小火星

The shout of a female student quickly spread among those nearby. For these students, while the set was fascinating, what they really wanted was to see a celebrity as soon as possible.

“Kang Woojin??! Where? Where?”

Thanks to her, all the students’ gazes were now focused in one direction—toward Kang Woojin, who was walking nonchalantly towards them. As soon as they saw him approaching, the students, regardless of gender, started making a fuss.

“It’s really him! Kang Woojin! They must be filming ‘Male Friend’!”

“No way, what’s Kang Woojin like in person??”

“He’s stunning… But isn’t his physique also surprisingly good??”

The male students observed Woojin with a strange mix of jealousy, while the female students patted each other’s shoulders, shouting out Kang Woojin’s name.

“Wow, this is my first time seeing a celebrity. He’s definitely… different.”

“Agreed. I watched ‘Hanryang’ too, and Kang Woojin’s acting is on another level!”

“Think we can get an autograph??”

Even though there weren’t many students gathered, the dozen students’ voices quickly dominated the surroundings, including screams of excitement.

Kang Woojin couldn’t possibly have ignored this.

Escorted by his team, Woojin glanced at the students blocked by the guards as he approached the staff. For a moment, he nearly let a smile slip onto his face.

‘I’m jealous, so jealous.’

It reminded him of his own youthful days and the energy unique to those of that young age. Still, Woojin maintained a stern expression on his face.

-Swish.

He waved slightly at the gathered kids. Having already gone through a fan-signing event, this kind of fan service was a piece of cake for him. At his gesture, which carried a sense of ease and cynicism,

“Kyaa!!”

Screams and ear-piercing yells broke out. Surprised, Kang Woojin glanced back, and behind him, the burly Kim Dae-young, chuckled quietly.

‘This guy, he’s really become a full-fledged actor. Is this the same Kang Woojin I knew?’

Notably, Choi Sung-gun was absent from the scene today. He was tied up with preparations for Kang Woojin’s YouTube channel and other company work. Therefore, for today, Woojin’s team was supported by Kim Dae-young. Of course, he had to return to Hong Hye-yeon’s team after the shoot.

His training wasn’t over yet.

So, Kang Woojin’s team was rather imposing today. Jang Su-hwan and Kim Dae-young – these two big guys, formed twin pillars. It was as if two bears were guarding Kang Woojin.

Anyway.

-Tap tap.

Kim Dae-young lightly tapped on Kang Woojin’s shoulder , who was greeting the students, and the expressionless Woojin turned his head. However, Kim Dae-young didn’t say much, just wore a smile full of emotion.

But his eyes did the talking.

‘You’ve become a real actor, haven’t you, Kang-star?’

Woojin responded with a murderous look in his eyes.

‘Don’t talk to me, you big oaf.’

They had already agreed beforehand. They would keep their distance, maintaining a cold front. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice the silent exchange between the two buddies.

“……”

Pouring silent curses at Kim Dae-young through his eyes, Woojin shifted his gaze to the noisy and now somewhat familiar set where preparations for filming ‘Male Friend’ were underway. Dozens of staff members were running around like crazy. Starting from today, the 20th, Woojin was scheduled to participate in the filming of ‘Male Friend’ for about a month.

Of course, if the shooting went quickly, the schedule could be shortened.

‘Time flies.’

Maybe because of his packed schedule? It seemed like just yesterday when he was recording the OST and attended the script reading, and now it’s already the main shoot. Consequently, a sense of tension gradually built up within Kang Woojin. No matter what the project, the unique urgency of a filming site always gave Woojin a thrill.

He hadn’t adapted yet.

But Woojin decided to use this unique tension and the pounding of his heart as a form of catalyst. He couldn’t avoid it, so he might as well enjoy it.

It was right then.

“Woojin!”

Among the dozens of staff members busy with setting up, a few ran over in a hurry. Among them were the director Shin Dong-chun with his square jaw, the assistant director, and the production team members. Holding a script in one hand, Director Shin Dong-chun reached Kang Woojin.

“You came early?”

Greeting the welcoming director, Kang Woojin bowed slightly.

“Hello, Director.”

“Ha-ha. But where is CEO Choi?”

“He’s busy today.”

“I see- CEO Choi is really incredible. Taking care of company work and still sticking by your side as much as possible.”

After a brief exchange, the director chuckled awkwardly at the students’ screams.

“It’s vacation time, but there seem to be some students left. We’ve contacted the school, so they’ll be taken away soon.”

“I don’t mind.”

“The situation gets unmanageable once the kids gather.”

Muttering, Director Shin Dong-chun walked with Woojin through the staff, explaining the day’s shooting plans as he did so.

“Today and tomorrow, we’ll mostly focus on insert shots and scenes primarily involving Hwalin and you. So, the actors, including those in minor roles, will have quite a few scenes.”

“Yes, Director.”

Observing the calmly responding Woojin, Director Shin Dong-chun’s smile deepened.

“It’s great to be working with you on set again so soon after ‘Exorcism.’ Isn’t it strange?”

“Is it strange?”

“Yes, it is. Back then, both you and I were nobodies, but in just a few months, our situation has changed 180 degrees. It’s impossible to predict what’s ahead in life.”

Woojin strongly agreed. Woojin, whose life had been turned upside down thanks to the void space, fervently nodded in agreement. At that moment, Director Shin, with the script tucked under his arm, glanced around.

“See? Some familiar faces, right?”

“Ah.”

“Right, there are some staff from our ‘Exorcism’ days.”

Indeed, it was true. Among the lighting and filming teams, Woojin spotted staff from ‘Exorcism.’ He silently greeted them with a nod, and they happily waved back. However, that wasn’t the end of it.

“Also, among the supporting actors coming today, there are those who were in ‘Exorcism.\'”

For a moment, Woojin felt a surge of emotion. It seemed as though everyone was putting in their best effort for ‘Male Friend.’

“I’ll need to greet them separately later.”

“That’d be good for morale. Haha, though everyone already seems energized. They’re in better circumstances thanks to ‘Exorcism,’ and they’re happy for your success.”

With a contented smile, Director Shin suddenly changed the topic.

“By the way, you know, due to venue sponsorship, we’ll be shooting the script somewhat sequentially, following the script’s order. It won’t be exact, but we do need to finish the high school scenes this week and then move on to the university scenes.”

Just then,

“Hwalin!! There she is, Hwalin!!”

“Wowww!! Hwalin!!”

The students’ excited screams once again raised the decibel level. The reason was simple.

Following Kang Woojin, Hwalin had also arrived.

With her long hair tied in a single braid, she casually waved at the students with ease, and quickly approached Woojin and the director.

“Hello, Director. Woojin.”

She quickly approached Woojin, and after discreetly scanning him, a thought raced through her mind.

‘I can’t take it, Woojin looks a hundred times more handsome on set. Is it just me, or does he seem to glow? Are my eyes playing tricks?’

Likewise, Woojin was muttering to himself. Was it because of the makeup? Today, she seemed even more ethereally beautiful.

‘Why does she seem prettier every time I see her? Is this the level required to be a girl group member?’

She was different from Hong Hye-yeon. If Hye-yeon was the finished product, then Hwalin was still growing. Director Shin, observing them turn by turn, stroked his chin.

‘They seem…closer than during the reading… I wish they were a bit closer. Neither of them is particularly friendly, which worries me. Especially Woojin.’

At this point, Hwalin turned her gaze to the tall man behind Woojin.

“Huh? That person- wasn’t he with Hye-yeon’s team?”

Woojin, turning his head to confirm Kim Dae-young, responded with a hint of annoyance.

“He’s here as backup today, no need to mind him.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes.”

“By the way, Woojin. Just a moment. Regarding today’s shooting.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Soon, Woojin naturally delved into work-related discussions with Hwalin. Watching them, Kim Dae-young felt amazed because it was his first time seeing Woojin’s presence on set. Kang Woojin appeared very impressive.

‘Looking cool, you little punk.’

At that moment.

“The costumes have arrived!!”

Costumes were handed over to Kang Woojin, and of course, to Hwalin as well. They were incredibly familiar and nostalgic.

‘I never thought I’d wear this again.’

They were school uniforms.

Meanwhile,

When Kang Woojin went to change into his uniform, Kim Dae-young, who now saw Woojin from a different light, filled with both envy and pride for his transformed friend, thought,

‘I should tell the others.’

He took out his phone and accessed their group chat. Naturally, it was the chat room with his close friends. He shared the news with his eagerly awaiting friends.

-Dae-young: Our Kang star has started shooting for ‘Male Friend’

-Hyeong-gu: Oooooooh!! Did you see Hwalin?

-Kyung-sung: Is Hwalin really stunning in person too?

-Dae-young: ㅇㅇ Yeah, insane

-Hyeong-gu: Ah damn, Kang Star is so lucky, this b****…. So jealous…. I could do a romance with Hwalin too.

-Kyung-sung: Kang Woojin must have saved the country at least three times in his past life to be acting with Hwalin… in a rom-com…ugh, I feel so defeated, I need to eat ramen

-Dae-young: Kang Woojin isn’t the guy we used to know anymore, his presence on set is crazy, just like an actor.

-Hyeong-gu: Maybe I should start acting too.

-Kyung-sung: You should probably start with plastic surgery first

-Hyeong-gu: Shut up, I probably won’t watch that ‘Male Friend’ out of jealousy

Around the same time, Han Ye-jung from Kang Woojin’s team uploaded photos from ‘Male Friend’ set onto Woojin’s SNS. It was, of course, for promotion, and the photo naturally included pictures of Kang Woojin and Hwalin.

With over 1.1 million followers on Woojin’s SNS, the post naturally attracted a lot of attention.

-What??? Are they starting to shoot ‘Male Friend’ already???!!!

-Woojin oppa and Hwalin look so good together… a gathering of goddess and god… can’t wait to see this

Within moments, comments started pouring in like crazy. Of course, there were quite a few in Japanese. Among the many people who saw this SNS post, Kang Woojin’s sister, Kang Hyun-ah, who was at a café in Seoul, exclaimed,

“Oh! Looks like they’ve started shooting ‘Male Friend’!”

Following this, Kang Hyun-ah’s friends in the cafe, the members of ‘Kang’s Heart,’ all jumped with excitement.

“What, What?! Is it on SNS?? Show me!”

“Ah- the school is so pretty, I want to go too.”

“We need to share this right away on the fan club immediately!”

Around this time, Kang Hyun-ah, who was looking at the ‘Male Friend’ scenery in the photos, tilted her head slightly.

“But who is this muscle guy next to my brother… I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.”

“Why? Do you know him? Isn’t that Woojin’s road manager?”

“No, not him. This muscle guy. I think he’s Woojin oppa’s close friend. I feel like I’ve seen him before when I was young.”

The muscle guy she referred to was Kim Dae-young.

By lunchtime.

The entire ‘Male Friend’ team, having finished preparing for the shoot, was gathered near the auditorium of a high school. Inside the auditorium, various cameras and lights were set up, and over 80 extras were lined up, all wearing school uniforms.

Amidst the growing buzz.

A large banner hung in the front upper part of the stage they were all looking at.

-[Entrance Ceremony]

The scene planned for today was to shoot the high school entrance ceremony of Han In-ho and Lee Bo-min in ‘Male Friend.’

Thus, among numerous extras, Kang Woojin and Hwalin in school uniforms were also standing. Staff members were with them, doing the final touch-ups on their makeup. Woojin had natural hair and light makeup. Hwalin simply tied her long hair back.

However, the staff couldn’t help but admire the two in their school uniforms.

“Wow – don’t they both look exactly like high school students?”

“Right, the uniforms suit them so well. They don’t really look different from actual students. Maybe it’s because they both look young.”

“If they look like this, the viewer ratings will definitely increase. It even makes us filming here feel all warm and fuzzy.”

It was then that Director Shin Dong-chun shouted into the megaphone.

“Stand by!”

It was a signal that filming would start soon. Soon, the staff who were checking Woojin and Hwalin’s makeup scurried away, and the extras who had been curiously watching the celebrities nearby directed their attention forward.

And then.

“Huu-”

Kang Woojin let out a soft breath. Gradually, immersing himself into the character of ‘Han In-ho.’

“Action!”

‘Male Friend’ had just started filming.

Contrary to the warmth outside, the inside of the auditorium was somewhat chilly.

The familiar yet unfamiliar smell of the auditorium. The floors were clean, indicating frequent cleaning. Every step echoed with a squeaking sound.

The many students were all faces he had never seen before.

While there was a slight nervousness among them, the underlying feeling was one of anticipation. Everything was new and fresh, filled with youthful energy. Over 80 students, all standing at attention, sneaking peeks here and there – at the person next to them, the bald principal standing on the podium in front, the teachers around him, and at any noticeable boys or girls.

It’s the moment when middle school ends and high school begins.

This new beginning started with the principal’s speech on the podium.

“Eh- First of all, welcome everyone to the entrance ceremony.”

The speech quickly became boring; after all, every principal’s speech in the world is like a sleeping pill. Around this time, the camera mounted on the gimbal stuck to the front of a female student: Lee Bo-min, standing against the wall of the auditorium. With her long hair roughly tied back, her clean skin highlighting a mole under her eye, and her somewhat oversized school uniform.

Lee Bo-min had been secretly recording something on her phone. Writing down the melody that popped up in her head.

Because Lee Bo-min’s dream was to be a composer.

The camera moves closer to Lee Bo-min. For a close-up. According to the script, her narration would follow this shot. A simple introduction, perhaps?

Then, the camera, which had been capturing Lee Bo-min from the front, moves.

-Swish.

Slowly to the left. It passes a male student standing to Lee Bo-min’s right, and then a female student. After sweeping past several faces, the camera stops at.

“……”

A male student, Han In-ho, yawning out of boredom. For a freshman, his height and visuals are quite striking. Of course, Lee Bo-min’s narration follows this shot, introducing Han In-ho from her point of view. Around this time, the camera captures a few female students sneaking peeks at Han In-ho.

“When will this end?”

It returns to a softly grumbling Han In-ho.

“I’m sleepy.”

Though lively and neat in appearance, Han In-ho’s eyes reveal a deep indolence. It’s not that he’s slick; rather, he gives off a feeling of listlessness.

Then.

“……Cut!!”

Director Shin Dong-chun’s voice echoed throughout the auditorium.

“Okay!! Good job! We’re moving on to the wide shot!”

After the individual shots ended, preparations began to shoot the entire scene. Although it’s the same scene, the view on Director Shin Dong-chun’s monitor has changed drastically, and the script supervisor sitting next to him whispered softly.

“Wow, it’s just the first shot, and I’m already feeling excited. Is it just me?”

*****