: The First Take & Meet

After finalizing his strategic directives with Park Jaehyun, Jihoon took a moment to reflect on everything. His vision for the future was steadily taking shape, encompassing both business expansion and securing a solid financial foundation for his filmmaking endeavors. With the groundwork for his business empire firmly in place, his next priority was assembling the right talent and resources for the film project he had been meticulously planning.

To mark this new chapter, Jihoon decided to rename the company JH Corps, a name that symbolized his ambition to establish a dominant force in the entertainment and media industries. He then instructed Park Jaehyun to begin recruiting top-tier professionals, ensuring that they had the best team to support their growing ventures.

As preparations for the film site progressed, the production team worked tirelessly on location scouting, securing permits, and fine-tuning equipment adjustments to ensure a seamless filming process. Technicians calibrated cameras and optimized lighting setups, while set designers finalized stage constructions and props. Every detail was meticulously checked to prevent any unforeseen disruptions once filming commenced.

Meanwhile, Jihoon remained deeply involved, overseeing the progress while maintaining close communication with Park Jaehyun regarding the company's recruitment efforts. JH Corps was rapidly coming together, with talented individuals being brought on board to support both the business and film production aspects. Jihoon's strategy was simple—surround himself with the best people so he could focus entirely on creative direction without unnecessary distractions.

As the sun set on another productive day, Jihoon stood on the soon-to-be film site, taking in the scene before him. Everything was moving according to plan, yet he knew this was only the beginning. The real challenge would start once the cameras rolled. But with the foundation he had built, he was confident—this would be the first step toward reshaping the industry.

Every casting decision had been made with precision. The male lead was none other than Hyunbin, a seasoned actor renowned for his magnetic screen presence and refined acting skills. Starring alongside him as the female lead was Son Yejin, whose delicate yet powerful performances made her the perfect choice for the role. As part of the collaboration between Jihoon's JH and SM , the second female lead was assigned to Lee Yeonhee, an actress celebrated for her striking visuals and ability to bring depth to her characters.

The long-anticipated day had finally arrived—filming had officially commenced. Jihoon was determined to make a lasting impression, ensuring that the first scene captured the essence of his vision. He meticulously structured the production schedule to begin with one of the most iconic and emotionally charged moments from "Secret: Untold Melody"—the breathtaking piano duel. It was a scene that would not only set the tone for the entire film but also showcase the depth of the characters, their emotions, and their unparalleled musical talent.

Hyunbin's fingers glided effortlessly across the keys, his melody both intricate and deeply emotional. Each note carried precision and grace, resonating through the room with a quiet intensity. But his opponent was no less formidable. His fingers struck the keys with rapid agility, responding with an even more elaborate composition. The tempo escalated, the exchange between them turning into an electrifying battle of skill and artistry.

The camera captured every nuance—the fire in their eyes, the fluidity of their movements, the way their hands moved with perfect synchronization, and the growing excitement among the onlooking students.

As the music swelled to its climax, the rapid succession of notes created an electrifying tension, a crescendo of brilliance. Even the seasoned crew, accustomed to working behind the scenes, held their breath as they watched the scene unfold. The final chords rang out, the last note hanging in the air before fading into a moment of silence.

Then—

"Cut!"

Jihoon's voice broke the stillness, and for a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, the room erupted into applause. The energy in the space was palpable; everyone knew they had just witnessed something extraordinary.

Hyunbin exhaled, a satisfied smile curving his lips, while Son Yejin and Lee Yeonhee exchanged glances, clearly impressed by the raw intensity they had just experienced.

Jihoon stepped forward, his expression one of quiet pride. He nodded approvingly.

"That… was perfect. Exactly what I envisioned."

It was a strong start—one that reassured Jihoon that this film would be nothing short of a masterpiece. The foundation had been set, and now, with each scene, they would continue building a cinematic experience that would leave an unforgettable impact on audiences worldwide.

With the production progressing smoothly, Jihoon continued to shoot his film without any major setbacks. His meticulous planning and hands-on approach ensured that every scene was executed with precision. However, while the experienced leads, Hyun Bin and Son Yejin, needed minimal direction—only subtle adjustments to their expressions and narrative to align with Jihoon's vision—the same could not be said for Lee Yeonhee.

As a newcomer to the industry, Lee Yeonhee was still developing her craft. Jihoon recognized her potential but also understood that she required guidance to refine her performance. Taking on the role of a mentor, he dedicated extra time to training her, offering constructive feedback and encouragement. He guided her through every emotional nuance, helping her embody her character with depth and authenticity. His patience and persistence gradually paid off, as Yeonhee's confidence grew with each take.

Meanwhile, the production team maintained their unwavering focus. With Jihoon's clear direction, cinematographers, lighting technicians, and set designers worked seamlessly to bring his vision to life. Every detail, from camera angles to subtle lighting shifts, was fine-tuned to enhance the storytelling experience. The cast and crew grew increasingly synchronized, creating an environment where creativity thrived.

Despite the demanding schedule, Jihoon remained deeply involved in every aspect of production. His leadership ensured that the project stayed on track, and his ability to balance technical precision with artistic storytelling set the tone for the entire team. Each scene built upon the last, steadily shaping "Secret: Untold Melody" into the cinematic masterpiece he had envisioned.

As the filming progressed, anticipation among the crew grew. They knew they were part of something extraordinary—something that had the potential to leave a lasting mark on the industry. And with Jihoon at the helm, there was no doubt that this film would be a defining moment in his career.

As the day's filming wrapped up, the crew began packing up the equipment, their conversations buzzing with excitement over the progress they had made. The atmosphere was lively, filled with a sense of accomplishment. Among them, Lee Yeonhee couldn't help but feel immense gratitude toward Jihoon.

Despite being new to the industry, she had quickly realized how much she still had to learn. Jihoon's guidance had been instrumental in helping her refine her acting skills. His patience, keen observations, and ability to bring out the best in her performance made a significant impact. It wasn't just her—many in the crew, from senior actors to production staff, were equally impressed by Jihoon's deep understanding of acting and storytelling.

Wanting to express her appreciation, Yeonhee mustered up her courage and approached Jihoon as he reviewed the footage with the director of photography.

"Director Jihoon," she called out hesitantly.

Jihoon looked up from the monitor, offering her a warm but slightly tired smile. "Yeon-hee, what's up?"

She clasped her hands together, a bit nervous. "I just wanted to say… thank you."

"For everything. You've helped me so much, and I feel like I'm really improving under your guidance."

"So, I was wondering… if you'd let me treat you to dinner as a small token of appreciation?"

Jihoon raised an eyebrow, a little surprised by the sudden offer. He wasn't the type to expect gratitude, but seeing the sincerity in her eyes, he chuckled softly.

"Dinner, huh? You don't have to, but if it makes you feel better, sure."

Yeonhee's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Great! I know a good place nearby. Let me take you there!"

As the rest of the crew finished their tasks, some overheard their conversation. The veteran actors, Hyunbin and Son Yejin, exchanged amused glances, while a few staff members nudged each other with knowing smiles.

"Looks like our director is getting quite the reputation as an acting mentor," Hyunbin remarked jokingly.

Son Yejin nodded, her eyes filled with admiration. "He's not just a director—he understands actors better than most. No wonder Yeonhee looks up to him."

With the day's work behind them, Jihoon and Yeonhee left the set together, stepping into the cool night air. 

As they strolled toward the restaurant Yeonhee had recommended, her phone suddenly rang. She answered quickly, her expression shifting from surprise to excitement as she spoke. After ending the call, she turned to Jihoon with an apologetic yet hopeful look.

"My friend is joining us," she explained. "I hope you don't mind."

Jihoon raised an eyebrow, intrigued, but nodded with a small smile. "Not at all. Who's your friend?"

Yeonhee's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "She's a trainee from my company, SM Entertainment."

"She just got confirmed for her debut and wanted to celebrate with me."

Jihoon chuckled. "That's great news. It's always nice to see someone's hard work pay off. Where are we meeting her?"

"She's already at the restaurant. She was so excited that she went ahead and got us a table," Yeonhee said as they walked through the bustling streets.

When they arrived at a cozy barbecue restaurant, Yeonhee scanned the room before spotting a familiar figure sitting in the corner. The girl waved energetically, her eyes gleaming with joy.

"Yeonhee Unnie!" she called out.

Jihoon's gaze softened as he took in the young woman's bright demeanor. As he walked closer, a sense of familiarity washed over him. It took him a moment, but then it clicked—she was the same girl he had met at the ice cream shop a few months ago.

No wonder she seemed so familiar.