Chapter 3: Their First Touch
Hyeon Jun scratched his hair slightly uneasy. He had several reasons why he was worried. He was probably reacting more nervously now than when he appeared in the MMA UFC ring to beat other fighters live around the world. He used to appear on television. He was very famous. But today was different. This was the first time he would be acting. Something he didn't really like.
When he was a teenager he was in an acting club. He performed poorly as Romeo in the school play. Instead of creating a romantic atmosphere— In the important scene when he had to kiss Juliet— he laughed. The show failed and instead became a comedy show. He was worried that he would perform badly. Although he would only be recorded for a maximum of three minutes.
Another reason was, the makeup artist stuffed him with too much information about Song Mi-Rae. It made him subconsciously curious about her. Because her profile was slightly different from most celebrities. She may be introverted. Hyeon Jun could see it because she was now just sitting on the waiting chair while reading the script quietly. She was wearing an oversized bathrobe that made it seem like she was drowning.
She could make small talk and smile but she didn't seem to like talking too long. Only her braid-haired and bespectacled manager sat next to her.
Because he was matched by the make-up artist, Hyeon Jun couldn't help but be a little nervous. Apart from her elegant demeanor. She also had an interesting background. Hyeon Jun should be busy memorizing the script, but instead he used his cell phone to find out about Mi-Rae. She was once married and was now divorced.
Reportedly she was still fighting for custody of her son.
She got married when she was very young so she was still younger than Hyeon Jun now.
"Jun, have you memorized the script?" His manager, who was also a retired MMA athlete, rebuked him. He left Hyeon Jun alone for a few hours because he had to find a hotel room. They were in Seoul. So it was actually not that hard. But Hyeon Jun was a famous athlete now. He was used to luxurious amenities. The manager had to make sure the hotel provided all their requirements before Hyeon Jun checked in or he would be nagging.
"I don't know, they've been discussing the same thing..they encouraged me to say don't worry and so on. But still..what if I perform badly?"
"You're worried about the impossible. This is your first commercial, it's natural to be worried. But you're not a real actor. They'll take care of everything."
"Mr. Lee? Are you ready for practice?" A male staff member in a hat greeted him with a straight face. He had sunken eyes. It seems that the people who work at this television station were sleep deprived.
"Ah yes, fine," Hyeon Jun stood up nervously and walked over to the other staff.
The setting was created in a large studio room. Hyeon Jun once watched a documentary similar to his current situation. Usually in a sitcom series the producer used a green screen. Hyeon Jun was wearing sports clothes. A stump-sleeved shirt that fit slightly to reveal his masculine muscles, and of course sneakers from the company that paid him nearly two million dollars for this three-minute commercial.
Mi-Rae glanced and smiled at him. Hyeon Jun felt guilty because he had been busy finding out about that woman, because of the nonsense the makeup artist said earlier. Hyeon Jun saw the cheerful chubby woman standing not too far from them while giving an encouraging gesture.
Hyeon Jun not sure what she was cheering for? For his success in shooting his first commercial or success for her delusions that Hyeon Jun and Mi-Rae were a perfect match?
Compatible? Hyeon Jun cursed his brain for overreacting to this nonsense. Mi-Rae was an elegant woman. She was far from him who was a little sloppy. How could they be considered compatible?
"Mr. Lee?" Mi-Rae greets him.
Hyeon Jun turned and nodded at her.
"Greetings, I'm Song Mi-Rae. I hope today's shoot is a success," she said in a friendly and professional tone. Hyeon Jun welcomed her handshake. It was soft and made him want to keep touching.
"Mr. Lee? Excuse me?" Mi-Rae rebuked. Hyeon Jun was a little panicked, because he had unknowingly touched her hand for too long.
"Ah sorry, I'm just nervous. I mean, this is my first shoot," Hyeon Jun laughed while scratching his hair.
Mi-Rae responded in a friendly manner, laughing along with him even though she covered her mouth a little.
"You will be fine Mr. Lee, I will help you. I was also more nervous than you when I first acted in front of the camera. I vomited several times and retake several times before getting good results," said Mi-Rae.
Song Mi-Rae didn't mention the events in the dressing room at all. Hyeon Jun thought it might be her way of being professional. It was as if the two of them were greeting each other for the first time. However, somehow Hyeon Jun felt flattered. Now he may have a little secret they share together. The MMA athlete shook his head in annoyance. He was overthinking this. Hyeon Jun decided to conclude that he was just too nervous. But since meeting Mi-Rae he was become more prepared.
However, when the shooting process took place. Hyeon Jun realized that he was not talented at acting. The director who directed it wasn't very helpful. He just wanted to get the best side of Hyeon Jun. Yet his expression was uncomfortable the entire time. He was worried that no one had told him whether he had done the right thing?
"Mr. Lee," Mi-Rae rebuked him. They would retake for the umpteenth time. The script was not complicated. They just asked the two of them to act as cool lovers. Mi-Rae herself wears a black body-fitting tracksuit with a pink T-shirt inside. She looks athletic and cute at the same time. They didn't need to read the dialogue. Because later there would be a narrator who voices in the ad.
Hyeon Jun was a little unfocused when Mi-Rae ran her soft hand through his hair as if she wanted to tidy it up.
"Hey!" Hyeon Jun said with a slight blush.
"They said there is no chemistry between the two of us yet. So, I will help you Mr. Lee," said Mi-Rae while bringing her face closer.
Hyeon Jun immediately could smell her perfume which was once again different from other girls. She was wearing a floral fragrance. Maybe musk mixed with Jasmine and sakura. Mi-Rae clasped his hands and looked the athlete in the eye.
"Mr Lee, do you have someone you love? What do you usually do with her to feel close? How do you look at her? Do that to me, Mr. Lee," Mi-Rae said with a charming smile. For a moment, Hyeon Jun felt time stop before reality finally greeted him.
"It's just an act, Jun! You have no reason to blush! Are you a teenager?" Hyeon Jun thought awkwardly while obediently placing his hand on Mi-Rae's slender waist.
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