In Between the Lines | Completed

Chapter Three | First Impressions

"I've read all of them in fact. Even before we requested to turn it into a show. It's good. Really solid characters, interesting story development, enjoyable... heat? I think it will be a fun challenge to make it suitable for more traditional audiences, but if we do it right, 'Behind the Scenes' will be another huge success for the studio."

"Oh, that's great to hear!" I smile broadly and my hands clap together. For the first time since my arrival to Korea, the tension in my shoulders was relieved. Even if only for a second.

I don't speak a word of Korean, my son is missing home, and I was facing enough inquisitions from the neighborhood moms to feel like an enemy of the state, but at least my career seems to be going right.

Things seem to be on the up and up.

"Cast and crew are getting ready on Stage 3 for the first read through and then we'll start blocking the first scenes while you meet with marketing to discuss promotional tours. I also wanted to show you your office. We should be going." Du Shin-Il excuses the two of us away from Bu Seok who pouts his lips out in a manner not dissimilar to Sammie when he was told getting a pet would have to wait a few months after our arrival.

"Thank you and nice meeting you, Bu Seok," I call over my shoulder, bowing slightly in his direction.

Bu Seok stuffs his left hand into his pocket and waves his right hand in a goodbye before heading the opposite direction.

"Is he always like that?" I chuckle as Du Shin-Il leads me to my office.

"He'll settle down in a couple of weeks once he focuses his attention on the show's ratings, don't worry."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not worried. I'm curious to see if all handsome Korean men will be treating me like an unattainable beauty queen. It's a nice treat from what I'm used to back home."

Du Shin Il doesn't seem fazed by the joke but instead nods at me.

"Anything you need before we head inside?"

"Even though I know you're my assistant and it's technically your job, I hate asking you for this... but a large decaf spiced chai latte on ice would be amazing."

"Of course. I'll start preparing those for when I pick you up in the mornings from now on."

"Oh, you don't need to go that far."

"Like you said, it's my job. I'll go and grab that for you before the meeting starts."

"I appreciate it. Just make sure it's decaf please... Oh! Before you leave can you direct me to a bathroom?"

Du Shin-Il points me towards an unmarked door and nods. "That's your office space for filming. There's a private bathroom in there. Gong Hoon had it decorated to hopefully meet your tastes after discussing your preferences with your editor. I'll be leaving now."

"Thank you, Du Shin-Il," I smile at him. He takes a second and meets my eyes with his own piercing black ones.

"Like Bu Seok said, you can call me Shin-Il," he says softly.

I cock my head and look at him. His hand moves to the cut in his eyebrow as he looks away from my eyes, his body language screaming 'danger!'

Danger for you or for me?

"No thanks, I think I'd rather call you by your formal name for now. Let casual nicknames come naturally and not by your friend's force. Thank you, Du Shin-Il."

Du Shin-Il nods quickly before excusing himself so I can enter the room assigned to me and he can fetch my drink.

Du Shin-Il is more than a little formal and rough around the edges, but he seems to be passionate about his job at the very least. Maybe he'll loosen up over time.