A few days later, the sunlight had turned from pleasantly warm to scorching hot. The midday sky was a flawless, cloudless blue. On any other day, people might have thought it perfect weather.
But on set, grumbles erupted naturally.
"This is insane. Already this hot?"
"Gotta love it or hate it. Especially clear today too. Forecast said heavy fine dust."
"Director, shooting the sky today?"
"Doesn't look like it, huh? Heh."
The dystopian worldview demanded a perpetually hazy sky as the default backdrop. They planned for color grading and post-processing, but today was too crisp and vibrant.
"Skip the long shots—no, cut the establishing shots too."
Long shots and establishing shots that showed the background raw were heavily influenced by nature. Those would need reshoots on a separate day.
"By the way, what's the word from Hyo-jeong's side? When can she start?"
"No clue. Last contact was two days ago. Something about tests. Cone Art is watching trends before deciding on contract termination."
"Got it. Keep the vibe positive until then, yeah?"
"How many extras today?"
"Sixty-seven!"
While the heads revised the shooting schedule, the extras sat slumped on the ground, waiting. All shade spots were claimed by equipment and staff.
"Oppa, studying fun?"
Yuna, makeup done, sneaked up and peeked at the book from one of the few shaded spots occupied by Moo-young, who was reading intently. She was back to her scruffy, tomboy look.
"Not at all. Yuna, make sure you go to a department you're actually into later."
Final exams were breathing down his neck. Semester end was probably within the next week. Exams were bad enough, but vacation housing was another headache. Everything piling up at once was fraying his nerves. Not an excuse to skip studying, really.
"Then acting for me."
"Good choice. Not sure how exams work there, but my friends who went say it's a blast."
Oh right. Ki Yu-chan. Hadn't heard from him since college started. Maybe because he wasn't active like Bora.
Moo-young set his book down and pulled out his phone. Yuna stuck right by his side, chattering away.
"But oppa, that snack we ate last time."
"Huh? Snack?"
"You know, Kongkong Chips. They're super popular apparently. Someone even called the company asking about them? Stills aren't out yet—how'd they know? Maybe one of the extras that day. Saw us eating and got cravings."
Moo-young glanced at her while texting Yu-chan. Definitely Doctor Martel. They'd gotten the info that day and were taking action.
"Hey! What're you doing there? No cutting in line!"
Suddenly, a loud shout. One extra, unable to bear the heat, had wormed into the shade. Problem was, it was stacked with pricey gear like cameras and mics.
"Sorry. But it's too hot."
"Can't be helped. Go rest over there."
"They say go there, then there says come here. What am I supposed to do?"
"Why tell me? Team lead!"
The staff dramatically called for the extra wrangler—the one who hired and managed them.
"Team lead! Where are you? Waiting's one thing, but can't just leave 'em scattered! Team lead!"
Harsh words. Leave 'em scattered? Not stray dogs.
The man bristled, bit his lower lip, then surrendered.
"Fine. Team lead's in the bathroom. I'll move it. Sorry."
He jolted up in panic. Not a single take shot yet, and his shirt was sweat-soaked. Grabbing a lukewarm water bottle, he trudged into the dirt pile.
"Uncle!"
Moo-young called to him.
"Over here. Got space."
He patted the spot beside him. Yuna snuggled closer to Moo-young, making room.
The man turned awkwardly, pointing at himself.
"Me?"
"Yeah, uncle. Come on. Everyone's on edge from the heat, right?"
His warm smile drew the man over cautiously. Other extras glanced but, worn from waiting, stayed silent.
"Ha Moo-young. Sit."
"I know. The Louis role. Me? Oon Jeong-gil."
Mid-40s, ordinary guy.
"First time meeting. Long wait today."
"Drama sets are worse. Waited 19 hours for 10 minutes once. Heard lots of assigned scenes today."
"Drama specialist?"
"Long time. Decade now. Hits like Dangun Myth, Tears of the Watchman, Ga Ga Ga Ga? Plenty. Haha."
"Whoa, legendary. Veteran."
Big ratings hits. Moo-young was impressed; Yuna indifferent. Benefits went to directors, leads anyway.
"Direct sun in this heat? You'll drop. Gotta study, so rest easy, uncle."
"Aigoo, thanks. Handsome kid with manners and a kind heart. Wish my son was like you."
"Too kind."
Moo-young smiled brightly and refocused on his book. Time for intense cram! Low attendance meant C's if he slipped.
"I'm hereee!"
Minutes later, the quiet set buzzed again. Yi Hi-jun arrived with his manager, arms full of large paper bags.
"Hot as hell, right? Cool coffee for everyone! Snacks too, small but ready."
"Ooh, what's this? Hi-jun treating?"
"Of course. You all work hard."
"What's the occasion? Sun rising west?"
"Too long since last time? Haha!"
"Last time? Feels like first."
Yi Hi-jun handed out canned coffees, bantering. He'd sensed intensified whispers post-Moo-young's death scene. Clearly, staff thought he was catching flak for Moo-young.
"Let's do great today!"
True or not, irrelevant now. Everyone knew the skill gap between Moo-young and Hi-jun. Couldn't flip opinion with acting? Use charm then. Damn, self-inflicted mess.
"Thanks, Hi-jun. Enjoy."
"Experience wins? Got the touch? Haha!"
Reactions immediate, positive. Team effort—solo shine doesn't cut it. Good vibes boosted efficiency.
"Uncle, gimme too."
"Just coffee. You got drinks there."
"Harsh!"
"Cookie instead. Ha Moo-young, catch."
Thwack! Hi-jun tossed a can to Moo-young. Coolish, been in car too long. Oon Jeong-gil, awkwardly beside, averted eyes and coughed.
"Ahem."
"Oh? Staff? First time."
"Uh, from Broadcast Story."
"Ah, extra?"
Yi Hi-jun withdrew another can. Calculated portions—no shortages. He smiled brightly and turned.
"Hang in there."
One-day gig anyway. No lingering, off to other staff.
Moo-young, watching blankly, offered his can to Oon Jeong-gil.
"Uncle, have this."
"What? No, kid take it."
"Don't drink coffee."
"Really fine."
"...I really don't."
Back-and-forth refusals. Man thought Moo-young yielding politely. I don't drink coffee. Won't believe it.
"Actors are slick, huh?"
"No... really no coffee."
"Anyway, cheers. No store nearby—throat dying."
"Set's huge, yeah?"
Remodeled old US base, remote spot.
"Feels lavish alone."
"First-timers all?"
"Kinda, but long-timers cross paths often. I'll savor slow. Haha, thanks. Really. Hot for you too."
"Nah, fine."
"See you on our drama set sometime. I'd hook you up. Hahaha!"
Bluster backed by ten years, but Moo-young just smiled. Industry small. Bound to meet again.
"Fun story? Once on Whitturu Maturu, the female lead—"
"Hold up."
Moo-young checked his phone—vibrating text. Yu-chan?
EnbinDid you get it? Not yet?"Huh?"
Not him.
Random from Enbin. Wrong number? About to reply...
"Ha Moo-young! You here?"
"Me?"
"Moo-young! What's all this?"
A small pink truck rolled in through both main gates, wide open. Balloons and flowers in vibrant colors adorned it. Road-sitters jumped up startled.
"...What?"
★☆ COFFEE TRUCK BANNER ★☆The high school kid who bawled at Hanbam Pochah is now a college student☆★
Plague team, fighting! Hope it's a mega hit. Take good care of Moo-young. -Enbin-
Coffee truck. Five varieties! Plus cookies, snacks, fruit desserts.
Moo-young stared blankly at the banner, then burst laughing.
"What the hell!"
Usually don't plaster recipient's face. Why Enbin's?
Lethargic waiters gathered.
"Enbin's coffee truck! Grab a cup, everyone!"
The barista called out loudly.
"Whoa, jackpot."
"Perfect timing in this heat. Americano iced!"
"Moo-young, thanks! Digging in!"
Worlds beyond canned coffee. Staff crunched ice, blissed out. Moo-young chuckled in disbelief.
"Can I have some?"
An extra approached. Moo-young waved everyone over, especially extras. Not my dime. Of course!
"Come get some! Lots! Milk it!"
"Aigoo, thanks."
"Iced tea, extra ice!"
Moo-young giggled, snapping proof pics. Go Kyung-min, mid-chat with directors, rushed over and took the phone.
"I'll shoot. Pose."
"Yes! SNS time. Epic! Enbin's the best—what a send!"
"One, two, three!"
Click! Click!
Pure joy bubbling up. Moo-young grinned wide, striking fun poses. Kyung-min snapped eagerly.
"Post proof after Doctor Martel feed."
"Doctor Martel? But Hyo-jeong sunbae still—"
"Just heard—allergy issue. Sorted with them. They want our post. Rep says one call post-shoot."
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Read 130 more chapters ahead on NovelDex!
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