Shooting (4)
As the crew and the actors readied themselves for the next scene, Director Yejun and Producer Sean talked among themselves at one side.
"Did you see Minjae in that take?" Suwon suddenly uttered, his voice laced with excitement. "I swear, the way he captured Junjae's pain was something else. It's like he is really the character in that moment."
"I could tell that he's a natural. His entertainment agency is lucky to have him. The emotions he showed felt so raw and genuine." Sean nodded, a small smile was playing on his lips. "Honestly, I didn't expect him to overshadow Sooyun this much."
"I mean, Sooyun's good too. He has been in the industry for years. He's got the technique down, but… I don't know. There was just something about Minjae." Suwon chuckled, lowering his voice so no one could hear him.
"Do you think it's luck? Or he's just really talented?" Sean tilted his head thoughtfully. It was a new experience that a newbie could act so well, even beating the lead actor's talent.
"Probably a bit of both," Suwon replied as he shrugged his shoulders. "Minjae brings something new while Sooyun… oh well, just the usual. He's good nonetheless"
"Oh well, that's true."
Unbeknownst to the two of them, a man was standing near. Sooyun had a gloomy expression on his face as his chest tightened in annoyance. He was about to go to the two to invite them to a late dinner after the shooting when he accidentally heard their conversation.
'Minjae again?' Sooyun's forehead creased. His jaw clenched as he remembered their interaction earlier. It seemed like Minjae noticed his dislike for him. However, the man seemed to not care about it.
Now, it made him confused.
Was Minjae just doing that on purpose?
Then it suddenly hit Sooyun. A subtle grin appeared on his lips as he shook his head in disbelief.
That's right. Minjae must have idolized him and wants to be close to him.
So unfortunate though because he doesn't want to get close to Minjae.
Instead, he had other plans.
- - -
The energy on the set became more serious as everyone moved to a new location. It was still within the street, but they had to make adjustments with the camera's position and lighting since it'd be inside an actual police station.
"Alright, everyone! We don't have the time to slack. Move faster!" Suwon shouted out loud as he clapped his hands loudly as if rushing everyone.
As they made their way to the police station set, Dongwook sidled up to Minjae with an impressed smile.
"Minjae-ssi~ that was some performance back there. I almost forgot you were acting for a second." Dongwook uttered, giving Minjae two thumbs up.
He was honestly surprised by the man's acting that he almost forgot that Minjae was just a newbie.
Minjae chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. "Thanks, Dongwook. But it's no big deal. Just doing my job."
"No big deal? Come on!" Dongwook exclaimed, hitting Minjae's back jokingly to put sense on him. "You had everyone on the edge of their seats earlier. Even the director looked like he was going to cry watching you."
"It's the script. Junjae's story is just so… heartbreaking. You can't help but feel it." Minjae glanced ahead.
One of the things he learned in the industry was how to be humble at all times. Flexing your talent and being cocky just won't do you any good in the long run.
"Still, not everyone can bring that kind of depth to a character. You're gonna go far, Minjae. I can feel it." Dongwook nodded, his respect for Minjae growing. "Luckily, we signed you first." he joked around.
Minjae chuckled at the last sentence. "I appreciate it," Minjae said with a grin. "Now let's just hope I don't mess up in this next scene."
The two both laughed heartily before parting ways when they finally arrived at the police station.
The police station was dimly lit compared to the lighted streets of the previous scene. The place was filled with desks, filing cabinets, paperworks, and more extras dressed as police officers.
Producer Sean was making sure that the set was in perfect resemblance with how police stations normally look like, while Suwon was at the side, giving instructions to the camera director.
"Do a full body shot while Minjae and Sooyun are talking to each other. And then, another camera should do a close-up shot on Minjae's face when he's silent. I want the camera to capture every emotion on his face, And for Sooyun, pull back slightly on the frame. Let his body language speak for him while they're talking."
"Alright. I got it." Camera Director Chanhee nodded i acknowledgement as he worked on it quickly.
Once everyone was ready, Suwon clapped his hands together.
"Alright, people, quiet on set! We'll begin in a minute."
As Suwon said those words, the glint on Minjae's eyes abruptly changed. He looked around before looking ahead of him.
'System, activate my bonus effect.'
[Ding!]
[Bonus effect had been activated. The host's
[Duration: 1 hour]
[59:59]
[59:58]
[59:57]
Minjae felt his energy increasing in just a second. Suddenly, tears swelled on his eyes as if the emotions he wanted to portray was slowly surging in his mind.
"3… 2… 1…."
"Action!"
The shoot began once again.
Minjae, in his role as Junjae, was led into the station in handcuffs. He was being dragged by the same officer from the earlier scene though his head was now low while his shoulders were slumped.
It was as if the weight of his actions were now starting to press down on him that each step he took was filled with regret.
Sooyun was already seated at the interrogation table. He was watching Minjae with a mix of pity and sadness as he got pulled inside the interrogation room.
"Sit," one of the officers barked, shoving Minjae into the chair.
"You may leave us. I'll do the questioning." Sooyun's expression changed back into a formal one as he greeted the two officers.
"Yes, Sir." The two replied in a loud voice, before leaving the room.
When the two were left alone, a loud silence ensued among the room. Clearing his throat, Sooyun leaned forward. He knew that Minjae wouldn't talk so he had to start the conversation for the two of them.
"Junjae, why are you doing this? What happened? Why are you in this position?"
Minjae didn't respond to the question. Rather, his eyes remained fixed on the table, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"Look at me," Sooyun pressed, his voice rising slightly. "You're not a bad person. I know it. But I need to hear it from you. Why?"
And still, there was no answer.
But then, a single tear easily slid down Minjae's cheek. He didn't wipe it away. He just let it be as if he didn't even notice that he was already crying.
Sooyun's pity just grew, but he couldn't do anything.
"Junjae… whatever you're feeling right now, whatever guilt you have, use it. Talk to me. Let me help you."
The silence was deafening to the ears.
Minjae's tears began to fall more freely, but his lips remained tightly sealed. His shoulders trembled as he silently cried, letting out all the emotions he kept bottled up.
After a long pause, Sooyun sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Fine. If you don't want to talk for now, I'll let you rest first. But know this. You're not alone, Junjae. Even now, you're not alone."
Sooyun sighed and stood up signaling to the officers who were just outside the door to take him. "I know him. Take him to the cell carefully."
"Yes, Sir!'
Minjae was once again pulled to his feet, but now with more care. As he was being dragged, the cameras focused on his face. His face showed a mixture of anger, sadness, and resignation. As he was led away, he glanced over his shoulder at Sooyun.
For a brief moment, their eyes met, but Minjae quickly looked away.
Sooyun silently watched as Minjae disappeared into the cell block. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, frustration and heartbreak warring within him.
When Minjae was placed inside a cell, he slumped to the ground. And with silence around, he broke down and cried silently as if he was giving up.
Minjae was able to let out the emotions needed for the scene easily. He cried alone for minutes as if it was an easy thing for him to do. He looked so pitiful and his eyes began turning red but tears continued to stream down his face.
"No…"
"No…"
"I'm so sorry"
Silent sobs filled the lonely cell for a moment before Suwon's voice broke the tension once more.
"Cut!"
The set erupted into quiet applause at the performance.
"Woah! What was that acting?"
"I almost cried too… Why am i suddenly sad?"
"That acting…"
"I'm speechless."
The crew were unable to contain their admiration for the scene.