小火星

Kang Woojin chose the short series drama script by an assistant writer, not a script by the renowned star writer, Lee Wol-seon. Yet, the expression on Woojin’s face after choosing the short series drama script was…

“……”

It was casually indifferent. Seeing him like this, Choi Sung-gun blanked out for a moment.

“Huh?”

He thought he was quite adapted to being around Kang Woojin. Was he still far from understanding him? Soon, Choi Sung-gun asked,

“….So.”

He asked Kang Woojin, who calmly lowered his index finger. His voice slightly trembling.

“You decided on that short series drama script, not the one by Lee Wol-seon, right?”

“Yes, that’s what I said.”

“Do you know who Lee Wol-seon is?”

Of course. Woojin was aware of the existence of Writer Lee Wol-seon. He had seen a few articles comparing her to Park Eun-mi when he had searched for the latter in the past.

“I know very well. She’s an incredible writer.”

“But you still chose the short series drama script.”

“That’s correct.”

Choi Sung-gun was baffled. But not too much. There had been similar situations before. It was the same with Director Woo Hyun-goo. However, he found it hard to understand. Why he made such a choice.

“……The reason. I’m curious about the reason.”

Reason? Kang Woojin remained silent for a moment. Actually, Woojin had secretly entered the void space before deciding, after briefly reading both scripts. Since there were two scripts, he entered twice. This was now a necessary process for Kang Woojin.

The dark void space gave him the correct choice.

‘To be honest, there wasn’t much difference in grade.’

Indeed. There wasn’t a stark contrast between the two scripts.

-[5/Script (Title: Freezing Love), C+ Grade]

-[6/Script (Title: Male Friend), B Grade]

‘Freezing Love’ was Lee Wol-seon’s script and ‘Male Friend’ was the short series drama script by an assistant writer. The difference in grade between the two scripts was only one level.

‘Well, if you look closely, the fact that the star writer’s script is a grade lower than the short series drama script is a problem.’

Regardless, both were average. C to B is either average or slightly above average.

Based on the works alone, Woojin could have chosen ‘Freezing Love’. In fact, Lee Wol-seon’s work might have been better. Even though the work was average, the impact of being cast consecutively in star writers’ works, following Writer Park Eun-mi, would be significant.

On the contrary, the short series drama script might produce slightly better results but would lack in buzz and promotion.

If the results are similar, it’s fundamental judge based on the background. Considering the potential for the work’s grade might rise up, starring in Writer Lee Wol-seon’s work would have been beneficial for the rapidly rising actor Kang Woojin. Then, why did Woojin choose the short series drama script? Woojin internally exclaimed the answer while looking at Choi Sung-gun.

Of course, it was in his mind.

‘The reason? Super simple. The short series drama script starts with a kissing scene!’

He made the decision based on the content, not the grade of the work.

‘I like this short series drama, ‘Male Friend,’ and I like the writer. Starting the first scene with a kiss – cool, isn’t it?’

The first scene of the short series drama script ‘Male Friend’ starts with the female lead’s narration. It first shows the current situation, then comments such as ‘how did it end up like this?’ followed by a flashback. The first scene for the female lead was a kissing scene.

So, who would her partner be?

‘It’s obviously me.’

On the other hand, in Lee Wol-seon’s ‘Freezing Love’, the start was stifling. Why? Because the male lead had a severe obsession with cleanliness. He was deeply afraid of other people’s touch. From the first line of the script, it was evident.

‘Well, I may not be the male lead, but if the male lead has an obsession with cleanliness, the romantic parts would probably come in the latter half, and the overall atmosphere of the play might be a bit heavy?’

It was an excuse. Kang Woojin was purely captivated by the kissing scene. Other actors might see him as a lunatic. But Woojin, perceived by others as a peculiar and monstrous actor, at his core, is still a robust young man in his twenties. He still had the scent of an ordinary man rather than an actor.

How can a man resist a kissing scene?

Of course, the kissing scene is acting. It’s acting, but if you’re going to film a romcom or a melodrama, it’s nice to have some sweetness, right?

‘How many hells have I been through so far?’

Indeed, it was so. Kang Woojin’s reading (experience) since starting as an actor were mostly grotesque and brutal. Getting disemboweled, witnessing murders and deaths, shootouts, running away, and more. He even got his neck cut off once. How disgusting is that? While most people wouldn’t witness such events in their lifetime, Woojin endured them continually. It would be the same in the future.

There’s always a limit to being calm.

‘After getting my neck cut off, can’t I want something warm and sweet?’

Woojin was of the mindset that it was okay to curse him as a fool now. Of course, he still planned to act diligently and work hard. At that moment, Choi Sung-gun asked Woojin again, who had been silent for a moment.

“Is it difficult to tell me the reason……?”

Kang Woojin hesitated for a moment. He couldn’t just blurt out ‘kissing scene’, could he? If he did, his carefully crafted persona would be shattered. Thus, he needed to express it more vaguely. Well, other than the kissing scene, everything else should be fine.

“This script, it’s very refreshing.”

“Refreshing?”

“Yes. I felt it from the very first line.”

Is that all? Choi Sung-gun couldn’t believe Woojin’s words.

‘Has that crazy intuition of his kicked in again?’

He jumped to a conclusion. Then he spoke again.

“…Do you think the script by Lee Wol-seon is not good? Do you feel like it’s going to flop?”

“No, it’s not that bad.”

“So your instinct has kicked in again, right? It’s okay. I’ve decided to trust your unique intuition.”

A growing misunderstanding. Well, it didn’t matter. Kang Woojin chose to ignore it. Meanwhile, Choi Sung-gun was contemplating something, briefly looking at the two scripts and stroking his chin. A few seconds later, he spoke,

“How bad do you think the script by writer Lee Wol-seon’s is? Do you think it will be a total disaster, like with Director Woo Hyun-goo?”

Woojin decided to be honest with the serious-looking Choi Sung-gun.

“…No, it’s just average.”

“Really? It’s not like you completely hate it?”

“Yes. I don’t exactly hate it, but the other script is better.”

“I see. Hmm, to be honest, we can’t openly choose the short series drama and criticise Lee Wol-seon, especially given the timing of the recent controversy. If a top writer or broadcasting station gets offended, the damage will be immense.”

It was true. Not only the backlash, but rumors and vested interests would also get in the way. Personal connections in the entertainment industry are crucial.

“It’s frustrating. If this becomes a big issue, it’s a hassle to handle. It could tarnish your reputation. Plus, it’s a waste to refuse Lee Wol-seon.”

“……”

“If you’re okay with it, how about taking on both? I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly.”

Both? Woojin wasn’t sure what Choi Sung-gun had in mind, but it didn’t seem like a bad idea. Choi Sung-gun was a pro in this industry, obviously having better knowledge and skills than Woojin. Soon, Kang Woojin slowly nodded.

“Please take care of it.”

As soon as he heard the response, Choi Sung-gun grinned. Then he picked up his phone and dialed the number on the business card attached to the short series drama script ‘Male Friend’. It was the Netflix creative team.

The call connected quickly, and Choi Sung-gun spoke immediately.

“Ahh- yes, hello. This is Choi Sung-gun from bw Entertainment. Yes, yes, haha. Yes. Woojin read the script and he likes it. Yes, yes. But can I ask one favor before scheduling a meeting?”

He started his negotiation.

“Please ensure no news leaks out, at least for this week.”

After hanging up, Choi Sung-gun made another call.

“Woojin, you have the ‘Sports Day’ shoot tomorrow.”

He showed a smile to the silent Woojin.

“Let’s wrap this up today.”

Later that day, around lunchtime, at writer Park Eun-mi’s workspace.

Writer Park Eun-mi was again in front of her laptop, tearing her hair out in frustration. Due to that, her long permed hair was a mess.

“Ah- it won’t work out, it’s so damn hard.”

Pressure. The drama was a huge hit, so she couldn’t just make the last episode mediocre.

“Ugh-”

At that moment.

-Knock, thud!

Suddenly, the door opened, and a slender woman with glasses entered.

“Writer!”

It was Choi Nana, the assistant writer who wrote the short series drama ‘Male Friend’ that won the Netflix contest, and her eyes were shining brightly, brimming with excitement.

“I-I-I just got a call from Netflix!”

As usual, Choi Nana was timid, so Writer Park Eun-mi furrowed her brows.

“Nana, calm down and tell me slowly. You got a call from Netflix?”

“Yes, just now!”

“And?”

“I had sent the script without any expectations, as you had advised, but this morning, Mr. Kang Woojin said he liked the work and wants to have a meeting!”

Writer Park Eun-mi was slightly surprised.

“······ What? Really? For real?”

“Yes! What should I do??! I’m so nervous! They said I should also attend the meeting.”

“Wait, Nana, when did you send that script to Woojin?”

“Uh, I heard it was sent yesterday, but the call came this morning.”

“In one day? So you’re saying they contacted you just one day after receiving the script? That’s really fast, isn’t it?”

“Well… yes?”

“I mean, Woojin is insanely good at script analysis and reading, but he didn’t decide this quickly for ‘Profiler Hanryang’?”

“Well, nothing’s decided yet, right? It’s just a meeting.”

“It’s not like him to contact for a meeting within a day.”

Park Eun-mi, muttering, brushed her long permed hair and widened her horizon of thoughts.

‘He probably has received plenty of scripts from big projects, so why would he be interested in Nana’s short series drama? He shouldn’t have time for such casual meetings. Could it be because of me?’

She immediately shook her head.

‘No. Woojin isn’t like that. He doesn’t care about others’ opinions, right? He’s always straightforward. Oh, could it be······’

At this moment, a word flashed through Writer Park Eun-mi’s mind.

‘Kang Totem!’

She currently believed in Woojin almost religiously, and the answer to why Kang Woojin had chosen a short series drama out of the blue was simple.

“…Nana.”

Park Eun-mi, with slightly widened eyes, matched her gaze with the bewildered Choi Nana.

“Your short series drama is going to be a hit.”

Naturally, Choi Nana tilted her head in confusion.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“If the ‘Kang Totem’ is activated, it’s a sign of great success. And it seems to have reacted to your script.”

“Kang…Totem?”

“Woojin’s eye for work is almost godlike. Or maybe it’s his instinct.”

It was a logical conclusion. There was already ample evidence. Park Eun-mi, with goosebumps on her back, approached Choi Nana and placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Certainly, Woojin must have felt something in your script.”

Of course, Writer Park Eun-mi,

“Something explosive.”

had no idea it would be about a kiss scene.

Late in the afternoon, at a production company’s meeting room.

In the meeting room of a large production company, Kang Woojin and Choi Sung-gun, dressed in blazers, sat side by side. It was strange that only two of them were in such a large room.

Obviously, someone was about to join them.

At this point, Choi Sung-gun, who seemed tired and was stretching his neck, spoke to Kang Woojin, who had a stern expression on his face.

“You just need to respond when necessary, I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Yes, CEO.”

“Well, we’ve made a deal with Netflix, so there shouldn’t be any big issues, and I think it’s good for your image and the overall picture.”

“I understand.”

“I’ll handle the negotiations.”

At the same time.

– Whoosh.

Three people entered as the glass door of the meeting room opened. A middle-aged woman and two men. Among them, the middle-aged woman with excessive jewelry was a familiar face. It was writer Lee Wol-seon. In other words, this production company was associated with her.

Anyway, Choi Sung-gun extended his hand to Lee Wol-seon with a smile.

“Aigo- It’s been a while, writer. We had a few meetings about Hye-yeon’s project in the past. Do you remember?”

At this, writer Lee Wol-seon responded with a small smile.

“Of course. Honestly, who in this field doesn’t know CEO Choi?”

“Haha, no. There are many.”

“Is that so? And you must be Kang Woojin?”

When Lee Wol-seon, who naturally turned her gaze to Woojin, asked, Kang Woojin, who had been standing, bowed his head respectfully.

“Nice to meet you, writer. I am Kang Woojin.”

“Wow. You have a good voice? You seem taller in person than on screen. Is this how you usually look?”

“Yes, writer.”

“It has a vibe. Honestly, I’ve heard the rumors. They said you’re very quiet and calm. It turned out to be true, didn’t it?”

Writer Lee Wol-seon’s smile deepened. At this, Kang Woojin thought to himself.

‘She’s a bit forceful, reminds me of my mom. Suddenly, my back feels cold.’

Writer Lee Wol-seon had an aura somewhat reminiscent of a snake, quite intimidating. Regardless, everyone exchanged brief greetings and sat down, facing each other.

The one who broke the ice in the conversation was Lee Wol-seon.

“I was quite surprised when you contacted me so quickly.”

Choi Sung-gun muttered to himself,

‘First, butter her up with some lip service.’

He smiled mischievously,

“We had to contact you immediately since it’s writer Lee Wol-seon’s script, haha. We’re touched by how well you’ve treated Woojin.”

“You’re still the same, CEO Choi.”

“We both read the script, and once again, you’ve chosen an amazing storyline.”

“Really?”

“Yes, from the very first scene, I was completely engrossed.”

“How did you find it, Woojin?”

Woojin, trying to maintain a poker face, added a bit of flair to the truth.

“From the very first line, it was striking. The way you portrayed the lead ‘Tae hyung’s OCD was also unique.”

Writer Lee Wol-seon stared intensely at Kang Woojin. She felt Woojin had a different vibe from other actors she’d met. How should she describe it? Not quite actor-like?

“He’s certainly unique, like a rugged yet smoothly polished stone, difficult to come by. Despite being unfamiliar, he exudes a magnetic presence.”

“……..”

“I should have met you before Writer Park Eun-mi, it’s a pity.”

At that moment, the production staff around her were slightly surprised. Regardless, writer Lee Wol-seon, who was watching Woojin, turned her gaze to Choi Sung-gun.

“The vibe feels more like a ‘NO’ than an ‘OK’. Is it hard to fit my project into your schedule?”

Choi Sung-gun smoothly spoke out his prepared words.

“Well… it’s complicated. To be honest, it’s closer to ‘OK’ than ‘NO’.”

“Really? Are you saying you’ll do it?”

“I’ll be honest with you. According to Woojin’s current schedule, it’s difficult to accommodate your work. We have other projects lined up or in discussion. It’s not an excuse or that we think less of your work.”

“Hmm, continue.”

At that point, Choi Sung-gun gently tapped Kang Woojin’s thigh. They had a script prepared. Soon, Woojin spoke in a low voice.

“I’m thinking it’s a shame.”

Choi Sung-gun immediately caught the end of his sentence.

“Yes, it really is. But if this situation becomes public, it may be misinterpreted.”

“I see. For example, the rising Kang Woojin rejected writer Lee Wol-seon?”

“Exactly. This could negatively impact Woojin’s other projects. So, if you could create a minor role, we’ll try to fit it into our schedule.”

“A minor role?”

“Yes, to avoid any misunderstandings and to show our sincerity.”

Writer Lee Wol-seon pondered for a moment, alternating her gaze between Choi Sung-gun and Kang Woojin. For a moment. She requested something from the production staff sitting next to her and received a stack of papers. It was the script for part one of ‘Frozen Love’.

“So, how about this role? In terms of quantity, shooting should take a day or two at most.”

Handing over the opened script to Kang Woojin, she said,

“The role of ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’.”

While pretending to receive the script, Kang Woojin secretly poked the black square next to the script.

-Poke!

He quickly arrived in the void space. Although he claimed to have read the entire script, he hadn’t read much of it and needed to verify first.

“Let’s see-”

From the list, Woojin chose ‘Frozen Love’. Immediately, the text appeared.

-[You’ve selected the script (Title: Frozen Love).]

-[Listing the characters for reading (experience).]

-[A: Song Tae-hyung, B: Kim Jae-min, C: Do Chang-sik… P: Mysterious Man Next Door]

Naturally, Kang Woojin chose the ‘Mysterious Man Next Door’ role. However, the familiar robotic female voice uttered something different from the usual.

[“A new language other than the base language has been detected. Acquiring ‘Sign Language’ first.”]

“Huh?”

It was an unexpected situation.

“I got caught off guard?”

*****