Chapter 58
There are no unimportant scenes in the filming of “[The Moonlight Parted by Clouds]” which consists of a total of 16 episodes.
However, the filming of episode 1 is particularly critical.
“First Impression.”
This is the moment when the two main characters, Crown Prince Lee Hyun and Yeongwol, are first introduced.
At the same time, it’s when the first impression of the drama is decided.
Not just episode 1, but episode 2, episode 3, and so on—it’s essential for the drama to keep viewers glued to their TV screens.
– Scrape –!
“H-Hik!”
From the start of episode 1, it was of utmost importance to evoke curiosity and interest.
The scenes that break people’s “preconceptions” are also part of the first episode of “[The Moonlight Parted by Clouds]“.
“Y-You! Who do you dare to attack?”
“I have no intention of attacking you. You tripped while running towards my sword.”
“W-What?!”
Can you believe that a Crown Prince would trip over while being chased by a wild boar?
Because of that, he almost got sliced by Yeongwol’s deadly sword.
Even though he clearly looks like a person of high status, Yeongwol doesn’t recognize him at all and is just dishing out insults.
Nothing was clichéd or obvious.
The contrast between the blushing Yoo Seong-jae and the almost expressionless, calm face of Ha-eun was just a bonus.
Thus, the first meeting between the two main characters of “[The Moonlight Parted by Clouds]“, Crown Prince Lee Hyun and Yeongwol, was far from romantic.
In a sense, it could be considered the worst first meeting possible.
However, this was precisely the element that made viewers curious about what would happen next.
While it was easy to predict that the two main characters would eventually get together, the “process” of how Lee Hyun and Yeongwol come together was completely unpredictable at this point.
‘Well, Seong-jae is one thing. But Ha-eun’s expression management is unbelievable.’
‘You can’t even tell she’s holding back laughter.’
The atmosphere was absurdly light-hearted.
And it was almost impossible to find the usual heaviness and seriousness that historical dramas typically have.
This made viewers feel that while it was familiar, something was definitely different.
“Anyway, let’s each go our own way. I’ll consider my debt for saving your life as paid.”
“W-Wait a minute!”
Lastly, even the developments after their first meeting didn’t go as the viewers expected.
“I-I’m lost. Please help me.”
The Crown Prince, who had just scolded someone for their rudeness, was now asking for help.
Such a sight would have been unheard of!
Still, it wasn’t completely irrational.
No matter how high his status was as a crown prince, he’s still human.
After running wildly, he had no idea where he was.
In other words, the chances of Crown Prince Lee Hyun finding his way out of the forest by himself were extremely low.
– Grab!
“If you save me, you must take full responsibility!!”
In any case, he had to survive.
Thus, he had no choice but to grab onto Yeongwol’s pant legs and plead pitifully.
What he faced was Yeongwol’s cold, indifferent gaze.
That look, laced with a hint of contempt, contrasted sharply with Lee Hyun’s desperate gaze, making Lee Hyun, of higher status, seem like the underdog compared to Yeongwol, of lower status.
And then it was a cut.
“Wow, your chemistry is just perfect!”
“You both handled your eye contact extremely well! Now, let’s take a short break and get ready for S#2 filming!”
Maybe it was because the first shot went smoothly in one take, but the staff’s faces were bright.
It was quite a relief.
If there had been countless NGs from the very first filming, the atmosphere on set would have plummeted.
Given that the KBC drama department had been experiencing a slump for three years straight, finishing the first shoot in one take was the best motivation.
This time would be different.
It was a cliché often shouted whenever a new drama aired, but this time, it really had to be different.
Therefore,
‘We really nailed the casting for the actors.’
‘Please, just let it be like this…!’
They prayed to every kind of deity, even those they only knew by name, for the success of the drama.
The only one who was expressing a different kind of emotion on set, filled only with desperation, was Yoo Seong-jae.
“Um, Ha-eun? Did I do something wrong…?”
Could it be because he couldn’t shake off the memory of Ha-eun’s sword almost grazing him earlier?
He found himself wondering if he might have done something to offend her.
Yet, Ha-eun, still maintaining her indifferent expression, responded,
“No.”
It was an unambiguously clear denial.
Yoo Seong-jae could also sense Ha-eun’s support—her way of saying he was doing well.
Of course, the person receiving that unexpected support felt nothing but confusion.
That was understandable since the deathly atmosphere Yoo Seong-jae felt earlier was “real.”
Somehow, thanks to that deadly atmosphere, he could portray Lee Hyun’s fear of Yeongwol even more vividly.
The fear that arose from deep within Yoo Seong-jae’s heart was not something he could fake.
But to Ha-eun, it was just another day of acting.
Up until now, Yoo Seong-jae hadn’t done anything to warrant her dislike.
‘…he’s a good person.’
In the chaotic world of entertainment, Yoo Seong-jae was one of the few who had no rumors attached to him.
This was the same in Ha-eun’s memories of the entertainment industry.
She had never felt any distance from Yoo Seong-jae, which made it easier for them to get close to one another.
Thanks to that, she could act without reservation while looking down on Crown Prince Lee Hyun.
No matter how much acting and reality are separate, it naturally affects your performance if you find the other actor intimidating.
“Alright, if everyone’s ready, let’s start. 3, 2, 1… Action!”
Thus, the filming of S#2, where Lee Hyun is taken to Yeongwol’s residence, began.
Time passed, and even after they finished filming S#6, where the daytime Yeongwol roasts the wild boar she caught…
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Oh, yes… You too, Ha-eun.”
He was only focused on matching his cues with Yoo Seong-jae.
In reality, Yoo Seong-jae felt a bit pressured by Ha-eun’s unreserved acting.
In any case, the first day of filming soon came to an end.
Having temporarily forgotten about the “[Fantasy Land PV]” while focusing on the filming of “[The Moonlight Parted by Clouds]“, he quickly made his way to the costume room to watch it.
It was about 15 minutes after he had grabbed the phone that had been in Ha-eun’s school uniform pocket.
However, he wasn’t able to watch the “[Fantasy Land PV]” right away because of the ongoing live stream for the debut of one of the two members who debuted today.
No matter how important the “[Fantasy Land PV]” was, watching a fellow “[Fantasy Land]” member’s debut broadcast was even more important.
Therefore,
– Isn’t JPOP basically about Yoyasobi?
– What’s with someone who debuted less than ten years ago acting all important;
– If we’re talking about importance, let’s bring in Kenshi Yonezu.
– Ah, it smells like old man.
– Amazarashi is beneath me ㅡㅡ
Now logged into the member’s account ‘Mile’ who was currently live streaming for “[JPOP Ideal World Cup]“, he started typing his signature chat style, just like he did when watching Ha-eun’s stream in the past.
[Diya: starting the stream~.]
He continued watching Mile’s stream until he got on Jo Jeong-yun’s van heading home.
The issue, however, was that the current logged-in ID was not Darangji’s broadcast manager [D.A] but rather the “[Fantasy Land]” Diya.
But the bigger problem was,
“Ah, it’s the maknae!”
“…!!”
What’s shocking is that Mile, who had been diligently hosting the broadcast, mentioned Ha-eun’s nickname.
And barely a few seconds passed afterward.
“Ehm, it’s about time we wrap up. Let’s watch a short PV for our maknae’s debut before we end~.”
The biggest problem was that a short PV for Diya’s upcoming debut broadcast scheduled for Tuesday started playing.
With the speed of light, Ha-eun’s phone volume was turned down.
However, after arriving home, he finally watched the “[Fantasy Land PV]” he had been longing to see from start to finish.
Eventually, time passed once again as he fell asleep.
Before long, the moment came where “Diya’s” debut broadcast was entering its final countdown.
“Phew…”
Seeing the broadcast’s waiting number surpass three digits and heading toward four made him exhale deeply without realizing it.
After slightly adjusting the microphone,
He spread out the worn notebooks he’d been using since childhood on the desk, taking in all the contents written within.
In any case, he needed to ensure he left no regrets or lingering feelings.
As always, he had to give his all in acting without fail.
– Click.
Finally, after bringing up the “[Diya]” PV video on the broadcast screen, he took another deep breath.
From then on…
– Is something big coming? Is something big coming? Is something big coming?
– Whether it’s Cream or Mile, they all say the maknae is the best.
– Definitely, the avatar is the prettiest! ㅇㅇ
Alternating his gaze between the numerous viewers waiting for Diya’s debut and the tales being played on the broadcast screen, he finally spoke.
[ …The spirit has finally achieved what it has longed for. All that remains is to simply enjoy the “fantasy.” ]
Only after the last line of the PV was recited.
He opened his mouth, which had been shut for a long time.