The shooting time was almost close for everyone. With it, Director Hwang called everyone into position, even Minjae who was reviewing his script back at the dressing room.
Minjae stood in front of the full-length mirror in his dressing room, staring at his reflection.
He was dressed in a black sequined jacket, the shimmering material of it was shining under the light around with every movement.
Underneath, he wore a silk button-up shirt. It was slightly unbuttoned at the top to give off a charismatic look. His slim-fit trousers emphasized his tall frame, and a pair of polished leather boots completed his overall look.
Minjae’s hair was styled flawlessly. It was slightly disheveled, yet still refined, giving him a natural but effortlessly cool look. His makeup was subtle but sharp, highlighting his features under the intense stage lighting.
’I really looked like an idol now…’ Minjae thought as he continued to stare at his reflection. He was admiring his face.
*Knock *Knock
However, a sudden knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Minjae-ssi, it’s time." Donghyun loudly called out from the outside. "The Director is already calling for you.
"Yes, Hyung!" Minjae answered before taking a deep breath.
Finally, it’s time for the shoot.
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As Minjae stepped onto the stage, the bright LED panels behind him lit up, flashing a montage of his character’s past performances throughout the fictional world tour that they made.
Redmoon studio coordinated with different agencies for concert clips that haven’t been released to the public. That way, the emotions and the way the people react would be legitimate.
This was practically more cost-efficient, than doing it in reality, since it would require them to find thousands of different foreign people just like what they did for today.
The arena was filled with extras, standing in designated spots, waving light sticks, and chanting his character’s name as if they were real fans.
The extras were so good at their job that it felt authentic.
Minjae had performed in front of thousands before, but this time, he wouldn’t be himself. He would be a character. It was an entirely different challenge since he hadn’t done this role before.
Across the stage, Director Hwang was sitting on his chair, his eyes focused on the monitor where he could see the different point of views of the cameras stationed across the whole venue.
He was keeping an eye on it closely, making sure that everything was set in its right place.
"Alright, everyone, listen up! This is the opening shot of our drama’s concert scene. Minjae will step onto the stage, take in the crowd, and then start singing. The camera will follow from his perspective. After the first verse, we’ll do a close-up of his emotions, got it?"
The staff responded with a firm, "Yes, Director!"
Director Hwang turned to Minjae.
"This is the last concert of your character’s world tour. You’re exhausted, but you’re giving your final performance to the people who love you. I want to see that emotion in your eyes. You need to make the audience feel it. I want you to do that."
Minjae exhaled, rolling his shoulders at ease.
"Yes, Director."
Director Hwang nodded in approval.
"Alright then. Let’s get to this scene."
"3… 2… 1…"
"Scene 1. Take 1— Action!"
The stage lights dimmed as the sound of slate board echoed. The murmurs of the crowd softened, creating a brief moment of silence before the spotlight fell on Minjae.
The opening chords of the song played, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
Minjae was no singer. Aside from he hadn’t tried it, he thought that he had no talent for it — well, that was for his original self and not Minjae’s body.
Though when he looked back on Minjae’s memory, he hadn’t seen any instances where the man sang, not even in his shower.
"Woahhh!"
"Lee Taeyung! Lee Taeyung! Lee Taeyung!"
"AHHHH! I LOVE YOU!"
"Lee Taeyung!"
The people were hyperventilating as they screamed out loud the name of Minjae’s character.
Minjae closed his eyes for a second, then stepped forward. He held the microphone tightly in his hand. The moment the background song played, he opened his eyes, the look on it changing.
Just like that, he was no longer Minjae,
He is Lee Taeyung, a popular solo artist.
[Song: Fading Light.]
~🎶~
Don’t tell me that you’re sorry now
It only makes it harder somehow
With your lips so soft, so red
Just say goodbye and leave instead
~🎶~
Minjae lip synced the first few lines, his mouth, perfectly synchronizing with the pre-recorded vocals in the background.
The voice that was singing was deep and full of emotion, so he had to be extra mindful of his facial expression to match it.
~🎶~
I’ll be fine, don’t turn around
Just let me go without a sound
Give me one last smile tonight
So I can keep you in my mind
~🎶~
Even though he wasn’t really singing live, Minjae had the perfect act to express that he was. It was a challenge he hadn’t expected to be this difficult since he wasn’t muttering any words.
He could only depend on his facial expression.
Unlike any opening of a concert, this one was more solemn and heartfelt, as if Minjae was speaking to his fans.
Still, the fans were more energetic than ever that even with a calm and melodious song, they were jumping high and singing out loud.
Minjae looked at the people before him, a small smile showing onto his lips.
~🎶~
I held on tight, refused to see
My selfish love imprisoned me
Did I make it hard for you to breathe?
You stay silent, nothing said
~🎶~
As the chorus neared, the beat of drums and the guitar playing in the background became more lively. Minjae’s smile also widened as more shouts filled his ears.
"Lee Taeyung!"
"Lee Taeyung!"
"Lee Taeyung!"
~🎶~
Your touch, your warmth, your gentle hands
The way we danced, our lost romance
Still lingers deep within my skin
But like a flame that’s lost its light
Our love has burned into the night
It hurts to say, but in the end
I’ll call you just a memory
~🎶~
The cameras zoomed in on Minjae, capturing the way his eyes glazed over with emotions, how his lips curled slightly with longing, and how his body language conveyed the bittersweet meaning of the song.
The crowd of extras played their part flawlessly, their light sticks waving in perfect sync with the song’s rhythm.
Some of them looked visibly emotional, as if they were actually fans watching their favorite artist perform for the last time.
Minjae took slow, deliberate steps forward, letting the weight of the song settle over him.
~🎶~
I loved you once, I loved you twice
But love like ours was never right
So take your dreams, go chase the sky
Forget the past, don’t say goodbye
~🎶~
Director Hwang leaned forward in his seat, his eyes locked onto the monitor. Minjae’s expressions were spot on. It was subtle yet powerful, the kind that could pull audiences in and make them feel something.
He couldn’t deny it, but the acting was good.
The camera angle shifted, zooming in on Minjae’s facial expression as the song continued.
~🎶~
Did I make it hard for you to breathe?
You stay silent, nothing said
Still, I can’t erase you yet
Though you’re long gone, you’re in my head
~🎶~
As the final beat of the drums were hit and the sound of the tune became louder, an explosion of fireworks suddenly appeared on the stage.
The sudden lively sound in contrast to the solemn music surprised everyone, their adrenaline rushing. Just like that people screamed out loud, now excited at what the rest of the concert will look like.
Minjae posed for the camera after the first song. He slowly brought down his hand and his gentle eyes stared at the camera intently.
Just like that, the first scene was done.