Peninsula: From a supporting actor to the best actor in Chungmuro

Chapter 211 Gentleman on Set, Hungry Wolf at Midnight

Even if you're a hundred times unwilling.

That "Oppa~" and the accompanying aegyo (cute/coquettish) gesture finally escaped Kim Ji-won's lips.

Kang Jae-hoon was genuinely charmed by her cuteness.

Although her cuteness was laced with a strong murderous aura, it only fueled his wicked sense of humor. Watching Kim Ji-won's hasty retreat, he stood in the empty corridor laughing for a while before returning to his room.

……

In the days that followed.

Kang Jae-hoon is like a pre-set execution unit of a program.

"Finished work? Are you tired?"

"Remember to take vitamins."

"The Greek sun is so strong, I need to reapply sunscreen."

"Breakfast is left at the door."

The messages of concern and care are sent as if clocked in.

On set, they would "casually" bring an extra cold drink and hand it to her.

Sometimes, peeled shrimp would "accidentally" fall into her lunchbox during lunch.

On the way back to the hotel after work, if we walk side by side, my arm will always "inadvertently" brush against her shoulder or the back of her hand.

He would pat the top of her head as they parted.

Kang Jae-hoon always maintained a moderate level of intimacy within the boundaries of friendship, yet subtly conveyed an ambiguous temperature in every unintentional physical contact.

This subtle, pervasive invasion gradually eroded the "safe distance" that Kim Ji-won had set for herself.

The bottom line is like a rubber band that has been repeatedly kneaded and stretched.

The elasticity gradually increases.

Every little "harmless" thing adds bricks and tiles to the fortress of her heart, building up an atmosphere of familiarity.

It also meant that every night when she lay on the soft hotel bed, she would toss and turn for a long time before she could calm her agitated and disordered emotions.

Some scenes might even replay uncontrollably in my mind, and I would roll around and kick silently in my blankets with my cheeks burning.

It's also interesting to say.

In the drama, she plays Yin Mingzhu, a military doctor who dares to love and hate, pursues Xu Darong directly, and makes him retreat in defeat.

Off-screen, however, the roles are completely reversed.

Kim Ji-won became the one who was relentlessly pursued and provoked by Kang Jae-hoon, leaving her flustered and retreating step by step.

More than ten days in a row.

Under the influence of the sunshine, sea breeze, and military camp setting on Zakynthos Island, the subtle, sticky, ambiguous atmosphere between the two finally reached its peak.

Like a ripe fruit, it will burst with juice at the slightest touch.

……

Nowadays.

The filming schedule included a crucial kissing scene in the military canteen.

Yoon Myung-joo took the initiative and forcefully kissed Seo Dae-young.

This was not only a highlight moment for Yoon Myung-joo in the drama, but also Kim Ji-won's first on-screen kiss in her acting career.

For this play.

She mentally prepared herself countless times the night before last.

"Professional actor," "dedicated to art," "required by the script"...

She even hypnotized herself: "Anyway, we've already kissed before (although it was a forced, fleeting kiss)... what's there to be nervous about..."

But when the time came...

Standing at the edge of the filming location, I listened to the noisy sounds of the crew directing the set setup.

Kim Ji-won still felt like a shrimp thrown into boiling water.

in fact.

Her personality is completely different from Yoon Myung-joo's.

Yin Mingzhu is a rose with thorns, passionate and flamboyant; but deep down she is more like a mimosa, introverted and shy.

To be able to come this far.

It was all sustained by a strong sense of conviction and a passion for acting.

But at this moment, his sense of conviction seemed to be crumbling under the weight of the boulder called "first kiss".

Just as she was struggling with herself.

A gentle voice, tinged with laughter and teasing, rang out from the side.

"Silly little sister~"

Kim Ji-won looked up.

Song Hye-kyo walked over at some point, glanced at Kang Jae-hoon, then looked back at Kim Ji-won's nervous face, and said softly:

"With such good food, what are you still hesitating about?"

"Unnie!"

Kim Ji-won protested in a low voice, wishing she could cover Song Hye-kyo's smiling, insightful mouth.

however.

What's even more infuriating is that Unnie was right!
Who is the other party?

It's this face that's flawless even under the sunlight, this body that exudes powerful beauty even when drenched in sweat on set, and this co-star whose acting skills allow her to fully immerse herself in the role and even forget about the camera...

It's Kang Jae-hoon, a rising star who just became a sensation with his role as Jo Tae-oh in "Veteran" and is now widely recognized!

After considering all this...

How is this a loss?

This is clearly a win-win situation, and you could even say it's an extremely pleasing perk!

Mind this.

Kim Ji-won's heart pounded even faster, a wave of sweetness and shame washing over her.

Her face was still flushed, but her mindset was different.

She couldn't help but steal a glance at the guy who seemed to be "guaranteed to make a profit"—

Kang Jae-hoon was standing next to director Lee Eung-bok.

The two men, script in hand, quietly discussed the angles and lighting effects for close-up shots. Their expressions were focused and serious as they pointed to a spot in the cafeteria. They displayed a professional and dedicated work ethic, completely absorbed in their tasks.

Kim Ji-won couldn't help but think to herself:

Pack!
Pretending to be all serious!
hypocrite!
They must be secretly overjoyed!
To be able to do it openly and honestly...

exactly.

Just as she was thinking this to herself.

Kang Jae-hoon seemed to sense something.

His gaze, which had been lowered to look at the monitor, suddenly lifted up without warning.

Eyes facing each other.

Kim Ji-won was caught peeking, her pupils contracted sharply, and she quickly tried to look away like a thief.

But Kang Jae-hoon was faster than her.

After recognizing her.

His previously serious face instantly melted away like ice and snow, blossoming into an extremely bright smile.

Then, he waved in the direction she was.

It means: Come here.

Body language is more persuasive than words.

Kim Ji-won's heart pounded harder again.

"Unnie, I'm going now."

She reflexively said something to Song Hye-kyo beside her, even though she secretly "despised" her while that guy was probably secretly overjoyed.

But her legs seemed to receive a supreme command, and she obediently took steps toward Kang Jae-hoon and the director.

Song Hye-kyo watched the departing figure "running" away, then glanced at the figure standing beside the monitor in the distance.

A gentle, knowing smile played on her lips.

Yes.

She herself is being pursued by the male lead (Yoo Si-jin/Song Joong-ki) both on and off screen.

Meanwhile, Yoon Myung-joo is being secretly won over by Seo Dae-young, played by Kang Jae-hoon, with his tender yet domineering care.

On and off the stage.

Characters and actors.

Song Hye-kyo took a small sip of the warm water her assistant handed her, her eyes sparkling with a smile that seemed to reflect the shimmering waves of the Aegean Sea.

It all started with the script.

When fate brings us together... who can truly say where the boundaries lie?
What is described as ineffable is ultimately nothing more than the echo of a stirred heart. Whether in the play or in real life, everything has its own cause and effect, its own way.

……

Kim Ji-won, with unsteady but not slow steps, almost floated over to Kang Jae-hoon and the director. The atmosphere in that area was noticeably more tense; it was the final confirmation stage before filming was about to begin.

The machine's wiring meandered across the ground as the staff quietly made final adjustments.

Kang Jae-hoon called her over for a very clear purpose—

Let's discuss the specific positioning and angles for the kissing scene later.

The requirements for kissing scenes are vastly different on the big screen and the small screen.

The big screen strives for the ultimate tension and emotional penetration. The entanglement of bodies, the exchange of breath, and even the movement of the Adam's apple may be the focus of the capture, and the scale of intimacy can be even greater.

As for TV dramas, especially idol dramas, which are broadcast on mainstream platforms, they focus more on creating atmosphere, beautiful visuals, and conveying emotions. Overly explicit or intense kissing scenes may negatively impact the viewing experience.

"Ji-won, come here."

Kim Ji-won, like a primary school student being called on, made a sound of "uh-huh?" and then moved to the front of Kang Jae-hoon with her hands and feet moving in unison.

Her forced composure and evasive gaze, coupled with her insistence on "obedience," were quite amusing. Kang Jae-hoon suppressed the urge to pinch her cheeks and quickly switched back to work mode.

The script states that Yoon Myung-joo initiates a kiss on Seo Dae-young.

Kang Jae-hoon then naturally took Kim Ji-won's hands and placed them on either side of the back of his neck.

"Place your palm here and pull down slightly to show that proactive and strong sense of control."

"Then you'll pull my head down a little, and at this angle, my nose will touch it first..."

Kang Jae-hoon lowered his head slightly, his straight nose gently brushing against Kim Ji-won's nose.

Kim Ji-won held her breath instantly.

It was clearly just a rehearsal.

But the warm breath brushing against her cheek, the electric sensation from the tiny friction of their skin, made her feel as if a subtle electric current had passed through her body, causing her to tense up instinctively.

"take it easy."

Kang Jae-hoon immediately noticed his partner's stiffness and whispered reassurance:
"Just getting a feel for it."

He maintained this extremely close, yet not actually touching, posture, turning his head to focus intently on the footage displayed on the monitor next to him:

"Director, how's this angle? Won't my profile block Ji-won too much?"

Kang Jae-hoon can choose the angle, but the final decision rests with the director.

"Hmm, let's make some more adjustments."

then.

With each adjustment of Kang Jae-hoon's head, Kim Ji-won's body swayed slightly with the movement of his head.

Her hands were still on the back of his neck.

Under the palm.

I could clearly feel the temperature of the skin on the side of his neck, as well as the subtle changes in tension as his muscles moved.

The vibrations in his chest as he spoke seemed to travel faintly along his arms.

The omnipresent, intense aura belonging to Kang Jae-hoon completely enveloped her.

Sight (the intimate scenes of the two appearing on the screen from different angles), touch (the sensation of touching his neck and the friction caused by the slight swaying of their bodies), smell (the clean scent of soap on his body mixed with a touch of woody fragrance, calm and cool)... sensory information overloaded instantly!
Kim Ji-won tried her best to remain calm, as if she were seriously listening to the instructions of the director and her co-star.

But her right hand, which was exposed outside the camera's view and hidden by his body, was quietly clenched—this was her only outlet for releasing the turmoil of tension within her.

at this time.

Kang Jae-hoon's voice rang out, seemingly addressed to the director, but more like a reassurance whispered in Kim Ji-won's ear:
"...Let's try to get it in one take, so as not to put any psychological burden on Ji-won."

This sentence.

In Kim Ji-won's heart, which was originally boiling with tension, a completely different ripple spread.

She has seen and heard too many rumors within the industry.

Male actors who take advantage of female actors by repeatedly NGing kissing scenes are disgusting and their methods are endless.

She originally thought...

Given Kang Jae-hoon's roguish nature—daring to steal a kiss from her on the plane, singing a tune while saying "sorry," and forcing her to act cute in the corridor—he's bound to "show off" in this kissing scene.

She even deliberately did several takes. Kim Ji-won subconsciously even prepared herself for it—

If Kang Jae-hoon wants to take the opportunity to do a few more takes to "find the feeling," she... she seems to have no choice but to endure it.

but……

No.

There really isn't any.

From suggesting adjustments to positioning to providing guidance on movements to observing camera angles, Kang Jae-hoon's professionalism was impeccable.

The fingers were not placed randomly.

The body did not take the opportunity to press too closely together.

Even when explaining the camera angles, his eyes were incredibly clear, focused solely on the image itself.

just now.

He actually said directly, "I'll try to get it in one take," because "I don't want to put any psychological burden on her!"
This is so contradictory!
This was completely beyond her expectations of him!

How could that scoundrel who acted like a hooligan on the plane be the same person as this considerate, professional, and restrained gentleman in front of me?!
The dam in his heart, built up because of his "badness," was gently lapped by this sudden, warm wave called "consideration," making a clear sound of loosening.

……

"Action!"

The extras in the canteen instantly got into character, sitting in twos and threes, with a noisy background sound gradually rising.

Kim Ji-won took a deep breath and completely immersed herself in Yoon Myung-joo's soul—the military doctor who had just gained her father's approval and whose heart was overflowing with sweet and bold love.

She raised her shimmering eyes and gazed at Xu Darong through the sounds of voices and the dining table.

Even more restless was under the table—

Ankles encased in military boots lightly and subtly brushed against the crisp crease of Xu Darong's trousers...

a bit.

Another click.

The ultimate ambiguity flows and expands silently.

Xu Darong's Adam's apple visibly bobbed.

Put down your chopsticks.

Get up.

A tall figure loomed over him across the dining table, and a gentle kiss landed on Yin Mingzhu's smooth, full forehead.

It's both a reassurance and a silent warning: Behave yourself.

however.

Yin Mingzhu not only did not restrain herself, but also...

Instead, it's like a firework whose fuse has been lit.

"Snapped!"

She slammed her hand on the table and stood up abruptly, the loud sound silencing the entire cafeteria instantly.

"Those with lower official ranks than me!"

Her gaze swept over the extras playing soldiers around her: "Close your eyes, all of you!"

Their gaze finally settled on Xu Darong's face.

He was looking at her with a relaxed expression, his eyes filled with unwavering love.

"The same to you!"

Yin Mingzhu glared at him and gave the order.

Xu Darong readily complied, a smile playing on his lips, and obediently closed his eyes.

Yin Mingzhu walked around the dining table and went straight to him.

Without the slightest hesitation.

Her slender arms hooked around Xu Darong's neck and pulled him down sharply!
Simultaneously.

She stood on tiptoe.

The camera zooms in.

Capture the slight tremor of their lips meeting, capture the tightly closed eyelids with their eyelashes trembling violently.

Then--

“Woooooooooooooo!!!”

The "soldier" extras in the canteen erupted in deafening cheers and whistles!

The atmosphere was instantly ignited to its peak!

"..."

"Cut."

It felt like an eternity.

Director Li Yingfu's voice, tinged with a hint of lingering satisfaction, finally rang out.

Their lips parted abruptly.

Kim Ji-won instinctively wanted to escape from this suffocatingly ambiguous atmosphere, and her body suddenly retreated.

however.

Suddenly, his waist tightened.

A warm, strong hand gripped her waist tightly, instantly nipping her escape attempt in the bud.

His head lowered, and his warm breath, still carrying the lingering warmth of the play, brushed against her forehead.
"Don't move. Here..."

He tightened his arms around her, pressing her little head even deeper into his chest:

"It's your best place to cover your shame."

"..."

There is no hiding.

Kim Ji-won was forced to press her cheek against his firm chest.

His nose was filled with the scent of his hormones.

The clear, powerful sound of his heartbeat filled my ears.

Although I'm ashamed to show it to others.

But being enveloped in this firm and warm embrace gave her a corner where the restless, burning excitement in her heart could briefly curl up and secretly savor.

original.

Being enveloped by such a strong sense of possession... that's what it feels like...

I don’t know how long it took.

Li Yingfu, behind the monitor, finally spoke again:
"That's it! Get ready for the next round!"

Kang Jae-hoon then slowly released his arms from around her.

The confinement has been lifted.

Kim Ji-won didn't even dare to look up at him, let alone at the mocking smiles on the faces of the extras around her and the teasing looks in the eyes of the staff watching.

Keep your head down.

Covering her face with her sleeve, her steps were disordered yet swift as the wind as she fled without a word from this place that filled her with both shame and... indescribable feelings.

All that remained was a hurried yet wistful silhouette.

……

night.

The night breeze on Zakynthos Island, carrying the slightly salty coolness of the sea, rushed in through the open balcony door. It stirred the thin curtains in the room and gently brushed against the figure lying on the soft bed.

Kim Ji-won buried herself deep in the fluffy pillow.

I've already showered and changed into comfortable silk pajamas. But a nerve in my head stubbornly lingers on that noisy cafeteria from a few hours ago.

The sound of his heartbeat was like a muffled drum in the quiet room.

She rolled over, lying on her back, staring at the soft light from the overhead lamp.

The memory on my lips is too vivid.

His temperature.

His breath.

And then there was that whispered sentence in her ear, "Why are you hiding... You're in my arms, your best place to hide your shame"...

"what……"

She couldn't help but cover her burning face with a pillow and kick her legs a few times in the blanket.

So shameful!

but……

That dizzying, throbbing feeling, however, belatedly and even more intensely surged up in the quiet night, entwining itself around my heart.

The character Yoon Myung-joo in the script and Kim Ji-won in real life.

The overlap of identities and the boundaries of emotions became completely blurred in this kiss.

Just as she was lost in this sweet yet shameful aftertaste, tossing and turning, unable even for the night sea breeze to dispel the burning desire in her heart—

"Knock knock knock."

The clear knock on the door instantly shattered her wild fantasies.

Kim Ji-won suddenly sat up in bed and looked towards the door.

At this point in time...

Aside from that audacious guy, it seems no one else would knock on an actress's door late at night.

She stepped barefoot onto the cold floor and shuffled to the door.

Outside the cat's eye.

Kang Jae-hoon's figure was distorted into hazy spots of light.

She abruptly pulled open the door chain, and half a wary face peeked out from the crack:

"What are you doing so late?"

Kang Jae-hoon, standing outside the door, didn't try to push it open, nor did he break in as he usually did. He simply pointed to the black suitcase standing at his feet:

"I have to go to the Busan International Film Festival to host the opening ceremony, and I won't be back for another five days."

He raised his wrist and tapped the watch face:

"The flight is in the early morning, departing at 10:00 AM, with a transfer at Athens Airport."

Kim Ji-won was stunned.

Yes.

I've been so caught up in the chaos of filming and my struggles with him lately that I almost forgot about this important matter.

Logically speaking.

Kang Jae-hoon should have returned to Korea ahead of schedule to prepare.

It's already the limit that we can hold out until tonight.

Kim Ji-won subconsciously turned her head to look inside the room.

On the bedside table, the digital clock glowed dimly—21:32.

He just said... to go to the airport at 10 o'clock?

mean……

He can stay here for less than half an hour at most.

Kim Ji-won's gaze shifted from the clock back to Kang Jae-hoon's face by the door.

The corridor ceiling light cast a fuzzy gold edge on his shoulders, making her squint.

Kang Jae-hoon didn't urge him.

Inside the door lies a private and absolutely ambiguous battlefield.

Outside the door is a public corridor where you might encounter other actors or crew members at any time.

Breathing mingled inside and outside the door frame.

Twenty seconds.

Perhaps even shorter.

The door hinges suddenly emitted a labored groan.

The passage that Kim Ji-won made by stepping aside was so narrow that only one person could pass at a time.

— Inviting a wolf into the house.

It was too late to regret it when the thought flashed through my mind.

The door lock clicked shut the instant it closed.

The shadows crashed down like giant waves.

Her back slammed heavily against the embossed wallpaper, making the entryway mirror vibrate and buzz. Hot lips pressed down, fiercely prying open her teeth.

What gentlemanly manners!
What self-discipline and restoration of propriety!
Kim Ji-won clutched the fabric of his shirt at his shoulder blade as she felt dizzy.

—The daytime film set was definitely an act!
(End of this chapter)