NB | Chapter 14

Inside the studio, the sound of the camera shutter echoed loudly. With each click, Park Sejin’s expressions and gestures changed subtly, yet each result felt distinctly different.

The background was a simple beige, with only a small wooden chair as a prop, focusing entirely on the subject. In this setting, Park Sejin continued the shoot skillfully, like a seasoned model.

So this is what they call a celebrity. Seo Woohyun, mingling with the staff and watching, was genuinely impressed. He felt a sense of professionalism he couldn’t find in himself. He was beginning to understand what it meant to have a diverse range of expressions.

Just then, as he was fully absorbed in the set, he sensed someone approaching beside him. Trying to glance sideways, Woohyun realized it was Kang Jiwon and tried to hide his surprise.

“Director, what brings you here?”

“I was just passing by.”

The man’s gaze was fixed straight ahead, not on Woohyun. At the end of that gaze was Park Sejin.

“Why are you here, Seo Woohyun?”

“Sejin hyung told me to come for the experience, so I’m just watching.”

Woohyun’s gaze also turned to Park Sejin. At the same time, Jiwon looked back at him, and their eyes met.

“Hyung?”

“Even though he looks young, he’s three years older than me.”

“I know that. I meant, are you two close enough to call each other hyung and dongsaeng already?”

Woohyun let out a soft exclamation. Now that he thought about it, it was surprising. There were three others in the acting class, but he had become particularly close to Park Sejin.

His social skills were exceptional. After learning names, traits, and ages, exchanging contact information was smooth. During the second camera test rehearsal, Sejin even volunteered to help practice. He also treated him to delicious food whenever they met.

“I didn’t have any celebrity friends, but hyung takes good care of me. Thanks to him, I get to see places like this.”

“If you were close to me, you’d be the one shooting over there right now.”

Their eyes met again. Unable to hide his startled expression, Jiwon laughed out loud.

What is this guy? Was he serious when he said he’d take care of me? What does he want from me? Is it… my body?

The contract even had a section for indicating traits. Woohyun honestly checked Alpha, and Jiwon handled the contract himself. If he missed that part and still thinks I’m an Omega…

This man has lived as an Alpha, so he probably never thought about being on the bottom. Is he really going to end up with an Alpha? But I heard it’s quite painful between Alphas…

Lost in thought for a moment, Woohyun realized he was worrying unnecessarily and frowned.

“Then get me a solo CF next time.”

He tried to sound as light as possible, a silent expression that he wouldn’t be swayed anymore. Sometimes, you have to play along to dampen the other person’s interest.

But Jiwon, as if seeing right through him, smiled.

“Is that all? I was thinking you needed something to get your face out there before the shoot anyway.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Do I seem like someone who jokes about work to you, Seo Woohyun?”

“No, you said you’d only help if I put in the effort…”

“I will. But I also need to show some responsibility. I just came from a meeting with the production company…”

Jiwon trailed off, crossing his arms and looking down at Woohyun.

“There’s a problem with the role you were set for. Director Lee wants you, but Writer Kim doesn’t seem to trust you yet. It’s not surprising since he’s only seen you in camera test videos.”

“…Does that mean my role could be taken by someone else?”

“If Writer Kim insists on holding auditions, then yes.”

Woohyun had been worried since there was no talk of signing a contract despite verbal discussions about his appearance. Now that it was becoming a reality, anxiety washed over him.

Even though Jiwon was the investor and Director Lee was in charge, it seemed their insistence on casting him wasn’t enough. Writer Kim, who had created many of Vanilla Bean Studio’s hit works, had a strong influence.

He swallowed dryly. It seemed like this industry required not just effort but also luck. And Woohyun had never considered himself a lucky person.

“Writer Kim has reasons to be sensitive about casting. When writing <Portrait of a Meteor>, he had an actor in mind for the lead, but it didn’t work out. The role you’re up for was added later, so he probably has a special attachment to it.”

Jiwon seemed to recall something, casting his gaze far away. After the meeting, Director Lee had expressed disappointment, wondering why Jiwon hadn’t pushed harder for Woohyun with Writer Kim, despite seeing potential in him.

If Jiwon had said a few more words, Writer Kim might have prioritized Woohyun’s casting. The fact that his distrust faded somewhat upon hearing Woohyun had recently signed with Newon was telling.

The first camera test was interview-style, and the second involved a script. In the two weeks between, Woohyun showed noticeably smoother expressions with just a few training sessions.

But the problem started when he began reciting lines. His facial expressions were decent, but his delivery felt overly exaggerated.

The second camera test focused on how well he could internalize the script, and Jiwon wanted to see how much Woohyun could interpret the script’s directions on his own, without the director’s guidance.

Honestly, it felt like an illusion was shattered. If acting were like clothing, Woohyun was wearing something that didn’t fit and looked ridiculous.

Of course, Woohyun was a beginner, so there was no reason for high expectations. Still, Jiwon had hoped he’d defy expectations… but he turned out to be a real empty can. Jiwon seriously considered whether to fire the acting instructor.

Woohyun’s greatest charm as an actor was his raw, untamed aura, seemingly calm yet unrefined. His solid gaze was a strength derived from this. While an actor’s gaze can be half their charm, if training refined it to the point of losing his unique atmosphere, it would be a disaster.

An actor shines in the continuity of speaking and moving. If it were just about capturing still moments, they would have hired a model, not brought him on as an actor with a contract.

Jiwon anticipated that Writer Kim wouldn’t be satisfied with Woohyun’s acting.

The industry always craves fresh faces, but due to the noise surrounding <Portrait of a Meteor>’s production, Writer Kim didn’t want to take a risk on a newcomer.

Jiwon had considered telling Woohyun this when the contract was being discussed, but he was curious to see how quickly Woohyun could grow, so he held back.

“Well, Director Lee seems determined to cast you in some role, even if it’s not that one.”

<Portrait of a Meteor> is one of the most anticipated projects of the year, and everyone is putting their heart into it. Even if it’s not a lead role, appearing in it would be a great addition to Woohyun’s filmography.

While Director Lee saw Woohyun’s potential as an artist, Jiwon recognized him with a businessman’s eye. In terms of commercial viability, it was wise to eliminate elements that wouldn’t work.

A charming face was a basic requirement, but to succeed in this world, there needed to be something unique added. There were plenty of resources to replace Woohyun if he lost his innate weapon.

How likely was it for him to catch the public’s eye, and even if he did, how long would it last? Nothing was certain yet.

The CF was a promise to provide him with a minimum foundation. While Jiwon was willing to create opportunities for him to rise, what happened afterward was entirely up to Woohyun.

“No. That alone isn’t enough.”

Woohyun, who had been tilting his head down, suddenly lifted it. The moment their eyes met in the air, Jiwon felt a shiver down his neck, similar to when he first saw Woohyun.

“If I have to audition, I will.”

“Your confidence is impressive.”

“It’s not because I trust my skills. But if you and the director saw something in me, you can convince the writer too. You emphasized that my effort is important, that I just need to do well. So I’ll do my part.”

“…”

“I won’t disappoint you. …Though I’m not sure if you had any expectations of me in the first place.”

Jiwon covered his mouth with one hand, letting out a low chuckle. Though he appeared to be contemplating, he couldn’t hide the smile forming beneath his palm, so he had to cover it.

It seemed he had struck a chord with Woohyun’s competitive spirit and desire. Yes, this was how someone who believed in earning things through effort should respond.

Then all Jiwon had to do was watch from the sidelines… yet he kept finding himself wanting to help Woohyun in some way.