Chapter 69: One Wish

Chapter 69: One Wish

Let him go.Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com

It was just a single phrase.

Yet those overwhelmed by his charisma held their breath as if on cue.

Complete silence ensued.

It felt as though time had momentarily stopped.

Even seasoned actors on set, drama staff, Minato Nao, who had cast him, and the director seemed bound by invisible chains, unable to move.

In the unintentionally created prolonged silence, the first to speak was a rookie actor holding the protagonist, Akito, by the collar.

Brother! This Sato sold Komuro to the cops for his own protection! And youre going to let him go?!

It was an improvised line, not in the script.

But it was so natural that no one interrupted him.

The flustered Kim Yu-seong looked at the rookie actor.

With a look that said, Why are you doing this to me?

Perhaps interpreting his gaze differently, the actor, after looking into Kim Yu-seongs eyes for a few seconds, gave up in resignation and let go of Akitos collar.

Tch, take him away.

Then, the actor playing Akito, with a dazed expression fiddling with his collar, looked back and forth between Kim Yu-seong and the rookie actor. He then hurriedly helped up Minato Nao, who had fallen to the ground, and quickly left the dark warehouse.

Cut!

It was at that moment that the director, who had been watching the screen beyond the camera in silence, shouted loudly.

Wow! That was some excellent acting, Kim!

Eh? Oh, thank you.

I was somewhat surprised by the directors sudden praise but graciously accepted it.

It was my first time acting, but Im glad it was well-received.

Have you had any vocal training? How is your diction so clear? Despite the distance, your voice came through loud and clear.

I havent really learned anything like that.

Then, what about acting? Not everyone can project an aura that commands the room!

This is actually my first time acting since I was born.

Have you ever considered becoming an actor?

No, I prefer sports.

Ah! What a waste! To use such raw talent only for a bit part!

Feeling out of place in this atmosphere and looking for assistance, I glanced around, but Minato, the only person I knew, was nowhere to be seen.

She must have gone to the restroom, as the shooting had just ended.

Thanks to being caught up with the director and various matters, I was finally able to leave due to another staff member mentioning the need to shoot the next scene.

Phew

Just one shot, but incredibly exhausting.

I heard that usually in drama or movie shootings, they reshoot several times to get the best footage, but the director said this take was perfect and there was no need for retakes, advising me to rest in the lounge.

So, after thanking the director, just as I was about to return to the container where the extras were resting, I saw the actor who had improvised earlier.

I wasnt the only one who noticed him; the director, with a pleased expression, asked him,

Whats your name?

Im Yamada Junpei!

Your improvisation earlier was fantastic! Keep it up!

Yes! Thank you!

There had to be a reason she approached me so covertly.

She must have had plans to use my secret for something.

Of course, I wasnt going to simply comply with any threats, but I was curious about her intentions.

Believing we were on the same wavelength, Minato Nao took a small breath, stepped back a few paces, and spoke in a tense voice.

Its not a difficult request. What I want to ask of you, Senior, is

What is it youre asking?

Po Po

Po?

Then, with clenched fists, Minato Nao spoke earnestly.

Can you show me a side chest pose?

Side chest.

One of the seven compulsory poses in bodybuilding.

You push forward the chest on your dominant side, slightly bend your legs, and contract the biceps and calf muscles facing the judges.

Its one of the first poses that comes to mind in bodybuilding, as it showcases the development of the pectoral, biceps, and calf muscles all at once.

Usually, when men do some workouts at the gym, the poses they often try in front of the bathroom mirror are the side chest or front double biceps.

And now, I was performing this side chest pose in front of Minato Nao, my junior at school, known as the nations younger sister and a famous talent.

Kyaaa! Can I take a picture?

As long as you keep your promise.

In exchange for keeping the videos secret, Minato Nao requested that I pose for bodybuilding pictures to her satisfaction.

Thus, I found myself proudly displaying a body I never planned to, feeling a strange sense of embarrassment under Minatos scrutinizing gaze, yet obediently striking various poses as she requested.

From double biceps to lat spread, side chest, triceps, and even the abdominal and thighs pose.

After a flurry of pictures, and, finally, a commemorative shot with Minato hanging onto my arm, I asked in a weary voice,

Why did you make such a request of me?

Then, hugging her smartphone, Minato Nao smiled broadly and said,

Well, Senior, you have muscles beyond my imagination!

Muscles beyond imagination, huh?

It felt vaguely familiar.

Anyway, this means youll keep your promise, right?

Of course! Ill take your secret to the grave!

Minato declared, striking a pose to show off her biceps, then bowing slightly.

Thank you for indulging my whims, Senior. It seems like others will be returning soon, so Ill take my leave now.

Okay.

I found some comfort in the fact that it was the good-natured Minato Nao who had stumbled upon my secret.

After all, someone else might have demanded money.

Considering that, it was better to be able to settle things physically.

Then, have a good rest!

Minato said, offering me a bright smile, then carefully opened the container door and stepped outside.

After she left, finally alone, I dragged my weary body to the sofa and glanced at the clock on the wall.

It was 5 PM.

It had been 12 hours since I had left home early in the morning.