About two hours later.
In the 'Rental Lover' pre-meeting conference room, which had become a madhouse with Kang Rojun’s appearance, the meeting was nearing its end. Although the actors and key staff had been stunned at first, they now seemed relatively calm.
“No. 1! Ah no, I mean, actor-nim? Writer-nim! See you at the script reading!”
“I’m really enjoying 'Produce That 100!'! By the time 'Rental Lover' airs, maybe 'Produce That 100!' will be over too??”
“You’re definitely going to win, Writer-nim!”
“Hahaha, by the next time we meet, you’ll be an idol!”
“No no, maybe a drama writer or actor instead.”
They casually greeted Kang Rojun who was seated. This 'Rental Lover' preliminary meeting practically felt like Rojun’s fan meeting. Almost all the conversation revolved around him, and he was never out of the spotlight.
‘Phew- this is exhausting, I don’t even know how two hours passed.’
He was utterly exhausted. He had to answer the barrage of questions without letting his guard down for a second.
‘Well, in any case, it all wrapped up nicely, right??’
At first, he’d found the actors fascinating too, but now he’d gotten fairly used to it.
Just as everyone was about to get up from their seats, PD Jung Soo-ryeong spoke.
“The script reading is next week on the 25th, so please be prepared-”
She shifted her gaze from the whole group to Kang Rojun specifically.
“The first shooting day might shift by a day or two, but it’s almost certainly going to be the 29th.”
Rojun calculated in his head.
‘If the script reading is on the 25th, that’s exactly one week left? Then four days later, the first shoot is on the 29th. Wow.’
Now that his work as a writer was done, his duties as an actor were arriving. Of course, he had already studied the role of ‘Lover No. 4’, but since this would be his first time experiencing a drama shoot, Kang Rojun’s tension began to rise. Behind him, the key staff and actors who had filled the conference room started to leave.
Choi Rina, who had been sneaking glances at Rojun repeatedly, also stood up.
Top actress Choi Rina was called by PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
"Choi star-nim, please stay for a moment, I have something to discuss."
“Yes. Writer-nim too.”
Ten minutes later, almost everyone had left the conference room. Remaining were Kang Rojun, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, Choi Rina, the cinematographer, and about two other staff members. Rojun was curious but waited quietly.
Soon, PD Jung Soo-ryeong, who had been discussing something with the cinematographer, pulled out the 'Rental Lover' script.
“Before the script reading, I want to check a two-shot between the female lead and Lover No. 4. Also to check the acting and tone. Since ‘Lover No. 4’ is a newly created character, and due to circumstances, the writer-nim and female lead haven’t been in a two-shot yet, right?”
She made a request to Kang Rojun and Choi Rina.
“I think this scene will help with directing during the script reading, just a short bit of acting, since it’s a two-shot. This one’s good. The ‘Lover No. 4’ gazes softly, brushes the hair back, and the female lead falls for him.”
Without replying, top actress Choi Rina turned her gaze and locked eyes with Kang Rojun across from her.
‘Th-this suddenly??!’
For some reason, her racing heartbeat wouldn’t slow down.
Top actress Choi Rina had always had great ambition and passion for acting. Of course, as an actress, she also unhesitatingly took on other work like advertisements and photo shoots to maintain popularity. Having debuted ten years ago, there was nothing that fazed her.
When it came to acting, she never flinched no matter who her scene partner was.
She didn’t bat an eye when paired with actors of similar career length, and even when facing veteran actors often referred to as ‘greats', she remained composed though respectful. When the word ‘Action’ was called, the real-world Choi Rina immediately became someone else. Reality and acting were separate.
At least, that’s what she thought.
‘No. 1. No, I mean with Writer-nim suddenly?? I haven’t even processed all this yet!’
For Choi Rina, this was the greatest crisis yet. To claim that reality and acting were separate felt hollow in the face of Kang Rojun’s overwhelming presence. She couldn’t even find a solid emotional anchor to begin the scene.
Why? Why was this happening?
So what if a popular contestant from a show she’d casually watched showed up? Why was she this nervous? Choi Rina began self-hypnosis. This was a natural process, self-hypnosis and, at the same time, self-defense.
‘Right, you’re Choi Rina, Choi Rina. What’s with this uncharacteristic fluster? Just do it the way you always do, be yourself.’
The result wasn’t bad. Her frantically pounding heart calmed down considerably. Taking advantage of the moment, Choi Rina gave a composed smile and looked at PD Jung Soo-ryeong.
“Yes. I can start right away.”
PD Jung Soo-ryeong gave her a thumbs-up.
"Oh- as expected of Choi star."
Next, Kang Rojun nodded simply.
“Great, great. Then shall we try it over there in the back?”
The first to rise from his seat was Rojun. As he walked toward the back, he maintained a certain calm. Naturally, anyone would feel nervous about acting for the first time with top actress Choi Rina.
‘Maybe because I’ve seen her a few times? I’m not as nervous as I expected.’
Surprisingly, he felt up to it. Perhaps it was because he had already studied the role of ‘Lover No. 4’, but it could also be said that his nerves had hardened significantly through his experience in 'Produce That 100!' Arriving first at the widest area of the meeting room near the entrance, Kang Rojun stood waiting, and then Choi Rina came forward, brushing her long hair as she stood before him.
Choi Rina smiled with her eyes.
“Just relax and do it comfortably. No pressure.”
She showed the poise of a seasoned sunbae. Rojun was quietly impressed.
‘She really is beautiful. Not just pretty, there’s something more, like a whole different aura.’
He answered with a small smile.
For some reason, Choi Rina flinched. PD Jung Soo-ryeong exchanged a few words with the cinematographer, who then brought out the camera he had prepared. They were planning to do a test shoot. The monitor attached to the camera showed a two-shot of Kang Rojun and Choi Rina.
PD Jung Soo-ryeong nodded slowly and said,
“The shot looks good. When I give the signal, just start.”
Watching the monitor, she called out.
The signal fired, and Kang Rojun immediately transformed into ‘Lover No. 4’. This time, his partner wasn’t PD Jung Soo-ryeong but the actual female lead of 'Rental Lover'. Rojun adjusted even the way he looked at her. He adored her. His eyes held boundless affection. A faint smile bloomed. It was a feeling so tender it looked like he might embrace her at any moment.
Without a word, Rojun took a step toward Choi Rina. It was a scene led more by ‘Lover No. 4’ than the female lead. So Choi Rina had to wait. As Rojun neared her, he slowly raised his right hand. The hand reached for the hair covering Choi Rina’s left cheek.
Just as ‘Lover No. 4’ fingertips brushed Choi Rina’s hair. Suddenly, she made a strange sound.
She turned her head away abruptly.