CHAPTER TEN

Practice In Session

Breezing through the first week of a slow start to a new play, Seungcheol kindly calls the day’s practice an end because he rather not holding anyone back on a Friday night. Most of the cast already memorised half of the script which is very impressive in the Director’s book. Unlike he suspected from the line of leading actors and actresses alike, it seems like they knew how to express his vision. They translated them well.

You want the lead female, Ryu Sujeong to recite her lines while maintaining steady contact with the audience? She would speak to her partner before walking to the front, centre stage, bright smile and large gesture were showed. An arm extended over to her direction as the other would copy her steps yet the distant is carefully noted, not wanting to cover most of the acting ground during the first ten minutes of the play.

Minghao even though he is a Film major is clever and quick to catch the spaces left. Blocking was kept in check and he would take time asking Seungcheol suggestions on how he has to enter and exit his scenes. Since they are still on the stage of getting to know the story by heart, scripts are still in hands. Hence, it was easier for the lead male to write down notes instantly when needed.

Whilst all the cast are preoccupied with chatting away with their fellow friends, it will be a lie to say he does not feel left out a little on a couple of occasions. It is understandable seeing that the rest of them are in fact Acting students so they already knew each other. Fortunately, the chemistry is there and his friends are there too, conveniently.

“Was it okay?” He asked Seokmin who is surrounded by his team on the one corner of the practice studio located on the third floor of Rose Quartz and Serenity Production studio. Though the play is practically months away, Minghao assumes the Marketing department is already on the go in promoting. Jungkook and his teammates even have their DSLR and laptops with them in the same room.

“You did fine, Myungho. And you will be finer with more practice anyway.” Seokmin answered honestly once he is done distributing tasks to his team. After the team make their leave, the fellow look over to Minghao who actually looks drained from today’s practice session. And they barely got into the much more intense part of the entire play.

Maybe the lack of Kwon Soonyoung in the area is a sign because it means he has yet had to learn the so-called fighting scene and little dance sequences. He feels a bit thankful on that part but he has to be prepared regardless. From the subtle sneak peek from another studio across to the one he is in, he can hear the dance ensemble’s heavy steps before a loud voice counting together with them.

“You don’t have to worry much about it though. I know that look.” Jungkook good-naturedly added on Seokmin’s lines of encouragement which brings a smile to Minghao’s face. A thin smile as he is in fact tired. He is just glad he is already ahead on a lot of his film assignments. Hours of sleep were sacrificed for this time around and a nap – what is that?

With the piling of additional tasks, Mingyu took those chances to stay up late over at his apartment because the boy does not want to stay awake alone in the comfort of his own home. He knows well he will fall if he does exactly that. Besides, Minghao’s supply of tea is delicious so what is not to like being at his friend’s place, right?

“Glad to see you three on the same spot.” Their Director’s voice reached their ears before they turn their heads to face him in synchronise. Seungcheol faces Seokmin first and states his intention of being thankful beforehand. “Are you free tomorrow afternoon?”

“I have a practice to go to.”

“Aside from the night production meeting, I’m quite free.”

“I’m on Jungkook’s page.”

Seokmin, Jungkook, and Minghao replied respectively. Seungcheol nods knowingly, pursing his lips thoughtfully. He signals them to sit on the floor, consciously gathering closer to one another.

“Well, Seokmin, you’re free to go to your practice. The play is in a month, right?” The oldest among four questioned which earns a bob from the mentioned fellow. “Anyway, since you two are conveniently free,” Seungcheol paused for a second to take a glance of the remaining two.

“I’m planning to have Jungkook shoot some sort of video. A promotional teaser for Night & Rain. We need all the hype we can from the start and the only thing I’m seeing from Seokmin’s team is a poster on the production’s Instagram account.”

“And you only need Myungho for the video?” Jungkook voiced his thought before adding, “Not that I’m against it and Seokmin actually suggested it minutes ago, am I right?”

“True. I did think about it. But how about the rest of the main cast?”

“I asked and all of them are not free tomorrow. I knew it’s a good idea to let the weekends free at this kind of time. So they’ll probably have to do it on another day.”

“Bummer. We still have to make a day for a photoshoot session too. Sungjae and I are trying hard to borrow the faculty’s white backdrop for the shoot.” The Documentation leader slumps dejectedly. “And man, they’re difficult to convince. They thought RQS is ceased to exist. The production only gone for like months, right?”

“Months is long, Kook.” Minghao butted in. Despite the fact that he has zero knowledge of the production running period, he knows how meaningful RQS is to the entire team. He has been friends with Jungkook long enough to notice the way he used his tone and he used the ‘disappointed’ tone. Very down and defeated.

Not only to them, obviously.

Seeing the trio continuously discussing on the matter, his mind drifts away. Even based on the little things he is listening, he can tell they are what as Jungkook said, ‘trying hard’ to make this play happening. Initially, he figures that is a bit exaggerated and grand – to start promoting Night & Rain this early but apparently, that is how it has been running.

Seokmin’s team would not be there for nothing.

Jungkook’s team would not meddle with the marketing team for nothing.

The two teams would not be in the practice studio for nothing.

Minghao can see it in Seungcheol’s eyes and how he would occasionally sigh throughout the first week when practices were in session. The sighs were different depending on situations. Whilst some are him being tired, others sounded thankful. He is very determined and persistent. The way he would clap his hands constantly to centralise the cast’s focus. The way he would stop to listen to his talents’ opinions and questions. Oh, how admirable it was to witness those, he concludes.

“Anyway, back to the shoot, are up for it tomorrow? How about after lunch?” Jungkook suggested, turning his attention over to Minghao, dragging the boy back to reality. “Lunch sounds good. Whereat? The shooting.”

“I don’t know. Whereat, Director Choi?” The boy cheekily called which makes the older fellow shakes his head but it is a legitimate question. “I’ll need to ask Wonwoo for suggestions, I guess.”

“Oh right. Wonwoo. Where is he anyway? Shouldn’t he be here since he’s the Assistant Director?” Seokmin questioned out of curiosity and only then Minghao realises the writer indeed nowhere to be seen. The last time he caught him out and about is on Monday when he discussed this week’s Cinematography presentation with Shinyoung.

Speaking of Shinyoung, he has not seen her as well after the Tuesday shared class ended. It is as if the tie has been cut instantaneously once the group presentation ended. True to hers and Mingyu’s words, she did her parts well in case anyone is wondering. She stayed real to her words when she said she will probably fight (just a little) with the evaluator but hey she might get extra marks for it anyway.

“Wonwoo is busy with his class assignments, apparently. I understand that since all of you guys are still studying and all. That’s why I rather not force everyone for weekend practices. Fortunately, the play is after exam week.”

“Yeah,” Minghao sighed as he recalls his reason for being in the play. Turns out all he needs for the Acting class extra credit is a report of his experience being in a production play. Meaning, the final outcome of his acting does not count for his final. That is why he and Seokmin are somewhat calm during the first week of practice. Oh, add in Soonyoung too on the list because at least he does not have to stress much on his play.

“Can I know something?” The Chinese asked out of the blue. “When will we learn the songs and dances? This is a musical after all.”

“Jihoon will join us on next Wednesday because Music students have a field trip from Sunday to Tuesday. So that means the dance choreographies Soonyoung will probably teach you guys starting on that day too. I haven’t seen the Audio team too. I need to tell Jun to remind them to be here next week.” Seungcheol explained, noting on his mind about the last two sentences, and thanking Minghao for asking the question.

He rubs his tired eyes for the nth time. It is rather difficult to recall the last time he had a decent sleep or any proper sleep, to be honest. Probably should have invested some time on those hence the reason why he instantly throws his body on his mattress before making an attempt to fall into a deep slumber.

That is until his phone rings.

Who the hell would call him on a Saturday morning? The fellow Writing student mumbled incoherently before glimpsing at the caller ID. However, his eyes squint when it shows numbers instead of a name.

“Jeon Wonwoo speaking.”

“Hi, it’s me, Jeon Jungkook.”

‘Jungkook?’ Wonwoo pondered as he tries to recall the boy’s identity. Being cooped for most of his time throughout his university years, the delay in getting a reply somewhat triggers the caller to extend his introduction.

“Jungkook, Documentary team leader for RQS Production? Seungcheol told me to call you yesterday but you didn’t pick up.” He kindly spoke and he hears a short ah as an answer. “Sorry. I turned them off the whole evening yesterday. I’m trying to finish a script that’s due on Monday.”

“Oh, it’s okay.” Jungkook understandingly assures him that it is not a big deal before stating his reason to make the call. They discussed regarding the matter and when Wonwoo opts to check the time, he sighs.

It is 9 o’clock on a Saturday morning.

“So he didn’t promise anything but he will probably come at around 3-ish? Four or no show at all.” The cameraman for the day, Jungkook shares a piece of information to Minghao once they meet up in front of Rose Quartz and Serenity Production Studio. “What did you tell him anyway? He didn’t even answer my texts last night.” Seungcheol uttered in slight disappointment which ceases immediately after Jungkook tells the exact same lines Wonwoo had told him.

“Frankly speaking, will it be a good idea?” Minghao brought up a question in the midst of waiting for another member to join them. “Myungho’s right. The last time I saw them together, all I can feel is tension and it’s not a good kind.”

“Is there a good kind of tension, Jungkook?” The Director rolls his eyes upon hearing the lad’s sentences and continues, “Besides, they need to face one another regardless. Whatever happened to those two, I just hope I’ll not witness it again. Let’s just head to the place Wonwoo suggested. They know it if we drop the location later anyway.”

The walk to the alleyway proposed by the Assistant Director is in fact what Seungcheol imagined. It is quiet and dark but not too dark without any light source. There is a grimy escape staircase yet still remaining sturdy as there are still residents residing. He instantaneously starts to work by asking for the owner’s permission as the two friends check it out closer.

“It looks fine.” Jungkook shakes the metallic stairs right above him with one hand holding onto the camera which hung on his neck. “What do you think?”

“I think you sound like Shinyoung.” Minghao laughs when he catches the little similarity to the question. After a while, he sees Jungkook smiling weirdly over at his general direction. To witness his friend’s playful expression at the most random time is never his cup for tea. “Do you realise you’ve been saying her name a lot lately?”

“Am I?” The boy returned another question because really, he did not notice it. “Well, maybe it’s due to the fact she’s a female friend that sticks this time around.” He shrugs a second after.

“Or you might have a crush on her.”

“Lol, what?” Minghao nervously laughs at those words. One word, in particular, disturbs him the most. You know which one without telling.

“Stop. That’s not true.” The Chinese boy denied, laughing it off as if they are conversing about the weather.

“There’s no need to get defensive, Myungho. Hide it a little will you? Oh, look! Shinyoung noona!” Jungkook purposely stressed the honorific when the recognisable girl finally showing up. Her figure is getting closer to their current spot.

Only then Minghao changes his attention and for an unknown reason, the nervousness he formerly has been keeping for the small parkour performance is immediately making a huge turn.

What is happening? He pondered to himself.

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