Director Jam prepared himself to shout "cut" as soon as the newcomer leaped over the wall.
However, he was stunned when he saw the bandit's figure land gracefully on the ground. June's feet barely made a sound as he swiftly ran to where Hana was.
June skillfully wrapped his arm around Hana, encasing her neck between his bicep and a fake knife. For a brief moment, Hana was taken aback by June's serious acting and the sweet yet manly scent that seemed to emanate from him.
'Why the hell does he smell so good?' she thought.
However, Hana quickly snapped back to her acting, her eyes reflecting fear as she tried to escape his hold.
Seobin and June gazed at each other with matching intensities. The newcomer's eyes, which weren't seen during his introduction, were now put on full display. Jam let out a small gasp as he watched the scene unfold before him.
'His eyes. They're perfect!'
Then, something unexpected happened. As June continued to lock gazes with Seobin, an icy chill ran down the male lead's spine. There was an underlying evilness in June's gaze—an authenticity that he couldn't explain. It was as if the bandit had tapped into a darker, more sinister side of the character, one that shouldn't be expected from a mere extra.
The three actors continued to hold their positions, the intensity of their performance sending waves of excitement through the cast and crew.
"I knew who sent you," Seobin said, his voice resonating with anger. "Reveal where Prince Yeon-woo is, and maybe I'll spare your life."
A deep, ominous chuckle rumbled from June's throat, sending a shiver down Hana's spine.
She didn't expect June to take this acting gig so seriously!
With the intensity of the moment reaching its peak, Seobin couldn't hold back any longer. He wielded his baston and leaped forward, engaging June in a battle. He hit the knife in June's hand, causing it to fly to the bushes.
'Shit, I don't have a weapon,' June thought. Their bias toward the main character was painfully obvious. How could a bandit lose his weapon at the very beginning of a fight?
June momentarily let go of Hana and skillfully evaded Seobin's attacks. Seobin's fighting skills were definitely amateurish. June could see every movement, so he was able to deflect them with ease. However, since he was instructed to let the main actor win at all costs, he decided to get hit a couple of times.
"Did they practice this scene beforehand?" an assistant asked.
Ann, who had been observing since the very beginning, shook her head. It seemed like the trainee was more talented than she expected. "No, June is—I mean, the bandit is just amazing."
The two men fought with an uncanny synchrony. It felt like they were engaged in a real fight, and every move seemed planned. Seobin couldn't help but be amazed by the newcomer's skill.
Whoever this bandit was, there was one thing certain—he was very talented.
It seemed as if he was leading Seobin in the fight scene, making it easy for the main lead to engross himself in the character. As the battle reached its climax, June executed a calculated move, acting as if Seobin had landed a powerful hit on his shoulder. He winced in pain, clutching his wounded limb.
June glared at Seobin, and with the most pained voice he could muster, he whispered, "This isn't over yet."
Then, with a sudden burst of agility, he disengaged from the fight and swiftly retreated, disappearing into the shadows of the set.
The camera continued to roll for a few moments, the onlookers still stunned by the newcomer's performance.
"It's over, director," the assistant whispered, causing Jam to snap out of his trance.
He finally shouted, "Cut!" bringing the scene to a close.
The actors and crew members paused, still caught in the aftermath of the intense moment they had just portrayed.
"How was that, director?" Hana asked. Honestly, she was so engrossed in her role that she even forgot they were acting. The fact that June was immersed in his role impressed her to the core.
After a moment of silence, Jam finally spoke.
"It was…perfect!" the director exclaimed, standing from his seat. "That's what I have been looking for since earlier. The bandit…what is his name?" he asked.
Hana looked around for June, hoping to catch a glimpse of the handsome trainee. However, he left without a trace, causing Hana to shake her head in amusement.
June kept his word and really left after the scene.
"Umm, I don't know him, Director," Hana lied, knowing June wouldn't like it if his identity was exposed. "He was a mere stranger recruited by my assistant."
"WHAT?" Director Jam exclaimed. "He hasn't even been paid!"
However, his pay was the least of Director Jam's concerns. In the end, he wanted to know the actor's name. The nameless newcomer's acting—it was one of the best acting he had seen in his career! He seemed like a true bandit!
"I'm sorry, director," Hana said. "But, at least we've already captured the scene, right?"
"We did," he said, disappointment evident in his voice.
Director Jam heaved a sigh before heavily sitting back on his chair.
"I can't believe I let such talent go."
***
Meanwhile, June caught his breath after he sneaked out of the set. Hana's assistant was in the tent when he tried to change back into his clothes; so June barely escaped without being caught by anyone else. He tried to make his way outside but saw many fans occluding the entrance.
Therefore, he climbed up a random house and jumped down the wall, finally leaving the chaotic TV set.
In his hurry, he didn't even get to change into his old clothes. June really didn't want to re-film the scene. Although it didn't feel like he was acting (since fighting was normal for him), getting hit with a baston numerous times was still painful.
That bastard main actor was definitely serious in the end!
June shook his head and got changed in a nearby bathroom, placing the all-black attire in his bag. Just then, his phone vibrated, so he quickly opened it.
June smirked when he saw numerous childhood/teenage photos sent by Hana.
[Congratulations, host! You have completed the special mission: Baby Mugshot. A new skill has been added to your status window. Here are your current stats:]
- Vocals: A
- Dance: A-
- Visual: A-
- Rap: B-
- Leadership: C+
- Music Production: B+
