NOVEL NEXT Chapter 408
As the hot weather began to settle in, a cool breeze still blew in the early morning.
“Alright, are you done~?”
“Thank you.”
I am at the shop once again today.
But the difference this time is that my makeup has been done differently than usual.
Today is the day I need to film not as Jisoo, but as the singer, Mirror.
After getting my makeup completed, I stepped out of the shop to check my appearance in the mirror at the entrance.
Wow, I look good.
Actually, I could even say I’m at my best.
Usually, I ask for makeup in line with Jisoo’s character, nothing too extravagant.
But this time, I went all out and got my makeup done heavily.
Makeup is like crafting.
It’s the work of chiseling a rough stone until the gem beneath is revealed.
But what if the base is a chunk filled with diamonds, making it hard to tell if it’s just a stone or a diamond mass?
An extraordinary sculptor could turn this into a masterpiece beyond just a gem.
Something beautifully stunning.
Yes, a piece that resembles a princess from a fairy tale is now standing in front of the mirror.
Since it’s a positive song, I toned down my usual sharp impression, and maybe that’s why I look even more unique.
“Gosh, I look amazing!”
After admiring myself in the mirror, I took a few casual photos to post on my social media later.
“Are you satisfied?”
Just as I was snapping pictures, Park Kang-seok, who had come to pick me up, asked.
“Oh yes, isn’t the director amazing?”
I proudly supported my glamorous face with both hands.
What do you think? Even a seasoned idol manager like Park Kang-seok hasn’t seen such an incredible beauty!
“Oh, um… you look good.”
“Take my picture if you think so!”
Although he’s usually pretty quiet, I trust deep down he thinks I look absolutely stunning.
After taking more photos with his help, we got into the car and set off.
“How long will it take to get to the music video filming location?”
Today is the big day for shooting the music video.
“We’ll be there soon, since it’s in Seoul.”
“Oh, I see.”
Seoul is close by.
I guess after doing drama filming outside of Seoul, distances seem shorter than they used to.
Plus, traveling in a car makes everything more convenient.
Anyway, we arrived at a studio in downtown Seoul.
I heard that the composer’s acquaintance runs this place… how many acquaintances does he have?
Feeling the power of connections, I entered the building and found the composer inside, chatting with others.
“Composer!”
“Oh, Kim Soo-hyun, you’re here.”
As I approached to greet him, everyone who had been talking with the composer turned their attention to me.
“Wow… is this the…?”
“This is the person who will shoot today….”
They were so taken aback they couldn’t even form words.
Hehe, I do look a bit stunning right now.
If I were to walk down the street, anyone would undoubtedly notice me.
“Haha, hello!”
“The real thing is so much more beautiful.”
“Oh, it’s just the makeup that’s working wonders.”
Having received compliments like these doesn’t faze me anymore.
It might sound arrogant, but I’ve recognized my position as a beautiful entertainer.
“By the way, did you bring your guitar?”
At that moment, the composer, who had been watching me greet the music video staff calmly, asked.
“Yes, my manager is bringing it.”
For this music video, I insisted on using my guitar.
After all, having bought it at a high price, I want to get my money’s worth.
Besides, I doubt any regular guitar could match mine!
When it comes to performance and design, my guitar scores a perfect ten.
“Looks like he’s coming over now.”
Up ahead, Park Kang-seok was approaching with my guitar case slung over his back.
…Is it just me, or is that guitar starting to look small now?
“Oh, so this is your manager….”
“Wow… what a build.”
The staff, who had been wowed by me, were once again amazed when they saw Park Kang-seok.
Well sure, he could take on a hundred by himself!
If he were born in the Three Kingdoms era, he would’ve made quite a name for himself!
He could be the new Zhao Yun, Park Kang-seok, let’s go!
“Okay, let’s get filming.”
“Yes.”
Anyway.
With me here and my guitar, the preparations for the music video shoot are complete.
*
“Wow… is this the place?”
“Yes, we will be filming here.”
After moving together, I was shocked to see the music video set.
“…Is this really the place?”
There was literally nothing!
Well, to be precise, there was a green chromakey backdrop with just a chair plopped in the middle.
The rest was filled with cameras and crew members all around.
“Isn’t this a bit too minimalistic?”
I mean, this is creating something from nothing!
Can we really shoot a music video like this…? I glanced at the composer, but he nodded as if it was perfectly fine.
“What do you mean minimalistic? Not everyone can pull this off.”
“…I suppose.”
Which singer would be crazy enough to shoot a music video like this?
I shot the composer a look that said just that, but he simply pointed at me, looking completely unfazed.
“Not everyone can prepare such visuals.”
“Wow, is this what married men call flirting?”
“…Have you lost it?”
“Ahaha, just kidding.”
Well, if the composer says it’s fine, then who am I to argue?
He’s someone who has probably seen all kinds of processes while creating music and filming music videos, right?
If it’s from someone like him, then it should be okay.
So, I stepped into the music video set, confidently holding my guitar.
Honestly, it was an empty space.
I plopped down on the lone chair and crossed my legs, resting my guitar on my lap.
Even though my face is all glammed up, I’m actually wearing jeans and a gray hoodie today.
I’ve arranged things to draw all attention to my beauty, but with this background, it’s a bit much.
They’ll surely cover the chromakey with CG effects, but I wonder if those watching the music video will only focus on my face.
But whatever.
“Let’s start with the rehearsal first. Are you ready?”
“Yes, I’m ready to start whenever.”
“So, let’s begin right away.”
I’m not a shy person.
If anything, this fuels my determination.
Ding—
I lightly strummed my guitar to warm up my voice.
Let’s see who can resist focusing on me.
I’ll make sure to fill this empty space with my song so they can’t forget it.
*
“Alright! The filming is done!”
After finishing the music video shoot.
“Ugh.”
I stood up, stretching my stiff body after sitting for so long.
We ended up filming for longer than I expected.
I thought it would be a breeze, but with nothing else around, there were actually a lot of aspects for me to pay attention to.
From my expressions to my posture, I had to constantly adjust myself.
“Thanks for your hard work.”
Once I stepped out of the set, the composer, who had been watching with his arms crossed, came over to me.
“Is it all over now?”
“Yes, the music video will be completed and sent to the other side now.”
“Oh wow… that’s convenient.”
At first, I thought to myself, ‘What kind of music video is this?’
But then I realized that this was actually easier and better for me than going around filming at various locations.
I just had to sit down and strum my guitar.
“Well then, I just need to appear on a music program before the song releases, right?”
“Yes, when you appear, the song will likely be released around the same time as the broadcast.”
Honestly, it feels like this new single has been speeding along quite rapidly.
Am I getting used to all this now that I have more experience?
I’ve started to match pace with the composer’s tempo.
“I’m excited thinking about going on the programs.”
Although I’m scheduled to appear on several music shows, the most important one is the first program I’ll be in.
It’s the show where I shared my song with the composer previously, and during the recording, I’ll have the world premiere. On the day the episode airs, the song and music video will also be released.
Anyway, that day concluded our music video shoot.
A few days later.
This time, I arrived at the broadcasting station for the filming of the music program.
Since the drama filming has lightened up a bit, I’m in a rush to finish all the work related to the new single.
“Welcome!”
Following the directions of the station staff, I entered the meeting room where the music program’s PD and staff were seated.
“Hello.”
“Oh, please have a seat.”
Today, we’re not shooting, but having a preliminary meeting.
“It’s nice to meet everyone.”
“Oh my, we’re the ones who are glad to see you. We’ve heard so much about you from Composer Kang Woo-hyeon.”
The PD of this music program treated me with more warmth than any other PD I’ve met in the past.
…Is this the power of connections?
To be honest, others have treated me well too, but this felt more… cautious, in a good way.
“Haha, did the composer say nice things about me?”
“Oh yes! The praises never seemed to stop.”
…Is that really true?
The composer doesn’t seem like the type to go around complimenting others a lot.
But anyway.
“Please take care of me today.”
No matter how much the PD treats me carefully, the shooter in the program is in a subordinate position.
So I maintained a humble demeanor and took my seat.
“We look forward to working with you. Shall we start right away?”
The PD’s smile seemed to make him more comfortable, and we began the preliminary meeting.
The preliminary meeting was more of an information session, informing me about the program and the other cast members that I would be working with.
It felt more like a lecture than a meeting.
As I simply nodded along, the PD explained, “The shoot is scheduled to take place here.”
He handed me a tablet PC that displayed pictures and descriptions of the main filming location.
“Oh, here it is.”
“What do you think? The location has been confirmed, and you just need to come and play together.”
“It looks good.”
As I said that, I gazed at the screen of the tablet.
It showed a plaza bustling with people.
This will be the place where I film with the other participants.
And…
“So, what song should I practice for this?”
This will be my very first busking performance.
“Oh, I’ll send you the list.”
Yes, this music program is primarily focused on busking.