Chapter 105: Short Drama (5)

Chapter 105: Short Drama (5)

Translator: Dreamscribe

[“‘A: Han In-ho’s’ reading is over.”]

With the familiar robotic female voice marking the end, Kang Woojin, who had just finished the ‘reading’ (experience) of ‘Male Friend,’ returned to reality. Actors and staff were bustling around in the reading room, going through the revised script.

Kang Woojin looked around the entire reading room.

-Swish.

Starting from Hwalin, who was checking the newly received script while brushing through her long hair, Director Shin Dong-chun having a conversation with writer Choi Na-na, the tense actors, murmuring staff, and the handful of reporters allowed entry, all were busy.

“......”

No one could imagine that Woojin had just lived a life as Han In-ho. It was only a few seconds for them, but Kang Woojin had indeed lived in Han In-ho’s world, everything about him imprinted in his memory.

‘It’s definitely different, what’s this feeling?’

Although it wasn’t his first time reading as Han In-ho, Kang Woojin could feel it again. The state after reading was certainly different from other works. For example, he had to constantly remind himself of reality while playing the role of Park Dae-ri from ‘Hanryang.’

The fact that his concept and misunderstandings helped his psyche was also clear.

But Han In-ho was somewhat fluffy. There was no particular discomfort. On the contrary, it warmed his heart. The vivid world of Han In-ho was enjoyable. The school days or college life everyone wants to go back to.

Was it because the vibrant energy of youth had permeated through?

‘I can’t always do works like this, but it’s definitely good to do something sweet in between.’



He needed to balance with refreshing works, both psychologically and mentally. There might not be any significant issues now, but it was uncertain whether this solid mentality would continue. He had to always keep in mind the possibility of becoming mentally damaged when using the void space.

In this way, Kang Woojin grew once again.

In the meantime,

“Alright- If everyone has read the revised script, shall we start soon?”

Director Shin Dong-chun, with his square jaw, seated at the head of the table, signaled the beginning of the reading. Consequently, promotional reporters raised their cameras, and the concentration among dozens of staff surrounding the actors increased. Especially personnel from the production company and Netflix.

Among them, plump Executive Director Kim So-hyang whispered to her team leaders sitting next to her.

“I’m looking forward to Woojin’s first rom-com performance, even though it’s just a reading.”

“Right. I wonder if that calm face will change in an instant, just like when he played Park Dae-ri?”

Responding to the question, Kim So-hyang stroked her chin, looking at Kang Woojin at his cynical best.

“‘Han In-ho’ is definitely a character who will sweep the female audience off their feet, and it’s not just about acting, but the sync rate with Woojin is perfect. With this, Woojin’s image will become 100% more diversified.”

“Absolutely. He debuted with a villainous aura as Park Dae-ri, but with Han In-ho, he’ll be the ultimate boyfriend material.”

“We should send a few more scripts his way before Woojin gets too busy. Do we have any good rom-com scripts or scenarios?”

“I’ll check tomorrow.”

Around this time, the introduction of the key characters of ‘Male Friend’ began. It started with Director Shin Dong-chun introducing himself, followed by writer Choi Na-na. Then Kang Woojin was called.

“Our leading male actor.”



Getting up impassively, Woojin greeted the actors and staff.

“Hello, I’m Kang Woojin, playing the role of Han In-ho. I will do my best.”

-Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap Clap!

Hwalin takes the baton.

“I’m Hwalin, playing the role of Lee Bo-min— It’s a bit awkward as it’s our first meeting, but I hope we can have fun shooting. Thank you.”

Again, more applause. A baptism of flashes from the reporters. Then, the introduction of the actors continued in turn. At this moment, the closed doors of the reading room opened slightly, and a man with a ponytail entered.

It was Choi Sung-gun, who had been missing until now.

-Swish.

He, who had been looking around cautiously, quietly sat down with someone he was accompanying in a chair near the entrance. The person with him was a middle-aged woman wearing a white mask. Her long permed hair tied back was familiar. Fortunately, the ongoing introductions were in full swing and they didn’t draw much attention. Soon, Choi Sung-gun spoke to the woman beside him.

“It seems we’re not late, Writer Park.”

“I’m sorry. The traffic was terrible.”

“It’s alright.”

The middle-aged woman was Park Eun-mi, a star writer who was taking a break after finishing ‘Hanryang.’ Her worth had skyrocketed thanks to ‘Hanryang.’ The reason for her quiet appearance at the ‘Male Friend’ reading was simple.

“She seems a bit nervous, but Na-na is doing well. I’m impressed.”

She had come to support Choi Na-na, her assistant writer. Of course, Park Eun-mi’s intentions were not just that. Park Eun-mi, looking at Kang Woojin, who was seated first to the left of Choi Na-na at the head of the table.

‘Totem... no, I must see Woojin’s first rom-com acting. I must.’

“Hey! Han In-ho!”

“Lee Bo-min, who turned to look at Han In-ho, quickly runs up to him. Lee Bo-min with hands full of cherry blossom petals, shows them off to Han In-ho.”

Woojin, making eye contact with Hwalin, coughs lightly and avoids her gaze. The strange emotion that was floating on his face until a moment ago suddenly disappears. Only annoyance is massively prevalent.

“What?”

“Ah! Smell the fragrance, the fragrance!”

A brief exchange of dialogue follows between Kang Woojin and Hwalin. Then the baton is passed to Director Shin Dong-chun.

“Han In-ho sighs. But Lee Bo-min pushes the cherry blossom petals in her hand closer to him. Han In-ho, with no choice left, smells them. The distance between them is as close as a fist. At this moment, Han In-ho’s gaze lands on Lee Bo-min’s lips.”

As the stage direction ends, Kang Woojin lifts his gaze again that had been lowered. The final stop for his gaze, of course, is Hwalin across from him. However, he doesn’t maintain the eye contact. He looks at her briefly, then looks away, repeating the process.

And then.

“......”

In the end, Kang Woojin stares intently at Hwalin. Swimming in the flow of his gaze are emotions similar yet distinctly different. Contemplation, agony, reality, relationships, worries about the future. He emits these intense myriad of emotions passionately. Then, suddenly, Woojin smiled faintly. It’s not pronounced. An ambiguity between a straight face and a smile.

The emotions become certain.

The worries that were swirling until a moment ago disappear, and he simply admires Hwalin. No, Lee Bo-min. Because he’s intoxicated. On this warm atmosphere, the mood, the situation. Soon, deep affection, not ambivalence, filled Kang Woojin’s eyes. It was because his genuine feelings, which he had firmly sealed away, exploded in an instant.

At this point.

‘Woojin is freaking amazing! Shit! He’s exactly the Han In-ho I envisioned! Crazy, crazy, crazy!’

Choi Na-na, the writer of ‘Male Friend’, clenched her teeth, , internally screaming. She really wanted to hug Kang Woojin tightly in excitement, if she could. It was a scream of emotion beyond being impressed.

On the other hand.

‘......He’s good. He does romance well. Who could resist that, seeing it up close.’

Writer Park Eun-mi, covering her mouth with one hand, felt goosebumps.

‘I don’t see any trace of Park Dae-ri. Or rather, is he really the same person? How can he have such different acting in each role?’

She had expected it, but seeing it right before her eyes, she thought it was monstrous. The Woojin she was seeing now was just a man about to awkwardly start dating or Han In-ho.

‘Hiding his feelings and expressing them shabbily is just... unbelievable.’

Director Shin Dong-chun, who had experienced Kim Ryu-jin of ‘Exorcism’, felt the same.

‘That’s it. Woojin, even without many lines, portrays emotions with just facial muscles and eyes alone. It’s because the emotion is so dense and clear that you can’t take your eyes off him. Anyone can see he’s just a man in love with Hwalin right now.’

Executive Director Kim So-hyang’s eyes were sparkling.

‘......Honestly, this is my first time seeing Woojin’s acting in person. Ah, now I see why the big shots are enamored by him. That’s it, this Han In-ho is definitely going to be a hit.’

Kang Woojin’s uncanny transformation in acting gave goosebumps to many people. In the meantime, the eye contact between Woojin and Hwalin continued. At this moment, Kang Woojin, who had been sending a warm gaze, glanced at Hwalin’s lips.

Then he looks at Hwalin again. Of course, it was in the script.

At this moment.

“Wait a minute.”

Suddenly, Hwalin avoided Woojin’s gaze and raised her hand, stopping the reading. Consequently, all eyes were focused on her as she smoothly stood up.

“I’m really, really sorry. I need to go to the restroom really quick, it’s kind of urgent.”

Director Shin Dong-chun, slightly surprised, gestured that it was okay.

“Uh-uh, go ahead, quickly.”

Soon, Hwalin crossed the reading room with quick steps. Kang Woojin, who had been watching her retreating figure nonchalantly, soon erased all traces of Han In-ho.

‘Must’ve been really urgent?’

He murmured lightly to himself.

‘Well, drinking iced Americano does make you want to go often, huh. Sigh, I feel like I need to go too.’

Hwalin, having left the reading room, exhaled deeply in front of the closed door and recalled Kang Woojin, with whom she had just shared a scene.

“Ha- It’s just acting, right? But his gaze was so intense... No, it’s definitely acting.”

Then, Hwalin bit her lower lip gently.

“It’s insanely realistic. Damn, I should tell him to take it easy, but even asking to take it easy would be an overreaction.”

For her, this reading room was like a torture chamber. Hwalin was the only one suffering. Soon, Hwalin ‘a true fan’ placed her hand on her chest. Her heart was beating crazily.

To the point where it was hard to calm down.

“I’m going crazy... It’s tough even though it’s enjoyable, it’s intense.”

It was an unexpected affliction.

***