<Episode 60>
The day of Spade Joker’s music video shoot had arrived.
I usually didn’t go to music video filming sites, but this time I came in person because I was worried.
‘They’ve never acted before… will they really be okay?’
Kang Woojin had confidently insisted that the members were doing well in class, even thumping his chest and saying, “Do you know who their acting teacher is?”
But I just couldn’t fully trust that.
Teaching and doing are completely different things.
“Ah? CEO, you came?”
Kang Woojin, dressed in a black suit with his hair and makeup done, spotted me while talking to the director and gave a polished, public-facing smile.
‘Is that because people are watching? Feels a bit awkward.’
Once word spread in the industry, posts would go up on SNS in no time.
Because of that, it seemed he was thoroughly hiding his real personality.
‘A real actor, indeed.’
Seeing him with such a serious face after being used to his more childlike demeanor felt strange.
“I was worried since this is their first time acting. Ah, sorry for the late introduction. Nice to meet you. I’m John Raid Lombardi.”
Since Han Suseok had handled the meeting with the director, this was my first time meeting him directly.
“Hello. I’m Ji Youngchan, a short film director. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”
We exchanged a light handshake.
“I look forward to working with you today.”
“Yes, same here.”
“Director! Is this okay?”
A staff member approached and showed him something.
“What about the others?”
“They’re over there.”
“I think I need to go check…”
The director glanced at me.
“Of course, you should go. Don’t worry about me. What matters is that the work turns out well.”
“Then I’ll be back.”
Usually, directors didn’t personally check everything like that.
‘Seems like someone with a lot of passion for their work.’
“That director, you know… he only feels at ease if he checks everything with his own eyes and hands.”
“Good thing we trusted your recommendation.”
“I did well recommending him, right?”
“Yes, thank you.”
While talking with Kang Woojin, the Spade Joker members came out.
“Oh? CEO.”
Seeing them fully styled for the music video made me nod in satisfaction.
It matched exactly what had been planned.
“What brings you here?”
“It’s your first time acting, so I came just in case. I didn’t come empty-handed, though… see that over there?”
I had brought snacks for the shoot.
Of course, since I also bought for the staff, it wasn’t a small amount.
“Wow, what’s all that?”
“Spam musubi, Americano, and mini donuts in case anyone wants something sweet.”
“Wow, can we eat too?”
“Of course. Just be careful not to ruin your makeup.”
“Yes!”
The members bowed lightly to me and ran off to eat.
“You’re a good CEO. Even buying snacks yourself.”
“It’s nothing.”
“I wish I had a CEO like you.”
Kang Woojin pretended to poke my side but didn’t actually touch me.
“You’re not really one to say that.”
Since he technically ran a one-man agency himself, I said that.
“I keep telling you… I don’t want to be a CEO.”
“Then why not make your manager the CEO?”
“That won’t work. My manager hates being in charge or above others. So handing over the position is out of the question.”
“Then you have no choice.”
“Exactly.”
He sighed and shook his head.
“Are you going to stay for the whole shoot?”
“No.”
I answered firmly.
“Why not?”
“If the CEO is here, it’ll make people uncomfortable.”
I came because I was worried, but I never planned to stay long.
There was work piling up, and the staff and members might feel uncomfortable.
‘Well… Kang Woojin definitely won’t.’
“CEO.”
“Yes?”
“I’m not uncomfortable at all. I actually like it.”
“I figured.”
At my honest reply, his brow twitched.
“You’re harsh.”
“What did I do?”
Even while grumbling, he maintained perfect control over his expression.
That’s what made him an actor.
“Still, I’m grateful for your help, so instead of joining your company, I’ll grant you a wish.”
“Wow, you’re thorough.”
“I run a business. This much is necessary.”
“Fine. Anyway, you promised.”
“Yes.”
He kept asking until he got a definite answer, then finally looked satisfied.
“We’re starting the first scene!”
“Yes.”
I felt strangely tense.
‘They need to do well.’
It seemed the members were filming first, as they stood in front of the set.
“We’ll add a city background behind you. Just walk forward slowly with a serious expression. Match your pace with each other, okay?”
“Yes.”
“Ready, action!”
Contrary to my expectations of awkwardness, they immersed themselves quite well.
Especially Juseok, his sharp features stood out perfectly.
“Cut. Okay, good. This time, the camera will move from right to left. Walk in place, and when the camera comes in front, turn your head sharply. Ready, action!”
The shoot progressed smoothly.
The members followed the director’s instructions well.
“I told you, they’re good.”
Kang Woojin said proudly, shrugging.
“We’ll change the setup, so please take a break.”
“Yes.”
“When is your shoot, Kang Woojin?”
“Me? Probably next.”
“But you already came and prepared?”
“Of course. I need to check things. In a way, they’re my first students.”
There was a strange expression on his face as he looked at them.
“What is it?”
“Hm?”
“You look troubled.”
“Was it that obvious? Wow, I’ve been acting for years… I’m supposed to be great at hiding expressions.”
He joked, tapping his face.
“It just shows.”
“You’re impressive too. I’ve just… been thinking a lot lately. Watching them makes me a bit envious.”
“Envious? Of what? They’ve suffered plenty at a young age.”
“I’m still envious. They’re really close, aren’t they? That kind of bond lasts a lifetime. They struggled together.”
“That’s true.”
In all my time as Ramos Entertainment’s CEO, I had never seen them seriously fall out.
They might have small arguments, but never anything that led to cutting ties.
That’s how strong their bond was.
“And… I also wish I could receive an apology from my former agency CEO like that. I know it’s impossible, though.”
Kang Woojin smiled bitterly.
“Maybe he did it to make me successful… but he made me hide who I really am. That part makes me sad. It feels like everyone loves a version of me that was created. And I’m afraid that if I show my real self, they’ll leave.”
At that moment, a forgotten memory surfaced.
[Actor Kang Woojin halts activities due to panic disorder and depression.]
Was it the second regression? Early on, anyway.
Back then, I was too busy dealing with my own life to care.
‘Why did I forget that?’
In other timelines, he hadn’t officially halted activities, but that didn’t mean nothing similar happened.
Maybe he disappeared under the excuse of “taking a break.”
‘If it were a stranger, fine… but someone I know, someone who helped me, I don’t want to see that kind of ending.’
I glanced at him.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s nothing.”
My head started to ache.
‘…Is it because of what he just said? That people only love the version of him that was created?’
“Next shoot! Kang Woojin, please come here!”
“Yes. Watch how cool I am. You might change your mind after seeing me act.”
He joked as he walked toward the set.
The director explained the scene.
“Ready, action!”
It was hard to believe that the man who had just been joking beside me was the same person.
Kang Woojin was completely immersed in his role.
“Hah. He ran away like that? Impressive. It’s not easy to escape this place.”
Watching him, I felt strangely uneasy.
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