ADAJM-Bab 120

Bab 119: Multi (7)

Ah, ini sedikit memalukan. Tidak, aku tidak bisa menahannya karena tiba-tiba muncul bangkai binatang. (Kang Woojin) Kang Woojin, yang poker face-nya sempat pecah, diam-diam melirik Jang Su-hwan, yang telah bergegas mendekat.

Apa dia curiga? Meskipun demikian, itu tidak bisa dihindari.

‘Anggap saja aku terkejut. Ya, aku kan manusia.’ (Kang Woojin)

Namun, dengan mata melebar, Jang Su-hwan tiba-tiba mengacungkan jempol kepada Woojin.

“Teriakan barusan itu… tidak mungkin, mungkinkah, Hyung~nim! Apa kamu sedang berlatih untuk peran yang baru kamu ambil??! Luar biasa! Teriakan itu sangat orisinal, tidak terlihat seperti kamu sama sekali!” (Jang Su-hwan)

“···Uh. Ya, begitulah.” (Kang Woojin)

Woojin merasa sedikit tersinggung dengan kata ‘sembrono’, tetapi dia berpikir, apa masalahnya? Kemudian, memeriksa waktu, dia bergumam.

“Ayo pergi. Sudah waktunya.” (Kang Woojin)

“Ya!” (Jang Su-hwan)

Dalam perjalanan kembali ke lokasi syuting, alih-alih menikmati pemandangan, Woojin memindai sekeliling, membandingkannya dengan latar naskah. Meskipun tenang sekarang, area ini akan segera dipenuhi dengan makhluk aneh, pembunuhan yang merajalela, dan pembantaian.

Tentu saja, sebagian besar akan melalui efek khusus.

Sebagai referensi, pembacaan naskah hari ini dihadiri oleh lebih dari 150 anggota staf, kelompok ekstra besar bahkan menurut standar kru film biasa. Khususnya, sebagian besar terdiri dari tim VFX (efek khusus) dan seni.

Itu berarti banyak upaya yang dilakukan untuk efek khusus.

Tidak diragukan lagi, biaya produksinya akan sangat besar. Woojin, yang telah bergabung dengan proyek besar ini sebagai peran utama, merasa itu tidak nyata.

‘Rasanya sedikit seperti aku adalah anak domba hitam.’ (Kang Woojin)

Bagaimanapun, Woojin kembali ke tepi hutan tempat dia masuk. Segera, lautan luas terbentang di depan matanya. Yah, itu sebenarnya danau, tetapi dalam naskah, itu adalah laut. Bagaimanapun, Kang Woojin berhenti di sana sejenak.

“······” (Kang Woojin)

Dia diam-diam menatap danau. Ekspresinya menjadi serius.

Pada titik ini, Sutradara Kwon Ki-taek, yang sibuk memberikan instruksi kepada staf di pintu masuk lokasi syuting, memperhatikan Kang Woojin.

“Hmm?” (Kwon Ki-taek)

Sambil sekilas melirik ke sekitar hutan lebat, Woojin terus menatap danau untuk beberapa waktu. Suasana di sekitarnya sangat serius dan khidmat.

Melihat ini, Sutradara Kwon Ki-taek terkekeh.

“Apa dia sudah membenamkan dirinya ke dalam latar dan emosi?” (Kwon Ki-taek)

Asisten sutradara yang berdiri di sebelahnya bertanya.

“Ya??” (Asisten Sutradara)

“Di sana- maksudku Woojin.” (Kwon Ki-taek)

“Oh.” (Asisten Sutradara)

“Lihat ekspresinya, dia tidak lagi melihat ini sebagai lokasi syuting. Dia melihatnya sebagai ‘Island of the Missing’.” (Kwon Ki-taek)

Sutradara Kwon Ki-taek yakin bahwa Woojin sedang dalam proses memahami tempat ini sebagai dunia ‘Island of the Missing’. Wajah itu, ekspresi itu, dan aura itu. Dia melihatnya bahkan di lokasi syuting ‘Hanryang’.

‘Dengan jenius seperti ini berusaha keras, dia pasti akan menjadi monster.’ (Kwon Ki-taek)

Tapi bukan itu masalahnya. Kang Woojin hanya menatap kosong ke danau, mengharapkan satu keinginan.

‘Aku sudah lama tidak melihat laut atau danau. Ah, aku benar-benar ingin bermain di air.’ (Kang Woojin)

Dia merindukan untuk melompat ke air dan bermain-main saat itu juga. Kapan terakhir kali dia bermain di air? Sudah begitu lama sehingga dia hampir tidak ingat.

‘Banana boat… mie instan yang kamu makan setelah bermain di air. Ah, sial.’ (Kang Woojin)

Saat itu adalah puncak musim panas. Sekarang akan menjadi waktu yang tepat untuk kegiatan air. Tepat saat itu.

“Woojin.” (Choi Sung-gun)

Suara pria yang akrab memanggil dari belakang. Berbalik, dia melihat Choi Sung-gun, dengan senyum di wajahnya.

“Ayo kita pergi, persiapan ruang baca naskah hampir selesai.” (Choi Sung-gun)

“···Dimengerti.” (Kang Woojin)

Kang Woojin dengan enggan melangkah maju, dan Choi Sung-gun bergumam pelan.

“Dan dimulailah.” (Choi Sung-gun)

Apa? Apa yang kamu bicarakan? Woojin tidak mengerti dengan segera tetapi memutuskan untuk ikut bermain.

“Begitukah?” (Kang Woojin)

“Ya. Bukankah sudah saya katakan? Cara terbaik untuk menutupi suatu masalah adalah dengan masalah lain. Kamu melihat artikel yang dirilis paparazzi?” (Choi Sung-gun)

Dia berbicara tentang artikel dengan berita utama tentang kepribadian ganda. Ada beberapa lagi selain yang muncul. Seperti yang diharapkan, seperti yang telah diinformasikan Choi Sung-gun di mobil, beberapa reporter telah menyensasionalkan masa lalu Woojin sebagai berita hiburan. Hanya sekarang Woojin mengerti apa yang terjadi dan perlahan mengangguk.

“Yes, I saw it. There were quite a few comments, too.” (Kang Woojin)

“Ya. Mungkin akan menjengkelkan jika kita biarkan apa adanya, tetapi tidak apa-apa. Kita hanya tidak boleh memberi mereka waktu untuk menggali lebih dalam.” (Choi Sung-gun)

“······” (Kang Woojin)

Menanggapi keheningan Kang Woojin, Choi Sung-gun menunjukkan ponselnya. Di layar ada sebuah artikel yang tampaknya baru saja diterbitkan.

‘[IssuePick] Karya baru sutradara ulung Jepang Kyotaro Tanoguchi ‘The Eerie Sacrifice of a Stranger,’ tetapi merekrut aktor Korea? Menyebar dengan cepat di Jepang’ (Berita)

Hah? Mengapa ini diumumkan? Woojin secara internal mengangkat tanda tanya ketika Choi Sung-gun, yang telah mengambil kembali teleponnya, berbicara dengan suara rendah.

“Saya akan memberitahu kamu lebih banyak setelah pembacaan naskah. Bagaimanapun, Jepang sedang gempar karena ini, dan karena kata kunci ‘aktor Korea’, itu juga menjadi masalah di dalam negeri.” (Choi Sung-gun)

“Ah- ya.” (Kang Woojin)

Saat Woojin menanggapi dengan singkat, senyum di wajah Choi Sung-gun, yang menyerahkan naskah ‘Island of the Missing’, semakin dalam.

“Pegangan erat-erat, itu akan menjadi kecepatan penuh mulai minggu depan.” (Choi Sung-gun)

Choi Sung-gun berbisik, menepuk bahu Woojin.

“Setelah pembacaan naskah, berita akan menyebar lebih jauh di dalam negeri, karena saya akan mendorongnya.” (Choi Sung-gun)

Pada saat itu, pandangan Kang Woojin tiba-tiba…

– Shhk!

Berubah menjadi ruang hampa yang gelap gulita. Alasannya sederhana. Woojin tiba-tiba memasuki ruang hampa, untuk menenangkan pikirannya yang agak kacau.

“Ah, jantungku mulai berdebar.” (Kang Woojin)

Pembacaan, yang dipenuhi aktor top, akan segera dimulai. Kang Woojin menghela napas panjang dan bergerak menuju kotak putih yang terdaftar di depannya. Tentu saja, dia memilih ‘Island of the Missing’.

-[3/ You have selected the scenario (Title: Island of the Missing).] (Sistem)

-[Listing characters available for reading (experience).] (Sistem)

-[A: Letnan Satu Choi Yu-tae, B: Sersan Staf Jo Bong-seok, C: Kopral Lance Nam Tae-oh, D: Kopral Jin Sun-cheol…] (Sistem)

Dengan lebih banyak kejelasan dan ketegasan. ‘Island of the Missing’ dimulai dengan ketegangan sebagai ‘Prajurit Kim’ dan kemudian menunjukkan kehidupan biasa karakter utama.

Sama seperti perkenalan karakter.

Di antara mereka, Woojin telah membaca (mengalami) ‘Kopral Jin Sun-cheol’ beberapa kali, tetapi sekarang tidak aneh untuk menjadi ambisius. Bagaimanapun, ruang baca di depannya dipenuhi dengan predator puncak. Seseorang tidak pernah bisa terlalu berhati-hati, tetapi hari ini, khususnya, dia harus lebih waspada.

“Hu-” (Kang Woojin)

Kemudian, Kang Woojin.

– Syuut.

Dengan tegas memilih penjahat yang akan dia perankan.

[“Mempersiapkan ‘D: Kopral Jin Sun-cheol’ untuk pembacaan……”] (Sistem)

[“… Persiapan selesai. Ini adalah naskah atau skenario yang sangat lengkap. 100% pembacaan dimungkinkan. Memulai pembacaan.”] (Sistem)

Soon, Woojin was sucked into the world of ‘Island of the Missing.’ (Kang Woojin)

It was chilly. (Jin Sun-cheol)

The first sensation Kang Woojin felt as the grey world slowly cleared. The temperature was somewhere between chilly and cool. (Jin Sun-cheol)

What he saw was mostly lacking in color. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Silver, white, and black. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Standing there, that was in his view. Kang Woojin slowly moved his eyes. Square-shaped silvers were arranged in sequence. Soon, Woojin realized. (Jin Sun-cheol)

A morgue. This place is a morgue. (Jin Sun-cheol)

From here, everything about ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ started to be hammered into Kang Woojin. Something surged into his chest, feeling like it filled his entire chest. Emotions and senses. ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ and Kang Woojin were now one. This was the life of ‘Jin Sun-cheol. (Jin Sun-cheol)

What he first felt was. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Ah- uh.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

It was a mix of embarrassment and shyness. Along with timidity and there was also a fear of strangers. Confidence and self-esteem were low; eyes were open but the focus was always below the middle. It seemed necessary and had become a habit. Everything was lacking. Thin and powerless, lacking something primal, and unable to say out what he wanted to say. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Because he was worried. Afraid. (Jin Sun-cheol)

So, he pays attention. He’s indecisive. Slow and hesitant, more lacking than decisive. Woojin secretly surveyed the morgue and then checked his own body. (Jin Sun-cheol)

He was wearing a military uniform. (Jin Sun-cheol)

His rank is corporal. But somehow, the military uniform he wore seemed quite shabby. There are many wrinkles. As if the uniform he was wearing reflected the personality of its wearer. (Jin Sun-cheol)

At that moment. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Would you like to… confirm?” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

He heard a strange man’s voice. Thanks to that, Woojin’s face, which was rolling his gaze as if emotionally unstable, became fixed. Towards the man in front of him. The man, with his hands together, pointed to the silver table placed between him and Woojin. (Jin Sun-cheol)

No, it wasn’t just a silver table. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Underneath the white cloth, the silhouette of a person lying down was visible. A corpse, yes, a corpse. It made sense since this was a morgue. But Woojin reacted awkwardly. He couldn’t readily answer. (Jin Sun-cheol)

A faint voice of self echoed inside him. (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘Should I… respond? No, I can’t. What if it’s really Mom lying here? But I need to confirm it, right? What should I do?’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

Woojin was hesitating, overwhelmed by emotion. He was anxious and hurried, yet he couldn’t easily open his mouth. Then, the morgue attendant spoke again. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“What would you like to do? If it’s too hard for you……” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

Finally. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“I’ll… I’ll look.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

Woojin, exhaling a small breath, said with his lips trembling slightly. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Please show me.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Okay.” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

-Rustle. (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

The attendant slightly pulled back the white cloth covering the head side. Soon, he saw his mother’s face. Uncertain whether it was white or blue. It was ashen. So cold that it seemed touching her would freeze his hands. Then, a voice inside Woojin echoed. Mom, why are you here? Why? Why is your face like this? Mom, please answer me, mom. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Kang Woojin felt a surge of emotion rising from deep within, rushing to his head. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“…Mom. Mom.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

Why did you have to leave when I was in the military? Why, mom? Soon, Kang Woojin’s knees started shaking, and he collapsed. His world, his reason, everything was crumbling. Tears streamed down as he lifted his shaking hand. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Can I… Can I touch my mom?” (Jin Sun-cheol)

“……” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

There was no answer from the attendant. Kang Woojin, with overwhelming grief, touched his mother’s icy cheek. Is this even skin? It’s too stiff. No, mom, please don’t be like this. Though he couldn’t scream out of timidity, Woojin gripped his pale mother’s shoulder and let out a restrained sob. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Mom… sob, I’m sorry, mom. I wanted to do better, I should have done better. What do I do if you leave this soon? I’m sorry, mom.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

Somewhere, he seemed to hear his mother’s voice. (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘It’s okay, my son. Mom is sorry. Thank you for growing up so well, my strong boy.’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

His mom’s voice faded into the distance. Tears became more intense, as Woojin desperately wanted to hold onto his mother. He needed to. But he didn’t know where she was, where she had gone. This thought exploded his tears. (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Mom, is this really the end? Huh? Mom. Can’t you stay just a little longer? Mom… I’m not ready yet. Just for a day, no, even just for a few hours.” (Jin Sun-cheol)

Woojin, burying his face in his mother’s shoulder, cried profusely. Seeing him, the funeral home attendant also felt a sting at the heart. (Jin Sun-cheol)

It was then. (Jin Sun-cheol)

Hey, snap out of it, you fucking idiot. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

In the midst of Kang Woojin’s turbulent emotions, a voice in his self-awareness, same but with a different tone, was heard. (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘Enough of this, get lost. Are you going to cry like a fucking idiot all night?’ (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

Clearly, a different tone and manner of speaking. And it was rough. It even felt like it was trying to take over his entire body. Invading him. Woojin, who had been sobbing, resisted vehemently. (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘Stop, don’t. My mom… she’s dead. It’s not your place to come out.’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘Fuck you. You son of a bitch, deep down you’re glad she’s dead, right? If this bitch hadn’t died, I would’ve killed her myself.’ (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

‘Don’t… don’t do this. Stop it. Don’t come out. Just leave me alone!’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

‘What are you on about, you lunatic?’ (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

The rough harsh voice laughed. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

‘You are me, and I am you.’ (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

At this moment, all the indecision washed away as if it were a lie. Like a wave washing over. Soon, a cold, rational, and indifferent feeling spread throughout his body. There was determination, with nothing to shy away from. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

Fuck, everything is displeasing. There’s dissatisfaction with everything. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

When a completely different emotion took over, Woojin’s eyes abruptly snapped open. His expression changed. The anxiety and nervousness were gone, replaced by ferocity. He could hear the timid voice of his altered ego. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

‘Ge-, get out of the way. I need to send mom away… Please. Can’t you give me a little more time?’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

Kang Woojin snorted.

“Shut up. It’s my time now.” (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

Stunned, the morgue attendant, blinking in confusion, stammered.

“Excuse me? What did you just say?” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

Woojin, who had been lying down, smoothly got up. He then dusted off his military uniform as if something dirty had touched it. Then, he glared at the attendant in front of him.

“Cover it.” (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

“······?” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

Frustrated by the attendent’s lack of understanding, Kang Woojin roughly pulled the white cloth over. Seemingly unwilling to stay any longer in this sickening place, he swiftly turned around and left the morgue without any further hesitation. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

Watching his retreating figure, the attendant wore a baffled expression.

“What, what just happened so suddenly……?” (Petugas Kamar Mayat)

In the meantime, Kang Woojin, having left the morgue, headed briskly toward the restroom. There was no trace of his earlier indecision. He immediately went into a toilet and took out his cell phone from his uniform pocket. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

The timid voice in his self-awareness was heard again. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

‘What… what are you doing?’ (Jin Sun-cheol)

“Shut up. Fuck, let’s see-” (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

After a few minutes of tapping on his phone, a glint of madness appeared in Woojin’s eyes, and a cruel smile spread across his face. (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

“Heh, bitch. How much is the insurance money.” (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

Corporal ‘Jin Sun-cheol’ was not just one person. (Narator)

.

.

.

.

.

In the reading room, filled with prominent figures and top-tier actors, along with over a hundred staff members, emotions ran high. The air was thick with tension, concentrated focus, excessive breathing, difficult lines, and distinct acting levels. (Narator)

Piercing through the center of such an intense reading room was ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol.’ (Narator)

No, it was Kang Woojin’s acting. (Narator)

“Heh, bitch. How much is the insurance money.” (Jin Sun-cheol – Kepribadian Kedua)

The first appearance of ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol,’ portrayed by an actor who had debuted just six months ago, brought a sense of pressure to the reading room, silencing everyone. (Narator)

Everyone’s face was etched with shock. (Narator)

“······” (Orang-orang)

“······” (Orang-orang)

“······” (Orang-orang)

They were all looking at the only rookie actor in the reading room. They adjusted their postures. Rookie actor Kang Woojin had changed the attitude of figures from all sectors. (Narator)

And for good reason. (Narator)

Director Kwong Ki-taek at the head of the table. (Narator)

‘He’s already… not just one person.’ (Kwon Ki-taek)

All the actors, including Ryu Jung-min and Ha Yu-ra, and the hundreds of other individuals, saw that Kang Woojin was clearly one person. But the ‘Corporal Jin Sun-cheol’ who now sat here. (Narator)

-[Role of Corporal Jin Sun-cheol/ Mr. Kang Woojin] (Papan Nama)

Was unmistakably two people. (Narator)