rinsed his mouth. He did this several times.

Meanwhile.

“Hwalin, this tree seems like a good spot, don’t you think? You’ll enjoy the cherry blossoms viewing here before rushing to Han In-ho.”

“Yes, Director.”

Hwalin, wearing a blue jacket, was casually rehearsing with Director Shin Dong-chun. Her makeup was slightly heavier compared to her high school days. Her hair was let down long. To her, Director Shin asked cautiously.

“······Are you okay with this? I changed the scene due to my greed – um, if you feel burdened with the intense approach, we can tone it down even now.”

In fact, the key to this scene was Hwalin, although Kang Woojin was important too. Her explosive power was important. Thus, Director Shin Dong-chun was concerned about Hwalin’s mental state.

However, Hwalin was firm.

“It’s okay, Director. There’s nothing to feel burdened about. It’s just acting.”

Her face even brightened with a smile. This reassured Director Shin.

“I’m glad. If it gets a bit tough, let me know right away.”

“Yes, I will.”

In reality, Hwalin had steeled her heart at this moment. No, to be precise, she had been this way since the script reading. Although seeing Kang Woojin, who she was a fan of, made her feel like her heart would burst.

‘I think I’ve improved, I’m less sensitive than before. Yes. I can do this. I can shoot well… I can shoot well. It’s just acting. Right, acting.’

To become a true fan, she had to pull off the best scene today. Therefore, Hwalin’s mental state was now as solid as a rock.

Soon.

“All right! Let’s roll the cameras in 5 minutes!”

With Director Shin Dong-chun’s shout, the staff’s movements and Kang Woojin’s gargling sped up. Hwalin, who already had experience, joined in the gargling. She applied strawberry-scented lip balm and even sprayed some perfume, just in case.

At that point.

“Extras, please take your positions!”

Extras filling the background took their places in the shooting zone.

-Swish.

Kang Woojin and Hwalin stood facing each other in front of the camera. A slightly awkward atmosphere flowed between them. Kang Woojin was the first to speak.

“···Please take care of me.”

Clearing her throat, Hwalin, brushed her long hair back, and let out a laugh.

“Yes. Please take care of me too, Woojin-ssi.”

There was a tickling sensation. Woojin somehow felt a tickle from Hwalin’s short words. Ah, it was driving him crazy. But there was no turning back now. Darn it, he didn’t care anymore. He had to go straight forward. Then Woojin took a small deep breath.

“Hoo-”

He woke up the dormant Han In-ho, spreading it throughout his body. Soon, a youthful emotion spread through Woojin’s veins. Han In-ho, engraved within him, had now fully taken hold.

At the same time.

“Turn on the wind machines!”

“Okay!”

“Cherry blossoms!”

“Yes!”

The staff in front of the camera clapped the slate. Bang!

“Hi- Action!!”

Hwalin, no, Lee Bo-min ran towards the trees in the back with a smile in her eyes. She seemed exhilarated. She joyfully jumped up and down, catching the fluttering cherry blossom petals. Han In-ho watched her calmly.

The camera captures the side of Han In-ho.

His face mixed with various thoughts. Why did I come here? Still, it’s worth watching. Annoying. Is she having fun by herself? She’s cute, though. I want to go home, etc. There were no lines, but his inner feelings were visible through the speed of his blinking, his expression, and his static movements.

Then.

“Hey! Han In-ho!”

Lee Bo-min, who had gathered cherry blossom petals in her hands, quickly rushed towards Han In-ho. She was overflowing with freshness. She then stood in front of the dumbfounded Han In-ho and grinned.

“Look at this.”

She brought her hands full of cherry blossom petals in front of Han In-ho’s face. Han In-ho sighed softly.

“What?”

“Ah! Smell them, the fragrance!”

Han In-ho, with narrowed brows, muttered nonchalantly.

“I don’t smell anything.”

Lee Bo-min, slightly annoyed, put her nose to the cherry blossom petals.

“Like this! Press it close!”

“Go away; your breath stinks.”

“You want to die?”

Lee Bo-min spits out a warning. If he doesn’t comply, she’ll pout all day. Han In-ho reluctantly slowly brought his nose to the cherry blossom petal. Thanks to that, his face got very close to Lee Bo-min’s, about the distance of a fist.

In an instant.

“…”

A fragrance wafted over to Han In-ho. It wasn’t coming from the cherry blossom petals. It was wafting from Lee Bo-min, who was right next to him. From here, Han In-ho’s heart began to race as if it would burst. No, was it Kang Woojin’s? For some reason, the boundary between the real Kang Woojin and the engraved Han In-ho blurred.

Regardless, his heart was pounding chaotically.

At this moment, Han In-ho, or Kang Woojin, couldn’t hear anything else. Only the sound of their own heartbeats pounding. So intense that his temples were throbbing.

In this state, Han In-ho.

-Swish.

He locked eyes with Lee Bo-min, so close he could feel her breathing. The camera capturing their side profiles, the monitors showing the raw emotions of the two actors, and Director Shin Dong-chun swallowed his saliva.

‘They’re killing it, both of them expressing subtle emotions so naturally.’

His staff around him were slightly excited.

“Ah, so sweet. I might get diabetes.”

“It’s heart-fluttering. The picture is crazy, really.”

“Isn’t it more than acting… Don’t you feel they really like each other?”

Meanwhile, Han In-ho and Lee Bo-min, having locked eyes.

“…”

“…”

Neither of them spoke. Their gazes were directed at each other, but the emotions they contained were different. Han In-ho’s gaze was more intense. Just like that, after about 5 seconds of eye contact. Unable to withstand the emotional current, the first dam to collapse was Han In-ho.

His gaze towards Lee Bo-min was filled with deep affection.

Then.

-Swish.

Han In-ho slowly moved his face through the cherry blossom petals piled upon Lee Bo-min’s hand. The stacked cherry blossom petals tickled his cheeks, amplifying the fuzzy emotions.

He felt the touch of Lee Bo-min’s red lips almost immediately.

Han In-ho’s lips gently touched Lee Bo-min’s. Time seemed to stop. Whether it was Han In-ho or Kang Woojin, everything paused. All that existed for Han In-ho was the softness he felt on his lips. There was a hint of strawberry flavor.

It was then. Lee Bo-min, no, Hwalin suddenly.

“Kkheup!”

She hiccuped with a startle. The sound was quite loud. For a moment, Kang Woojin, whose lips were touching Hwalin’s, was slightly startled.

‘What, what’s this? Is it some kind of ad-lib?’

*****