"Hana Lim? I believe they're filming in Dae Jang Geum Park. It's where most historical dramas are found," Minjun said.
And that's how June found himself standing before the historical filming site.
He wore his signature clothes—a black sweater, mask, and now, a beanie to hide his pink hair. There were plenty of fans outside, holding colorful banners and gifts while screaming their favorite artist's name.
June tapped a girl's shoulder to ask if he was in the right place.
"What?" the young girl snapped. "Get away from me, weirdo."
June looked at her in disbelief. How could she have such a foul mouth? However, June ignored her rude behavior and asked a question anyway.
"Is this where Hana Lim is filming?"
The young girl suspiciously looked at him. "Why? Are you one of those creeps that would beg for a piece of her hair or something?"
June clicked his tongue. "Just answer the question."
She rolled her eyes. "It is. How could you call yourself a fan if you don't even know the filming site of your favorite celebrity?"
"Thanks," June quickly said, leaving the bitter lady alone. At least, he had now established that this was, indeed, where Hana Lim was.
The problem now was how to get in.
There were a total of four guards at the entrance. They weren't too big-built, so June could have definitely taken them in a fight if he had his old body.
However, that wasn't the case. He also couldn't afford to get arrested.
"Would walking in work?" he muttered under his breath.
"It won't," a voice said from behind him.
June frowned and glanced behind him, only to see a familiar face. June had seen her plenty of times before, but he couldn't pinpoint where.
"June, huh?" Ann asked.
June raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You recognize me?"
"I've been so used to seeing you with a mask that I have now recognized your body. Pathetic, aren't I?" she chuckled.
"Uh—," June didn't know what to say.
"It's me," Ann said. "The intern."
Realization hit June. "Ah! Intern, you're here? It feels like it's been a while since I've seen you."
"Well, I had some trouble in the middle of the show, so I decided to leave. I wouldn't have left if I knew that Chris guy went to jail after pulling that stunt with Alex and Hyunwoo, but I'm still interning in a TV station, so it's all good."
"You work here?" he asked.
"Yeah," Ann nonchalantly said.
"Great," June said, a small smile appearing on his face. "I need you to get me inside."
"What?" Ann asked in disbelief. "Get you in? For what?"
June shrugged. "I'm just…curious. Besides, I have someone to talk with inside."
"Who might you know inside?" she asked.
"Hana Lim," June decided to be honest. "I need something from her."
Ann's eyes gradually widened. "Oh…oh? So, you're actually dating a famous actress?" she gasped.
June clicked his tongue. "It isn't anything like that."
Ann sighed, feeling a sense of relief. "That's great."
"What?" June asked.
"Huh? Nothing! That's great, yeah…you're single, I guess?" she chuckled nervously.
"I don't have time for a relationship," June bluntly said. He already had a lot on his plate.
Ann, trying to hide her joy, pursed her lips. "It'll be quite difficult for me to get you inside, though. As an intern, I don't have much authority," she explained.
"But you still have a pass to get inside, right? I just need something from her, literally. So, can you please take me inside?" he asked, pulling down his mask a bit to look at Ann with wide, pleading eyes.
Ann bit her lip, trying to keep her heart calm.
Damn, he looked really cute.
June's puppy eyes were something she definitely couldn't resist.
***
Cherry blossoms danced gently in the breeze, and the air was filled with a symphony of chirping birds and rustling leaves. It was a picture-perfect day for filming, and the crew of "Love in the Time of Royalty" was determined to capture the perfect scene.
Seobin Park and Hana Lim, the two lead actors, stood facing each other on the ornate bridge that spanned a tranquil pond. Their eyes locked in a moment of undeniable chemistry, and as they leaned closer, the world seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of their impending kiss.
However, just as their lips were about to meet, a sudden commotion erupted from the nearby bushes. A lean figure emerged, clad in black clothes and a bandit mask. With a dramatic movement, he whisked Hana into his arms, interrupting the romantic scene.
"Cut!" Director Jam's voice boomed across the set, and the ambiance shattered like glass. The director marched toward the 'bandit' with an exasperated expression, his brows furrowed and a megaphone clenched in his hand.
"I told you to get me good extras!" he shouted, looking at everyone.
They were in the last course of their filming, so Director Jam, an award-winning director for historical dramas both in Korea and China, was more frustrated than usual. He had a total of three outbursts that day, and his hypertension medication hadn't been working well.
"What in the name of all that's holy was that?" Director Jam scolded the extra, who played the role of the bandit. The lanky young man removed his mask; and with a trembling lower lip, he tried to speak but only stammered incoherently.
Director Jam continued his rant, his voice rising in frustration. "You're supposed to be a menacing bandit, not a bumbling fool! Look at yourself! You look like a wimp who wandered onto the set by accident."
The extra's shoulders slumped, and he mumbled an apology, barely audible over the director's voice.
"Get me another one!" Jam screamed at his assistant.
"B—but sir," his poor assistant explained. "We don't have any more extras for the bandit role. You got rid of them all."
Director Jam massaged the bridge of his nose. "Take fifteen, everyone!" Director Jam shouted, throwing his hands up in anger.
The crew members scattered, and the actors stepped away from each other, trying to suppress their laughter.
Hana chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I guess we'll have to wait for our kiss."
"Yeah," Seobin said. "See you in fifteen."
Hana nodded and started walking back to her personal tent.
"Get me some coconut water, Vince," she said to her assistant. The cold beverage was placed in front of her, but she paused when she didn't recognize the hand holding it.
Vince had stubby hands.
Hana looked up to look at the intruder, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw a handsome face.
"June?"
