Director Jam went back to his seat, his heart beating fast in his chest. He still didn't know who owned the bag that was the exact same as his, but he was sure that the person who owned it was the one who portrayed his favorite character—the bandit. He had been looking for him everywhere! He just couldn't get the look of resentment from his eyes. It wasn't pure resentment but held a hint of pity, which made you want to root for him. The scene ended, yet Director Jam still didn't shout 'cut.' His assistant went by his side and tapped his shoulder. "Director," she said. "The scene is finished." Director Jam snapped out of his thoughts and turned his attention to the scene, where the actors were already looking at him with expectant eyes.
Director Jam cleared his throat.
"Cut," he said in a weaker voice compared to his usual one.
"Let's take five," he quickly said, confusing the actors since they were just getting started.
His assistant was also confused but followed his instructions nonetheless.
His assistant was even more confused when Director Jam didn't leave his seat despite calling for a break.
"Do you want me to get you a slice of cake?" she asked.
"Yeah, yeah, sure," Director Jam said, waving her off so he could be left all alone.
As his assistant left, Director Jam focused his gaze on the Channel bag that was identical to his.
"I need gum," June muttered as he went to his bag, frowning in confusion when he saw a similar one next to it.
He quickly opened his bag, retrieved the pack of gum that he had never removed from it, and popped one into his mouth.
At that moment, a loud gasp was heard on the set, causing the actors and crew to turn to their precious director.
He seemed to be in a state of shock, looking at June with wide eyes and a pale face.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})June frowned in confusion as he stared back into his eyes.
His assistant came back and ran to where he was, wondering if he had choked on something.
However, before she could even ask if he was all right, Director Jam stood and went inside his personal room, slamming the door close and leaning against the wall.
His mouth became dry with the thought of finally meeting the bandit that he had been looking for.
He opened his phone and stared at his lock screen—which was a screen capture of the bandit from his latest drama.
Attached to the corner of the phone was also a bandit keychain.
No matter how hard he tried to deny it, Director Jam was a fool for the bandit!
Director Jam opened his door for a moment and peeked through the small hole.
He instantly felt invigorated the moment he saw June. He had always found the idol attractive, but now, he has become ten times more handsome in his eyes!
How come he never connected the dots the moment he looked into his eyes?
Then, he gasped loudly once again, remembering how he dismissed Risa's suggestion of adding more scenes for June.
He couldn't believe he did that!
Acting quicker than a madman, he dialed Risa's number on the phone.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"Director Jam?" Risa asked, confused. "Why are you calling? I'm just here outside."
"Risa," Director Jam said, a bit breathless. "June's scenes," he vaguely added.
Risa sighed in disappointment.
"I understand, Director. I didn't add any more scenes for June."
"No, no," Director Jam said. "I need you to add more scenes for him."
"What?" Risa asked, confused. "What changed?"
'Everything,' Director Jam said. 'I just met my favorite actor!'
"Just add more scenes for him," Director Jam insisted.
"And if I may, please allow me to suggest some scenes for you."
***
Lin Zhi had some time off after they filmed his backstory. The filming would now focus on the main character's story, so Laohu fetched him from the filming site.
While on a red light, he saw a large billboard on the screen, displaying an idol group's performance.
Lin Zhi's eyebrows furrowed when he saw eight familiar faces on the large screen.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Then, on the bottom of the screen, the words 'from Astras' in shining yellow font was shown.
EVE's latest performance of Luster was currently being displayed on the big screen, and people stopped to watch the video.
Little kids pointed excitedly as June appeared, and even older adults clapped to the beat of the song.
Without a doubt, EVE was the hottest K-pop group of the generation...and Lin Zhi resented that he got to witness it with his own two eyes.
He resented it even more because he could have been a part of it.
His fists clenched in envy as the billboard continued to be shown, showing that EVE's fans were willing to pay a couple thousand dollars just for their favorite idols.
The red light turned green, yet Lin Zhi's heart and face still burned red.
It made his heart burn with more determination, wanting to bring June down while he was at his peak.
Meanwhile, on the streets of Seoul, where people were busily busking, making dance covers, and filming harmless prank videos, a pretty lady with a black mask and cap walked around with a large smile.
"I'm so glad to be here," she muttered in crooked Korean.
She stopped for a moment when she saw a group of girls dancing to a newly released single, and she moved her arms since she also knew of the choreography. Some people turned to her way, but she didn't pay them any attention and purely enjoyed the moment.
Then, she continued walking until she arrived at an area where people were dancing, singing, and jiving to a hit song. She glanced up to the billboard and pursed her lips when she saw the idols on screen.
"They're overrated," she muttered.
Fortunately, the billboard changed after a couple of seconds, which made the smile return to her face.
Then, her smile widened even more when a familiar logo—one that she had seen over and over again and the reason why she came to Seoul in the first place.
"Look at that! It's Rising Stars!"
