The Perfect Death
Throughout the shoot, Lee Taek-kyung carefully observed the set and the overall atmosphere.
It had been years since he'd last been here — he needed to reawaken his senses with both eyes and hands.
I've gotten dull.
The real issue was reading the director's intent.
The technical knowledge he'd accumulated still remained in his head, but he couldn't grasp the lighting styles Director Jin Kyung-moon wanted.
That was probably because he'd been away for too long.
"What's wrong?"
"No, sir. Director — are we really using the scoop light here? It's a mob scene, so I don't think it's necessary."
"Yeah, but this shot is from Jannie's POV up on the factory rooftop. I'd like some lens glare in the frame — you remember when we did Hormone Parasite, when Jang-su was sitting in front of the ice cream shop?"
"Ah, I see what you mean."
At least he and Jin Kyung-moon could still communicate.
Lee Taek-kyung stroked his thick beard, sighing wearily. The director patted him on the shoulder.
"It's just been too long, that's all. Don't worry — I know you'll get right back into it. We were a great team, remember?"
"Yes, that's true."
"Let's grab some soju later after the shoot. You can't go over a storyboard without alcohol — it needs to flow. The sun's just too damn bright right now, that's the problem! Hahaha!"
Jin laughed exaggeratedly, clearly trying to lighten the mood. Then, the assistant director knocked on the office door.
"Director, we're ready to roll."
"Oh? Really? Okay! Let's go!"
"Then, I'll stay here for now…"
"Sure, sure. Do that. Once we wrap up, let's talk properly. You saw Hyo-jung earlier, right?"
Lee Taek-kyung silently nodded. Jin waved a hand as if to say do whatever you need, and left.
Now alone, Taek-kyung opened the storyboard again. He'd already gone through it countless times at home, but he started once more from the beginning.
Flip—
Five years away from the field.
This industry changed faster than the seasons — could he still work the way he used to?
He had left for money, and now he was back… because of money again.
"I'll never understand myself."
Out of all the lighting directors in the business, why had Jin chosen him?
There had to be a reason, but Jin had only said, "You just came to mind."
For hours, Taek-kyung sat there burning the storyboard into his brain. Then—
Scene 69…
One scene caught his attention.
The moment where Louis — Jannie's only friend and ally — is beaten to death by Jin's gang.
"Hm."
He didn't know much about the rookie actor playing Louis, but he was curious.
In Jin's notes, the only direction was a fade-out — dimming the scene slowly.
No special lighting instructions.
BANG— CLANG!
"What, doesn't that hurt?"
"Geez, hold still, Uncle!"
A commotion broke out outside. The voices weren't acting — they were real, sharp, unfiltered.
Creak—
Curious, Taek-kyung stepped out of the office. Staff members looked uneasy, while a young girl and a grown man stood on set, both baring their teeth like quarrelsome cats.
"What's going on?"
"Looks like their timing's off."
Oh. So that's Yoo Yuna and Lee Hee-jun. They both looked much better in person.
As he glanced past them, his eyes froze on another man standing nearby.
Thump.
His heart sank.
That face — it was exactly how he'd imagined Louis.
When the man smiled faintly at Hee-jun and Yuna, it was as if the script itself had come to life.
"Director?"
"Hey, what's the name of the actor playing Louis?"
"Mu-young. Ha Moo-young."
This casting is genius.
Where on earth did Jin find him?
Taek-kyung couldn't take his eyes off the man.
Seeing the character he'd only imagined now standing there in flesh and blood — it stirred something deep in him.
"Wait, wait! Stick to the choreography! No more improvising!"
It was as if something long submerged was rising back to the surface — slow, but undeniable.
Taek-kyung began replaying every storyboarded scene in his mind, this time with Moo-young in Louis's place.
"Agh, seriously, what's wrong with those two?"
Jin's exasperated voice echoed.
He finally called for a break and walked toward the office — right where Taek-kyung stood waiting.
"What are you doing here?"
"Director…"
And suddenly, one scene appeared vividly in his mind.
"About Scene 69. I have a suggestion."
"Scene 69? Oh yeah, that's Louis's death, right?"
Jin tilted his head, puzzled by the sudden spark in Taek-kyung's eyes. Just moments ago, the man had looked half-dead.
"Yes. I think we should use an eye light."
"An eye light?"
Moo-young looked up at him.
A small pen-shaped lamp — the eye light literally illuminated the subject's eyes, making them gleam.
"But it's a death scene. There's barely any time to light it."
Moo-young frowned slightly as he checked the script again.
The gang trampled him, the camera capturing his body sprawled on the ground — then the gang walked away, leaving Louis behind.
"We're reversing the angle. Focus on Louis instead."
"Huh? Why?"
Normally, that would be great for the actor, sure — but this wasn't a drama or a variety show.
Every film scene required perfect logic and cohesion. Changing the angle meant there had to be a reason.
"This event changes Jannie completely. Instead of blurring it out, we should emphasize it.
And to capture Louis's sorrow in his final moments, the eyes — his face — should be the focus."
"Ah, I see."
"The detailed storyboard will come from Director Jin later. You just need to focus on acting."
Though his tone was calm, Taek-kyung's excitement was evident.
It was inspiration — pure, creative intuition he hadn't felt in years.
Jin had caught on instantly too.
That's a great idea. I'll talk to the directing team — yeah, that could work really well!
He'd nodded eagerly, approving the change.
The spark felt right. Moo-young jotted down notes with his pen.
"By the way, you can talk comfortably, director."
"…Anyway, I'm counting on you."
"Of course! Me too!"
"Same here—!" Yuna chimed in cheerfully.
After exchanging short greetings, Taek-kyung quietly returned to the office.
He came and went like the wind.
Watching his retreating back, Moo-young chewed on his pen.
Did the director bring him in on purpose?
Thinking about it, everything lined up perfectly.
After the lighting accident, the director had been replaced — and now this new one showed up, his whole presence practically glowing.
It was as if everything was unfolding for that man.
"Oppa, what's wrong?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. I was just thinking about how to handle the changes."
"Alright then, let's get back to it and check everyone's schedules first."
The assistant director clapped her script against her palm to regain everyone's attention. With the factory set finally completed, the real grind was about to begin. For Yuna it would still be manageable, but for the adults — all-night shoots were now the norm.
"Uh, I've got a drama shoot scheduled in two months."
"Your manager said it wasn't confirmed yet, so we kept it on the list."
"If it's uncertain, you should take it off. I can't risk overlap."
"Yuna will have to balance her school attendance once the semester starts, too."
The actors and their managers began juggling schedules. Everyone was so busy that even a finalized plan quickly turned into a noisy argument.
Only Moo-young and Go Kyung-min sat quietly, watching.
"Oppa, you okay? Why are you so quiet?"
"Yeah. They already adjusted mine."
All he'd asked was to exclude his final exam week — nothing major. After that, it would be summer break anyway.
Hyo-jung, however, looked increasingly irritated, scratching at her cheek with her fingertips.
"Ugh. Why is my face so itchy today?"
"Let me see. There's no dust or anything."
Her manager checked but didn't find anything odd. Hyo-jung turned away, waving it off, then looked back at the assistant director.
"Anyway, make sure to remove that week from my schedule. If it overlaps with my location shoot, it'll be a disaster."
"Got it. I'll confirm and send an updated version."
"What about the extra shoot today?"
"Only you, Hyo-jung."
"…Figures. First to arrive, last to leave."
The short meeting ended, and everyone but Hyo-jung began packing up.
Yuna grabbed her mother's hand tightly, then waved to Moo-young.
"Oppa, see you next time!"
"Yeah. Be careful — it's getting hotter these days."
"Uncle Hee-jun, see you tomorrow! Bbyong!"
"...'Bbyong,' my foot."
Lee Hee-jun clicked his tongue in disgust, while Moo-young just smiled and bowed politely.
Hee-jun simply gave a small nod before leaving. Moo-young stretched and yawned contentedly.
"Hyung, should we grab some food?"
"Yeah. Go say your goodbyes first. I'll bring the car around."
"Got it! Thank you! Great work today, everyone!"
The staff waved them off. Hyo-jung sat down on a folding chair, smiling faintly.
But her face was still itchy.
Maybe she'd broken out because she'd gone to bed with her makeup on?
"Oppa! Hand me a mirror, will you?"
While she fussed over her skin, Moo-young made a quick round to say goodbye to the crew — and then clocked out right on time.
By the time Moo-young and his manager arrived at BigWin Entertainment, dusk had already fallen.
After stuffing himself full of pork-bone stew, Moo-young walked into the office looking utterly content.
"I'm back!"
"Oh, Moo-young! Worked hard again today?"
"Of course! Boss, you're still here this late?"
"…Work's been busy. Ahem."
Sure it has, Moo-young thought, glancing around the unusually quiet office with a grin.
"Why aren't you heading back to the dorm?"
"I left my textbook there. My manager's waiting downstairs, so I'll just grab it and go."
"Ah, right. Oh, wait—!"
Na Geum-dong suddenly stopped him, as if remembering something important.
He rummaged through the messy pile of boxes stacked in the corner.
"What is it?"
"A gift came in. Aha — here it is!"
He pulled out a package sent from Dr. Martel. Inside were skin toner, lotion, and their newly launched hand cream — packed neatly and completely filled.
"Oh? This?"
"Yeah. Remember when we replied to their email? They said they're confident in their products and asked for honest feedback — said to post about it if you like it. The pay's a bit low, though."
"Oho! That's awesome."
"You just need to try it out and send feedback to me or Director Go within a month. We'll review it before posting. Sound good?"
His first sponsorship — and free skincare, at that!
Moo-young hugged the box like treasure and nodded eagerly.
"I'm using this tonight!"
"Hey, save me a bit if there's extra. I heard it's all-natural and amazing for your skin."
"Sure thing, boss. Then I'll get going!"
"Alright, good job today!"
Moo-young winked playfully and headed out of the office.
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