Minjae-ssi~

Today's shooting finally wrapped up after a few more scenes. It took shorter than what they expected that even if they started late, they were able to finish on time. It was all thanks to Minjae and Sooyun.

Almost all of their scenes were done in just one take, and if not, it would only take a few re-shoots to be perfect. 

Producer Sean, Director Suwon, Director Yejun, and the rest of the crew were really surprised. They thought that they would have to extend, but the sun hadn't even risen and they were already done.

Even if they had been working for the last few hours, the atmosphere during the shoot was still bustling with energy. The crew began packing up equipment and tidying the space with excitement.

Finally, they'd be able to go home.

With his schedule still packed, Director Suwon had to leave already since he'd be having a meeting with some executives early in the morning. He intasked Director Yejun and Producer Sean to oversee the packing of the shoot. 

"Great job today, Minjae-ssi!" Dongwook enthusiastically welcomed Minjae inside his tent after everything was done. In his hand was a cup of coffee that he had just bought for Minjae. 

"I know that you had a hard time. Drink some coffee first so your body can still have some energy." Dongwook uttered with a smile on his face.

It was also thanks to coffee that he could still function right now.

"Thanks, Dongwook. You must have had a hard time waiting for me, too." Minjae uttered. It was already 4 in the morning and Dongwook was still with him.

Minjae took the coffee from Dongwook's hand. The warmth of the cup was seeping into his hands. He smiled appreciatively before taking a small sip. The bitterness of the coffee mixed with the faint sweetness was a good end to the cold night.

"You're a lifesaver," Minjae exhaustedly said, leaning back in the folding chair. "I was starting to feel like I'd pass out the second I sat down."

Minjae was used to being awake at night because of his work. However, the tiredness he got from shooting was much worse than just standing and scanning items in a convenience store. 

His current body wasn't used to hours of continuous shooting after only getting small extra roles throughout his life. It was much different from his previous body which was already seasoned and used to the tiring work. 

"That's what I'm here for, right? Besides, I can't have our newly signed actor looking like a zombie at the end of a shoot." Dongwook chuckled as he placed his own half-empty coffee cup on the small foldable table nearby. 

"Actor, huh?" Minjae grinned, tilting his head toward Dongwook. "I haven't even debuted as a decent one, yet."

In order to be called an 'actor' in their country, one must have acted as a lead, a second or a supporting role in a drama or movie. Their role was much more complicated and was really part of the story, so they belonged to the entirety of the shoot, unlike extras like him who only had a few minutes. 

"Debut or not, you've already impressed a bunch of people here tonight. Did you see how Director Suwon kept nodding after each take? That's rare, you know." Dongwook chuckled. He leaned back in his chair as a teasing smirk appeared on his face. 

"I guess I'll take that as a good sign. But still, there's a long way to go before I can call myself an actor. One good shoot doesn't mean I'm suddenly talented." Minjae laughed softly, shaking his head.

"You're too humble. I know it's not easy transitioning from where you started to this world. But trust me, you're doing great." Dongwook's expression softened as he picked up his coffee cup again. 

"Thanks, hyung." Minjae just simply answered before showing a smile. If this was his last life, he'd happily accept that compliment. 

"Now, stop overthinking and help me pack up before I start crying from your emotional monologue earlier." Dongwook reached over and patted Minjae's shoulder.

"Alright alright." Minjae snorted, setting his coffee down as he got up to gather his belongings.

The two moved around the tent, organizing their things. Dongwook folded up chairs and packed the leftover snacks he bought, while Minjae neatly placed his script and personal items into his small bag. 

As they stepped out of the tent, the cold night air brushed against their faces. The set was nearly cleared, with most of the crew wrapping up their tasks.

Dongwook pulled out his phone, a mischievous grin forming on his lips.

"Hold on. Before we leave, I need to take a quick video of this."

"A video? Of what?" Minjae raised an eyebrow.

"Don't mind me here," Dongwook replied, shaking his head. "I want to capture the set. Boss Chanhyuk has been bugging me for updates since earlier but everyone was so busy so it's embarrassing if I suddenly just take a video of everyone. This'll show him we're not slacking off."

"I see," Minjae crossed his arms. He watched as how Dongwook moved his phone across the set. The faint laughter of crew members, the quiet dismantling of equipment, and the occasional goodbyes filled the background.

Nearby them was Sooyun who was smiling widely as he laughed with a group of crew members. Sooyun's assistant was also near. He was waiting for Sooyun while subtly checking his phone.

From time to time, Sooyun's eyes would fly toward Minjae, his smile never disappearing.

Minjae noticed it but pretended not to. Instead, he busied himself checking on his things, taking deliberate care to avoid another interaction.

He was too tired to interact with him once again.

The guy was a pain to his mental health. 

"Alright, team, let's call it a day!" one of the crew leads shouted, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention. 

With that, people began moving out of the set as they say goodbye to one another. Minjae also said goodbye to Director Yejun, Producer Sean, and the rest of the crew members he saw, be it a camera director or just his fellow extras. 

He was supposed or rather had no choice but to say goodbye to Sooyun too, however he couldn't see the man. After minutes of waiting, he decided to just go and asked a staff to forward his goodbye to the actor. 

"Let's go now, Minjae. I'll drop you first before I go home. I got the company's car with me." 

"Alright," Minjae heartily accepted it since he was already too tired, and getting a cab this late would be too hard. 

Minjae slung his bag over his shoulder and made his way toward the end of the street. It was where most cars and vans were parked. 

"Wait Minjae. I'll just take a few pictures of the street and the overall shoot since I could still see it till here. I want Boss Chanhyuk to know the whole view." Dongwook hastily stopped Minjae when they reached the end of the street. 

"I'll stay at the side then," Minjae responded before going to the side of so he wouldn't block Dongwook's camera.

"Alright. I won't be long." 

"Ok."

Minjae was standing there in silence. He was looking at Dongwook as he took a video of almost every angle possible when a loud voice suddenly called out for his name. 

"Minjae-ssi! Wait up!"

It was Sooyun's voice.