This wasn't his first script reading, he knew what to expect when it came to these days. It was usually just a way for the cast to break the ice and not be so awkward once the cameras were rolling. He normally didn't even care to dress up for these sort of days, opting to cover his naturally curly hair with a hat but today felt different.
"It's also been a while since I last saw her, it wouldn't be too bad to look a bit more put together." He had then called his manager to make an appointment at the salon and put together a nicer outfit. He would be a senior compared to most of his cast members and he wanted to look like a dependable senior. Someone that could be trusted to lead this production.
Why did he straighten his hair? He had to wear a hat anyways to make him look a little less like a celebrity and now he wondered if he had hat hair. He fidgeted with his straightened bangs as he waited kept his eye on the door and then she appeared, smiling gently as she bowed to every cast and crew member. He had begun getting out of his seat but was stopped by a cheerful voice.
"Noona!"
His head snapped at seeing Kwak Dong Yeon rushing to give her a hug. "Can you believe you're gonna get to beat me up again in this drama?"
"Mmmn I've been practicing my kicks."
"Noona!" He whined before laughing and pulling out her chair.
Soo Hyun frowned slightly. He was going to do that and why did she have to sit across from him? He knew it was because it'd make saying their lines easier, but still—he would have liked to sit beside her.
Raising her head, she caught him staring before she smiled and gave him a small wave. He felt the corners of his lips rise. Maybe it wasn't too bad to sit across from each other. He did get the best view of her after all.
He had watched some of her previous dramas, just some clips and scenes on his phone when he had time. But to see her actually work, to see the bubbly sweet Ji Won vanish and the cold Hong Hae In appear so naturally, it was amazing. Like a switch that was flipped and suddenly all he can think about was how he wanted to do the same for Baek Hyun Woo
"I told you not to overdo it." Not overdoing it with her acting, there was an annoyance, a softness, almost reluctance that made him wonder how much she must have studied for this role.
"I don't even know what over is." He said it with a similar tone—channeling the energy of a man who was just so tired of fighting with his wife.
"This is overdoing it." Even without any makeup, without even the proper lighting, she was beautiful as she gave the half mocking, half chastising remark. Focused on getting her tone correct, she muttered the line a couple more times before smiling with satisfaction.
He really needed to bring his A-Game if he was going to keep up with her. And how exciting was that? To feel challenged by his co-lead to bring out a more complex and almost conflicting emotion out.
Then came the bathroom scene, one that knew he would have to be in the best shape for. The shy almost demure tone, a contrast to more cutting sharp one she had earlier—it made him smile to himself.
Almost as if Baek Hyun Woo was both confused but also trying to seduce his wife, he brought out a more teasing and deeper tone. One that made her shy gaze look even more real. He felt his ears grow warm as he heard the rest of the cast laugh and praise both of their acting ,even if was just a script reading.
The day went on and instead of feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, he wanted to continue. He wanted to continue practicing his lines with the cast, but especially with her. As she began gathering her things, saying goodbye to anyone who greeted her first. He went to her side and handed her the script which was the last thing to go into her tote bag.
The smile on her lips was so Ji Won that he couldn't help but smile back. Gone was the cold Hong Hae In and before him was now that sweet girl he saw excitedly walk home.
"Your hair...it's longer." He said to break the silence and watched as she looked down and twirled a piece with a smile.
"Yeah, the writers asked if I could grow it out. I think I'm going to start dyeing it black starting next week?" She then noted his straight hair and smiled. "You styled your hair today. Do you have another schedule after this?"
Should he lie and say he did instead of admitting that he did it so he could look good for her? "Ahhh, I just thought I should come with a clean cut image. Trying to really get into character."
"Oh I see...Well that's a pity. Your curly hair was quite cute." She said with a laugh behind her hand as they began walking out of the meeting room.
"Is that your way of calling me cute, Ji Won-ah?" Why did his ears feel warm all of a sudden?
"And if it is?" Her innocent remark, her smile, everything about this girl made him speechless in the best way. He really liked this feeling. This feeling that this year , everything will change for the better.
"Well to be called that by the girl that was born cute. Well, it's an honor."
"Sunbae!" She whined and laughed and he couldn't help but laugh with her.
He did really liked the way she called him Sunbae but he couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to hear his name fall from her lips or maybe if she called him something more friendly like...Oppa.
"So what are your plans today? More book shopping? If you're free, we should grab dinner."
"I really wish I can, but I am on a diet."She said with a pout before putting a hand on her flat stomach. "You're not the only one that has to look good on camera."
She complimented him so naturally that he didn't know what to say. "You already look good "
"Thank you " She said shyly
"So I guess this is goodbye for now.." He said with a sigh and wondered if he could just ask to hang out so that they can discuss their characters at more length. Especially since their first scenes was going to be shooting their wedding. "I'm sure you are tired and want to get home"
"I actually plan on walking my dog..."
"You have a dog?!" He asked excitedly and she smiled cause he looked like an excited golden retriever wagging his tail as he followed her to the elevator.
"Two actually but one of them lives with my parents Would..you like to walk my dog with me? We can discuss our characters more if you'd like. "
"I'd really like that. But..I'd also like to get to know you more...if you don't mind."
Her eyes widened before nodding slowly. "I don't mind."
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