CH64

Moonlight

A woman pushed the side door of the school where the dreamy moonlight had settled. The door, touched by her softly glowing hand, opened smoothly.

In contrast to the daytime, the school exuded a strange feeling as she stepped in, and a breeze blew. Blinking her eyes, she felt a cool sensation on her neck.

"Emma, how did you get in here?"

The cold gaze of the man she liked tousled the woman's hair.

What should she do? Should she honestly answer that she was worried about staying at the school?

"Eh, Eric. I…"

"Answer first, human."

Red eyes and cold hands wrapped around her neck.

Only then did the woman realize that her counterpart was not human and stiffened sharply.

-Grrr

As the man was about to press her again, a low moan sounded, and he embraced the woman.

Suddenly held, the woman and the man locking eyes, he whispered softly.

"Shh. We'll talk about the details later."

The figures of the two scattered like the wind, and the scene ended showing the panoramic view of the school.

Women in the dormitory, as if enchanted, stomped their feet while watching the drama.

"Kyaaa! I love it. What should we do?!"

"Just let it go like this, okay?"

In 'Moonlight', the school is a prison that holds beings who are not human. The female lead, with her unique condition, was the key to freeing them, and this was a crucial scene revealing the specialness of the female lead and the identity of the male lead.

While satisfied with the drama, there was one point of anxiety.

"As long as Rue's casting is done well."

"I'm dying of anxiety because the casting news still hasn't come out."

Rue, a nine-tailed fox.

Although nine-tailed foxes often appear in Eastern content and are recognized in America, they are generally not considered an appealing character. To the extent that an editor asked the author who wrote lovingly about Rue to reduce the nine-tailed fox's part.

'Even if the importance is reduced, affection is evident.'

Considering how popular Rue had become among readers, the author's greatest regret was having reduced Rue's importance.

Thus, fans of Rue inevitably lived with both anticipation and anxiety.

"It's too hard to preserve the original. He has to look youthful but act mature. He is cold to everyone else but shows warmth only to Emma."

"…Then let's give up on a youthful look and go for a good-looking actor."

As time passed, a compromise was inevitable.

While checking the reactions of fans on social media, a woman nudged her friend.

"Hey, something big seems to have happened."

"Why?"

"Look at this."

It was a post by Dorothy Bruce.

Along with a poster for 'Moonlight', it bore the ominous phrase "God is dead."

"Dorothy, isn't that the child actor in the drama?"

"Yeah. But this seems to be about Rue."

As they scrolled through the post, fans' passionate feelings for Rue were clearly visible.

With such a person expressing disappointment, it was inevitable to think that she might have heard something through her connections in the entertainment industry.

Other people seemed to have the same thought, as the comments section was already in chaos.

"No, it can't be. It's not even an official stance, right?"

Anxiety and impatience lingered, and eventually, the production team officially announced the casting.

-Moonlight's nine-tailed fox, Rue, will be played by Ian Pryce.

-Emmy nominee Ian Pryce has chosen Moonlight as his comeback work.

-Ian Pryce: "I've waited too long. I will do my best in acting."

An Emmy nominee in their drama? And for a role with little prominence?

It was a situation to be grateful for, but the initial reaction wasn't very good.

"Ian is just a kid."

"Damn producers. A boy isn't just a kid!"

Most remembered his youthful appearance from 'Invisible Children' and 'Alien Hunter'.

Without considering the two years that had passed, the production team released a poster of Rue in response to the agitated fans.

"Wow… Insane."

They marveled.

The look he gave in a suit was imbued with indifference and solitude.

Compared to his boyish appearance, it exuded an even more unique atmosphere. But what really captivated people was the next picture.

The warmth in his slightly curved lips and black eyes, and the nine tails swaying enticingly.

Fans were left floundering between the desire to embrace him and the guilt of having such thoughts about a boy.

"…Did they bring a real fox?"

There couldn't be a more perfect casting, and the production team was godlike.

Without hesitation, the fans of Moonlight confidently circulated the community.

-What! Why is our Noah there?!

└Thank you for raising our Rue. We will stay together forever.

└Shut up! Bring our Noah back quickly!

└:)

-They said it's a small role? Noah doesn't belong in such a shabby place.

└Shabby? You call that grimy face shabby?

└Watch this season, our kids are finally living like humans!

└Yeah, right. They'll probably be chased by zombies again.

-But why did Dorothy react that way?

└Ian and she are close friends. She said she hates it.

└I really don't understand.

└Imagine your brother or crush getting cast in the role you like.

└Ugh! Dorothy, we won't forget your sacrifice.

Reading the comments, Dorothy sighed deeply.

"This really doesn't make sense. Why can't I just be happy?"

"Maybe you're just unlucky?"

"I'm usually lucky, you know?! This is your fault. You could have played any role perfectly. Why Rue of all roles?"

Lucky, really?

Even knowing the truth about Rai, could she still say such things? For her mental limits, this curiosity was postponed to the future.

"So why do fans like Rue?"

"Yeah, it might help to know for the acting."

Stopping her grumbling, Dorothy seriously pondered.

She couldn't afford to give half-hearted help as a fellow actor.

"The biggest reason is the gap. He's a character who's kind and warm only to the female lead. I also like how he throws away his position as a watcher in the end to help the female lead."

"Really?"

"Yes, the setting of enchanting the opposite sex is also crucial, subtly flirting with Emma is important too."

"It's difficult."

Not only in acting but also in real life, he had no experience in flirting with women.

"Should I ask Ben?"

"Are you crazy? My Rue isn't sleazy like that!"

"Right. Using Ben as a model would be problematic."

A large hand loomed over their heads as they nodded in agreement.

"What are these kids talking about in someone else's house?"

At Ben's blunt remark, Ian shrugged his shoulders.

"I meant I'd ask for your help if I ever do a high school drama with mature content."

"That would be a perfect fit for Mr. Roberts."

"…These kids."

Given his past, he couldn't deny it.

"Just refer to when I liked Ayla."

"That time was too pathetic to be of any reference. It was frustrating just watching you."

Ben, who had just put himself forward, sighed deeply.

"You may not know how to flirt with women, but you're good with kids. Why not try doing what you do with Evan?"

"With Evan? I didn't do anything special. He just liked me more than he liked Ben."

"…Still, I'm his dad, huh. Just take it as a reference. It might help."

His advice must be valuable, given his extensive experience with romance roles due to his good looks.

"I'll give it a try."

What does he usually do with Evan, anyway?

***

"Is it today?"

"Yeah, the schedule says it's correct."

Not only Moonlight's Eric and Isabella, played by Henry and Isabella, but everyone on the crew had been talking about Ian for days.

Curiosity was inevitable about the child actor who snapped up the challenging role after a 2-year break citing puberty.

"He's here."

The boy they had only seen in photos got out of an unfamiliar car.

As the second assistant director approached to check the personnel, the boy smiled brightly.

"You're Dan, right? I look forward to working with you."

"Oh, you know me?"

"I studied up since we'll be shooting together."

The assistant director was surprised as the boy passed by, greeting all the staff members by name enthusiastically.

Henry shook his head watching this.

"The rumor was true."

"Rumor?"

"I heard he memorizes the names of all the shooting staff. Ah, wasn't it said he also memorizes the personal details of paparazzi as well?"

"…That's kind of scary."

Henry mentioned the legendary story of paparazzi deterrence with interest as he watched Ian.

"That aside, it's not ordinary. Look how he's already enchanted the staff."

Even though actors are important, the majority of a film set are the staff.

The atmosphere at the set changed just because he was friendly and knew their names.

After greeting the staff, Ian stood before the two leads.

"I enjoyed your previous dramas. I look forward to working with you."

"Likewise, looking forward to it."

Isabella gave Ian an uncertain look. He was slightly shorter than her, and his youthful appearance was undeniable. She wondered if the pairing would look good on screen.

Sensing her concern, Ian flashed a subtle smile and gestured lightly to her.

"Would it be okay if I improvise a bit during the shoot? I've already gotten permission from the showrunner."

"If you've gotten permission, I guess it's fine."

Ian, who had resolved a difficult casting issue, could certainly afford a cut or two.

"What are you planning?"

"It's a surprise. Just wanted to let you know so you won't be caught off guard."

Isabella smiled, amused by the playful young man.

How much could he really surprise her?

After greeting the filming crew, Ian went through makeup and started filming.

In Moonlight, Rue was responsible for monitoring other species to ensure they did not cause trouble.

He firmly stepped on a transformed werewolf.

-Grrr!

"It smells of decay here."

Crunch!

As the sound of bones crushing filled the air, the werewolf howled in pain, but Rue did not blink an eye.

When the werewolf finally passed out from the pain, Rue stepped back.

"Lock him in solitary."

Rue, indifferent to the dragged werewolf, stared blankly as Emma moved away from Eric.

Something in his eyes seemed to recall someone through her, filling them with longing.

Showing both his ruthless and humane sides, Rue visited Emma's room the following night.

"Where are you going?"

Caught trying to sneak out under the full moon, Emma spun around at the unfamiliar voice.

Behind the boy sitting on the windowsill, nine tails flickered faintly in the light.

"Who, who are you?"

"Don't go. Curiosity killed the cat, and I hope you won't end up that way."

"…Are you going to stop me?"

He was not human.

Emma asked with a tense face, and the boy gently stepped down from the windowsill.

Isabella, anticipating Rue to block the door, was startled when Ian gently took her hand—realizing this was the improv he mentioned.

Rue delicately pulled her hand as if handling a fragile treasure.

"…Huh?"

The boy sat on the bed and placed Emma's head on his lap.

Caught off guard and blinking rapidly, she received a calm smile from him.

"It's late. It's time for little girls to go to dreamland. Let's sleep together."

"…Uh?"

Her face brushed by his hand, she inadvertently closed her eyes.

The warm body heat and his intriguing scent tickled her nose. Just as she felt herself relaxing, Isabella snapped her eyes open.

"…Cut. What if you really fell asleep?"

"No! I wasn't asleep, okay?! Right?"

Isabella waved her hands in denial, looking at Ian for agreement, but the boy playfully curled the corner of his eyes.

"I'm not so sure."

"Ah…"

That sly face.

Isabella's face flushed red as she hung her head low.

"…You've done this sort of thing before, haven't you?"

"I've put many to sleep before. I'm the nap specialist, you know."

With his cheeky response, she sighed.

It felt like being enchanted by a nine-tailed fox.

After reviewing the footage, the showrunner decided to adopt the improvised scene, and new scenes, differing from the original, began to be added.

***

The filming of *Moonlight* progressed smoothly.

The episode featuring Rue's first appearance was about to be broadcast, a day that Dorothy claimed she would watch only in mosaic, grumbling all the while.

Then, Gavin contacted Ian.

"Ian, I heard your comeback show is airing soon. Congratulations."

"Thank you."

He felt puzzled while responding.

It didn't seem like such a big deal for Gavin to contact him about. Perhaps after it aired and received a great response, but not before.

'And why does his voice sound like that?'

It was a voice drained of energy.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm expected to be."

Expected to be unwell?

Something clicked in his mind.

"Could it be?"

"Yes, we should probably shoot the sequel now that you're back. Can't delay it any longer with how much they've been pestering me."

Gavin's voice was laden with melancholy as he hinted at preparations, and soon another call came in.

"It's been a while, little peacock."

That darn nickname again.

"Did you hear? Looks like we'll be shooting together again."

"That seems to be the case."

"I saw the photos; you've grown a lot. How about a second round as the peacock?"

Ian smiled broadly.

"No need for that."

It looked like he was set for another project with some eccentric characters.