Chapter 111.2

Chapter 111.2

Thankfully, the first day’s schedule was relatively light, just Michelle’s audition scene. The crew had rented a conference room in a building in Sogong-dong for the shoot.

“The blue glass building across from the Hanil Bank Sogong-dong branch…”

As Miran looked around and stepped inside, she ran into producer Hyunsu in the lobby. His face lit up with genuine delight at the sight of her.

After exchanging greetings, Miran followed him into the elevator. When he pressed the button for the top floor, she couldn’t help but ask, curiosity getting the better of her. A building like this was far beyond what a short film could normally afford. She remembered hearing that the leftover funds from the Flushing diner shoot were running dangerously low.

“Doesn’t renting a place like this cost a lot?”

“It does. Luckily, Seunghyuk’s father owns the building, so we got it for free.”

Hyunsu grinned as he answered.

“I see.”

It wasn’t much of a surprise. Jieun, who had gone to the same high school as Seunghyuk, had told her about his family a few times before.

“Who came with the crew?”

They’d said they were bringing only the minimum number of people to save costs. At her question, Hyunsu’s already cheerful face brightened even more.

“Everyone except Max. We got a nice boost of funding recently. Everyone’s thrilled to be back in Korea after so long. Especially Esther, it’s her first time here. And it’s all thanks to you, Michelle!”

“Me? I didn’t do anything. Getting investors for a short film is impressive though, you really are a great producer.”

Miran knew how rare it was for short films to get funding, since most relied on the director’s own money or grants. Taking his words as a joke, she laughed and gave him a thumbs-up.

“No, no, you deserve the credit most of all.”

Puzzled, she tilted her head and gave an awkward smile just as the elevator doors opened.

When she followed Hyunsu into the conference room, she immediately felt the Flushing Video team’s usual free-spirited, creative energy filling the space. The moment the crew noticed her, they dropped what they were doing and ran over, wrapping her in hugs and saying how much they’d missed her.

Seunghyuk, his slightly longer hair tied loosely back, reached out to her from amid the staff.

“Good to see you, Michelle. Let’s make this last scene count.”

“Yes, director!”

Miran grabbed his hand firmly and replied with energy.

That afternoon, she fully savored the moment of standing in front of the camera as an actress. She was genuinely happy to say goodbye to her dream of being a film actress with such a perfect farewell.

—

Miran’s scenes were finished, and once Jin’s solo shots wrapped up, the day’s filming would be done. Since it looked like they were almost finished, she decided to help out with small tasks while she waited. That was when Hyunsu came over.

“Michelle, should we head to the after-party first? There’s a lot of equipment, so there might not be enough room in the van.”

Miran nodded without hesitation and followed him out.

The taxi took them to a square brick house halfway up Namsan Hill.

“…You’re having the after-party here?”

She murmured, glancing around. The house, built with uneven red bricks, was covered in ivy. A European-style gas lamp glowed softly on the wall, giving the place a vintage feel.

Next to the entrance stood a small wooden bench for two, beneath an iron arch decorated with white flowers. Beside it sat a heart-shaped stone sculpture. It felt less like a place for a wrap party and more like the perfect spot for a romantic date.

Under the sign that read Candle, the words Italian Restaurant were written. Funny how fickle taste could be. She’d gotten sick of Western food before, but after weeks of eating nothing but Korean meals, she sometimes found herself craving it again.

Not long ago, she and Juran had splurged on a visit to Coco’s, but nothing there came close to Chef Noel’s cooking. It left her a little bitter, realizing her palate had grown too refined for her own good.

When she followed Hyunsu inside, the restaurant was even more charming and romantic than it looked from the outside.

“Wow, this place is beautiful!”

In the small courtyard fountain, rose petals and candles floated in the shape of a heart. The French windows and floral curtains made it feel like a quaint little town somewhere in Europe.

Hyunsu smiled, pleased.

“I’m glad you like it. I asked around and got a lot of recommendations before picking this place.”