Hobbyist VTuber

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White snowflakes were slowly drifting down.

At the same time, on some day in December, which was the first filming day for the “Matchstick” music video.

From the moment I stepped outside my home in the early morning, and even after arriving at the music video shooting location instead of the kindergarten I usually attended.

Haeun’s small hand was tightly holding onto her mother Son Na-yeon’s hand.

“Are you nervous?”

At Na-yeon’s casual question, Haeun slightly shook her head.

It would be a lie to say I wasn’t nervous at all, but more than that, I didn’t want to see the worried expression on my mother’s face.

Either way, Haeun had already memorized most of the character ‘the Little Match Girl’ she would be acting today.

Over the past few days, while meeting with the Doublely members, I had heard what kind of ideal ‘Little Match Girl’ they were looking for.

Since I wasn’t a professional actress, I received countless encouragement, saying there was no need to be discouraged even if a few NGs occurred.

To be precise, it wasn’t my first time standing in front of a lot of cameras.

I had done all the preparations I could.

Yet, the reason Haeun couldn’t find any relaxation on her face was.

“Oh, Haeun, you’re here early.”

“…Hello.”

It was the first time being called an actress by someone else and acting properly.

The only acting Haeun did in the children’s vitamin CF was just jogging.

Although I had added my own touch by pretending to trip because I felt like I had to match the presence of Kim Min-jun, a national sprinter.

However, in this music video, the image that Haeun had to portray was much more detailed and profound than that.

Since every expression, atmosphere, and even the slightest gesture had clear answers set for the shoot.

I had the obligation to try my best not to stray from the image of the Little Match Girl that Lee Joon and Lee Gun-yeol wanted.

It wasn’t that I lacked confidence.

The expectations of the Doublely members towards Haeun didn’t feel light at all.

They were the ones who had placed their faith and conviction in Haeun after just seeing one CF.

So, at the very least, I had to do my best.

“Haeun, this way.”

Turning my head toward the familiar voice that called from a distance, I saw Lee Joon waving at Haeun.

And right next to him stood Lee Gun-yeol, reviewing the storyboard with a serious expression.

“Hello.”

“Oh, you came. Then let’s head to the dressing room first.”

Thus, following Lee Gun-yeol’s guidance, who had momentarily put aside the storyboard, we headed to the dressing room.

In the process of trying on various versions of costumes a few days prior, I was reunited with the Little Match Girl costume which had been evaluated as the best fit for Haeun.

With Na-yeon’s help, Haeun was reborn into the figure of the Little Match Girl from head to toe.

Even though it was an outfit I had worn a few times already, on the actual filming day, it felt a bit different.

“Wow… Haeun, you really look like the Little Match Girl. You’re so pretty.”

Separating from Haeun’s often complicated inner thoughts, her appearance was pure elegance.

Of course, Na-yeon, who adored Haeun, and the makeup artists waiting in the dressing room also praised how well it suited her.

The red outfit looked even more vivid against Haeun’s pale skin.

The cute little basket prop was just the right fit.

Her naturally good looks blended harmoniously with these elements, capturing the attention of others.

However, since the preparations for filming weren’t completely done yet.

“Okay, let’s work on your hair and do a bit of makeup.”

With a friendly makeup artist’s touch, Haeun closed her eyes.

The sensation of the brush brushing against her face tickled, but knowing I would have to start over if I moved, I tried my best to endure it.

-Click.

-Click, click.

The sound of camera shutters resonated intermittently, and I could tell whose it was without even opening my eyes.

To be honest, it was a little burdensome, but I didn’t feel the need to say anything serious against it.

“All done, Haeun. You can open your eyes.”

Until Haeun was transformed into the perfect Little Match Girl by the skilled makeup artist, her lips remained sealed.

“How is it, Haeun? Do you like it?”

“…Yes.”

Honestly, I was surprised myself.

I could understand why Na-yeon’s camera shutter was relentless.

Could it be that it was my first time facing a version of myself that was so well-made?

For a moment, I stared silently into the mirror, slowly scrutinizing even the tiniest details.

About ten minutes later, news came in that it was time to prepare for the shoot.

So, after gripping Na-yeon’s hand tightly once more.

“Will you be watching me while I’m filming…?”

“Hmm, I do want to watch our Haeun act, but I think I might end up making you nervous if I do.”

We exchanged quiet words while walking towards the shooting location, glancing down occasionally.

Before long, we finally arrived at the place that would be Haeun’s stage for the day.

Huge cameras were scattered everywhere, and numerous lights dangled from mobile stands in between them.

The staff were busily moving around the set, each attending to their tasks.

“The light from lamp three is weak. Can’t you boost the brightness a bit more?”

“Everyone, please take hot packs so you don’t catch cold!”

Some were adjusting cameras, while others were positioning the lighting.

Haeun, momentarily overwhelmed by the scene, froze in place.

It wasn’t the first time I had faced such a sight, but it was hard to say it felt familiar.

Moreover, every step Haeun took drew eyes from all around her.

Extras, staff holding cameras—everyone shifted their gaze towards Haeun.

As the tension naturally built up, the weight of her breath gradually grew heavier.

Still, somehow mustering her courage, she slowly opened her tightly shut mouth.

“Hello.”

She politely greeted everyone who met her gaze.

In most cases, bright and polite children tend to leave a good impression.

Continuing to greet people politely while walking, Haeun soon reached the center of the filming area.

The call of the director, Cha Seon-jae, reached her ears moments later.

“Haeun, can you come here for a second?”

The thick voice seemed to indicate that he had something to say.

Approaching Cha Seon-jae with Na-yeon, a mat with a pattern like a cobblestone road appeared in front of Haeun.

After being told to take a look, she lowered her head to inspect it closely.

The meticulous patterns on the sides of the mat made it indistinguishable from an actual road.

“When you film the falling scene, just fall onto this mat.”

He added reassurance that it was a pretty soft mat, so there was no need to worry.

It was after that when comments about how well her outfit suited her began flying in.

Offering a brief nod of gratitude, Haeun stepped away from Na-yeon’s hand that she had been holding until that moment and walked towards where she was supposed to be.

Finally, with the shout of “Standby,” the set began to bustle.

The extras moved into their places, and those in charge of the lighting adjusted the last angles.

“Hoo…”

In front of the sight of everyone getting ready one by one, she took a deep breath.

Now, the only thing left was to bring the character of the Little Match Girl to the filming site.

After a few times where Haeun blinked, at the moment when the eyes of Lee Joon and Lee Gun-yeol, who were standing far away, shifted from Haeun toward the camera screen capturing Haeun.

“Okay, everyone get ready… Action!”

With the director Cha Seon-jae’s shout finally echoing, Haeun’s first music video shoot began.

*

– Slink.

The snowy streets of the city.

People were moving busily towards their destinations.

Among the people continuously walking somewhere.

Only one small shadow stood still all alone.

In her frostbitten hands rested an old matchbox.

The outfit that seemed to be made by piecing together adults’ clothing appeared rather shabby to withstand the winter cold.

“Buy some matches…”

Her voice was so small that it would barely be heard if one didn’t pay attention.

Was it because of that, or did they simply not want to hear it?

It seemed the people passing by didn’t notice her presence.

Or, even if they did notice, they chose to ignore her.

– Thump.

“Ah…”

Because she was accidentally nudged by someone’s elbow, for a moment, her small body swayed, and then, she fell flat on the ground.

The little wooden basket that was in her arms also tumbled carelessly onto the street.

However, no apologies returned from the person who walked straight on without looking back.

Eventually, silent and alone, the little girl got back up on her own.

For a moment, her stiffened face blossomed once more with a youthful smile, and with her white breath, she offered matches to the people in the street.

Time flowed yet again.

But the matches in her basket did not diminish at all.

Only the snow accumulating on her hair and shoulders slowly increased.

Not long after, laughter echoed in the distance.

Unconsciously turning her head, the little girl’s gaze collided with those sitting inside a café, sipping warm coffee and chatting.

But soon, the eyes that had been on her were withdrawn.

People immediately shifted their gazes back to each other.

Simultaneously, she merely stared at her own reflection in the café’s glass window.

– Hoo.

Her breath rose in white puffs.

In the end, unable to withstand it, the little girl pulled out a single match from her pocket.

– Scratch.

A small flame flickered to life.

For a moment, the little girl’s face brightened.

However, the flame was extinguished in an instant as a wind blew in from somewhere.

Once again submerged in darkness, the expression on the little girl’s face became difficult to read.

Again, she struck a match.

Then, just seconds later, the wind blew once more, snuffing out the candlelight.

No sooner had the white smoke from the extinguished match begun to rise than her head started to droop gradually lower.

“Buy some matches…”

Her gaze no longer connected with the people of the street.

Still, trying to pull her trembling lips into a smile rather than tears.

– Scratch.

Once more, she cast a gentle glow upon the snow-covered ground.

Simultaneously, a droplet of warmth slipped down as well.

For a fleeting moment, the little girl’s eyes glistened, inexplicably red.

Even though her lips were gently smiling.

In this way, her gaze slowly sank towards the ground.

The little frame crouched down, trying hard not to lose even a bit of warmth, appeared truly insignificant.

Then, the very last moment arrived.

Just as there were only a few people left on the street.

“…I missed you.”

The timid eyes slowly lifted toward the air, expressing something other than just a smile.

And just like that, it was over.

The night grew deeper.

The snow fell without an end.

When morning finally broke again,

There was no sign of the little girl.

Only an empty matchbox remained in the corner of the snow-covered street.

Aside from that, nothing else was left.