I Want to Be a VTuber

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Once the filming preparations were completed, I saw Lee Ji-yeon standing there in a long down jacket.

Seo-yeon tilted her head as she watched Ji-yeon, since today wasn’t a filming day for her.

“What’s up?”

“What?”

“You’re here on a day off.”

At those words from Seo-yeon, Ji-yeon huffed, burying her face in her scarf.

“Today is Joo Seo-yeon’s filming day, so I wanted to watch.”

What does your filming schedule have to do with me? I had that question in mind, but I nodded anyway.

“Seo-yeon, I’m going to head in now. Oh, you look amazing today!”

“Huh?”

“Nothing, let’s go.”

With that, Seo-yeon bowed her head and moved to her spot.

She wore a kimono adorned with red butterflies, holding a pipe in her hand, and her black hair was beautifully styled.

Every single part of her appearance was striking.

Ji-yeon watched her with both hands in the pockets of her down jacket.

Today’s appearance at the filming site was definitely not a simple whim.

‘I’ve been thinking about it a lot recently.’

Ji-yeon knew that Seo-yeon had been struggling with her acting.

Seo-yeon consistently achieved great results, but she was always sincere in her craft and never hesitated to put in effort.

To put it bluntly, her life was mainly filled with thoughts about acting.

Whatever she did, she considered whether it was beneficial for her acting.

“Seo-yeon seems a bit more confident today.”

Just then, Jo Seo-hee came over and spoke to Ji-yeon.

“Yeah.”

Ji-yeon answered briefly and observed Seo-yeon, who was receiving acting guidance from Director Baek Min.

Today’s scenes mainly consisted of two important ones.

Lee Sang-soo, which means Koto Isamu, and Kasugayama Yuina would share one scene together.

The second one was a confrontation scene with Michiko.

It wasn’t exactly a dramatic scene. Strictly speaking, it was dialogue-driven.

‘That’s why acting skills are even more crucial.’

If it just turned into a simple listing of dialogue, it would feel monotonous.

When speaking to Koto Isamu, Yuina needed to portray a fragile, wavering presence.

And during her conversation with Michiko, she had to unconsciously reveal her feelings for Yeon Seon-ye.

In other words, jealousy. The shape of unrequited love.

‘Looks like she’s finally getting used to it.’

Ji-yeon thought.

It had always been like that since childhood.

Seo-yeon tended to not fully recognize her feelings.

As if she was learning something she should have known all along, but only grasping it late.

During middle school, her reactions were much more intense, but now it was different.

“But why did you come on your day off?”

Seo-hee asked, curious.

“It’s Joo Seo-yeon’s acting day.”

“…Oh.”

At Ji-yeon’s words, Seo-hee’s face seemed to show a hint of understanding.

Of course, Ji-yeon didn’t react particularly to Seo-hee’s response.

She wasn’t the type to seek others’ empathy concerning her emotions.

‘Joo Seo-yeon.’

Honestly, there was a part of her that was curious about what Seo-yeon felt about filming the same movie as her.

Well, she probably had little thought about it.

Just glad to be shooting together, that sort of thing.

But Ji-yeon was a bit different.

It was only natural.

From a young age, Seo-yeon had been a sort of milestone for Ji-yeon.

Even during prolonged breaks, that never changed.

If she were to start acting again, Ji-yeon had some confidence that she would rise quickly.

And just as Ji-yeon’s expectations suggested, Seo-yeon had achieved significant success over the past year.

‘If.’

If Seo-yeon hadn’t continued acting, Ji-yeon likely would have stopped as well.

For Ji-yeon, acting was indeed an extremely important aspect of her life, but it wasn’t everything.

Above all, she could never forget Seo-yeon’s performances that would chase her like an echo throughout her life.

Ever since she was young.

From the very first moment she acted with Seo-yeon.

When they stood on stage as Snow White and the prince.

“Hmph…”

Ji-yeon looked up at her scarf, gazing at Seo-yeon.

Don’t tease me with high expectations and then underperform.

Holding that thought, Seo-yeon glanced over and smiled at her.

Compared to when they were kids, it struck Ji-yeon how well she could smile now.

“Now, let me introduce our actor for the role of Koto Isamu, Lee Sang-soo. There might be some of you seeing him for the first time today.”

Before the official shoot began, Director Baek Min positioned Lee Sang-soo beside him after he finished his makeup.

The appearance of Sang-soo, whom they had only heard about, caused quite a stir on set.

It was truly surreal that such a big star was participating in this movie.

‘But didn’t Sang-soo say he wouldn’t be doing any projects?’

‘I heard that Joo Seo-yeon invited him.’

‘So, how…?’

‘That, I don’t know either.’

Whispers among the staff could be heard.

In response to their reactions, Sang-soo simply smiled.

“Now, let me explain again what we’ll be filming today.”

Director Baek Min’s voice rang out a tad more excited than usual.

He was always someone who managed his emotions well, but it seemed he was particularly joyful about today’s shoot.

“This scene is where Isamu and Yuina reflect on their past. It’s also the first time it’s revealed that Isamu is the puppet master behind Yuina.”

Previously, Koto Isamu was portrayed as a character who looked after the protagonist Yeon Seon-ye.

Initially, he had been just a servant brought in by Yuina at her command.

But here, it would become evident that he was more than just a mere servant.

“Up until now, Yuina has mostly shown a sharp appearance as a villain, but in this scene, she needs to reveal herself more complexly.”

Director Baek Min said while looking at Seo-yeon.

Yuina was a character who had lost her way.

At first, she didn’t really desire anything.

She simply wanted to reclaim the wealth that Michiko possessed.

Something that rightfully belonged to the Kasugayama family.

The relationship between Michiko’s family, Amanabi, and Yuina’s family, Kasugayama, was complicated.

Originally, the Amanabi family was far less legitimate and powerful compared to the Kasugayama family.

However, a major problem arose when the previous head of the Kasugayama family’s sister married the previous head of the Amanabi family.

The former head of the Kasugayama family cherished his sister immensely.

And he regarded Michiko, the daughter born from that sister, as dearer than his own daughter.

That was because the union of the Kasugayama head and Yuina’s mother was merely a political marriage.

Therefore, he treated Michiko more like a daughter than Yuina.

He even transferred a significant portion of the Kasugayama inheritance to Amanabi.

“Complex emotions toward one another need to be clearly portrayed.”

Having explained that much, Director Baek Min clapped his hands.

“Then let’s begin. Everyone, please take your places.”

With that directive, the staff took their positions.

Among them were some who had come from Japan.

“The filming of Korean movies is very similar to Hollywood’s methods, isn’t it?”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah. The filming style and atmosphere on set, in many ways, is quite similar.”

“Oh…”

Tanaka Hiroshi from YHJ Broadcasting Station nodded at what his colleague said.

‘Is that why?’

Recently, the Japanese film industry was undergoing various changes.

They were putting in a lot of effort regarding costs and improvements on set.

‘Is that why they brought in a Hollywood director?’

YHJ had recently become involved in a production committee for a movie.

This had afforded them opportunities to interact with a variety of actors and directors, and Seo-yeon’s case was an example of that process.

Of course, Seo-yeon had no direct relation to that particular preparation.

This was purely about appreciating her value as an actress.

More like building ties for future opportunities.

For real, it was about the director brought in through the connections of YHJ’s president.

A renowned director who had won an Academy Award.

The large sum they paid to bring him in showed how much YHJ valued this project.

‘I think he asked to meet tomorrow.’

After the shooting today, Tanaka planned to ask during their meeting tomorrow, and he began to focus on the upcoming filming.

Against the backdrop of an elegant mansion, two characters would converse.

Kasugayama Yuina and Koto Isamu.

***

Yuina was staring at her father’s portrait.

Her gaze held no admiration or love for her father.

Simply emotionless, her face seemed void of any feelings as she looked at the portrait.

Hatred and anger.

Combined feelings not in the realm of contempt or disdain were revealed in her gaze.

“Lady.”

The one who quietly approached her and spoke was Koto Isamu.

The man who oversaw all the servants of the vast Kasugayama mansion.

And the only one who had remained by Yuina’s side for the longest time.

The only person who extended a hand to her in her solitude.

“I’m just reclaiming what was originally yours.”

At those words, Yuina’s gaze shifted to meet Isamu’s.

He had initially stood with his head bowed behind her.

“Amanabi. They aren’t even worthy to stand before us.”

Yuina didn’t reply.

Recently, someone had been stirring her heart.

Even as she looked at her father’s portrait to incite hatred, her feelings were no longer easily swayed as before.

“Amanabi Michiko has taken away many things you should have enjoyed.”

Slowly, Isamu raised his gaze.

Looking at his mute lady, he sensed some change within her.

Koto Isamu was always a man with a gentle smile.

Even Yeon Seon-ye had been swayed by his impression, and anyone would agree he looked like a good person.

Yet, the gleam in his slick eyes was tainted by madness.

A crack had formed in the mask he always wore.

“So, what are you hesitating for?”

He moved closer, gripping her collar.

“Don’t forget. That girl is simply bowing to us out of greed for money. Her true nature is that of street trash. She’s nothing more than a lowly wench.”

“Isamu.”

“Remember, my lady.”

Ignoring Yuina’s attempt to interrupt, Isamu continued.

“Kazugayama Rihto is a traitor.”

He spoke the name of the former head of the family with disdain.

“Even as the head, he lived for the Amanabi family and not the Kazugayama family.”

His grip on her collar tightened.

Lifting his wide-open eyes, he filled them with Yuina.

“He bestowed the inheritance to his sister’s daughter instead of his own. Ignoring the fact that his own daughter was reaching out to him.”

He spoke as if exhaling a breath.

“He abandoned everything that was Kazugayama. The clan, his own daughter.”

Yuina bit her lower lip at his words.

Yes, that was correct.

The previous head of the Kazugayama family had forsaken Yuina.

Thus, it was only natural to bring the Amanabi family down.

Reclaiming what was rightfully hers, what she should have enjoyed.

But.

Yuina took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent.

Everyone who had been observing the events held their breath and watched intently.

Especially Ji-yeon, who would be acting alongside her, instinctively gripped her sleeve tightly.

Koto Isamu.

Lee Sang-soo’s performance was indeed astonishing.

If they would act together in the future, would she be able to perform properly in front of him? That question lingered.

“Isamu.”

Yuina finally spoke.

Contrary to the normally sharp voice of Yuina, there was a hint of resignation within it.

Her voice could no longer carry the hatred it used to.

“Yes, you are right. I’ve always been robbed, and now it’s my chance to reclaim what is mine.”

The words she murmured felt like they were directed not at Isamu, but instead at herself.

No, it was actually true that she was saying that to herself.

Seo-yeon at that moment couldn’t honestly comprehend the emotions being felt.

From her perspective, it made no sense why Yuina, who had only ever been robbed, was now resigning.

She couldn’t fully grasp the reason behind her wavering feelings.

However, after listening to Yeo-hee’s story, she began to understand a little.

It wasn’t resignation.

It wasn’t giving up either.

It was simply that it couldn’t be any other way.

Because she knew that her actions would lead to certain consequences.

Someone would inevitably be hurt.

She wanted to hate, but she found she couldn’t anymore.

“But,”

Yuina clutched her collar tightly.

After meeting Yeon Seon-ye.

And having encountered Michiko multiple times through her.

“I don’t think I can do it.”

Looking at Isamu, Yuina smiled.

That was the first genuine smile from Yuina in the story.

So incredibly sad.

A smile from a woman who chose the happiness of others over her own.

Faced with that smile, Koto Isamu could only be wordless.