Chapter 42

Fast (4)

As Kang Woojin walked to the shooting zone for the main scene, he first overheard the conversation between Song Manwoo PD and the foreign VFX team.

'Huh? Is there a problem? This is serious.'

He wasn't particularly interested. However, even if he tried not to listen, the conversation of the foreign team was audible. The English that he had never understood in his life now sounded very smooth.

'Oh- I get what they're talking about. Wow, this is really impressive. I'm amazed all over again.'

Kang Woojin, now intrigued, listened to their English from a few steps away. It was almost like he was enjoying it. But it seemed something wasn't being communicated properly. Ah, that needs to be corrected, right?

Since he was playing the role of Park Daeri, he felt responsible.

'Should I step in?'

That was all he thought.

'Anyway, I'll have to use English eventually, so it's fine to do it now.'

Honestly, he had a desire to use his newly acquired language skills. It was an experiment. So, Kang Woojin stepped in. His target was a bald foreigner from the somewhat serious VFX team. As Woojin smoothly explained something in English, the bald foreigner was surprised.

Woojin didn't forget to introduce himself at the end.

"Ah, I'm the actor playing that role."

The foreigner understood my English? Kang Woojin maintained a poker face, but inside, he was dancing with joy. The idea of having such a natural conversation with a foreigner was thrilling.

At this point.

"......Huh?"

"???"

At Kang Woojin's appearance and his fluent English, the people around him, including dozens of staff members and actors, opened their eyes wide. The attention was focused on him, but Woojin took a step closer to the bald foreigner and continued explaining in English, riding the flow.

His tone remained low.

"The world changing into colors is to express the character's twisted innocence, and seeing animals or people as mere colors, not as living beings, is to show how they are perceived as light as objects."

There was no hesitation. The bald foreigner, even more surprised, asked in English with difficulty.

"......The part where the fireworks explode."

"It's to stage the cruelty in a fairy-tale manner. Imagine a child seeing the blood gushing from a neck when something is killed. The director expressed the bursting blood as red fireworks."

"I see. A bizarre innocence."

"Exactly. This character has a firm world and psychology of their own, a perspective that others can never understand."

"It needs to be emphasized."

"Adding a gradient to the colors would be good. I think it would stand out and be a point of focus."

Woojin's design knowledge was also included. Their conversation was so natural that it looked like two Americans were having a chat. Kang Woojin and the bald foreigner continued their conversation calmly, but the atmosphere around them was far from calm.

It started with the dozens of staff members who opened their eyes wide.

"What? Why is Woojin so good at English? It's almost like his native language, right?"

"......That's pretty cool. No, really cool. Woojin's English tone is insane."

"That's not just from studying, right? Did he live in America? There's no hesitation, it's not like he's thinking of words."

"Wow- He's just casually spitting out English with that poker face, and his pronunciation is so good... I'm impressed."

The staff members whispered incessantly. Of course, Song Manwoo PD, who was standing nearby, let out a small laugh.

'Sure, I knew this would happen. Definitely an overseas type. His pronunciation is native, and he's beyond just a fun Korean-American.'

The actors, like Ryu Jeongmin and Hong Hyeon, were not silent either.

"......Look at him. He must have lived overseas."

"What? Hyeon, what did you know about this??"

"No, it's just—"

"Ah, there was a rumor that Woojin was an overseas type at the beginning. That must be it. He's really like an onion, isn't he? The more you peel, the more comes out."

"Wow, did he practice for Hollywood before his debut?"

"Bro, do you think he could have this level of skill after just a few years of study? It must have been at least a decade. He must have lived overseas. Look at him, chatting with a foreigner like it's nothing. Can he speak Japanese too??"

Woojin and the bald foreigner continued their calm conversation, but the people around them became increasingly excited and confused. The one who was particularly pleased was Choi Sunggeun, the representative with a ponytail, standing a few steps away.

'Crazy......He lived in an English-speaking country. Why did he hide this? Or did he just not mention it? What about Japanese? Why did he ask for a Japanese script? Could it be—does he speak both English and Japanese??'

No representative would dislike having an actor with native-level English skills. However, Kang Woojin's identity became even more mysterious.

"Anyway, he could fit in Hollywood right now without any problem."

At this moment, Kang Woojin's manager team, including Road Jang Soohwan and stylist Han Yejeong, approached on either side of Choi Sunggeun.

"What is it, Representative? Was Woojin an American?!"

"......That's impossible. Even top actors who can't speak English are common, but Woojin is like a cheat character?"

Regardless, Kang Woojin's cynical English continued.

"When you feel the urge to kill, the world changes into colors. You're right, that's how it should be thought of."

"Wow! Thank you, that really helped with the image."

Ignoring the misunderstandings around him, Kang Woojin was genuinely happy inside.

'This works? Of course it does. I never thought I'd be having a conversation with a foreigner. It's thrilling, incredibly amazing.'

A man with a mask, standing a bit away, watched the scene. He was Director Kwon Giteak, who had come to see Woojin for an important matter today and had been infected with the misconception from Song Manwoo PD.

'Song PD was right. He's from overseas. What a mysterious kid, the more you know, the more intriguing he becomes.'

The number of people infected with the misconception increased instantly.

A few minutes later.

For the scene verification, dozens of police officers, reporters, and onlookers gathered in the shooting zone where the dolls were placed. Of course, they were all extras. There were more than 30 of them. About half of them had stern expressions; they were aspiring actors.

The rest were part-timers.

They were busy whispering to each other, watching the actor playing 'Park Daeri' approach.

"That actor, I heard he speaks English like a native."

"Yeah, I saw that too. He must be a Korean-American."

"Maybe. I've never seen his face before. Is he a new actor?"

Regardless, Kang Woojin, wearing handcuffs, walked silently. He blended into the crowd. Soon, he joined Baby Perm Ryu Jeongmin.

'About the English... Should I ask? No, he mentioned some past issues, so maybe not. He seems to be controlling his emotions.'

Tied-up Hong Hyeon and others.

'I'm curious! I'm curious! But, I know he has some past issues. Can I at least ask where he lived overseas? Is it okay?'

The actors preparing for the scene glanced at Kang Woojin. But his poker face was too intense. Inside, Kang Woojin was chuckling.

'Nice, very nice. Ah, where can I use Japanese?'

At this moment.

"Mr. Woojin."

Jang Tae-san, who usually has a hearty demeanor, asked Kang Woojin directly, unaware of the misconception.

"Did you live in America? Your English is amazing."

At the same time.

"Bro!"

Hong Hyeon, narrowing her eyes, covered his mouth and pulled him back.

"Everyone has their own issues, so be more observant."

"Huh? What did I do? Can't I ask?"

"Shh, shh."

At this moment, from the back where dozens of staff members had gathered, Song Manwoo PD shouted.

"Standby!!"

It was the signal to start filming. Thanks to this, the cameras and lights were set in place, and Kang Woojin, wearing handcuffs, erased his thoughts about English and looked down. He saw a human-shaped doll.

'Sigh—It's still a bit awkward.'

It was an uncomfortable scene. He had made up his mind, but it was still unsettling.

Of course, he had read the script in advance and imagined it several times. After that, he made a decision and entered the subspace to experience (rehearse) it. After the experience, Kang Woojin felt nauseous. It was acting, but it was vivid, and it had definitely left an impression.

Murder. In the world of the script, Kang Woojin committed murder.

He even repeated the experience (rehearsal) in the subspace to maximize its power. Of course, it was Park Daeri's life, not Kang Woojin's, but there was no difference. It was acting, just acting. But Kang Woojin had killed someone. It was a world in the subspace, but it was real and actual.

Kang Woojin had experienced death, witnessed death, and even caused death.

Despite working on only two projects, Kang Woojin had experienced everything about death. For other actors, analyzing and shaping a character and imagining it would certainly be accompanied by considerable stress. Kang Woojin vaguely knew this.

'From now on, I won't only experience good things.'

On the contrary, while the subspace had terrifying power, Woojin had to overcome many things that no one had ever experienced. It could be miraculous or hellish. This could be seen as the proper penalty of the subspace.

'Looking back now... The concepts and misconceptions that started by chance were actually quite helpful.'

The misunderstandings and misconceptions of others had emphasized Kang Woojin's self, not the character in the script. The concepts and pretenses had shouted, "You are here" at crucial moments.

Both served as a solid shield.

What made Kang Woojin exist as Kang Woojin was, ironically, misconceptions and concepts. They were the things that kept him reflecting on himself. Woojin laughed inwardly at the absurdity of it all. At the same time, he decided to cherish himself even more.

'So what? What I experience is just my possession.'

At this moment.

*Clap!*

A staff member called out the scene number and clapped the slate, and Song Manwoo PD's signal was thrown through the loudspeaker.

"Action!"

At the same time, the reporters surrounded by police officers went crazy, firing off camera flashes. Their target was, of course, Park Daeri. The onlookers hurled insults at Park Daeri.

"Trash! Go die!"

"Parasite!"

"Die! Die!"

"Execute him!"

But.

"......"

Park Daeri, in handcuffs, just calmly scanned them. Was he smiling? The corners of his mouth twitched slightly. Unable to hold it in any longer,

"Huff."

He let out a thin laugh. It was a kind of ignoring. The onlookers went even more berserk, and the flash barrage intensified several times. At this moment, Hong Hyeon, or rather, the relentless detective Jeong Yeonhee, pushed Park Daeri's back.

"Stop messing around and do it properly."

Park Daeri turned his head back to look at Jeong Yeonhee. He sniffed the air.

"You smell good, Detective."

"......What?"

"Sweat. Your clothes are the same as yesterday. Didn't you go home?"

"Shut up. Just do your part properly."

"Yes, I will."

Park Daeri's eyes, which were lively, were bizarre and hollow, but his mouth formed a small smile. It was as if only his mouth was moving on his face. Soon, Park Daeri picked up the red rope at his feet.

*Swish.*

Slowly, slowly, Park Daeri moved his feet toward the doll lying on the ground. He then lightly kicked the doll and chuckled.

"Cheesy."

He calmly acted out the murder he had committed in the past. He wrapped the rope around the doll's neck and applied force from behind. It wasn't excessive. It was gentle. While doing this, Park Daeri's eyes met those of Yoo Ji-hyung, who was standing with his arms crossed in front. Park Daeri tilted his head slightly.

He applied force to the rope around the doll's neck, but his target was Yoo Ji-hyung.

Park Daeri's entire focus was on Yoo Ji-hyung, making Yoo Ji-hyung feel as if his own neck was being strangled. But it was okay. This was just Park Daeri's light-hearted joke. Yoo Ji-hyung smiled slightly and waved at Park Daeri.

At this moment.

*Snap!*

Perhaps because he applied too much force, the rope Park Daeri was pulling snapped, and he pressed his cheek against the doll's face. He stroked his cheek against it. Park Daeri, who was slightly shrugging his shoulders, kept his eyes on Yoo Ji-hyung.

"Alive, this weak thing won't kill anyone. Give me a new one."

For about 10 seconds, there was silence.

The silence was broken by.

"Okay!!!"

Song Manwoo PD.

"Great! Good job! Let's keep this and go straight to the actual cut with the same emotion!"

As he finished speaking, the dozens of extras and actors who had gathered in the shooting zone dispersed. The dolls and various props were removed, and a few lights were turned off. The staff members moved quickly. The handcuffs on Kang Woojin's hands were also removed, and his costume was changed.

Kang Woojin wore a black windbreaker with the zipper pulled up to the neck and a cap.

The shooting zone, which had been bustling a moment ago, was now empty and slightly dark. It had a desolate atmosphere. A 50-year-old woman with permed hair entered. She was an extra. Behind her,

*Swish.*

Kang Woojin stood calmly. This time, it was time to shoot the actual cut of the murder he had reenacted. Kang Woojin then whispered to the female extra's ear.

"Sorry."

"......Yes?"

"Not really, it's a bit of an intense scene."

"Ah, it's okay. It's acting. What do you have to apologize for, actor?"

"I'll do it properly, so it'll be one take."

"Thank you."

The female extra made up her mind. At this moment,

"Action!"

Song Manwoo PD's signal was thrown, and Park Daeri immediately grabbed the back of the permed woman's head and pulled her. The woman couldn't help but scream.

"Ah!"

At the scream, Park Daeri looked up at the sky and opened his mouth.

"Ha—"

In the moment when lust and desire were realized, he unknowingly felt an orgasm. Ecstasy, thrill, and shivers—regardless of the words, a real smile, not a practiced one, spread across his lips.

Park Daeri, who was holding her by the hair, whispered in her ear.

"I like it, ma'am. I like it."

"Please, please save me......save me."

"Hmm. Ma'am, are you going to die today?"

Park Daeri's lips trembled. He couldn't control the convulsions caused by the pleasure. How could he stop this? Addiction. Park Daeri was a man who didn't smoke or drink, but he was addicted to murder.

Such expressions were all over Park Daeri's face.

Excitement intensified. His pupils dilated, and his breathing quickened. The corners of his mouth, which were curled up, showed no sign of coming down. The main camera zoomed in closely on the woman and Park Daeri standing behind her, slightly shaking to add a sense of realism.

Regardless, Park Daeri,

*Thud!*

Plunged the woman to the ground. The camera did the same. The woman struggled frantically. It was a desperate message for help.

"Ugh! Stop! Save me! Save me!!"

But Park Daeri pulled out a red rope from his windbreaker pocket and wrapped it around the woman's neck.

Slowly, deliberately. He gave her enough time to feel the danger.

The camera moved to the side, showing Park Daeri tying the rope. He was happy. Park Daeri looked like a child with a gift in front of him. His expression was completely out of place with the current environment and situation. The bizarre gap was indescribable.

That's why.

"......Oh my."

Hong Hyeon, watching Park Daeri on the monitor, covered her mouth.

'It's murder, right? Why does it look like he's really done it before?'

It wasn't admiration. It was closer to fear. Ryu Jeongmin clenched her teeth slightly.

'If I were to do it......No, I don't think I could do it like that. It's scary, terrifyingly immersive.'

All the actors watched Park Daeri without expressing their thoughts. They were simply amazed. As fellow actors, the scene they were witnessing was almost indistinguishable from reality.

Song Manwoo PD, face buried in the monitor, was motionless. Instead, he cursed.

"Damn......That's it."

He even smacked his lips. As a director, he was experiencing a miraculous moment. The faces of the gathered extras and staff members were filled with shock. Some opened their mouths slightly, frowned, and turned their heads.

It was cruel.

But Park Daeri's pleasure didn't stop. He dragged the woman, whose neck was tied with the rope.

*Scrape, scrape.*

It was as if he was walking a pet. The woman's continuous screams.

"Ah! Ugh! Can't... Can't breathe!"

The more she screamed, the lighter Park Daeri's steps became.

At this moment.

*Swish.*

The camera zoomed in closely on Park Daeri's front face, and he bent down to whisper in the struggling woman's ear.

Suddenly, his expression turned blank.

"A bit more. I want your screams to be a bit louder. They're not quite convincing enough."

The woman, making eye contact with Park Daeri, trembled with her hands and feet.

"......Ah."

It wasn't acting